A snorkeling tour of reefs with marine biologists. Swimming in balmy, turquoise lagoons. Getting a massage at an underwater spa… On a tailor-made vacation to the Maldives with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our Maldives specialists know the islands inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook.
Enjoy traditional Boduberu folk music and dancing. Eat breakfast on a stark white sandbar, in the midst of calm, vibrant blue waters. Dine on board a luxury dhoni. Help with coral conservation. Relax in an infinity pool. Try waterskiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing or parasailing in the year-round warm waters. Snorkel with a chance to see sea turtles, sharks and manta rays. Recover your inner calm with yoga sessions in a pavilion surrounded by turquoise waters.
Glimmering waters. Swaying palm trees. Endless opportunities to observe dolphins, sharks and rays. What excites you? Travel at your own pace, in your own style, with the confidence that we’ll show you the best options, wherever you go.
Suggested tours for Maldives
With its palm-fringed shores, turquoise waters, and pristine white beaches, the Maldives makes for an idyllic escape. Our specialists will take time to get to know you so they can pick the best island stay for you, whether you’re looking for an overwater bungalow or a private beachside villa.
Where to stay in the Maldives
We know that where you stay is an important part of your trip. That’s why we’ve hand-picked the best properties in the Maldives, from beachside hideaways to activity-filled family resorts.
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![Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Conrad Rangali Island & Resort, Maldive Island]()
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
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![Water Villas, Velassaru Island, Maldive Island]()
Velassaru Island
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![Water Pool Villa, Baros Maldives, Maldive Island]()
Baros Maldives
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![Water Villa, Constance Moofushi]()
Constance Moofushi
Maldives
Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 25 years
- 98% of our clients would recommend us
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit the Maldives, including information about climate, events and festivals.
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Useful information for planning your vacation in the Maldives
What language is spoken in the Maldives?
The official language of the Maldives is Maldivian Divehi, a dialect of Sinhala (spoken by most Sri Lankans), with script derived from Arabic. English is spoken in most hotels and visitor hubs and by officials.
What's the currency of the Maldives?
The currency of the Maldives is the rufiyaa (Rf), however, euros and US dollars are also widely accepted. All major credit cards can be used at resorts, in restaurants and shops in Malé, and on several other islands. There’s an ATM in the airport if you’d like to withdraw rufiyaa but there’s normally a 5% charge. The rufiyaa is a closed currency, so you’ll need to change back any local cash before leaving as you’ll be unable to do so elsewhere.
What food and drink should I try in the Maldives?
In the Maldives you should try freshly caught fish and seafood, the local staple. Typically served with rice or roshi (flatbread), you’ll find fish in everything from breakfast dishes such as mas huni (smoked tuna with onion, chilli, and coconut) to street snacks such as baija (pastry stuffed with fish, onions, and coconut).
Most Maldivian dishes have Asian and Arabic influences, but you’ll find Asian and European food on most resort menus. Government and service taxes of 10% and 12% are also added to all costs locally.
How much should I tip in the Maldives?
Where a service charge isn’t already included, a 10% tip is expected in Maldivian restaurants. Some resorts automatically add 10% to bills for additional services.
What should I wear in the Maldives?
Light, airy summer clothing is ideal in the Maldives where the strong sun means you’ll also need a hat and sunglasses. While beachwear is fine by the pool or on the beach, topless and nude sunbathing is prohibited. The Maldives is an Islamic country, and you should dress modestly in towns and villages and cover your shoulders and knees. Although you shouldn't touch corals, plastic shoes are a good precaution against cuts from sharp pieces of coral.
Where can I find the latest travel advice for the Maldives?
For the latest travel advice for the Maldives, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the State Department website.
What can I experience in the Maldives?
Powdery soft sands, crystalline waters, excellent snorkeling and diving, and resorts that offer unashamed luxury are what the Maldives are all about. Whether you want to spend your day by the pool or in the spa, would prefer to dive over coral reefs or on shipwrecks, kayak through shoals of kaleidoscopic fish, or feast on the finest of foods, we’ll find the right place for you.
You could also try your hand at big-game fishing, take a boat trip with a marine biologist, or take underwater photography lessons. Most of all though, the Maldives offer indulgent moments all to yourself such as private dining on an isolated sandbank, a wine tasting where baby reef sharks swim about your knees, or a private breakfast on a piano deck surrounded by turquoise water.
Where can I stay in the Maldives?
In the Maldives, you can stay in resorts with overwater bungalows, private villas, or rustic cottages. Choosing the right place to stay in the Maldives is crucial as your resort island is the focus of your trip.
