Coral atolls, overwater villas and world class diving
The Maldives is a chain of 26 coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, made of more than a thousand low islands. Most visitors stay at one island resort, reached by speedboat or seaplane, for white sand, lagoons and reefs. Local islands with guesthouses now offer a cheaper way to visit. It suits couples, divers and anyone who wants to switch off.
Tap a card or a pin. Add a place to a day of your trip, or look for tours.
Staying in a villa on stilts above a lagoon is the classic Maldives experience. Resorts each occupy their own island.
A small bay in a UNESCO biosphere reserve where manta rays gather to feed, often in large numbers. Snorkelling is controlled to protect them.
The outer reef of South Ari is one of the few places where whale sharks can be seen all year. Boats search the reef edge daily.
The busy, dense capital has a coral stone mosque, a fish market and a national museum. It shows everyday Maldivian life.
Built in 1658 from carved coral stone, it is the oldest mosque in the country. It is on UNESCO's tentative list.
The museum holds royal items, coral carvings and Buddhist era finds. It sits in Sultan Park.
A local island with guesthouses and a bikini beach area, popular with budget travellers. Excursions run to sandbanks and reefs.
A single island atoll known for tiger shark dives and freshwater lakes. It is greener and more rugged than most islands.
Tiny strips of sand appear in lagoons and make a perfect spot for a picnic or swim. Most resorts and guesthouses arrange trips.
One of the first dive sites in the Maldives, with caves, overhangs and colourful fish. It suits many levels.
The southernmost atoll, linked by causeways you can cycle along, with a former British base and wetlands. It sits just south of the equator.
On some nights plankton make the water glow blue along the shore. Vaadhoo is often linked to it, but it can appear elsewhere.
Seaplanes from Malé give a bird's eye view of the reef patterns. For many it is the most memorable part of the trip.
Spinner dolphins are common in channels between islands, and sunset cruises often meet them. Groups can be large.
A local island known for fruit farms, papayas and watermelons, with a clear lagoon. It is a calm guesthouse alternative.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it: pick cities, add places to days, see the weather for your dates.
Each city with a guide opens its own page: map, where to stay, what to eat.
The capital and arrival hub.
gateway, culture · Open the city guideBudget local island stays.
value, beaches · Guide comingWhale sharks in South Ari.
diving · Guide comingBase for Hanifaru Bay.
nature · Guide comingSouthern atoll with cycling.
culture · Guide comingShark diving.
diving · Guide comingA reclaimed island near the airport with simple stays.
transit, beach · Guide comingA surf island north of Male.
surfing, local life · Guide comingThe southern atoll hub.
diving, history · Guide comingClose to the airport, many resorts.
Malé, Banana Reef, Maafushi
Diving and whale sharks.
South Ari, Thoddoo
Biosphere reserve with mantas.
Hanifaru Bay, Dharavandhoo
Remote and less visited.
Addu, Fuvahmulah
The most visited area, close to the airport.
Male, Maafushi, Thulusdhoo
Far-flung traditional islands.
Haa Alif, Utheemu, Dhidhdhoo
Choose how long you have, then add the whole route to a trip as places and nights.
Best: December to April. The dry northeast monsoon brings calm seas and sunshine.
From May to November the southwest monsoon brings more rain and wind, but also manta and whale shark season in some atolls.
January. Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.
82°F daily high, 81°F average, 2.1 in
Average of past years from NASA POWER, worked out at each city's position. A place far from these cities can be quite different.
The US State Department rates the Maldives Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to terrorism; resort islands are low risk for crime.
Travel between islands is by speedboat, seaplane, domestic flight or slow public ferry, and transfers can be costly.
Resorts are very expensive, though local island guesthouses are far cheaper.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Members see the rules for their own passport here.
Passport and visa rules change often and without notice. Always check the official pages before you book and again before you travel.
| Entry | Rules change, so check Maldives Immigration's IMUGA traveller declaration portal and your own government's travel advice before you book. |
| Plugs | Type A, C, D, G, J, K, L; 230 V |
| Tap water | varies |
| Tipping | Resorts add a service charge; extra tips for staff are common. |
| Payments | Resorts take cards; local islands use cash in rufiyaa or US dollars. |
| Emergency | 102 ambulance, 118 fire, 119 police |
| Etiquette | The Maldives is a Muslim country; alcohol is only served on resorts. Public affection is frowned on outside resorts. |
| What to wear | On local islands cover shoulders and knees and use designated bikini beaches. |
| Driving | On the left |
| Between cities | Speedboats and seaplanes link resorts to the airport; domestic flights reach far atolls; public ferries are cheap but slow. Resorts arrange all transfers. |
| Main airports | MLE, GAN |
The islands were settled over two thousand years ago and converted to Islam in the 12th century, when a sultanate began that lasted until the 20th. The Maldives was a British protectorate until independence in 1965 and became a republic in 1968. The first tourist resorts opened in 1972. Rising sea levels are a major concern for this very low lying country.
Researched 2026-10-13. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.