Maldives Travel Guide 2026
Explore coral atolls, overwater villas, and world-class diving across the Maldives.
The Maldives is a double chain of low-lying atolls where turquoise lagoons meet house-reef drop-offs. Island resorts emphasise privacy and marine life, while capital Malé offers a glimpse of dense urban island life.
Browse by State / Region
Open a state to view covered cities and dive into categories and listings.
Best places to visit in Maldives
Landmarks and regions many travellers build an itinerary around.
House-reef snorkelling
Resort atolls
Turtles, rays, and reef fish minutes from your villa—check current strength and tide tables.
Hanifaru Bay manta season
Baa Atoll
Seasonal plankton blooms attract filter feeders—strict visitor caps apply.
Seaplane transfers
Inter-atoll
Low-altitude views of endless blues—weight limits apply to luggage.
Diving channel passes
North Malé Atoll & Ari
Pelagic sightings possible on incoming currents—advanced certifications often recommended.
Local island guesthouses
Maafushi, Fulidhoo, etc.
Budget-friendly culture, modest dress codes, and community-run cafés away from private-island rates.
Food & cuisine in Maldives
Flavours and dishes worth seeking out on the road.
Maldivian flavours lean on tuna, coconut, chilli, and lime — resort buffets add global cuisines.
Must-try dishes
- Garudhiya — fragrant fish broth with lime and rice
- Mas huni — shredded smoked tuna with coconut for breakfast with roshi
- Fried yams and snacks — short eats sold on local islands
- Fresh grilled reef fish — ask about sustainable species choices
- Young coconut — rehydration straight from the shell
Featured Cities in Maldives
Start with popular city pages and explore curated categories.
Malé
Densely built capital island where ferries, offices, and markets all sit within a short walk.
Maafushi
Guesthouse island popular with independent travelers looking for beaches without resort prices.
Addu City
Southernmost urban area in the Maldives, spread across linked islands with lagoons on every side.
Visa & entry — Maldives
General information only. Rules differ by nationality, purpose of visit, and change often.
- The Maldives commonly issues a short tourist stay on arrival for eligible travelers.
- Resort bookings and onward tickets are often requested at immigration.
- Generally visa-free or exempt (short visits): 30-day tourist stamp on arrival for many nationalities (proof of stay and funds may be required) — typical stays are often capped (typically 30 days extendable in some cases — verify with immigration).
- Visa on arrival (where offered): Most tourists receive entry clearance on arrival when requirements are met
- Other nationalities: Pre-approval may be needed for some nationalities
Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or government website before traveling. See official source: immigration.gov.mv
Frequently asked questions
Common questions travellers ask about visiting Maldives.
When is the dry season in the Maldives?
December–April is generally drier with calmer seas; May–November brings more rain and surf but lower prices on some atolls.
Do I need a visa for the Maldives?
Many tourists receive a free 30-day stamp on arrival with confirmed onward travel and funds—verify current rules before flying.
Is the Maldives only for luxury travellers?
No—local island guesthouses and public ferries make mid-range trips possible, though seaplanes remain pricey.
Can I drink alcohol everywhere?
Only licensed resorts and boats; alcohol is prohibited on inhabited local islands for religious reasons.
What currency should I carry?
Maldivian rufiyaa and US dollars are common; resorts often bill in dollars—confirm card surcharges.