Why Fly to Maldives
The Maldives is 1,200 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, and it delivers exactly what it promises: turquoise water, white sand, and reefs full of life. Most visitors come for the resort experience — overwater villas, house reefs you can snorkel from your deck, and sunsets that look like a screen saver. But there's more here than luxury. Budget guesthouses on local islands like Thulusdhoo have opened up the destination to travelers who don't need butler service to have a good time.
Malé, the capital, is one of the most densely packed cities on the planet squeezed onto a single island. It's worth half a day — walk the Fish Market, visit the Grand Friday Mosque, and get a feel for how Maldivians actually live. Hulhumalé, a man-made island minutes from the airport, is a useful base with cheaper accommodation and easy access to day trips. Crossroads, a 15-minute speedboat from the airport, clusters several mid-range resorts around a marina with restaurants and water sports. The real Maldives, though, is out on the atolls.
Best Time to Visit Maldives
December through March is peak season and the best weather window. Skies are clear, seas are calm, and visibility underwater is excellent — ideal for diving and snorkeling. Expect higher prices and fully booked resorts if you don't plan ahead. April and October are shoulder months worth considering: fewer crowds, lower rates, and mostly good weather with occasional short showers. May through September is the wet season, bringing stronger winds and more rain. It's not a washout — sunshine still happens daily — but it's not the postcard version either. Surfers actually prefer this period for the swells it produces around spots like Thulusdhoo.
Getting Around Maldives
Getting between islands is the main logistical challenge here. Velana International Airport in Malé is the entry point for almost everyone. From there, seaplanes are the most scenic way to reach remote atolls — flights take 20 to 45 minutes and run during daylight hours only, which affects arrival and departure timing. Speedboats cover shorter distances to nearby islands and are the standard transfer for resorts within an hour or two of Malé. Public ferries connect inhabited local islands and are cheap but slow, running on fixed schedules that don't always align with tourist plans. There are no roads between islands and no national rail system — everything moves by water or air.
Visa & Entry Requirements
EU, UK, and US passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival. No advance application needed. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. You'll need proof of onward travel, a confirmed accommodation booking, and sufficient funds for your stay. Extensions up to 90 days are possible through immigration in Malé. The process at the airport is straightforward — use the official arrival booths and book any seaplane or speedboat transfers through your resort or licensed operators.
Money & Budget
The official currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but US dollars are the practical currency at resorts and widely accepted across the islands. Carry small USD bills for tips, local market purchases, and speedboat fares — change often comes back in Rufiyaa. Credit cards work fine at resorts. On local islands, cash is essential. ATMs are available in Malé and Hulhumalé but not reliable everywhere else. Budget travelers staying in guesthouses on local islands should plan for $100–$200 per day including accommodation, meals, and basic transfers. Mid-range stays at Crossroads-style resorts run $300–$600 per day. Luxury overwater villas at full-service resorts start at $500–$1,000+ per day, often all-inclusive. Factor in $50–$150 for seaplane or speedboat transfers on top of accommodation costs, plus $100 or more per person for diving excursions.
Top Cities to Visit in Maldives
- Malé: The compact capital worth a half-day visit for the Fish Market, Grand Friday Mosque, and a look at urban Maldivian life.
- Hulhumalé: A modern planned island adjacent to the airport, useful as a budget base with ferry and speedboat connections across the atolls.
- Crossroads: A 15-minute speedboat from the airport with clustered mid-range resorts, a marina, restaurants, and water activities — a good middle ground between local islands and remote luxury.
- Thulusdhoo: A local island 30 minutes by boat from the airport, popular with surfers and budget travelers looking for an authentic, resort-free experience.
- Maafushi: One of the most accessible local islands for budget stays, with guesthouses, dive schools, and sandbanks reachable by short boat trip.
- Addu Atoll (Gan): The southernmost atoll, reached by domestic flight, with World War II history, cycling paths between connected islands, and far fewer tourists.
FAQ — Flights to Maldives
Which airport do flights to Maldives arrive at?
Almost all international flights land at Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. A small number of direct resort transfers use Gan Airport (GAN) in Addu Atoll for southern destinations. From Velana, you connect to your island by seaplane, speedboat, or domestic flight.
How far in advance should I book flights to Maldives?
For peak season travel between December and March, book flights and accommodation at least three to four months ahead. Popular resorts sell out early and seaplane slots are limited by daylight hours, which can affect your check-in timing. Shoulder season travel in April and October allows more flexibility with two to six weeks' notice.
Are there direct flights to Maldives from Europe and the US?
Direct flights from Europe operate from several hubs including London, Frankfurt, and Zurich. Travelers from the US typically connect through Dubai, Doha, Colombo, or Singapore. Total journey time from the US East Coast is usually 18 to 24 hours with one stop. Qatar Airways, Emirates, and SriLankan Airlines are the most common carriers for connections.