The Maldives is the perfect place for honeymoons and couples looking for a luxury vacation on the island. This 1,000-island country has everything a person could want on a tropical island: crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches, palm trees, warm sunny days and lots of excellent dives. It is as close as possible to the sky. While the Maldives has always been considered an expensive place to visit on a honeymoon/couple, it is actually an incredible economic destination for travelers. Yes, the resorts are expensive (even the cheapest ones), but the country has opened its tourism in recent years and now allows the locals to start their own guesthouses and the ferry system is improving greatly. You can easily visit these countries on a budget while enjoying the perfect beach vacation you came for!

You have already seen photos of the Maldives before: private villas with a perfect image suspended over stunning blue waters, white alabaster sand beaches and spectacular sunsets that plunge into the horizon. The scenic beauty of the Maldives is something to behold, something you cannot understand until you are there in person.

The island nation of Maldives is popular with honeymooners seeking isolation and adventurers seeking to explore the depths of the sea on a diving and snorkeling excursion. Travelers looking to relax can relax in one of the island’s spas and all visitors should spend a day exploring the Maldivian capital of Male. The hotels in this region are also spectacular, from underwater hotels to private over-water bungalows. However, arriving and staying in this tropical paradise requires patience (there are no direct flights from the United States) and abundant cash. Located between the seas of Arabia and Laccadive, approximately 500 miles southwest of Sri Lanka, Maldives is as isolated as it can be, and that is just another of its many attractions.

Many tourists head to the Maldives only to relax on the beach, and for good reason. The white sand like sugar and the amazing blue water are the perfect setting for a beach vacation. Most of the island’s resorts offer their own private stretches of sand, with sun loungers and umbrellas. Some of the resorts that have significant beaches include St Regis Maldives Bhomuli Resort, Aahavi Resort, Como Cocoa Island, Fehallahi Island Resort and Angsana Ihuru. Previous visitors said that the beach scenes in the Maldives are difficult to describe, saying that their beauty has no parallel. There are public beaches on a handful of Maldivian islands, although visitors must be covered since wearing revealing clothing is illegal. A few “bikini beaches” (in Rasdhoo and Maafushi) allow sun lovers to wear typical swimsuits. However, travelers recommend staying on the beaches on or near their island.

In addition to resting on the beach, travelers can enjoy various water activities in the Maldives. Many resorts offer equipment for rent, sometimes included in the room price. Windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, rowing surfing and surfing are just some of the popular water sports options in the Maldives. Some resorts offer other games and activities such as beach volleyball for visitors to enjoy.

Male ‘is one of the smallest capitals in the world, with only 2.2 square miles, but includes people and places of interest. The main places to visit in the capital city include:

Republic Square: this green square is located at the north end of Male ‘and lined with palm trees. The square was built in 1989 and features a flagpole with the largest Maldivian flag in the nation waving proudly. This area is also a popular place for locals.

The National Museum: After the Maldives became a republic, the country created the National Museum. Located in the former palace of the Sultan, the museum has preserved precious relics since 1952. Here, visitors can enjoy an exhibition of real objects, ornate clothing, coins, royal umbrellas, jewelry and of thrones. There are even artifacts from the pre-Islamic era, almost 1 thousand years ago. The National Museum receives travelers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; however, ticket sales end at 4 p.m. Entrance costs 100 rufiyaas (approximately $ 6.50) for adults and 50 rufiyaas (approximately $ 3.25) for children. The museum is a few steps south of Place de la République.

Sultan Park: Located next to the National Museum, Sultan Park is an open green space for locals and visitors to enjoy. The park has sculptures, playgrounds, green areas and fountains, as well as walking trails and benches for when you need to rest. However, previous travelers warn that foreigners must pay to enter the park. Some say the park is excellent if you are visiting with children, but otherwise, it is disappointing and not worth the entrance fee. The entrance to the park costs between 75 and 100 rufiyaas (around $ 5 to $ 6.50) depending on when you visit it. The park is open every day, but several hours apply.

While wandering the streets of the city, you will also notice numerous mosques. Although you may want to venture inside, be cautious and polite: foreigners, especially non-Muslims, are not welcome in some.

