The Ultimate Maldives Itinerary
The smallest country in Asia, the Maldives lies in the North-central Indian Ocean and is made up of over a thousand small coral islands. Known for its white sands, turquoise waters and rich sea life, the Maldives is a popular destination for travellers seeking a relaxing, luxury break, as well as adventurous types wanting to surf, snorkel and scuba dive.
With so many islands and heaps of options, it’s useful to divide the country into north, central and southern atolls (an atoll is a ring-shaped island that encircles a lagoon). So we’ve picked out some of our favourite destinations to make life a little easier for you before your big trip.
So whether you’re after luxury and pampering, or sub-nautical adventures, our guide to the perfect Maldives holiday is a great place to start.
An idyllic island paradise for honeymooners
With white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, it’s no wonder the Maldives is a popular romantic retreat for honeymooning couples. After the stress and hassle of organising a wedding, there’s no better place to unwind than a tropical oasis.
Intimate picnics on private beaches, candlelit couples massages and memories that will last a lifetime are all on the menu after your big day.
We’ve designed this guide to suit couples, honeymooners, solo travellers and families, so get ready to dive right into your next adventure. Check out our guide to the Maldives for honeymooners for tips tailored to newlyweds.
When you first arrive, you’ll fly into Velana International Airport, Hulhule Island. Then, a short ferry or taxi ride will take you to the capital city of Malé. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Malé is a bustling hive of activity with a one-of-a-kind landscape - picture high-rise buildings flanked by seawalls and an artificial beach.
Top tip: Have your camera at the ready as you land - photos of Malé from the air are an absolute must.
Explore the colourful spice and fish markets and sample the local delicacies in a city like no other. At just under a mile wide, just an afternoon in Malé will give you a real flavour of the country’s commercial hub.
We recommend a visit to the Tsunami Monument - a tall steel structure that pays tribute to the victims of the 2004 disaster. Twenty large steel spheres climbing the spire represent the various atolls of Maldives.
History and architecture buffs will want to check out Hukuru Miskiiy - the Old Friday Mosque. A peaceful spot in the centre of the city, the mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was carved from coral limestone in the mid-17th century. Explore the grounds and the cemetery for a moment of calm, but remember to cover up as there’s a dress code.
Malé fish market is well worth a visit, too, for an authentic slice of vibrant local life. Situated beside the jetty, visitors can watch the fishing boats come and go, stopping to unload their latest haul. Follow the stairs up to find Salt Cafe serving the freshest seafood in town with an ocean view to boot.
A five-minute walk from the market lies Sultan Park, a lush and tranquil green space on the demolished grounds of a 16th-century royal palace - an ideal spot to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee from the nearby Meraki Coffee Roasters.
Meandering down Malé’s narrow streets, you’ll find souvenir shops, bistros, bakeries and bookshops. There’s no shortage of great restaurants to choose from, and you’ll likely notice which ones are most popular with the locals by how busy they get! Our favourites on the island are Khalifa Burger, Bombay Darbar, and Thazky Rooftop for spectacular views, lunches and smoothies.
When it’s time to leave, you’re never very far from the jetties where speedboats take tourists out to the islands.
Days 3-4 Adventuring and water sports
Regardless of which resort you’re heading to, you’ll be just moments away from crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. There’s a plethora of options when it comes to exploring and adventuring in the Maldives; here are some of our favourites.
Watersports for beginners
Because not every traveller owns a wetsuit and a scuba certification, we’ve picked a few wet and wonderful activities that suit all abilities. One of the fastest-growing sports in the world, stand-up paddle boarding is a fantastic way to get out on the water without much of a learning curve.
Kuredu Resort is a good place to quickly master the paddle board. Much of the water has a maximum depth of around 2 metres, so you can zip along above the seagrass meadows without a care in the world. Kuredu also hosts the country’s largest community of green sea turtles, so you might find yourself getting up close and personal with these gentle giants. Equipment is rentable by the hour, and instructors are always on hand to get you on your way.
