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The Republic of Maldives is an island nation in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, roughly 600 km southwest of India. It has a population of around 350,000, and its capital is Malé. The official language is Dhivehi, though most locals speak at least some English.
Climate in the Maldives
The Maldives has a tropical climate, with temperatures holding steady between +24°C and +32°C all year round. There are two clearly defined seasons: a dry season from November to March, and a wet season from June to October, when monsoons bring heavy rainfall. Because of this, it's best to book your trip during the dry season. That said, a holiday during the wet season, from May to October, is still a good bet — tropical showers tend to fall mostly at night, leaving the days sunny. Water temperature stays around +27°C almost year-round, and hotel prices from May to October are noticeably lower than during the "high season".
Sights and Beaches in the Maldives
You can walk across the largest island at an easy pace in a couple of hours. In the capital, start your sightseeing with the National Museum, then head to Sultan Park and Jumhooree Maidan. And of course, there's a lively local market where haggling isn't just allowed — it's expected. Malé is the only real town in the country, because the Maldives is all about the sea and the beaches.
Trips to the small islands of Ari Atoll are especially popular with travelers, letting you feel like a real-life Robinson Crusoe: a modest bungalow, palm trees, a beach of powder-white sand… and no one else in sight. Or, if you'd rather, enjoy a classic beach holiday at a full-service all-inclusive resort — Rasdhoo Atoll is particularly known for this. Everything here is designed to keep you entertained, from diving and glass-bottom boat tours to fishing and windsurfing.
Rangali Island is home to the famous Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. Set five meters below the surface beneath a glass dome, it lets guests enjoy a menu that blends Indian and Arabic influences while taking in sweeping panoramic views of the marine life outside. With seating for just 14 guests, it's in huge demand, so book your table at least a few weeks in advance.
Don't miss the magical Vaadhoo beach, where the water sparkles with thousands of tiny lights after dark. The effect comes from bioluminescent plankton living in the surrounding waters — completely harmless to humans, and utterly unforgettable. Then again, you could say the same about almost any island in the Maldives: they're all a slice of paradise.
Visa and Currency in the Maldives
No visa is required for stays of up to one month. There is a $10 per-person departure fee when you leave the country. The national currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), which can be exchanged at numerous currency offices and hotels. The exchange rate is roughly $1 = 15 MVR. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
Good to Know Before You Go
The Maldives is a Muslim country, so alcoholic drinks and pornographic material may not be brought onto the islands. Dogs and pigs are also prohibited. When choosing a package online, look closely not only at the price but also at whether travel medical insurance is available. No vaccinations are required, which is a real plus for travelers who often can't plan their vacation dates far in advance. That said, it's worth getting medical insurance anyway — just in case, since healthcare in the Maldives isn't cheap.
