The Maldives is the very definition of a bucket list destination. With over 1,100 dreamy islands featuring crystal clear waters, bright white sand and some of the world’s best marine life, the entire country is a picture-perfect paradise. The Maldives is a destination that is truly unlike any other, which means there are a few things you need to know before you go. Here’s what to expect when you travel to The Maldives.

1) Seaplane Transfers

Your journey to your private resort island is far from over when you land in Male airport. To get from Male to your chosen luxury resort, you will most likely need to take a seaplane to get there – and let me tell you, this is quite an experience.

The seaplane journey is a quintessential part of The Maldives experience. A journey on these small planes is certainly a thrill ride and nothing like travelling on a regular aircraft. 

It’s natural to be a little nervous about the seaplane ride but relax: TransMaldivian airways operate hundreds (if not thousands) of these flights every single day. Accidents are almost unheard of (we’re talking less than one per year) and injuries are even rarer. It’s definitely safer than travelling by car back home!

The seaplane ride gives you an opportunity to marvel at the incredible beauty of The Maldives from high above. The views will take your breath away. 

2) You Don’t Need a Visa*

*Unless you’re from India or Brunei

Almost all nationalities are permitted to enter The Maldives visa-free for 30 days, so long as you have one month validity left on your passport.

3) It’s a Dry Country

The Maldives is a conservative Islamic country, which means that alcohol is illegal. Resorts have special alcohol licences so you will be able to drink on your vacation, but do not bring your own alcohol into the country or it will be confiscated. Don’t try to smuggle alcohol out of the resorts on your journey home, either – we saw a lot of confiscations happening when we left The Pullman!

4) The Peak Season is December – March 

There’s no bad time to go to The Maldives, but to experience the best weather you should head there for December to March. Plus, this is winter in the northern hemisphere and trust me, there is nothing like escaping cold weather for the pristine shores of The Maldives!

At other times of the year you are more likely to experience cloudy days and rainfall, although the sun shines for an average of 7 hours per day even during the wet season, so there’s no need to worry if that’s the only time you are able to go.

5) Island Time 

Malidivian islands set their own time in order to make the most of the daylight hours. This means that you may find yourself an hour or two ahead of (or behind) Male. When you arrive at your resort, the staff will encourage you to set your phone and watch to island time to avoid any confusion.

6) Amazing Marine Life

Whether you want to go diving or just snorkel in the shallows, The Maldives is home to some of the most incredible marine life in the world. Most resorts offer you the chance to earn your PADI diving certification during your stay, too.

7) Strong Internet 

I must admit that the first time I went to The Maldives I wasn’t expecting much connectivity, but I was pleasantly surprised at just how fast the internet was. Of course, you don’t want to be glued to your devices the whole time you are in The Maldives but if you need internet access, you won’t have any problems.

8) Incredible Surfing

The Maldives isn’t really marketed as a surfer’s paradise, but it certainly is one. If you love to surf, or just want to learn how, The Maldives is the perfect place to do so. There are some world-famous waves just waiting to be ridden!

If you want to surf, the best time for you to go would be April-June when the swell is at its most consistent.

9) It’s Close to India and Sri Lanka

You can travel from The Maldives to either India or Sri Lanka in just over three hours, so if you are travelling long-term or simply want to combine your trip, it’s very convenient to do so.

10) The Maldives is Not Just for Honeymooners

The Maldives has a reputation as a honeymoon destination, and it’s easy to see why. It’s peaceful, luxurious and incredibly beautiful, so it’s absolutely perfect for a romantic trip. However, a Maldivian vacation does not have to be a romantic one.

You will see plenty of families in The Maldives and I have travelled there numerous times with friends, and not once did we feel out of place. The Maldives is perfect to bond with your friends or family over new adventures, or simply relax on the beach together. You definitely don’t need to be newlyweds to enjoy this amazing country.

Check out my guide to a girls’ trip to The Maldives.

11) It’s a Conservative Country

At your resort, you’re free to do as you please – within the grounds of basic common decency, of course! But when you travel to local islands, remember that The Maldives is a conservative Islamic country and behave accordingly. On tours, you should aim to cover up as much as possible – no swim trunks or bikinis. Remember that public displays of affection are also banned, along with alcohol and pork.

Check out this guide to learn more about what to pack for a trip to The Maldives.

12) Currency

The official currency of The Maldives is Maldivian Rufiyaa. However, you don’t need to bring this with you as resorts will accept payment in Euros or US dollars. You will be able to use your credit card so you may not need to bring any cash at all. Be sure to double check whether or not your resort has a surcharge in place.

Check out this article to discover the best travel credit cards.

13) International Cuisine

The majority of the food in The Maldives is imported. You will be able to enjoy a vast range of cuisines at your resort, including French, Japanese and Italian. 

14) G+D plugs 

The Maldives uses G and D plug sockets, which are commonly found in India, Nepal and the UK. If you are travelling from outside of these countries, then you will need an adapter for your devices. Most luxury hotels will provide adapters but you might want to take your own just in case.

15) It’s Covid Safe 

The Maldives has handled the covid-19 pandemic very well thanks to the country’s natural geography and effective action by the government and resorts. Cases and deaths have remained relatively low throughout the pandemic, and the properties I travelled to back in November and December last year took plenty of effective precautions to keep guests safe.

For more on what it’s like to travel to The Maldives during the pandemic, check out this article.

To enter The Maldives, you will need to present proof of a negative PCR test. It should be taken no more than 96 hours before your departure time. You must also fill in a Health Declaration form 24 hours prior to your departure to and from The Maldives. 

You will most likely be tested when you arrive at your resort, too.

If you need a PCR test to return to your country, your chosen property will be able to arrange this for you.

To discover more about The Maldives, check out the top Maldives spa resorts or the best properties for active and adventurous travellers.