Maldives Travel Tips
The Maldives is a collection of 1,192 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls over a distance of 823km’s. Of these atolls, 10 are open to tourism and about 90 of the individual islands are exclusive resorts. Most of its inhabited islands are staunchly Islamic in character, yet the resort islands are allowed to exist in a kind of bubble where more typically western behavior is tolerated. The overwhelming majority of visitors to the Maldives book all-inclusive holiday packages and spend all their time on their resort island of choice
When is the best time to visit Maldives? The Maldives has a humid tropical climate all year round but typically the best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season (December to April), though this is also the high tourist season so prices will be higher and accommodation might be scarce. The best months for diving in the Maldives are November and April, while the best time for surfing is from March to May and then again from September to November.
Getting to Maldives. From South Africa you would fly to Male airport. From there you would either take a domestic flight and then speedboat to your resort, or a seaplane transfer directly to the resort or for closer islands a speedboat transfer.
Tipping is not officially encouraged in the Maldives. But it’s customary to tip waiters and room staff in the resorts if the service is good, even if a service charge has already been added.
Visas are not required for South African Passport holders
Do not pack alcohol products in your luggage as it’s strictly prohibited on the main island and in the airport. Alcohol is only available on islands with resorts on them.
Fun facts
At an average of just 1,5m above sea level, the island-chain of the Maldives is the world’s lowest country and is made up of 99% of Water, 1% of Land
Although the Maldives cover an area of 90,000 km2, the total land area is only about 300 km2 in total, including the surface made of coral
The adult literacy rate in the Maldives is one of the highest in the world at 99 percent.
Cowry shells can be found by millions in Maldives. They were used as units of money during medieval times. This is why nowadays shells commonly ornate Maldivian coins.
The Maldives have some of the smallest islands in the World with no more than a few square meters size. The largest island barely reaches 6kms long.
In 2009, the then Maldivian government held a cabinet meeting underwater, The world’s first underwater cabinet meeting. With scuba gear and oxygen tanks replacing business suits and ties, the reason behind having the underwater meeting was to create awareness and highlight the threat of global warming to the low-lying Indian Ocean nation.
Things to do in the Maldives
Diving and snorkeling: Vaavu Atoll attracts divers with its wealth of marine life; Lhaviyani Atoll’s Kuredu Express is a strong current that provides excitement for divers looking for thrills; the North Male Atoll is great for calmer dives, and small, interesting sea creatures; Lankanfinolhu Faru is one of the best places to see manta rays; and Ari Atoll is great for dives with sharks and other large fish.
The world’s biggest fish, the Whale Shark has made Maldives its refuge. One of the few destinations in the world where these magnificent creatures can be seen all through the year, adventure seekers can go diving with certified instructors and actually swim alongside a Whale Shark.
Night fishing, Big-game and deep-sea fishing. Most resorts and hotels offer all the basic fishing gear you may need, but experienced
fishermen do sometimes complain about the quality and limited selection of the rods. If you are an expert, it is best to bring your own equipment to avoid disappointment. But if you are a beginner, you should be perfectly satisfied with what they offer.
Watersports of many different kinds are popular at the various resorts in the Maldives, including parasailing, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, waterskiing, kite surfing, and tubing. Visitors also love to go cruising in glass-bottomed boats, often in search of dolphins to swim with.
Book an excursion to swim with dolphins, turtles or manta rays
Top tips for visiting Maldives
Do not over pack! Pack lightweight clothing and insect repellent. If taking a domestic flight or seaplane they only allow small suitcases and most of the time have a weight limit.
Book an all-inclusive package as resorts are generally very expensive and you are the only resort on the island.
If you love snorkeling perhaps bring your own gear, some resorts charge extra for it and some resorts make you sign it in and out every day, which could be frustrating if you wanting to snorkel early before the dive centre opens. Always check this with one of My Travel Guy’s travel agents as they will be able to advise.
Bring your own sunscreen, the resorts charge a very high price for a bottle. Please also pack a reef safe sunscreen to protect the marine life. You will need sunscreen as Maldives is located close to the equator, so they receive high amount of Sun-rays. Almost direct, they strike at a 90° angle
Be careful what time you book your flight to arrive or depart as it may not match up to the time you need to take a seaplane transfer or speedboat. If booking with My Travel Guy they will ensure the right times are booked but if you are booking your own flights please check with your travel agent you are booking the correct times.
Check out these great packages for Maldives for your next holiday:
https://mytravelguy.co.za/product-category/destinations/maldives-destinations/
