- Choose your resort by transfer type: speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight
- December to April is driest; May to November is wetter but cheaper
- British visitors get a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival
- Local-island guesthouses are a far cheaper alternative to resorts
- Airports
- Malé Velana International (MLE)
- Flight time
- about 10h direct from London to Malé, or 12-14h with one stop
- Best time to go
- December-April
- Currency
- Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR); resorts charge in US dollars
The Maldives is the ultimate beach escape: more than a thousand coral islands scattered across 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, most of them barely above sea level and ringed by turquoise lagoons. Many of the resorts each occupy an island of their own, with villas on stilts over the water and house reefs where you can snorkel with turtles and reef sharks straight from the beach.
It is famously expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Guesthouses on local islands have opened the country up to travellers on a budget. This guide, one of our Asia guides, explains how to choose where to stay, when to go and what it really costs.
Where to go in the Maldives
North and South Malé atolls
The closest atolls to the airport, reached by speedboat in anything from 15 minutes to an hour. Ideal if you want to avoid seaplane costs or arrive late at night, and home to many long-established resorts.
Ari Atoll
West of Malé and reached by seaplane, Ari is known for diving and snorkelling, with year-round whale shark sightings in the south of the atoll and manta ray cleaning stations.
Baa Atoll
A UNESCO biosphere reserve north-west of Malé. Hanifaru Bay sees large gatherings of manta rays, mainly from about June to November, and visits are strictly managed.
Further afield
Atolls such as Lhaviyani, Raa, Noonu and Addu in the far south are reached by seaplane or domestic flight plus a boat. They are quieter, with some exceptional reefs, but transfers cost more.
Local islands
Since 2009, guesthouses have been allowed on inhabited islands such as Maafushi, Thoddoo, Dhigurah and Ukulhas. They cost a fraction of a resort and give a glimpse of everyday Maldivian life, but local laws apply: no alcohol (except on licensed safari boats or nearby resorts) and modest dress away from designated "bikini beaches".
Best time to visit the Maldives
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| December-April | Dry north-east monsoon; calm seas, clear water and the highest prices, especially at Christmas and Easter |
| May-November | Wetter south-west monsoon; humid, with showers and some windy days, but often sunny spells and big resort discounts |
Temperatures barely change, around 30 °C year-round. The wetter months are good for manta rays and whale sharks.
Getting to the Maldives from the UK
Direct flights from London to Malé, when available (usually seasonally with British Airways), take around 10 hours. Most visitors fly with one stop via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul, taking 12-14 hours in total, and many break the journey with a stopover in Dubai or the Gulf. Your resort transfer starts at the airport: speedboats run day and night, but seaplanes fly only in daylight, so a late arrival may mean a night near Malé.
Entry requirements
British passport holders currently get a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival, provided you have a passport valid for at least six months, a confirmed booking for your accommodation and a return or onward ticket. You must also complete the online traveller declaration (IMUGA) within 96 hours of arrival and departure. Rules change, so check the GOV.UK foreign travel advice for the Maldives before booking.
Getting around
Most resort guests never leave their island. Transfers are arranged by the resort: speedboat for nearby atolls, seaplane for further ones, or a domestic flight plus boat for the most remote. On local islands, public ferries are very cheap but slow and infrequent, and shared speedboats link the islands closest to Malé.
Money and costs
Resorts price everything in US dollars, and prices are high: a mid-range resort costs roughly £300-600 a night for a couple, with luxury villas well over £1,000. Seaplane transfers can add around US$600-1,000 per person return, and a nightly green tax of around US$12 per person applies at resorts (2026). All-inclusive or full-board packages usually work out cheaper, as there is nowhere else to eat. Local-island guesthouses start from around £60-100 a night. Many resorts add a 10% service charge; extra tips for staff are appreciated but optional.
Frequently asked questions
Is all-inclusive worth it in the Maldives?
Usually, yes. With no independent restaurants on resort islands, menu prices and drinks are high, so all-inclusive or full board often saves money and worry.
Can you visit the Maldives on a budget?
Yes. Stay in a guesthouse on a local island such as Maafushi or Dhigurah, travel by public ferry and book a day trip to a resort if you want a taste of luxury.
Is a seaplane transfer worth the cost?
The flight itself is spectacular, and seaplane resorts tend to be more remote, with better reefs. If you are on a tighter budget, speedboat resorts near Malé save a lot.
Is the Maldives good for families?
Many resorts have kids' clubs and family villas, and shallow lagoons are perfect for children. Overwater villas are less suitable for toddlers, so check resort policies.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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