Maldives Travel Guide
Planning a trip to the Maldives? Colomboh is an AI travel assistant that helps you explore Maldives — from must-see destinations like Malé, Maafushi, Hulhumalé, Addu City to getting around, money tips, food, and staying safe. Ask anything in plain language and get clear, local-style answers, plus links to official Maldives sources so you can verify the details yourself.
Top places to visit in Maldives
- Malé
- Maafushi
- Hulhumalé
- Addu City
- Fuvahmulah
Best time to visit the Maldives
The dry northeast monsoon from November to April brings calm seas, low humidity and the best underwater visibility — it is also the most expensive season. May to October is the wetter southwest monsoon with short squalls, choppier crossings and resort rates that can be 30–50% lower. Manta and whale shark sightings around Hanifaru Bay peak between May and November.
Getting around the Maldives
There are no roads between islands and no railway. Arrivals land at Velana International Airport (MLE) and continue by speedboat, domestic flight (Maldivian, Manta Air, Flyme) or seaplane (Trans Maldivian). Government public ferries between local islands cost only a few dollars but run on limited schedules and not on Fridays. On a single island you walk or cycle.
Money & currency
The local currency is the MVR (Rf). Cards (USD accepted) is the norm. ATMs widely available in cities. Foreign-card fees vary by bank. Most resorts bill in USD; cards accepted almost everywhere.
Safety basics
The Maldives received about 2 million arrivals in 2024. It is a low-crime destination for visitors, and the main risks are water-related: currents on channel dives, sun exposure and boat transfers in rough weather. On inhabited local islands (as opposed to resort islands) local law applies, including modest dress outside designated bikini beaches and a ban on alcohol.
Visa & entry
Every nationality gets a free 30-day visa on arrival, provided you hold a valid passport, an onward ticket and a confirmed booking. You must submit the Traveller Declaration online within 96 hours before arrival and departure at imuga.immigration.gov.mv.
What a trip to Maldives costs
A local-island guesthouse trip with public ferries and shared excursions runs about USD 70–120 a day. Mid-range resorts start around USD 250–400 a day including transfers, and premium overwater resorts run USD 800 upwards. Seaplane transfers alone are typically USD 350–600 return per person.
Maldives travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Maldives?
The dry northeast monsoon from November to April brings calm seas, low humidity and the best underwater visibility — it is also the most expensive season. May to October is the wetter southwest monsoon with short squalls, choppier crossings and resort rates that can be 30–50% lower. Manta and whale shark sightings around Hanifaru Bay peak between May and November.
Do I need a visa to travel to Maldives?
Every nationality gets a free 30-day visa on arrival, provided you hold a valid passport, an onward ticket and a confirmed booking. You must submit the Traveller Declaration online within 96 hours before arrival and departure at imuga.immigration.gov.mv.
What are the top places to visit in Maldives?
Popular destinations in Maldives include Malé, Maafushi, Hulhumalé, Addu City, Fuvahmulah. Tell Colomboh how long you have and what you enjoy, and it can suggest a route that fits your time and interests.
How much does a trip to Maldives cost?
A local-island guesthouse trip with public ferries and shared excursions runs about USD 70–120 a day. Mid-range resorts start around USD 250–400 a day including transfers, and premium overwater resorts run USD 800 upwards. Seaplane transfers alone are typically USD 350–600 return per person.
Is Maldives safe for tourists?
The Maldives received about 2 million arrivals in 2024. It is a low-crime destination for visitors, and the main risks are water-related: currents on channel dives, sun exposure and boat transfers in rough weather. On inhabited local islands (as opposed to resort islands) local law applies, including modest dress outside designated bikini beaches and a ban on alcohol.
How do I get around the Maldives?
There are no roads between islands and no railway. Arrivals land at Velana International Airport (MLE) and continue by speedboat, domestic flight (Maldivian, Manta Air, Flyme) or seaplane (Trans Maldivian). Government public ferries between local islands cost only a few dollars but run on limited schedules and not on Fridays. On a single island you walk or cycle.