To help narrow things down, we’ve hand-picked some of the best places to stay and will help you decide which island is right for you whether romance, water sports, or wellness is your priority. For some more ideas, browse our collection of places to stay in the Maldives.
Where should I go in the Maldives?
Choosing where to go in the Maldives can be tricky, but with around 100 different resorts you’ll easily find somewhere to suit you whether you’re on honeymoon, in search of total relaxation, or hoping to snorkel with manta rays and sharks. Speak to your specialist about your interests and together you’ll find the ideal destination for your trip.
How long does it take to fly to the Maldives from the US?
It takes around 18 hours to fly from the East Coast of the US to the Maldives, and around 23 hours from the West Coast.
What's the time zone in the Maldives?
The time zone in the Maldives is UTC+5. Daylight Savings Time isn’t observed.
What's the best way of getting around in the Maldives?
One of the joys of a trip to the Maldives is that there’s no need to go anywhere. Each island is its own all-inclusive destination with hotel, restaurants, water sports, and blissful white sands. You’ll arrive at the international airport in Malé and travel by seaplane or speedboat to your resort from there.
Do I need a visa to visit the Maldives?
US citizens will be issued with a tourist visa valid for 30 days on arrival in the Maldives providing you can show evidence of an onward or return flight.
What do I need to check with my passport for travel to the Maldives?
Check that your passport is valid for six months beyond your date of departure from the Maldives and has one unstamped double page free.
Do I need vaccinations to visit the Maldives?
Your doctor can provide you with immunization advice for the Maldives. You can also check the suggested vaccinations on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website and you should ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations at home.
The Maldives in pictures
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![Clownfish, The Maldives]()
Explore the reefs and the local marine life -
![Maldive Island, The Maldives]()
Go island hopping -
![Seaplane in the Maldives]()
Charter a boat or seaplane to whisk you away to a private beach picnic -
![Tropical Fish, The Maldives]()
Dive in some of the best regarded dive spots in the world
Our expert guides to traveling in the Maldives
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to the Maldives. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate the Maldives at its best.
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![My travels in the Maldives]()
My travels in the Maldives
A short film of specialist Vicky's trip to the Maldives where she explored the islands of Baros, Kurumba, Maalifushi, Niyama and Velassaru.
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What to do in the Maldives: our highlights guide ![Whale Shark, The Maldives]()
What to do in the Maldives: our highlights guide
What to do in the Maldives: our highlights guide
Dive with turtles and whale sharks, take a dolphin cruise, and find out where to stay and eat some of the best seafood the Maldives has to offer. Maldives specialist, Francesca picks her favorite things to see and do when visiting this collection of islands in the Indian Ocean.
Read this guide -
Luxury vacations in the Maldives ![Beach pool villa, Milaidhoo Island Maldives, Maldive Island]()
Luxury vacations in the Maldives
Luxury vacations in the Maldives
Opulent hotels, indulgent spas, world-class dining, crystal-blue waters and white sand beaches — Audley’s Ludo explains what makes the Maldives a top luxury destination. As an avid diver and snorkeler, he also discusses the island’s thriving coral reefs and exceptional water sports.
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Palm-fringed paradise: honeymoons in the Maldives ![The Maldives]()
Palm-fringed paradise: honeymoons in the Maldives
Palm-fringed paradise: honeymoons in the Maldives
The Maldives might just be the honeymoon destination you’ve been dreaming of. With some of the world’s whitest sands, clearest waters and most extravagant hotels, it’s an obvious choice, but not all islands are created equal. Hidden Beaches specialist Vicki picks her top honeymoon islands.
Read this guide -
Which island? An Indian Ocean comparison guide ![Mauritius]()
Which island? An Indian Ocean comparison guide
Which island? An Indian Ocean comparison guide
Deciding between the Indian Ocean’s Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius can be a challenge. Our specialists compare the trio in this guide, concentrating on what sets each destination apart, as well as tips for couples, honeymooners, families and those eager to snorkel or dive.
Read this guide -
The best cuisine across the Indian Ocean ![Creole lunch, Mauritius]()
The best cuisine across the Indian Ocean
The best cuisine across the Indian Ocean
Cuisine across the Indian Ocean ranges from home-cooked curries to à la carte tasting menus served on a private sandbank. Focusing on Mauritius, the Maldives and the Seychelles, our specialists explore each region’s culinary signatures, and the best ways to sample them.
Read this guide -
Where to go in the Maldives ![The Maldives]()
Where to go in the Maldives
Where to go in the Maldives
Whether you’re looking for absolute opulence or a family getaway, the Maldives has an island to suit your needs. Just back from the archipelago, specialist Tracey helps you to decide which island is right for you.
Read this guide
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