Airport & arrival
Most international visitors land at Velana International Airport (MLE) next to Malé. From here, transfers depart by speedboat, seaplane, or a domestic flight plus speedboat depending on your resort’s atoll and the time of day. Your resort or booking confirmation will collect flight details and schedule transfers for you.
How resort transfers work
Transfers are pre-arranged by your resort after you submit flight details. Speedboats suit resorts near Malé (often 15–60 minutes). Seaplanes connect many central atolls and run during daylight hours; flight time is typically 20–60 minutes with shared stops. Domestic flights plus a speedboat extend reach to outlying atolls and allow late arrivals. Luggage limits and exact timings vary by operator and weather; your resort will advise the latest rules.
Life at Maldivian resorts
Resorts occupy private islands with beach and overwater villas, multiple dining venues, and a blend of lagoon calm and reef adventure. Expect polished service, multilingual teams, and thoughtful experiences—from kids’ clubs and water sports to spas, private sandbank dinners, and marine-biologist talks. Wi-Fi is common; many islands are walkable or use buggies.
Meal plans
BB (breakfast), HB (breakfast & dinner), FB (all meals), and AI (all-inclusive). AI can simplify costs; HB suits explorers.
Who will love it?
Honeymoon privacy, family programs, wellness focus, surf access, and snorkeling depth differ by island—read the resort’s quick facts.
Service culture
Maldives is renowned for warm, professional hospitality with high training standards and attention to detail.
How to choose a resort
Match your priorities: transfer time, budget, reef access, villa type, kids’ facilities, dining variety, and vibe (quiet vs. social).
Orientation & sunset
Ask for villa ranges on sunrise/sunset sides; west-facing beaches glow at golden hour.
Reef access index
Distance to drop-off and entry points. If currents concern you, choose a lagoon-friendly island.
Family factors
Kids’ clubs and babysitting, shaded shallows, medical access, and shorter transfers reduce fatigue.
Best time to visit
The drier season typically runs from December to April with brighter skies and calmer seas, ideal for snorkeling and classic lagoon photos. The wetter season from May to October brings more showers and swells—great for surfing and dramatic skies—while prices can be gentler. Conditions vary by region and year, so treat any calendar as directional guidance.
Budget & costs
Total cost = nights × category × meal plan + transfers + taxes/service. Seaplanes add a per-person supplement; speedboats are economical for near atolls. Our estimator offers a directional total before you open a specific resort page.
Experiences & activities
Snorkeling house reefs, channel dives with pelagics, dolphin cruises, sandbank picnics, sunset sailing, water sports, spas, and private dining. Manta/whale-shark encounters are seasonal by region; resorts brief guests on respectful wildlife interaction.
Important to know: rules & etiquette
Resort islands are private spaces designed for leisure. Local islands follow community norms. Dress modestly when visiting local islands or Malé; use designated bikini beaches where signposted. Alcohol is served on licensed resort islands but is not permitted on public local islands. Be mindful during Ramadan (reduced hours/services in some places). Fly drones only with permission and away from runways and privacy-sensitive areas.
Local-island vs resort-island stays
Local islands
Guesthouses and boutique hotels, lower costs, ferries/speedboats, community etiquette (modest dress; no alcohol in public areas). Great for cultural immersion and day trips.
Resort islands
Private islands with licensed bars, diverse dining, and curated activities. Ideal for seamless transfers, amenities, and privacy.
What not to bring
Maldives Customs enforces restrictions. Common examples include alcohol for personal import, pork products, illegal drugs, and pornographic materials. Items intended for religious propagation can be restricted. Policies evolve — always check official guidance before you fly. If you accidentally carry a restricted item, declare it on arrival.
Health & safety
Protect against sun and heat, hydrate well, and follow resort guidance on currents. Many islands have clinics or on-call doctors. Pack prescriptions in original packaging and consider travel insurance for medical and weather changes.
Packing & readiness
Light clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, swimwear, sandals/reef shoes, light layers for AC, adapters (Type D/G/K, 230V), and specialty gear for diving or surfing. Families should add sun shirts and kids’ snorkel sets.
FAQs
Is visa on arrival available? Many nationalities receive a visa on arrival; confirm current policy with Maldives Immigration before traveling.
How much is a seaplane? Pricing varies by resort and season; expect a per-person round-trip supplement. Your resort will confirm after booking.
Is tipping expected? A service charge is commonly included; additional tips are discretionary for outstanding service.
Last updated: . Rules may change — verify with official sources.