Destination
Maldives, Maldives
The Maldives is a nation of 1,200 coral islands where each resort owns its own island, with overwater villas, house reefs and seaplane transfers.
Trips to Maldives from every city
No live trip to Maldives right now. Ask for one and we price it for your city.
When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | best |
| February | best |
| March | best |
| April | best |
| May | avoid |
| June | avoid |
| July | fine |
| August | fine |
| September | fine |
| October | fine |
| November | fine |
| December | best |
- December, January, February, March, April: Dry season: calm seas, clear water and peak prices around Christmas and New Year.
- July, August, September, October, November: Monsoon season with short showers and lower rates; manta rays gather at Hanifaru Bay from June to November.
May, June: Onset of the south-west monsoon brings the wettest, windiest weeks of the year.
Where to stay in Maldives
- North and South Malé Atolls: Resorts within a 20- to 45-minute speedboat ride of the airport, no seaplane needed.
- Baa Atoll: UNESCO biosphere reserve with manta-ray season at Hanifaru Bay.
- Ari Atoll: Whale sharks year-round and a wide range of resorts by seaplane or domestic flight.
- Maafushi and local islands: Guesthouses on inhabited islands for a fraction of resort prices.
- Hulhumalé: Hotel island next to the airport for a late arrival or early departure.
What to do in Maldives
- Overwater villa with steps down to the house reef
- Snorkel with manta rays at Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll
- Whale-shark search in South Ari Atoll
- Sandbank picnic by traditional dhoni
- Night snorkel with nurse sharks
- Seaplane transfer over the atolls
Good to know
| Airports | Velana International (Malé) (MLE) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | luxury |
| Time zone | Indian/Maldives |
| Kind of trip | beach, island, romantic, wellness, adventure |
Questions about Maldives
When is the best time to visit Maldives?
December, January, February, March and April. May, June: Onset of the south-west monsoon brings the wettest, windiest weeks of the year.
Do US citizens need a passport for Maldives?
Yes. Maldives is in Maldives; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is Maldives on the ground?
Maldives is luxury by US standards: plan about $190 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.