Male ‘(and the island that surrounds it) is just a jump, a jump and a jump from the island of Hulhule’, where the airport rests. Its proximity to Hulhule makes it easy and efficient to visit the city at the beginning or at the end of your holiday in the Maldives.

With exceptionally clear waters and thriving marine life, Maldives is an excellent environment for diving and snorkeling. Many resorts have reefs so that nearby travelers can easily swim from the beach, while others offer snorkeling trips where a boat and a tour operator transport you to deeper waters and even more colorful reefs. Meanwhile, beginners and experienced divers can enjoy diving trips through the Maldives. All divers are required to perform an initial guided orientation dive before any additional dive; Experienced divers must also bring their diving certification and logbook. Most divers can make one or two organized dives through their resort or spend their holidays in the Maldives on a LiveAboard boat, which travels daily to different dive sites. Divers and divers were very impressed with the variety of fish and the marine life they saw in the waters of Maldives. Many also praised the friendly and expert tour operators.

Some of the most popular fish you can see in the Maldives include the butterflyfish, the clownfish, the angelfish and the parrotfish, as well as rays, whale sharks, reef sharks and eels. Keep in mind that there are several dangerous types of fish and marine life that inhabit the waters surrounding the Maldives. You should avoid getting too close to lionfish, triggerfish, brunettes, sharks and rays, as the bites or bites of these animals can be fatal.

If you want to take a look at the daily life of the Maldives, look no further than the Male fish market. This is the commercial epicenter of possibly the most important industry in the country: fishing. Here, pedestrian traffic peaks in the afternoon when fishermen across the country navigate to the edge of the market and unload the daily catch. Tuna is the most popular fish for sale, but you will also find other types. Visitors say that watching workers fillet and clean the fish is impressive. You can even make some fresh fish for dinner if you have a meal preparation system. However, some previous travelers warn that communication can be difficult here since some cursed fishermen do not speak fluent English.

There are no opening and closing times established for the market, but you will find the best selection early in the morning and between 3 and 4 p.m. in the afternoon. Male’s fish market is located along the inner harbor on the north side of the island, just west of the Republic Square.

Hukuru Miskiiy, also known as the “Old Friday Mosque”, dates from 1656 and is the oldest mosque in the country. The exterior is made of coral stone and features intricate designs and inscriptions from the Koran. While it may seem disappointing to the average traveler from the outside, the interior of this mosque shows intricate woodwork and exquisite inlays.

Although admission is free, non-Muslim visitors must obtain a permit from an official of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs before entering (many of the employees here are civil servants and can grant access). You should dress conservatively if you wish to enter the mosque and plan to visit outside of prayer times. Your best opportunities to enter are from Sunday to Thursday before the noon prayer; Religious services are held on Fridays and Saturdays. You will find the mosque in Hulhumale ‘, just north of the Velana International Airport.

The Maldivian Victoria sank in 1981 after hitting a reef. Now, the dive site attracts diving enthusiasts thanks to its particularly challenging currents and the rich marine life (prosperous image of coral and goldfish) that has made the wreck a sight to behold.

Maldive Victory rests beneath the waves at the Hulhule House reef, which runs between Male ‘and Hulhule. Experts say this site is magnificent throughout the year. And be sure to take one of those experts, since the currents here can be dangerous. Dive excursions vary in price, depending on the level of instruction required, the amount of rental and transportation equipment to and from the dive site. Be sure to check with the resort concierge for more details and help you make the necessary arrangements for you.

Travelers seeking maximum relaxation should book a spa treatment (or some) while visiting the Maldives. Many of the resorts in the Maldives offer their own on-site spa and use ingredients of island origin in their treatments, such as papaya, algae and pineapple. Services range from massages and typical facials to exclusive options such as citrus hydration body treatments and personalized acupuncture and chakra balance. The Maldives also houses the world’s first underwater spa, Huvafen Spa. In addition, several resorts offer yoga classes that complement the spa’s relaxation and wellness offers.
For additional information on spa treatments, visit the resort or individual spa website. The Maldives tourism board also offers some tips and information about the spa on its website. Keep in mind that, as with many things in the Maldives, spa services will cost a penny.

