Maldives Holidays
General Information
Time Difference
Time zones difference between Maldives and the UK is + 4 hours.
Currency
Maldivian Rufiyaa
Currency can be changed at currency exchange offices, banks, as well as at the post office. In the resort areas both Visa and Mastercard cards and MVR in cash are accepted for payment.
When exchanging money, please note that currency exchange offices may charge a commission for each transaction.
Capital
Malé
Population
525,994
Language
Dhivehi
Flight duration
13 hours from Gatwick
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season from November to April, when the weather is warm, sunny, and perfect for beach activities, snorkeling, and diving. With calm seas and excellent underwater visibility, this is the ideal time for exploring the Maldives' vibrant coral reefs and marine life. December to March is the peak tourist season, with higher prices for resorts and flights, especially around Christmas and New Year. If you want great weather while avoiding the biggest crowds, consider visiting in late November or April, when the islands are less busy, but conditions are still excellent.
The wet season from May to October brings more frequent rain showers and stronger winds, but it also has benefits for certain travellers. Prices for resorts and flights are significantly lower, making it a good time for budget-conscious visitors. While some days may have heavy rain, showers are usually short-lived, followed by sunshine. Surfers also prefer this season, as the Indian Ocean swells create ideal waves. However, if you’re looking for consistently dry weather and the best underwater visibility, the dry season remains the top choice.
Top 5 Things To Do
Paradise Comes To Life!
Calling all beach adventurers and luxury seekers! Mudhdhoo Beach is your playground for underwater wonders, where you can snorkel with schools of fishes and exchange high fins with turtles. Don't forget to catch the vibrant sunset while sipping coconut cocktails and doing your happy dance. Then, whisk away to Cocoa Island, where opulence awaits. Dive into the turquoise lagoon from your private villa, indulge in spa treatments that make you melt like warm chocolate and sample exquisite cuisine fit for royalty. Get ready to dive into the best of both worlds – wild escapades and lavish relaxation – in this tropical paradise!
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Grab your snorkels and flippers, adventurers! Maaya Thila beckons with its vibrant coral gardens, where colourful fish engage in underwater dance-offs and octopuses showcase their camouflage skills in an "ink-redible" performance. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive whale shark, the gentle giant of the deep, as it glides by. And if you're up for more aquatic thrills, dive into Nassimo Thila's realm, a submerged playground teeming with exotic marine life. Explore hidden caves and swim alongside majestic manta rays, feeling like the star of your own aquatic action movie. Get ready for a double dose of underwater enchantment that will leave you breathless and yearning for more in the mesmerising Maldives!
Sweet Slices Of Haven
Get ready to hop, splash and dance your way through a Maldivian adventure like no other! Where island-hopping adventures await! On Male Island, immerse yourself in the bustling capital, exploring vibrant markets filled with spices that make your taste buds do the salsa. Get your culture fix at the Grand Friday Mosque, marveling at its intricate architecture. Next up, Mirihi Island invites you to soak up the sun on pristine beaches, where you can sip coconut cocktails while playing beach volleyball. And don't forget Maafushi Island, a hub of excitement where snorkeling, dolphin spotting and riding unicorn-shaped jet skis will have you feeling like a true island explorer.
Pamper Yourself!
Prepare to unwind, recharge and find your inner zen while indulging in the ultimate spa adventures! Immerse yourself in a world of wellness bliss, starting with COMO Cocoa Island, where skilled therapists will whisk away your worries with heavenly massages and yoga sessions that have you bending like a palm tree in the breeze. Or head to Waldorf Astoria Maldives in Ithaafushi, where luxurious spa treatments transport you to cloud nine, leaving you floating on a sea of pure bliss. And let's not forget Six Senses Laamu, a sanctuary where holistic therapies and soothing rituals have you feeling as light as a feather and as serene as a dolphin doing tai chi.
Food Escapade
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will have your taste buds singing and your belly dancing with joy in the Maldives! Indulge in mouthwatering delicacies like mas huni, a dance of shredded tuna, coconut and onions that will have your taste buds doing the limbo. Craving a unique dining experience? Dive deep into the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, where you can feast on gourmet delights while surrounded by a kaleidoscope of tropical fish doing their underwater tango. And for a casual foodie escapade, head to Seagull Cafe House, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the melody of seagulls harmonize perfectly while you sample the best seafood!
A Dolphin Rendezvous!
Get ready for a dolphin extravaganza that will have you squealing with delight! Hop aboard a sunset cruise, where the waters come alive with playful dolphins ready to show off their acrobatic skills. Grab your binoculars and prepare for a front-row seat to the most entertaining water ballet you've ever witnessed. As the golden sun dips below the horizon, these adorable flippered performers put on a dazzling show, leaping and twirling in perfect harmony with the waves. It's a dolphin disco party you won't want to miss, so bring your dance moves and get ready to groove with these charismatic sea celebrities!
Weather
The climate of the country isn’t the same in different regions and varies depending on the location. In winter the tourists tend to flock to the Canary Islands , where the temperatures remain high or take in the culture of Barcelona and Madrid on a short city break. The beach season on the sunny coast of Spain lasts from May to October, with the temperature staying at about 28°C during the summer.