Welcome to the Maldives
Welcome to the Maldives, the Sunny Side of Life! Discover our tropical paradise, where the sun, sand & sea meet with Maldivian hospitality. With 26 atolls and 1,192 coral islands, the Maldives in the Indian Ocean offer a unique experience. Interact with locals, savour local cuisine, and explore Maldivian culture.
About the Maldives
The Maldives
The Maldives hosts about five percent of the world’s reefs, including both soft and hard corals, displaying vibrant colors.
It is home to 2,000 diverse species of marine life, as well as large pelagic species like manta rays and whale sharks, attracted by nutrient-rich ocean currents.
Geography & Weather
The Maldives, an equatorial island nation in the Indian Ocean, has only 298 square kilometers of dry land out of a total area of 90,000 square kilometers.
The climate is clear and warm, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 32 degrees Celsius throughout the year, accompanied occasional gentle monsoon showers from May to October. Conditions perfect for SURFING and DIVERS
How to get to the Maldives?
The Maldives is globally accessible, with flights from Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia arriving at Velana International Airport, the main entry point.
Travel options include a speedboat ride, a scenic seaplane, or a combination of domestic flights and speedboat transfers to reach various islands.
Tourism Segments
One-Island-One-Resort
Each resort in the Maldives, positioned on its own uninhabited island (island is the hotel) ensures a secluded getaway perfect for honeymooners, families, or solo travelers seeking a retreat from crowds.
Popular accommodations include Overwater Villas with private pools and direct lagoon access.
Resorts also feature world-class dining, comprehensive spa services, water sports, and souvenir shops, ensuring a memorable, holistic vacation experience.
Liveaboards
Liveaboards of the Maldives, private cruises accommodate individual groups or couples and provide the flexibility to explore multiple islands and atolls.
Each liveaboard features amenities such as a private chef, dining, and personalized entertainment, with a focus on water sports like diving and snorkeling among rich marine life.
Additionally, liveaboards cater to MICE travelers, providing a secluded and scenic setting for business meetings. Guests can create their own itinerary or select from curated packages.
Guesthouses
Guesthouses in the Maldives provide an immersive experience into local culture, located on inhabited islands across all atolls.
These accommodations offer the chance to live like a local, enjoying the same beautiful views as luxury resorts but with the added richness of experiencing daily Maldivian life.
Visitors can explore local cuisine, customs, and traditions firsthand Options range from luxurious to budget-friendly, allowing for customized holidays.
Essential Information
VISA
All travelers are granted a 30-day visa upon arrival, provided they have a confirmed booking at a registered Maldivian tourist establishment and a return airfare. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed and assisted with their transfer to their destination.
LANGUAGE
The vast majority of the country speaks English, and everyone in the tourism industry is fluent in English. Dhivehi, the native language unique to the Maldives with various dialects, is the mother tongue of Maldivians.
ALCOHOL
The import of alcohol is prohibited on inhabited islands and is not permitted. Personal alcohol brought into the country will be confiscated at customs. However, alcohol is available at all resorts and liveaboards.
CURRENCY
The Maldivian Rufiyaa is the official currency. All major credit cards and currencies are accepted in resorts and guesthouses. The exchange rate is fixed at USD 1.00 = MVR 15.42.
INTERNET & PHONE
All tourist establishments provide access to Wi-Fi, which is usually free, and the 5G network is available countrywide with a tourist SIM. There are two operators providing phone and internet services. To make a call, use the prefix +960 followed by the local number.
ATTIRE
Tourists are encouraged to respect local culture by dressing modestly when visiting or staying on an inhabited island. Sandals are ideal as they can be easily removed for walking barefoot. There are no specific dress requirements at resorts or onboard liveaboards.
TAXES
A Tourism Goods and Service Tax (TGST) of 16% is levied on all goods and services at tourist establishments. A Green Tax of USD 6.00 per person per day is applicable for guests staying at integrated tourist resorts, hotels, and other tourist establishments. For local island hotels and guesthouses with fewer than 50 rooms, the Green Tax is USD 3.00 per person per day.
HOSPITALS
The main public hospital, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, is located in Malé. Private hospitals such as ADK Hospital and Tree Top Hospital offer the highest standard of healthcare available in the country. Each atoll has at least one hospital. Additionally, most resorts have their own clinics with in-house doctors.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
In case of emergency, please contact:
- 102 for Ambulance services
- 191 for the Coast Guard
- 118 for the Fire Department
- 119 for the Police