The Maldives is a snorkelling paradise - with fantastic water visibility all year round and a rich and diverse underwater ecosystem; it’s no wonder visitors take to the ocean and lagoons at the first opportunity. So if you’re staying on or near Baa Atoll, you’re in the right place for adventure - it’s considered one of the best snorkelling locations on the planet.
There’s a good chance you’ll get to swim with (completely harmless) whale sharks, huge feeding manta rays, turtles and swirling shoals of reef fish in the popular Hanifaru Bay. Its warm, clear waters are teeming with coral reefs and protected marine life - not to be missed.
While a bit trickier to grasp for beginners, there’s no better place to learn to surf than the Maldives. The quieter Central Atolls offer more forgiving waves for the novice surfer, Mulhaku, Laamu, and Veivah being our top picks for gentler, slower-breaking waves.
Fun fact: You can swim with the biggest fish in the ocean in the Maldives - whale sharks can grow up to 20 feet long! Fortunately for us, they only eat plankton.
Seasoned surfers
For more experienced surfers, you’ll be spoiled by the choice of places to catch big swells and famous breaks. The Northern Atolls play host to professional surfing competitions and are world-renowned in the international surf scene. With waves in the spring and summer clocking in at up to eight feet, you won’t be disappointed. Similarly, Southern Atolls like Addu and Huvadhoo are super popular with surfers.
Central Atolls such as Laamu and Dhaalu offer brilliant barrel waves, great for intermediate and expert surfers alike looking for quieter beaches and a bit more freedom to roam.
Fun fact: The Maldives has been a tourist destination since the 1970s - before the resorts opened, it was a strictly guarded secret amongst divers and surfers.
Scuba diving
The Maldives offers visitors some of the most unique and breathtaking diving experiences on the planet, with coral reefs, shipwrecks and rich marine life just waiting to be discovered. A bucket-list destination for most divers, the water temperatures stay at around 27°C most of the year. We couldn’t possibly cover them all, so here are our top tips.
The North Malé Atoll is arguably the most popular scuba spot locally, boasting deep shipwrecks and feeding manta rays. Divers can explore stunningly healthy coral reefs and underwater caves, with locals always happy to advise tourists about currents and conditions.
Head to Banana Reef, Nassimo Thila, and Manta Point for ray encounters. For an unforgettable scuba experience, we recommend night diving at Maaya Thila - often cited as one of the top ten dive sites in the world.
If you’ve never scuba-dived before, most resorts offer beginner instruction all the way up to getting yourself certified to dive all over the world. Introductory courses can be done ahead of your holiday to ensure you’re ready to go, but many dive companies will offer ‘Discover Scuba’ sessions which limit what you can do in the water but require no prior diving experience.
For the more adventurous diver, plenty of Maldives tour operators also offer ‘liveaboard’ diving trips where guests can enjoy up to 3 daily dives while staying on board a small boat for several days at a time with an instructor. If you go this route, you could find yourself in the water at sunrise and sunset, exploring corals, underwater caves and shipwrecks that are tricky to reach on a traditional diving trip. Liveaboard diving trips will generally offer roomy cabins, top decks for relaxing between dives, and luxury catering.
Fun fact: Consult your lunar calendar! Diving around a full or new moon means stronger currents which bring more big fish in the channels, like manta rays and sharks.
Along with scuba, surfing and snorkelling, Maldives is a genuine playground for all watersports - water skiing, parasailing, windsurfing - you name it, you can do it here.
Glass-bottom boat tours
If you want to experience the rich biodiversity of the Maldives while staying completely dry, you’re in luck. Less-confident swimmers and travellers who don’t like the idea of spending time underwater can opt for a glass-bottom boat trip. An accessible way to get up close and personal with exotic fish and the fascinating creatures of the deep, the boats are fitted with large glass windows and viewing decks - a great option for visitors travelling with young families.
