You and I both know that making travel plans can be incredibly overwhelming. There are always do’s and don’ts of the location that can truly make or break your experience if you decide not to follow them. Maldives is the same! It’s a stunning paradise with so much to offer. A gorgeous country with stunning white beaches and clear waters. It’s certainly a place you don’t want to miss out on, and that’s why we listed some Maldives travel tips for you.
A vacation to Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, so be sure to enjoy it to the fullest extent. Sometimes, the best way to do this is by planning ahead and following travel tips and recommendations.
With that being said, we’ve got you covered on the travel tips in this article. From adhering to the local dress codes to packing the necessaries, be sure to follow our advice.
It’s important to be well-prepared for a vacation, especially if you’ve never been before.
Let’s get started with our best advice to ensure you have the best time!
Table of Contents
Different Seasons
You can enjoy traveling to Maldives any time of year. However, you may find that the time of year or the season you travel in makes a difference in some ways. Not to say that you won’t have a fun time no matter when you come, but your experience will look a lot different when visiting during warm seasons vs. cold seasons and the travel season vs. rainy season.
The Maldives has a tropical climate that is generally warm and humid throughout the year, making any time of year mostly enjoyable. However, if we had to choose, the best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season. The dry season spans from November to April.
During these months, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. It’s an utterly perfect time for outdoor activities such as water sports, island hopping, and sunbathing.
Through the other months, the temperatures remain moderate and warm. The biggest change is there may be some cooler days and lots of rain. Less sunshine may impact your activities, but most of the time, you can work around the rain.
Do’s of Traveling to Maldives
Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s get into the details of what to do and what not to do in the Maldives. Some of these Maldives travel tips are more important than others, but we recommend you follow each one.
Dress and Act Modestly in Public
The Maldives is a Muslim nation. While they are very much a tourist hotspot that welcomes people from all around the world, they do ask that you respect their customs by being modest when in public.
Visitors are expected to respect the local culture and customs, which is something anyone would want from others visiting their own country. You do not have to wear certain clothing but take note of covering up and avoiding PDA in the primary public locations.
Both men and women should stick to wearing shorts below the knees, and women should wear loose clothing that covers their shoulders and cleavage.
Here is more about the Maldives dress code.
Couples should avoid affection in public. You may walk and talk together and may even be able to get away with holding hands. However, you should limit things like hugging and kissing when you’re in public spaces.
Additional note: Sex toys are prohibited, so don’t bring any with you.
Additionally, alcohol is prohibited in public places, and it is only available at licensed resorts. You have the freedom to drink and wear what you’d like inside on the resort grounds, but when in public areas like Male, be modest and respectful.
Travel to Multiple Islands & Experience the Culture
When traveling to the Maldives, which consists of 1,192 uninhabited and 200 inhabited islands, it’s hard to stay on just one. Island hopping, or even just visiting 2-3 islands, just makes sense. This is a great way to really immerse yourself into the culture and lifestyle of the Maldivians.
What better way to experience what Maldives is all about?
Not only do we recommend visiting multiple places, but you should also taste a variety of foods while staying there. Try some of the traditional Maldivian dishes. We recommend Mas Huni, a breakfast dish made with smoked tuna, coconut, and chili. Another fan favorite is Garudhiya, a fish soup made with coconut milk, onion, and chili.
Take the time to chat with the locals, learn about the habits and traditions of the natives, and truly be part of the culture while you’re there.
Here are some tips for food:
- Maldives vegan food
- Maldives spicy food
- Maldives restaurants
- Maldives breakfast guide
- Maldives underwater restaurants
Be Aware of Environmental Risks
The Maldives is unfortunately prone to experiencing the effects of climate change, being the lowest-lying country in the world. What exactly does that mean? It means that the country is at a very low water level, and some islands barely break the surface of the water.
The Maldives is also experiencing many environmental issues, such as the coral reefs dying, waste piling up, and plastic pollution.
With this in mind, we urge that you choose sustainable practices by minimizing energy use and waste production while visiting the islands. Many of the resorts have incorporated eco-friendly practices.
Here are the best eco-friendly resorts in Maldives.
You can contribute to the longevity of Maldives by being mindful of the footprint you’re leaving behind. This allows you to enjoy this stunning location and promotes keeping it around for many years for others to enjoy too.
Read more: Maldives sustainability
Pack Lightweight Outfits & Pack Smart
When packing for the Maldives, it is important to keep in mind that the dress code is conservative and modest. It is recommended that visitors pack lightweight and breathable clothing, such as cotton or linen, that covers their shoulders and knees.
