Trip to the Maldives

The Maldives is the closest thing to heaven on Earth you will find in a passport stamp. Unfortunately, these islands are slowly sinking as sea levels rise, so if it is on your bucket list, do not leave it too long. Here is everything you need to plan a first trip.

Where are the Maldives?

The Maldives is a chain of more than 1,000 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, about 500 miles south-west of India. Male is the capital and also home to the main international airport.

When to go

The dry season runs from November to April and is the best time to visit, with calm seas and low humidity. The wet season (May to October) is cheaper and still gets plenty of sunshine, but you should expect short tropical downpours.

Where to stay

There are three broad options and they suit different budgets.

Resort islands — each island is one resort. This is the classic Maldives experience with overwater villas, private beach access and all meals included. Expect £400-£2,000 per night.

Local islands — since 2009, tourists have been able to stay in guesthouses on inhabited local islands like Maafushi, Thulusdhoo and Dhigurah. You get real culture, meals from £10 and rooms from £60.

Liveaboard boats — if diving is the main reason you are going, a liveaboard covers more reefs and manta-ray hotspots than any single resort.

What to do

Snorkel and dive — the reefs are the main attraction. You will see reef sharks, turtles, parrotfish and, if you time it right, manta rays and whale sharks. The South Ari Atoll is one of the world’s best spots for whale shark encounters year-round.

Sandbank picnic — most resorts and guesthouses run half-day trips to an uninhabited sandbank. It is as Instagram-perfect as it sounds.

Sunset dolphin cruise — pods of spinner dolphins ride the bow wave most evenings. Bring a camera.

Surfing — the breaks around Thulusdhoo (including the famous Cokes) are world-class between March and October.

How to get there

All international flights land at Male (MLE). From there you transfer to your island by speedboat (up to 30 minutes), domestic flight plus speedboat, or seaplane. Seaplane transfers are the most scenic and most expensive at around £300-£500 return, but they only operate during daylight.

Practical tips

A 30-day tourist visa is free on arrival for most nationalities. Credit cards are accepted everywhere on resort islands; local islands are more cash-friendly (US dollars and rufiyaa). Alcohol is only sold on resort islands and liveaboards — local islands are dry. Pack reef-safe sunscreen.