Days 5-7 - Luxury and Leisure Time
You’ve explored and adventured your way around the islands - now it’s time to treat yourself to some serious downtime. The Maldives is one of the best locations in the world for relaxation, whether it’s underwater yoga studios or exotic golf courses you’re after.
With over eighty acres of tropical beach (including its own banana plantation), Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi Resort is an exotic escape like no other. From rejuvenating peels, scrubs and wraps to traditional Balinese and Chavana massage, the resort’s own exclusive spa serves as the ideal getaway for couples and solo travellers alike.
The only resort on the island of Kuredu (Lhaviyani Atoll), Kuredu Island Resort and Spa is a firm favourite with guests wanting a slice of island paradise. How about a light workout at a gym overlooking the ocean, or a sunset cruise on a dhoni (a traditional wooden boat)? Or perhaps just an evening stroll where all the walkways and trees are illuminated at night? You’re never short of options when it comes to restful pastimes in the Maldives.
Indulge yourself at one of Kuredu’s two spas, offering candlelit couples treatments and traditional Balinese massage. One of the more popular spa treatments in Maldives resorts, Balinese massage is a mix of stretching, acupressure and aromatherapy with a focus on stimulating blood flow for deep relaxation. If you book yourself in for a treatment, you can expect a truly sensual experience with rare essential oils designed to lift and rebalance your mood. Our top tip is the Duniye Spa’s signature hair and scalp massage using locally sourced warm coconut oil. Stress? What stress?
The Eastern side of the island hosts a full-size driving range and a large putting green for an unforgettable island golf experience. Play the 6-hole Par 3 course at your own pace, and if you've never golfed before or want some expert guidance, a PGA-qualified coach is on hand to help perfect your stroke.
Both novice and expert anglers can try their hand at island fishing while staying in the Maldives. Many resorts offer fishing excursions out to deeper waters beyond the atolls where you can trawl for tuna, sailfish and barracuda - finishing the day barbequing your catch on an uninhabited island. And if fishing under the stars sounds like your thing, night fishing excursions are on offer where you’ll learn to fish using traditional pole and line techniques. You’re almost guaranteed to be visited by inquisitive dolphins and spot passing sea turtles and eagle rays.
Send stress packing with beach yoga sessions offered by most resorts in the Maldives - soundtracked by the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. Our pick is the stunning Royal Island Resort & Spa in the Baa Atoll biosphere reserve - its spotlessly clean, unspoiled beaches, wellness centre and yoga studio all make for the ultimate retreat to rejuvenate both body and mind.
So with exploring, dining, adventuring and pampering covered, you should be well on your way to planning the Maldives trip of a lifetime! We’ve been taking holiday goers to the Maldives for many years. Here are some useful things to consider before you go.
What time of year should I visit?
Stretched across the equator, the Maldives' temperature stays between 27 and 30 degrees centigrade all year long - you can leave the jumpers at home whenever you choose to visit! Check out our guide to when to visit the Maldives.
What will the food be like?
Resorts will typically offer a choice of international cuisine, with Maldivian-themed nights where guests can sample local food.
Traditional Maldivian cuisine is typically quite spicy - mainly simple curries, soups and rice dishes influenced by Sri Lanka and India to the north. Making the most of what’s available locally, however, Maldivian dishes tend to heavily feature fresh tuna and coconut.
It’s not uncommon to have fish for breakfast in the Maldives - we recommend you try mas huni - a mix of smoked tuna, onion, chilli and coconut served with roshi flatbread.
Top tip: Guests of Kuredu Island Resort and Spa can make reservations at the nearby 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at Hurawalhi, the world's largest glass undersea restaurant!
How about my dietary requirements?
With a roaring tourism trade, the Maldives now has an increasingly good awareness of most dietary requirements, particularly when it comes to resorts. Visitors to local islands and the capital of Malé might find menus more limiting, but there’s still a lot on offer, whatever your needs.
