A Perfect Maldives Trip, 28 Tips

Hello, guys! Summer may be over in the Northern hemisphere, but high season is just about to start in the Maldives. So why not read the 28 essential tips for a perfect Maldives trip, follow my advice – or learn from others mistakes, why not? – and start packing now?

Oh, the Maldives, the Paradise that most see it as the honeymooners choice!.. Some find it boring but they cannot be more wrong. In fact, I’ve never heard anyone complaining after their trip to the Maldives. The one whining are the ones who never visited.

First time I saw the Maldives was back in 2014, on a plane window, on a flight to Perth. I decided that should not count and I had to put more effort to fulfill my dream.

Watch my video to get a breathtaking and surreal glimpse of the Maldives!

Read this article comprising 6 myths, 16 essential tips and 6 problems you should avoid when visiting the Maldives. Then pack your bags and let me know how smoothly it worked for you!

Let’s begin with the 6 myths about trips in the Maldives and see if they are true or false!

1. A perfect trip to the Maldives is very expensive, I will probably never be able to go there in this life. Not true.

While the budget seems to scare most of the travelers, the Maldives are not impossible to reach, financially speaking.

Since 2009, the locals were allowed to develop their own business and accommodate tourists for lower prices than the resorts. So, from the beginning, you can choose according to your budget.

Still, if you really want to stay at a resort, here’s what I  learned in years of research on the subject – the best packages at a fair price, actually the lowest price possible, can be found online at the big tour operators (like TUI, for instance). Those are  the ones I would always check before booking.

Given the flexibility with the dates, you can actually find online the cheapest yet the best deal that suits your budget, taste and needs. Don’t believe me? Scroll down to tip number 4.

2. In the Maldives, if you want to have a perfect trip,  you either go for All Inclusive or don’t go at all. Not True.

I believed in this myth for so many years that I feel ashamed with my naivety.

It all made sense as everybody was talking about the high prices for everything, especially alcoholic drinks or the ludicrous prices for a bottle of water. It discouraged many tourists including myself.

But when I looked for resorts with clear intention for booking my dream holiday, things suddenly showed a different face.

The Brits are experienced travelers as they often head to this destination even more than just once a year. Learning from their stories – hundreds of topics everywhere, I understood that, once you set a budget and you know exactly what your needs are, All Inclusive might be an option to be skipped.

3. Anywhere you choose to stay, with the locals or at a resort, it’s still the Maldives, it’s equally beautiful. True!

The Maldives are formed on top of 26 atolls made up of more than 1000 coral islands. Each island has its particular shape, its own reef and an unique shade of emerald-blue water. No matter where you are there, these there elements altogether will look just as gorgeous and will be a feast for the eyes.

Check tip number 7.

4. Go to the Maldives and don’t worry about the transfer – you will find something in Male. Don’t do that!

If you travel to the Maldives for the first time, you need to know that most likely you will arrive in Male, the capital of this beautiful country.

When you buy a complete package, there’s no need to worry, unless you really want a specific form of transfer – speedboat, seaplane, domestic flight or ferry). In that case, you need to make sure you spoke with your travel agent about it prior to your Maldives vacation.

Read tip number 11 carefully so you learn everything about transfers in the Maldives.

5. The Maldives are an archipelago, I will pack only shorts and sleeveless tops. Don’t do that!

Allow me to remind you that this is a Muslim country and you need to respect their lifestyle. It’s also a way to show respect to your hosts.

If you chose to stay with the locals, then shoulders and knees must be covered.  In the Maldives, there are limited bikini beaches on the inhabited islands and only there you’d be allowed to wear your regular swimwear.

The resorts have their own islands and these rules don’t apply. You are free to wear any fashion suits you at the Maldives resorts, but going topless or nude is not allowed on the Maldives beach, though.

Still, you could pack some decent clothes for dinner, you know what I mean? Besides, sometimes evening can get chilly, a light cardigan is always welcome.