Accommodation: Apart from the capital, there are no “hotels” in the Maldives. The cheapest resorts generally start at around 900 MVR in the offseason. In most resorts, a double room will cost at least MVR 1,500 per day. Air conditioning and WiFi are relatively standard at most resorts, however, if you want a resort with a pool, expect to pay several thousand MVR per night! However, thanks to the new laws, locals can open their own guesthouses and you will find many islands with guest houses. A room with most private bathrooms starts at around 600 MVR per night (and will include WiFi and breakfast).. Use Booking.com, as they constantly return the cheapest rates

Food: all your meals and drinks are included when you are at the resorts. On the main island of Malé, you can find local markets and restaurants where meals usually cost around 80 MVR. For a better meal in a restaurant with table service, expect to pay around 325 MVR. If you buy your own food and, depending on your diet, expect to spend around 1,000 MVR per week. On the non-tourist islands, expect to pay, 110-150 MVR each for most meals, 150-230 MVR for the dinner buffets you see, and 5 MVR for a cup of tea. A bottle of water will cost between 6-12 MVR.

Transportation: Your resort takes care of all your transportation needs and can help you discover what ferries you need to get around. Arriving from the airport to Male by ferry will cost around 40 MVR per person. Public ferries between islands cost 30-75 MVR, while speedboats cost 110-310 MVR. Flights from Sri Lank are the cheapest, with tickets that cost as little as 2,300 MVR, round trip. If you fly from the United Arab Emirates, expect to pay double.

Activities: Dive costs vary, but a single tank dive will cost around 100 MVR and the value of one week of diving will cost around 5,250 MVR.

Adaaran Prestige Water Villas All Inclusive

Anantara Veli Maldives Resort

Baros Maldives

Central Boutique Inn

Dusit Thani Maldives

Kanuhura Resort & Spa

Mirihi Island Resort

The best time to travel in the Maldives is from November to April. The island nation is warm and sunny throughout the year, but it consists of a dry season and a rainy and wet season. There are advantages and disadvantages of visiting each season. Travelers will experience the best weather in the Maldives between November and April, thanks to the low rainfall and warm temperatures. Unfortunately, this is also the busiest time of the year and, as such, room rates at resorts are expensive. However, since each complex inhabits its own island, it will not have to deal with crowds as it would during the high season in another destination.

From May to October, the rainy season is considered, with the islands seeing between 5 and 10 inches of monthly rainfall and often strong winds. Visitors will probably find better deals for this time of year (however, the term “agreement” is relative, since the Maldives is an expensive place throughout the year). However, this time of year is popular with surfers because the area sees bigger waves and better waves to surf during these months.

The Maldives has been an Islamic nation since the twelfth century. With this rich heritage, you will find religious traditions rooted in culture. The mosques dot the capital of Male ‘, and you will see some men and women dressed in very conservative attire. If you want to visit a mosque, you should also dress accordingly; However, keep in mind that some mosques are closed to non-Muslims. You will also notice people praying in public at certain times of the day. Be respectful by lowering your voice and not walking in front of those who pray. Most of these visible cultural and religious traditions have been extracted from tourist centers. However, particularly during Ramadan, expect to witness some Islamic customs, such as the closure of local restaurants during the day the population will fast.

Public displays of affection, such as kissing or holding hands, are illegal. Alcohol is also illegal, although it is available and can be consumed on tourist islands. Homosexuality is also illegal in this island nation. Men and women should dress conservatively when traveling to and from the airport, and throughout Male ‘and Hulhumale’.

With dozens of tourist islands, Maldives depends on tourism as its dominant industry that uses a large part of the workforce. The other important industry is fishing, and this island nation exports its marine catches to countries around the world. The Maldivian currency is rufiyaa and $ 1 equals about 15 rufiyaas. However, the exchange rate may fluctuate, so be sure to check it before traveling.

The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, although the many Maldives speak and understand English, especially those who work in high-end resorts.

The cuisine in the Maldives depends largely on the ingredients available in the region, which means that seafood, coconut and starches occupy a prominent place in many dishes. Tuna, wahoo and mahi-mahi are some of the fish you can find in the menus of the Maldives. Other popular dishes in the Maldives include samosas (cakes stuffed with a savory filling such as potatoes and spiced vegetables), curry and spicy fried fish.

Keep in mind that because the Maldives is an Islamic nation, the population does not drink alcohol. However, you can enjoy alcoholic beverages in most resorts.

