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The Maldives is a nation of 1,192 coral islands stretched across the Indian Ocean like a pearl necklace someone forgot to pick up. Only 200 are inhabited, and the resort islands offer a privacy and beauty that borders on surreal. The water is the bluest blue. The sand is the whitest white. The fish are more colorful than a Pantone swatch book. It is, quite simply, paradise with room service.
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Cost & Safety
Cost of Living IndexVery Expensive
BudgetExpensive
Safety RatingVery Safe
Quick Facts
CurrencyMaldivian Rufiyaa (USD accepted at all resorts)
LanguageDhivehi (English widely spoken at resorts)
Time ZoneMVT (UTC+5)
Visa & Entry
All nationalities: free 30-day tourist visa on arrival.
Full visa & vaccination details →Local Customs & Etiquette
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The Maldives is an Islamic nation — modest clothing on inhabited islands (not resort islands)
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Alcohol is only available on resort islands, not inhabited islands
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Shark fishing is banned — the Maldives is a shark sanctuary
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Remove shoes when entering a local home
Insider Tips from WorldAdventure Guides
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Whale shark season in South Ari Atoll is year-round but peaks November–April
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Overwater villas with sunset views cost more than sunrise — sunrise villas are the smart money
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The seaplane transfer from Malé is half the experience — sit on the left side for better views
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Ask your resort about night snorkeling — bioluminescent plankton is mind-blowing
Expeditions in Maldives