Maldives

Asia

Maldives

The Maldives is precisely what postcards promise: coral atolls ringing lagoons of impossibly clear turquoise water, with overwater bungalows perched above house reefs you can snorkel straight from your deck. Manta rays and whale sharks pass close to shore in season, and the pace of a visit is defined by that water, not by sightseeing lists. It's less a country to explore than a singular, barefoot-luxury escape built entirely around the sea.

Why go thereDiving & snorkelling Beaches Islands Wellness & spa Surf Wildlife

Main destinations

Food & drink to try

Mas huni

Shredded smoked tuna mixed with coconut, onion and chili, a zesty Maldivian breakfast staple.

Garudhiya

Fragrant clear tuna broth served with rice, lime and chili for a soul-warming meal.

Rihaakuru

Rich, dark fish paste concentrate, salty and umami-packed, essential to Maldivian cooking.

Food & drink to try

Mas huni

Shredded smoked tuna mixed with coconut, onion and chili, a zesty Maldivian breakfast staple.

Garudhiya

Fragrant clear tuna broth served with rice, lime and chili for a soul-warming meal.

Rihaakuru

Rich, dark fish paste concentrate, salty and umami-packed, essential to Maldivian cooking.

Fihunu mas

Grilled spiced fish, smoky and tender, marinated in chili and tangy local spices.

Kulhi boakibaa

Savory spiced fish cake baked with coconut, a beloved teatime snack.

Gulha

Crispy deep-fried dumplings stuffed with spiced tuna and coconut filling.

Bajiya

Triangular pastries of tuna and coconut, fried and eaten at afternoon tea.

Masroshi

Flatbread stuffed with the same tuna-and-coconut mix and cooked on a griddle.

Kukulhu riha

Chicken curry with coconut milk, curry leaf and island-grown chillies.

Boshi mashuni

Banana flower shredded with coconut, lime and chilli into a cool salad.

Roshi

Thin unleavened flatbread torn to scoop up mas huni or curry.

Bondibaiy

Sweet coconut milk rice dessert infused with pandan and warm spices.

Aluvi boakibaa

Cassava and coconut cake baked slowly until the top sets dark and dense.

Sai

Strong sweet black tea, the perfect companion to short eats and conversation.

Raa

Toddy tapped from the coconut palm at dawn, drunk sweet before it ferments.

Practical info

Drives on the left

Entry & health

Set your passport

police.gov.mv power-plugs-sockets.com worldstandards.eu

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Tipping & local customs

Tipping isn't automatically included in most bills, so at resorts it's customary to tip 10-20% for hotel staff (housekeeping, bellboys, servers), and around 10% for boat crews and tour guides; for taxis, rounding up the fare is common while local taxi fares should be agreed in advance.

Alcohol is only served legally on resort islands and licensed liveaboards — it's illegal to bring alcohol into the country or consume it on local (inhabited) islands.
On local islands and in Malé, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered); bikinis/swimwear are restricted to resorts or designated 'bikini beaches' on local islands.
Public displays of affection beyond hand-holding (kissing, hugging) are considered inappropriate and can cause problems with locals or authorities.
Greet politely, e.g. with 'Assalamu Alaikum'; handshakes are common between men, while a nod or smile may be preferred when greeting women.
Be cautious about photographing locals, particularly women, without permission.
Respect Islamic customs during Ramadan and other religious observances, especially on local islands.

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Before you go

Stay connected

Get an eSIM for Maldives — mobile data the moment you land.

via Airalo

Travel insurance

Cover trip cancellation, medical care and delays.

via EKTA