Maldives, Indian Ocean
Maldives Travel Guide
Private-island resorts, overwater villas, coral reefs and some of the clearest tropical water in the world.
Best for
Honeymoons, luxury, snorkeling, diving & relaxation
Ideal trip length
5 to 7 nights
Planning example used on this site
7 days / 6 nights
Best time to visit
December through April for generally drier conditions
Known for
Overwater villas, private-island resorts, reefs & lagoons
Getting there
Fly into Velana International Airport (MLE), then continue to your resort by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight depending on location
Currency
Maldivian rufiyaa; U.S. dollars are widely accepted at resorts
Resort transfers
Speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight depending on the island
Why visit Maldives
A vacation built around the ocean
The Maldives is made up of island resorts spread across multiple atolls, with many properties occupying their own private island. Travelers come for overwater villas, white-sand beaches, snorkeling, diving, marine life and a slower resort-centered style of vacation.
Where to stay
Choose the Maldives experience that fits your trip
North & South Malé Atolls
Best for shorter transfers, first-time visitors and resorts closer to Velana International Airport.
Baa Atoll
Best for marine life, snorkeling, diving and travelers interested in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
South Ari Atoll
Best for snorkeling, diving and whale-shark experiences.
Representative imagery of each area — not official hotel photographs.
Things to do
Experience the Maldives beyond your villa
Snorkel a House Reef
Coral, tropical fish, rays and turtles may be accessible directly from some resort islands.
Scuba Diving
Explore reefs, channels and marine life across the atolls.
Whale Shark Excursion
South Ari Atoll is one of the better-known areas for whale-shark experiences.
Sunset Cruise
A classic Maldives excursion with open-water views around the islands.
Plan your trip
Plan your Maldives trip
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