The Maldives is the perfect place to recharge and take a break from the bustle of the city. A trip to the islands is not limited to visiting snow-white beaches, and the entire vacation does not have to be spent only on the hotel grounds. Entertainment and active leisure are mainly related to nature and the ocean, and the tourist season here lasts almost all year round.
We share ideas on what you can do in the Maldives at different times of the year, and also tell you when is the best time to go to the paradise islands to avoid the rainy season.
How to get there
The Republic of Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean and can only be reached by plane. The international airport is located on Hulule Island, 2 km from the capital Male. Ferries and boats go to the city every 10 minutes. There are direct flights from Moscow, the cost of a round trip ticket per person is from 79,000 rubles*, and the travel time is about 9 hours.
Russians who come to the Maldives for tourism purposes are issued a visa for 30 days free of charge at the airport upon arrival. No later than 96 hours before arrival, you must fill out a health declaration and save it to your phone received QR code. Tourists will also need medical insurance that covers treatment for coronavirus. Among other things, border guards may ask for additional documents: a tourist voucher, a return plane ticket and confirmation of a hotel reservation.
Best time to travel
The Maldives is a country of eternal summer, and at any time of the year the average temperature here does not fall below +28-30°C. The weather differs day and night by only 1–2 °C, and the water in the Indian Ocean is heated to +27 °C all 12 months of the year. However, the Maldives has seasonal characteristics that depend on the proximity of the islands to the equator.
The low season in the Maldives is considered to be the period from May to October. At this time, the southwest monsoon (winds that blow in the direction from the ocean to the land) dominates over the islands. It brings cloudy weather, waves and heavy but short-lived downpours. Rain usually occurs at night or in the afternoon. After precipitation, the usual clear ocean becomes cloudy, but not for long. At lunchtime, you may not even realize that there was a heavy tropical downpour at night, because the sand on the beach dries out in just a few hours. The real problem for vacationers in the low season is strong winds that raise high waves in the ocean. Not everyone dares to swim in such weather, but for professional surfers, on the contrary, this is the best time to practice their skills.
The high tourist season lasts from November to April. The Maldives is affected by the northeast monsoon, when strong winds move from the land to the ocean. At this time, the weather on the islands is sunny, windless, there are practically no clouds, and light rains are extremely rare. From January to April, the ocean water becomes clear, and this is the best period for diving. In winter and spring, holidays in the Maldives are the most expensive, the cost of package tours to resort hotels occupying individual resort islands is especially high.
Active leisure activities
Perhaps the most popular entertainment on the islands, which is suitable even for children, is snorkeling. This is swimming at shallow depths with a mask, breathing tube and fins. Most often, there are information posters on the beaches that indicate diving spots. While snorkeling you can see different inhabitants of the Indian Ocean: colorful fish, stingrays and turtles. This type of active recreation is free and available to all tourists, and special equipment can be bought or rented at hotel receptions. The depth of the ocean near the coast, where you can dive, does not exceed 3 meters. The best time for snorkeling is from November to April, when there is no rain and the ocean water is as clear as possible. Almost all resort hotels have a house reef, which is sufficient for snorkeling. If it is not there, then hotels organize excursions to the nearest reefs. For a good house reef, you can go to the four-star Filitheyo Island Resort hotel (from 18,200 rubles per night*) or the five-star Reethi Faru, Bio Luxury Resort (from 15,600 rubles per night*).
Another common type of outdoor activity in the Maldives is diving with an instructor. Unlike snorkeling, when diving you can not only see underwater reefs at a depth of up to 20 meters, but also get acquainted with deep-sea animals. Experienced instructors know beautiful places and it is likely that you will be able to see large sea turtles, octopuses, whale sharks and barracudas very close. The best time for diving is from January to April. Rasdhoo Island, which is located in North Ari Atoll near Male, has several dive centers. There are about 20 diving spots around the island, including the famous Madivaru Corner spot, where you can swim next to eagle rays and reef sharks when diving.
At the reception of resort hotels, they offer the organization of various water activities for an additional fee. For example, you can go water skiing, surfing and kitesurfing, or fly on a seaplane. The best waves for professionals are in the summer months, but for beginners it is better to choose May or October. We recommend independent travelers to go to the local island of Maafushi, where it is possible to order any entertainment on the water.
Excursions and cultural program
In the Maldives, you can feel like Robinson Crusoe by going on an excursion to the uninhabited islands. Large hotels and even small guesthouses offer such day trips for tourists. The program usually includes not only visiting the island, but also snorkeling on the reef, fishing in the open ocean, dolphin watching, swimming, picnic and relaxing on the beach.
There are also excursions to villages with local residents, where you can get acquainted with Maldivian traditions, attend dance shows and taste national cuisine. In fishing villages, exotic dishes are most often prepared based on tuna, numerous fruits, coconuts and curries. Excursions to local islands will appeal to those who want to see the contrast of non-tourist areas and compare the life of the locals with the luxurious conditions in which travelers live. The most popular islands where the local population lives are Maafushi, Thoddhoo, Ukulas and Hulhumale. It is worth noting that tourists should respect the Islamic religion, which is professed by the people of the Maldives. Women are advised to cover their shoulders and wear skirts or trousers below the knee.
A full-fledged cultural program in the Maldives can only be organized in the capital city of Male. All attractions on the island are within walking distance. One of the most beautiful places in the city is Sultan Park, which is surrounded by greenery and flowers. Two architecturally interesting mosques were built around it: the oldest Friday mosque and the largest in the Maldives, Masjid Al-Saltan Muhammad Takerufaanu Al-Ozam. For examples of traditional and contemporary art, head to the National Art Gallery, and in the heart of the city you’ll be hard pressed to miss the Presidential Palace, a remarkable piece of local architecture. The small building resembles a bungalow, but was built according to all the canons of the colonial style.
You can safely stay in Male for several days to explore architectural monuments, local markets and national cuisine. There are many budget accommodation options on the island, such as guesthouses and classic hotels. A double room in the city center for one night at the four-star The Somerset Hotel will cost 15,900 rubles*, and the cost of living in the Tourist Inn guest house starts from 4,900 rubles per night*.
What entertainment do hotels offer
In four- and five-star resort hotels, tourists mainly relax on the All inclusive system. Some activities are included in the price of the tour; for others you have to pay extra on the spot. The most popular activities and entertainment on the island hotels are surfing and diving lessons, spa treatments, bicycle rentals, yoga, tennis, mini golf, fitness rooms, evening animation for adults and children. Many hotels rent out motorboats that can take you to nearby uninhabited islands.
Some hotels in the Maldives have their own unique attractions. For example, your own coconut farm in the five-star Vakkaru Maldives hotel (from 120,000 rubles per night* per villa) or an underwater restaurant with glass walls in the five-star Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (from 112,000 rubles per night* per villa). At the four-star Kuredu Island Resort & Spa (from 23,300 rubles per day* for a bungalow) there is a sunken ship on the territory of the house reefs, and on the island itself you can walk through the picturesque jungle and visit a turtle farm.
*Prices valid at time of publication.
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