6. Don’t go to the Maldives in extra season unless you want your holiday to turn into a failure. Not true!

The Maldives, a country of atolls and islands, can be found in Indian Ocean.

According to holiday-weather:

“March is the hottest month with an average temperature of 84°F (29°C) and the coldest is January at 81°F (27°C) with the most daily sunshine hours at 10 in February. The wettest month is September with an average of 243mm of rain“

I was there between June 22 – July 4 and encountered a superb weather in the Maldives. A couple of storms took it our of the ordinary and let me tell you, for a photography passionate, having all the color range on your palette is nothing but a dream come true. Besides, it’s the beginning of the Manta Rays season, nothing more spectacular than being in the middle of these gracious creatures.

As an extra tip for this year, the Maldives is the place to be in December, if you want to observe the solar eclipse. Get more info here.

Check the 22 best winter destinations and book before the prices go high!

Believe me, weather should never be a reason to skip planning your perfect Maldives trip!

Now that we brought some light on these myths, let’s check further the 16 essential tips to help you plan your perfect Maldives trip!

1. How to get to the Maldives?

Having this obsessive dream of visiting the Maldives for 10 years wasn’t an easy deal.

After seeing a short documentary about the Paradise islands, I understood I had to put some serious effort and make it happen. And I made it! And now I can tell you all the little secrets so you can do it too.  The Maldives on a decent budget, a luxury resort, a seaplane transfer, wow, all these are real!

I did a lot of research, yeah, 10 years gave me so much time! I’ve learned some tricks and read almost all the tips were ever written on travel forums and blogs. But each time I seemed close to fulfill my dream, something else came up. Usually, a totally different destination, a new deal, another challenge.

2. Fly to the Maldives and enjoy a perfect trip!

Twas the spring of 2018… my obsession for the Maldives reached the height of Mount Everest. As I had absolutely nothing planned for March (and everybody knew we always traveled in March, every year) I was trying to figure out what was missing. Obviously, the ultimate destination at its finest!

Maybe I was just lucky, maybe I was well informed and did my homework carefully, but the thing is at the end of June I was there and spent the most wonderful two weeks of my life at Reethi Beach Resort (I will write a story about this 4 star resort soon).

Bear with me and let’s bust some myths about the Maldives.  I will complete with my own conclusions on each and every subject for your perfect Maldives trip!

First time I flew with Etihad from Sofia and soon will fly again with Air Italy from Milano. The options are endless, you can fly to the Maldives from pretty much anywhere in this world. Sometimes you can get lucky enough to find direct flights, but also a stopover should be fine. Even two stopovers are worth it for your perfect Maldives trip!

3. Where are the Maldives?

The Maldives are a group of around 20  tropical ring-shaped atolls in Indian Ocean. It is so tiny on the map, you cannot even spot it easily.

The Republic of Maldives – official name – is situated southwest to India and Sri Lanka, around 1000 km away from the main continent, in the Indian Ocean. Remote and peaceful as Paradise should be, right?

Some say they are 20 atolls, others go as far as 26. To be honest, I never counted the atolls myself, but I’d also bet on 26. And things don’t stop here. The atolls comprise more than 1600 islands, mostly small and breathtaking beautiful islands.

Speaking of Paradise islands, check my Cayo Largo Cuba experience!

4. How expensive is to visit the Maldives? Planning your perfect Maldives trip.

Visiting the Maldives is expensive in most cases, but not always.

In June 2018 I paid 2100 EUR for two weeks/2 ppl, standard beach villa, half board and the seaplane transfer included. As a bonus, we’ve gotten a free upgrade to a Deluxe Villa. Is that WOW or is it WOW? 

Yes, I searched zillions of travel agencies and, in the end, I had a tad of luck as well. I could not believe the price (still can’t), but hey, I’m the proof it’s possible!

FOLLOW THE MALDIVES MYSTERY – Open the bottle now!

5. Is it possible to go to a luxury resort in the Maldives on a budget?

It is not only possible, but I would strongly suggest you take all the options in consideration. Check more travel agencies, see what meal plan suits you best, travel off season – the weather is just as beautiful.