Vegetarian/vegan: Traditionally, Maldivian cuisine doesn’t tend to be vegetarian or vegan as it’s mostly seafood-based. However, all tourist resorts are well-equipped to cater for both. It’s worth letting staff at your resort know on arrival so they can pass on your requirements to the kitchen. Buffet-style restaurants will offer plenty of plant-based options, and vegetarian curries, dosa (rice pancakes) and fresh fruit aren’t hard to come by either.
Gluten-free: The tourist resorts in the Maldives are very used to catering for all types of dietary requirements, including gluten-free. Breakfast buffets usually include gluten-free bread and pastries, along with fruit and omelettes. It’s worth contacting resorts ahead of time just to give them a heads-up, but most restaurants will be more than happy to swap out items and cater for a gluten-free diet.
Halal: The Maldives is a Muslim country, so the vast majority of food sold and served is Halal.
Is alcohol available to buy?
Due to the country's predominantly Muslim population, alcohol is quite strictly regulated. However, you’ll find it widely available at all the tourist resorts in the Maldives, just not on the local islands or in the capital Malé. Resort restaurants and bars are well-stocked with international beers, spirits and decadent cocktails.
Top tip: skip the duty-free on your outward journey; visitors aren’t permitted to bring alcohol into the country.
Where are dress codes observed?
On resort islands, you can dress as you wish - but nudity is prohibited.
On non-resort islands and the capital Malé, try to dress modestly and respect local traditions. Shoulders to knees should be covered for both men and women, and clothing should be loose-fitting.
While resort island life is laid back and casual, some restaurants will have a basic dress code - this generally means no beach wear.
How do I get around?
Speedboat transfers are the most popular mode of transport between resort islands. Remember to pack sea-sickness tablets; it can be a choppy ride. During daylight hours, seaplanes go from island to island, an unbeatable way to see the breathtaking landscapes.
While public ferries operate between local islands, timetables can be complicated and unreliable - routes don’t tend to serve resort islands either. To travel between local islands, opting for one of the scheduled speedboats would be our recommendation.
Top tip: resort islands are mostly car-free, so it’s well worth hiring bikes to explore the bigger islands on two wheels, unbothered by traffic.
Will my resort have WiFi?
The all-important question. While we strongly recommend not checking work emails while visiting a tropical paradise, it would be a shame if you couldn’t unwind with your favourite podcast, audiobook or box set. Fortunately, Maldives resorts all offer reliable WiFi access for guests.
What should I pack?
Here are a few essentials to bring along to your Maldives adventure:
● Dry bag - keep your valuables safe and dry around the water and sand
● Full-face snorkel - although widely available to rent, you won’t regret having your own snorkelling gear for impromptu dives
● Seasickness pills - a must if you’re prone to going green on choppy water
● Underwater camera - an underwater camera like a GoPro (many entry-level GoPros are waterproof to 30 feet) is a must-have, with water visibility up to 30 metres
Time to book
Hopefully, you now feel fully equipped for an island escape with tips, recommendations and answers to your burning questions! With Viva Holidays, you get our intimate knowledge of our travel destinations as well as unrivalled customer service. We understand how important even the little things can be when taking the trip of a lifetime.
Check out our TrustPilot reviews - we’re super proud of the experiences we’ve provided our customers over the years. Here’s a recent customer review from Kamilla:
“Fantastic and great experience for booking my holiday with Viva! Quick to reply and handled situations and my preferences very professionally. I’ll definitely be booking my future holidays with them.”
With low deposits of just £49pp, and free cancellations and amendments up to eight weeks before departure, booking with Viva means your dream Maldives break comes with peace of mind, so you can truly relax.
If you’d like to book your Maldives break today or have any questions for our expert agents, we’re open Monday - Friday: 9 am - 9 pm and 9 am - 8 pm at the weekend.
Get in touch with our team today, and begin your journey to a tropical paradise.
