Holidays in Maldives

Places of Interest

Male, the islands capital is a must-see for a taste of life in the Maldives. Visit the many lively markets selling local crafts and don’t miss the huge fish market. The Sultan’s Palace is set in the stunning grounds of Sultan Park, and the museum here is home to beautiful antiques and relics. Also check out the Grand Mosque with its huge gold dome and the Islamic Centre.

Activities

World famous for its spectacular dive sites this is one activity that you must try in the Maldives! There are scuba diving schools and courses on most islands making it excellent for beginners as well as the more experienced diver. Take part in a ‘dive safari’ where stunning marine life awaits, from manta rays, white tip reef sharks, hunting jackfish, turtles and many more. PADI open water dives and 5 day specialist courses are widely available.

Unsurprisingly the Maldives is fantastic for water-sports. Try your hand at wind-surfing, parasailing, kayaking, water-skiing, jet-skiing and many more.

The best way to explore the many islands of the Maldives is to take an island hopping boat trip. Explore the other atolls and visit fishing communities. Most trips will also have stop off time for diving and snorkelling.

Health and beauty spas feature on some of the islands so if you are after some serious pampering then this is the place for you! Enjoy a relaxing aromatherapy massage, a facial, or have one of the many beauty treatments on offer.

For further ideas to make your trip unique call our friendly knowledgable travel experts who are happy to tailor the perfect trip to suit you.

Local Customs

It is illegal to take anything out of the sea, e.g. living coral or souvenirs from wrecks. Shells must not be taken from the island and items made from turtles should not be purchased.

Alcohol is available on the islands but you cannot take alcohol into the Maldives. Any duty free liquor will be confiscated on arrival but can be collected on departure.

Topless and nudist sunbathing is against the law in the Maldives.

Food & Drink

Seafood, spicy curries and oriental dishes are the order of the day in the Maldives. The seafood is superb with fresh fish and lobster the staple of the menu. Visit Male, the capital, where you’ll find simple restaurants serving local dishes. International cuisine is available in most hotels. A typical three course meal costs around £25 and a bottle of wine starts at around £20.

Nightlife

Entertainment varies between hotels with some offering nightly live shows and discos whilst other more laid back hotels will opt for a weekly barbeque. The Maldives is not known for nightlife and even Male does not have a busy night-time scene.

Shopping

Visit the colourful markets of Male where you will find local crafts such as jewellery, wooden boxes and reed mats. Stroll down the Majeedhee Magu road with its range of shops selling clothing, jewellery, perfumes and electrical items. Chaandanee Magu offers a range of imported goods from Singapore but its worth noting that exporting goods made from coral or turtle shells is prohibited.

Currency

The currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiya. However, on tourist islands the US Dollar is the main currency.

Language

The official language is Dhivehi but English is widely spoken.

Flight time

Approximately 11 hours from the UK.

Time difference

GMT +4 hours

Transfer Times

Transfers to your chosen island are by boat (speedboat or local craft boat) or by sea plane. Transfer times vary dependent on island location and transport type.

Health & Visa Information

For current vaccination information and general travel advice from NHS Direct please click here.

For more information regarding your Visa please click here.