As soon as I understood we did not need to eat 3 times a day on a hot sunny island, the budget became even friendlier.

We aren’t heavy drinkers either, so a couple of cocktails or beers, paid separately, would be just enough. A big (1 liter) bottle of water is included on a daily basis so we only need one extra each day. The complimentary water come with any meal plan, no worries there!

That being said, I chose the half board plan and now I congratulate myself for doing so. Just to give you an idea – for drinks, extra bottled water, day trips – yes, including manta ray trip, wow!, water activities, room service, snacks and tips we paid at the end of the 2 weeks only USD 600 (around EUR 530 or GBP 450). That little, yes. An upgrade to AI would have cost at least EUR 1000 for the both of us.

So, in other words, AI (All Inclusive) would have been a complete waste in our case. Also, please remember that AI in the Maldives is not like in Turkey, for example. Only selected drinks, or restaurants or water activities are included. Sometimes, no water activities at all. Problem is, you still have to pay extra. So why not pay exactly for what you want and usually consume?

6. What is the best time to visit the Maldives?

One of the best things when planning this trip is that you can actually visit the Maldives all year round. There is a dry season starting somewhere in November and ending in April and the wet season from May to October.

I was there in June and the weather was simply superb. Although June is a wet month during the rainy season, as a passionate photographer, I had many opportunities to observe nature in different lights. The weather changed from one hour to another but nothing ruined the trip. Absolutely nothing, not even the couple of storms that were actually amazing shows!

7. Where to stay in the Maldives?

I would definitely say the luxury resorts in the Maldives are the best choice. The good part is that almost all the resorts come with a certain dose of luxury.

The bad part is the financial detail. The accommodation can cost you between USD 100/night in low season and a basic or no meal plan and can increase drastically if the resort is truly luxurious. I’ve heard there are rooms in the Maldives than can cost around USD 30 000/night. Um, OK. Let’s say the sky is the limit there.

I stayed at Reethi Beach Resort and the price in June was probably the lowest possible – around  USD 100/night even with half board included. But, good luck finding such good deal again – it’s not an easy task.

Going back to the same resort in just a few weeks, this time in November, the price doubled. And in February, which is the peak season, it may be as expensive as  USD 450-500/night.

That’s why I keep repeating this: do your homework, check as many travel agencies as you can, compare prices according to different seasons then take a decision.

8. Manta rays excursion – a must do if you plan a perfect Maldives trip!

Let’s clarify a few things here: manta rays are not dangerous in any way and they can be found only in certain areas in the Maldives.

Truly gracious creatures, the manta rays are an unique experience I was fortunate to live last year for the first time. Swimming with these large fish is something out of this world. They are delicate, gentle and curious.

TIP: to make sure you get the best views, don’t follow the manta rays, but let them come to you, pretend you go away from them and they will follow. 

Trying to follow the manta rays all the time is actually a mistake as they get easily scared and swim away from you and everyone else. Such action can ruin the entire purpose of the excursion. 

Booking a manta ray excursion in the Maldives is very easy – just ask your resort or local host for availability. And remember, the manta ray season starts in late May and ends in November, at least in Baa Atoll. I saw them in June at Hanifaru Bay – it was a fun 45 min cruise on a dhoni from Reethi Beach Resort.

Otherwise, the manta rays season is different in different parts of the Maldives. In other words, they can be seen anytime, but not in the same area.

The best you can do is to plan your perfect Maldives trip, choose accommodation but don’t just book yet, then check the manta rays chances.

9. Where to see manta rays in the Maldives

The best locations in the Maldives to see the manta rays are Baa Atoll or Raa Atoll, but the problem is nobody can guarantee you will see the mantas.

I’ve read reviews from people who got so disappointed after booking manta ray excursion and failed to see any. But that can happen when trying to see whales or dolphins as well. It’s just like going fishing. OK, without the fishing itself.

Please, keep your expectations low and you might be surprised!

