Maldives travel: the 2026 guide

Private resort (one island = one hotel): all-inclusive, private beach, spa, seaplane transfers included, no local contact. EUR 500-3,000/night/villa. Ideal for honeymoons and impeccable service.

Guesthouse on a local island (Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, Fulidhoo, Dhigurah...): room EUR 45-120/night, a la carte meals EUR 10-20, snorkelling excursions EUR 25-40, speedboat transfers EUR 25-70. Bikini only on designated 'bikini beaches'.

Winning combo: 3 guesthouse nights in Maafushi + 3 mid-range resort nights (Adaaran Rannalhi, Cinnamon Dhonveli from EUR 350/night). 40% saved vs 6 full-resort nights.

Male Atoll (North + South): closest (30 min speedboat), most accessible. Guesthouses in Maafushi, Thulusdhoo (Cokes surf spot), Gulhi.

Ari Atoll: world-famous for manta rays and whale sharks year-round. Guesthouses in Dhigurah, Dhangethi.

Baa Atoll (UNESCO): Hanifaru Bay = world's #1 manta ray spot (June-Nov). Luxury resorts (Soneva Fushi, Four Seasons).

Rasdhoo & Vaavu: excellent for scuba, intimate vibe.

Fuvahmulah (far south): domestic flight required, world-famous for tiger sharks (experienced divers only).

Backpacker guesthouse: Paris-Male low-cost via connection (Turkish, Emirates) EUR 649 + 6 nights at EUR 55 + speedboat EUR 60 + 3 excursions EUR 90 + food EUR 25/day = EUR 1,100-1,400 all-in/pers.

Guesthouse + mid-range resort combo: flight EUR 649 + 3 guesthouse nights EUR 165 + 4 half-board 4* nights (Kandima, Adaaran) EUR 1,400 + transfers EUR 250 = EUR 2,500-3,000/pers.

Premium all-inclusive resort: Emirates flight EUR 850 + 7 overwater villa 5* nights (Meeru, Kuramathi, Vilamendhoo) EUR 2,800-4,500 + speedboat/seaplane EUR 250-450 = EUR 4,000-6,500/pers.

Ultra-luxury (Soneva Fushi, Cheval Blanc, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru): EUR 12,000-25,000/pers for 7 nights.

Dry season: December-April. Blue sky, flat sea, diving visibility up to 40 m. High season - resorts full, prices +40-80% vs May-Sept.

Wet season: May-November. Short tropical showers (30-60 min), rarely all day. Prices down to -50%. Best window for manta rays and whale sharks in Ari Atoll (May-Dec) and Hanifaru Bay (Jun-Nov).

Chinese New Year (late Jan-early Feb): peak of peak, resorts stormed by Chinese tourists. Avoid or book 6 months ahead.

Absolutely avoid: 10 days around Western New Year (prices x2 to x3).

Paris to Male (MLE): no non-stop. Emirates via Dubai (13h), Qatar via Doha (13h), Etihad via Abu Dhabi (13h), Turkish via Istanbul (14h). EUR 649 (low) to EUR 1,200 (Christmas).

Island transfers: - Speedboat: EUR 25-70, up to 1h30, close islands only. - Seaplane (Trans Maldivian Airways): EUR 250-450 return, far atolls, daytime only. - Domestic flight + speedboat: extreme north/south, EUR 150-300.

Visa: free on arrival for all, 30 days (extendable). Passport valid 6 months.

Warning: importing alcohol is strictly forbidden (100% Muslim country). No revealing clothes off resort islands. No bikini on local islands outside bikini beaches.