Travel to Maldives — everything you need to know
When to go to Maldives?
- November – April — Dry season : Blue skies, calm seas, perfect visibility for diving (30–40 m). Ideal for the northern atolls.
- May – October — Gentle monsoon : Occasional rain but greener seas, bioluminescent plankton, and more manta rays and whale sharks in the South.
Weather in Maldives
Check the weather city by city, starting with Malé.
- Malé: daytime highs from 28 to 30 °C depending on the season, 165 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Maldives?
The Maldives are the quintessential tropical paradise: 1,200 coral islands with turquoise lagoons, pristine white sand and exceptional marine biodiversity. An iconic destination for overwater bungalows and diving with whale sharks and manta rays.
North Malé Atoll
The most accessible from the international airport, with iconic overwater resorts, diving at Banana Reef (the first diving site in the Maldives) and dolphin excursions.
Highlights : Overwater bungalows, Banana Reef (diving), Malé — colourful capital.
Ari Atoll
A diver's paradise with whale sharks present year-round, manta rays in the channels and breathtaking coral walls.
Highlights : Diving with whale sharks, Swimming with manta rays, Kuramathi coral reef.
Baa Atoll — UNESCO Reserve
A UNESCO biosphere reserve, Baa Atoll is home to Hanifaru Bay lagoon, where hundreds of manta rays gather each season to feed.
Highlights : Hanifaru Bay — manta ray feeding frenzy, Snorkelling — Baa reefs, Fuvahmulah — tiger sharks.
Travel budget for Maldives
The Maldives are primarily a luxury destination. Private island resorts charge some of the highest rates in the world. A more affordable alternative exists through guesthouses on local islands.
- Backpacker : 100–150 €/j — Local island guesthouses + local restaurants
- Comfort : 300–500 €/j — 4★ all-inclusive resort with activities
- Luxury : 1 000 €+/j — 5★ overwater bungalow + exclusive experiences
Practical tips for travelling to Maldives
- Flight from Paris : ~10h (Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways)
- Visa : Free on arrival (30 days)
- Currency : Rufiyaa (USD accepted in resorts)
- Language : Dhivehi (English throughout the tourism industry)
- Electricity : Type G – 230V (same as UK)
- Mobile network : Coverage in resorts, wifi included
- Tap water : Not drinkable — bottled desalinated water
- Health : No mandatory vaccines, doctor available at major resorts
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