10. The Maldives on a budget – stay at the local islands

The local islands are relatively new on the touristic market in the Maldives. The locals have been allowed to accommodate tourists in 2009 and the business is growing. The reviews are mostly great, just like for the luxury resorts.

If you want to know more about the Maldivians, experience a little of their life and culture, if you feel the luxury resorts are neither your style nor for your budget – then go with the locals!

Just remember you must respect the Muslim population and cover shoulders and knees. Also, the bikini beaches are limited and those are the only places you could wear your regular swimsuit. Otherwise, keep everything covered.

To be honest, to me it was a reason to opt for the resort. With my fair complexion, I can hardly get a proper tan. Wearing all sort of clothes lengths would have looked hilarious as irregular tan lines later. Still, I got a pair of natural tanned socks from wearing leggings while snorkeling.

11. How do I get from Male Airport to Maldives islands and resorts? 

So, in the Maldives, transfers can be either by speedboat, seaplane, domestic flight or ferry.

Transfer price may go up to as much as a couple of thousands USD per person. But that’s a very rare case and you should not worry about it if you follow my advise and read the tips.

The Maldives public ferry transfer  

Is the cheapest way to reach an island, but bear in mind that it operates only between the local inhabited islands.  The public ferries never reach a luxury resort, they have a fixed schedule and they are very slow.

The Maldives speedboat transfer

Is the most popular type of transfer but they can only reach islands closer to Male (or to other island that was your arrival/departure airport).

There are many Maldives resorts with speedboat transfers and they are for all budgets. Also, speedboats can transfer you to Maldives local inhabited islands.

For all the other points, there are domestic flights, or the jewel in the crown – the seaplane.

The Maldives domestic flight transfer

Is usually combined with a boat. It’s a convenient option for late arrivals in the Maldives. If you want a seaplane, those start operating at 7 am and stop at 5 pm everyday.

Spending a night in Male is not a bad idea if you want to explore and learn a little about the capital. But, if you only want to enjoy the beach on your island, this could be a turn off.

I’ve read many reviews where tourists were unaware of the transfer types and schedule and ended in Male overnight. They considered that a waste, and so it was, as they lost one night from their resort package. These packages are usually expensive, so you don’t want to be surprised this way.

The seaplane transfer – the key to your perfect Maldives trip!

Let’s see how we can make this possible – a seaplane transfer in the Maldives could be the highlight of your entire trip!

In the Maldives, the seaplane is the most expensive type of transfer but will boost your Maldivian experience beyond your expectations! In other words, a seaplane will highlight your perfect Maldives trip.

12. How much is a seaplane transfer in the Maldives?

The cost may vary from a few hundreds USD to as much as a couple of thousands/pp. In my case, it was around USD 1000 for 2 adults, a return flight between Male and our resort (Reethi Beach).

Click here to watch my video – a seaplane flight from Male to the Maldives resort I stayed at. 

13. Are seaplanes safe? 

Seaplanes are as safe as any other plane, car, train, boat, you name it. As an experience, the seaplane flight is amazing and give spectacular views and a unique sensation. That includes that roller coaster sensation sometimes.

What you’d like to know about these aircraft is that the seaplanes are very well maintained in order to reach a high standard of safety. Also, the pilots are very skilled, so you are in good hands! Or in awe!

14. Maldives transfer most important advise, so your trip should stay perfect: 

Bottom line, my advice: always check the transfer options before booking and definitely before your arrival! This is an essential detail. If you neglect it, this can turn your perfect Maldives trip into a disaster.

Again, Male is the capital of the state, but tourists don’t really accommodate on this island unless they need to spend a night over in between flights/transfer.

It is worth it to visit Male, but for your perfect Maldives trip, as a relaxed escape,  go any other island.

15. Endangered turtles return to beach to lay their eggs

To my surprise, one morning I woke up to find some odd traces around my sunbed. On a closer look, I figured it was a turtle on its way to laying the eggs in the sand. This suddenly made my whole day better.