You’ll be glad it’s lightweight once you experience the hot weather there. Take our word for it.
Don’t forget to pack other important necessities as well.
Here are some classic examples:
- Sunscreen
- Hat or sunglasses
- Mosquito repellent
Many of these things are the basics, of course. Anything that you’d normally pack to trek off to a beachy, warm vacation spot, you may want to consider bringing to the Maldives.
Don’ts of Traveling to Maldives
Now we’re not trying to be killjoys here, but let’s take a look at the other side: what not to do. There’s some common sense involved here, so as long as you’re smart about what you do, we’re sure you’ll be fine.
Avoiding the Local Culture
This is the first and foremost. While it’s easy to stay in the cozy hotel that serves food and drinks all day, you don’t want to miss out on the unique experience of the Maldives. It’s a country that has so much to offer, from friendly locals to flavorful traditional foods.
We recommend at least taking one day out of a week-long resort vacation to explore the local towns and get to know the culture. You’ll be glad you did.
Try some of the local foods, and be sure to talk to some of the natives around the islands. Even if you need to use google translate, it goes a long way in showing that you care about the culture and are doing your best to immerse yourself. It’d be a shame to miss out, so get out there!
Don’t Drink Alcohol Outside the Resorts
This Maldives travel tip may not be as well-known, but alcohol is actually prohibited outside of resorts in the Maldives. Being an Islamic country, both the sale and consumption of alcohol are not allowed.
This means you’ll need to keep alcohol inside of your resort and make sure you’re following any laws regarding alcohol. Don’t try to bring alcohol in with you, as it will be confiscated. We also highly recommend that you consume alcohol safely while in Maldives. You can certainly party it up and have a good time, but be wise and smart to stay safe while you’re there. And the most important part, be respectful.
Forgetting Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Many people aren’t aware of the fact that there’s a difference between “reef-safe” and the usual sunscreens you’ll find in stores. With the Maldivian reefs in danger from pollution, global warming, and other critical environmental factors, it’s important to find a sunscreen that’s safe to use around marine life.
Many reef-friendly sunscreens lack chemicals and certain minerals that are harmful to the corals. We urge you to do research in finding a trustworthy brand and be sure to spread the word to friends and family planning on visiting a location with reefs.
This is one small way that you can give back to the area.
How to Stay Safe in Maldives
Staying safe is important on any adventure, including your trip to Maldives. Obviously, it’s so much more fun if you’re able to stay safe, right? The good news is that there are rarely any types of safety issues to worry about in Maldives.
Keep in mind you should be respectful. It’s also important to avoid areas that seem to have protests happening just to be sure you stay out of it.
Follow normal tourist guidelines for protecting yourself and your personal belongings, and you should be just fine. Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables safely on your person. Never flaunt money or belongings.
For the ladies, we recommend bringing a crossbody bag that can store your personals in front of the body, and the gentlemen should only keep wallets, phones, and keys in front pockets instead of the back.
It’s always a good idea to travel with other people and to stay in well-lit, public areas. Use common sense and cultural respect, and you are good to go!
Read more: Maldives safety
Enjoy Your Experience
This trip to Maldives should be meant to have an awesome experience. While these tips and tricks are certainly helpful and important, the most important piece of advice is just to enjoy it. You’re traveling to an island paradise that is utterly stunning in every way.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience may never come again, so enjoy every moment of it.
Have fun while exploring the culture, food, resorts, crystal clear waters, beaches, and natural landscapes of the islands. Create memories to look back on years down the road.
Make your experience your own and simply take it all in!
What is the best time to visit the Maldives?
The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. During this time, the weather is dry, and the water is clear and calm, making it perfect for water activities like snorkeling and diving.
What should I pack for a trip to the Maldives?
Pack light, breathable clothing for the hot and humid climate, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and flip-flops or water shoes. It's also a good idea to pack insect repellent and a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings.
How can I save money while traveling to the Maldives?
To save money, book your trip during the low season, which is from May to October. You can also opt for local guesthouses or budget-friendly resorts and avoid expensive activities like seaplane transfers.
Are there any cultural customs I should be aware of in the Maldives?
Yes, being that Maldives is a Muslim country, it's important to dress modestly and respect the local culture. Avoid public displays of affection, and don't drink alcohol in public areas.
What are some must-visit attractions in the Maldives?
Some must-visit attractions in the Maldives include the Male Fish Market, the National Museum, the Hukuru Miskiy Mosque, and the Utheemu Ganduvaru historical site. You can also explore the beautiful beaches, go snorkeling or diving, and take a sunset cruise.
