Maldives
Maldives, Asia
Slow days, glass-clear water, and a sea that glows after dark.
An archipelago of around 1,200 low-lying coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, grouped into 26 atolls. Known for over-water villas, clear shallow lagoons, and some of the richest reef diving anywhere.
Our honest take
The Maldives is paradise but it's a specific kind of paradise, resort islands where you eat, swim, and sleep. If you need cultural stimulation or nightlife, you'll be bored by day 3. For couples and divers, it's unbeatable. Budget travellers: local island guesthouses exist and are 80% cheaper.
Why go
- Best snorkeling and diving on Earth, period
- Overwater bungalows that justify the photos
- Bioluminescent beaches at new moon are genuinely magical
Skip if you can
- Day trips to Malé, the capital is congested and has little for tourists
- Resort buffet every night, ask about local island excursions for seafood BBQ
- Booking the cheapest water villa, beach villas often have better reef access
Things to do
Where locals eat
The Maldivian breakfast: shredded smoked tuna mixed with grated coconut, onion, and chilli, scooped up with roshi flatbread. Simple, fresh, and everywhere off the resort islands.
Sea House Café in Malé for local dishes, or a hotaa on an inhabited island for the everyday version
A clear tuna broth served with rice, lime, chilli, and onion, the humble everyday Maldivian fish soup, quite different from resort menus.
A local island hotaa
A spread of tuna-based fried snacks, bajiya, gulha, masroshi, eaten with sweet tea. The Maldivian teatime tradition.
A tea shop on an inhabited island
Whatever came in that day, reef fish or tuna grilled with Maldivian spices. The one thing resorts and local islands agree on.
A beachside grill or resort seafood night
Costs
Per person, per day on the ground, lodging, food, local transport and activities. Excludes international flights (see Getting there).
Seaplane transfer: $400-700. All-inclusive upgrade: $150-300/day. Diving: $80-150/dive.
Getting there
Where to stay
Closest to airport, widest resort selection
UNESCO biosphere, best marine life, whale sharks
Budget guesthouses, bikini beach, $80-200/night
Whale shark guaranteed sightings, diving paradise
Good to know
- Strict alcohol laws on local islands (resorts exempt)
- Reef-safe sunscreen required by many resorts
- Strong currents in channels between atolls, dive with guides only
- No public displays of affection on local islands
Prices, visa rules, and transport details may change. Always verify with official sources before booking. Last updated: July 2026.