I announced the diving center and the marine expert of the resort came to check the area. The verdict: ENDANGERED TURTLES RETURN TO BEACH TO LAY THEIR EGGS! YEY!

Hey, if you are passionate about this, keep an eye on job ads as there’s always a luxury resort in the Maldives hiring someone to watch the turtles.

16. Is it safe in the Maldives? 

The Maldives are not associated with danger, normally, but there are a few aspects you must be well aware. Here’s a list of the risks you can expose to, unless you take a little precaution.

Please check these 6 serious subjects and try to avoid them, so you can say you had a perfect Maldives trip:

1. Drowning 

Being a wide spread of islands in the middle of the ocean, the Maldives can be dangerous for those who don’t know how to swim. The underwater beauty is irresistible, but if you know you are not a good swimmer, go for group excursions and make sure you wear the life-jacket. Water activities around the resort islands are more safe, but not  100% safe. Sadly, only this year, there have been several (more than 5 only in January!) drownings registered in the Maldives, all tourists. More than 5 only in January!

I’m not trying to scare anyone, the figures are not supposed to come as a horror detail. It’s just a decent reminder to all tourists. It’s the ocean and we cannot fight it, but we can respect it.

2. Sunburn – don’t ruin your perfect Maldives trip!

I don’t know about you, but with my fair complexion, the sun was always more like an enemy than a friend to me. I can never stop saying that a sun-lotion with a SPF no smaller than 50 is a must.

3. Injuries from scratching coral

This is a serious problem in the Maldives as the ocean is full of coral and stones. This is amazing, really!  Just think about it, especially since the coral is slowly revitalized after a massive bleach a few years ago.

I strongly recommend the water shoes and try to check what’s under the water surface.

Sadly, my friend got a nasty scratch the first day of our trip. It was not the end of the world, but a scar is there forever on his leg.  We tend to joke about it now and say this is a certain proof he visited the Maldives.

4. Coconuts targeted

Being hit by a coconut can end up with a tragedy, so it is anything but a funny episode. Normally, the resorts take this into serious consideration. They hire people specially trained to pick up the ripe fruits. But, it’s nature and anything can happen. Just be careful and watch your coconuts! 🙂

5. Marine life should make your Maldives trip perfect!

Besides the beautiful islands, the marine life of the Maldives makes this destination so special. The biodiversity is incredible, hence the many tourists enjoying snorkeling or diving here.

So, let’s see… plenty of sting rays in the Maldives! Beautiful and elegant creatures but with a deadly sting – remember Steve Irwin? No need to panic or unpack at this point, but tourists should learn about them and respect the marine life, in general. It’s the best way to stay safe, after all.

Also, jellyfish or trigger fish can cause problems. Trigger fish is beautiful and easy to observe while snorkeling or diving. Just don’t get too close if you see this bad boy guarding the nest. Nesting is a delicate period, normally around April/May,  and they tend to get aggressive if they feel insecure. They have sharp teeth and can bite. You won’t die, but you don’t want to get bitten either. Better swim away horizontally (not upward) and make sure you put your snorkeling/diving gear in between yourself and the fish if he gets too aggressive and too close.

Do not fear of the sharks, they are not dangerous. Don’t try to harass them – still, its one of the most ferocious predators – but enjoy the fortunate occasion to admire such amazing creatures in their own natural habitat. The sharks species you find in the Maldives are the least aggressive in the world.

6. Tsunami

We don’t want to see it happening again. The tragedy back in 2006 hopefully taught us something, especially about warnings and safety measures.

 

Ready now?

So, that’s all for now! Hoping you’d find these info useful, I’d love to hear about your Maldivian past experiences or future plans. And, of course, stay tuned for my next article!

In the mean time, I will go back to the Maldives and try to write a new report about this amazing land. After all, that’s what corinareports.com is about. Wait, is it land? It’s sand… Or?…

See you around the world, people!

Read my article about the mysterious message in a bottle found on a deserted island in the Maldives.

Are you a Paradise beach addict? Check my article about Varadero, Cuba.