If you are staying in a high-end complex, you probably have more variety in terms of food, with dining options ranging from Italian and Spanish cuisine to Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine. Several hotels offer lunch and dinner buffets. In some properties, you can opt for an all-inclusive rate that covers food and drinks. Regardless of whether you choose an all-inclusive or a la carte menu, dining in the Maldives is very expensive. And if you are looking for a truly unique experience, consider booking a table at an underwater restaurant. Some options include the Ithaa underwater restaurant at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort, the 5.8 underwater restaurants at Hurawalhi Maldives and Subsix at Niyama Private Islands Maldives.

The best way to get around the Maldives is by walking. The capital city of Male has approximately 2.2 square miles, and any resort you choose will also be passable. Jumping from island to island is not the best option since the ferry network is not very extensive. That said, if you travel by yacht, you can navigate these waters. Once you arrive at the Velana International Airport (MLE) on the island of Hulhule ‘, you will most likely be accompanied by a representative from your resort to the island where you are staying. You will have to take a ferry, a seaplane, a speedboat or some combination of the three to reach your final destination. This final excursion is sometimes included in the cost of your hotel stay.

On foot

Once you are on the island of your choice, walking is the most convenient option. All tourist islands, as well as Male are easily manageable on foot.

Yacht
For the rich and famous, this is one of the best ways to travel. The yachts sail through these islands and provide the best access to the remote islands and isolated rocks. Many resorts have their own docks for the convenience of travelers sailing in the sea. You can rent a yacht once you arrive here or you can simply bring yours. Keep in mind that licensed tour operators can take you to islands that are generally out of reach of tourists.

Seaplane

If you are trying to get somewhere in a hurry, take the seaplane. Your resort can use one to transport it to and from the airport. On these short excursions, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the reefs and islands. For a plane jump on the island, compare the rates of Trans Maldivian Airways and Atoll Transfer.

Ferry

The local ferry network is very limited and, although schedules are published, ferries are usually late and sometimes they are not even shown. Since this transit mode is quite unreliable, it is not recommended.

Fast boat

Speedboat transfers have become popular in the Maldives. Some resorts will organize the transfer by speedboat and, in some cases, you can book the transport by speedboat independently. Prices vary by resort and distance.

Taxis

You will also see some taxis in Male ‘, and these can be useful if you have luggage or get caught in a thunderstorm. You can take a taxi or ask for one. A trip usually costs around 20 rufiyaas (around $ 1.30) with a fare of 10 rufiyaas (around 65 cents) per bag.

Flying from the Middle East or Asia: Even traveling to the Maldives by plane can be incredibly expensive. Fortunately, regional airlines such as Air Asia and Sri Lankan Airlines have started offering cheaper airfares to get there. Be sure to try to book a flight from Asia or the Middle East to save on the price of your ticket!

Use ferries: Maldives atolls are served by a series of ferries from Male. They run on opposite days (to Maafushi on Monday, back to Male on Tuesday) and rarely on Friday (being Muslim Saturday). You can jump from Male to the capital island of an atoll and then to smaller nearby islands of the chain. The ferry costs only 30-75 MVR depending on the distance. Research ferries in advance to know when and where you can go next. Jumping from island to island is very difficult without planning.

Stay with the locals: The Maldives has recently allowed locals to accommodate travelers in their homes and this accommodation option is by far the cheapest. Using sites like Airbnb to find these guest houses is a good option. The only alternative to this option (since there is a small number of shelters in the area) is to spend the night in an expensive complex. Learn more about the local culture and save a lot of money by staying in guesthouses.

There is no alcohol: since the Maldives is a Muslim country, alcohol cannot be obtained anywhere in the country, except for tourist islands that have a special exemption.

Take a lot of USD: although Maldives has its own currency (MVR), US dollars are widely accepted and you often get a better price if you pay in USD. This varies from one restaurant or store to another, so I took both coins with me and paid in any currency that had a lower price. (Even if you speak the difference of 50 cents, every penny counts!)

Follow the included excursions: many guest houses have planned excursions that you can do at any time you want. Due to the private nature of staying in a guest house, it will often be you and your host enjoying diving or snorkeling for as long as you want. It is also a good idea to ask local people to see if they know of any special activity to do.