How To Visit The Maldives (Best Time To Go, Costs, Top Resorts, Activities)

I just got back from a week in the Maldives, and wow, I’m still buzzing from how insanely beautiful this country is.

Yes, the Maldives are absolutely worth the long journey to get there (37 hours of travel for me from San Francisco!) but here’s the thing: where you stay, how you handle the logistics of island-hopping, and the activities you plan really matter. It’s not as straightforward as other destinations, so I wanted to pull together a flawless Maldives travel guide to help you plan the ultimate trip to these dreamy turquoise islands.

This isn’t just another generic list of things to do in the Maldives. I’ll share my firsthand experiences from three different resorts, plus my tips from a weeklong girls’ trip that turned into one of my favorite birthdays ever. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, bachelorette, family vacation, or just a bucket list escape, this guide has you covered.

How To Get To The Maldives

The Maldives are an archipelago of 1,000+ islands in the Indian Ocean, so getting there takes some planning, especially if you are coming from America as I did.

You’ll fly into Malé International Airport (MLE). Most travelers from the US route through Dubai, Doha, or Singapore. My trip took 37 hours door to door from San Francisco, including a layover in Doha, where I celebrated my 34th birthday somewhere over the Middle East on a Qatar Airways flight.

My friend, who lives in Europe, had a slightly short flight, with 8 hours from Copenhagen and another 4 from Istanbul.

How To Get To Resorts In Maldives (Transportation Options)

Once you arrive in Malé, you still need to reach your resort, and this is why where you pick to book your resort really matters. Transfers vary depending on distance:

Boat transfer: Resorts close to Malé (like Velassaru) are just a 20-minute speedboat ride away. Honestly, this felt like such a luxury after so many hours of flying. We walked out of the airport to see turquoise waters and were immediately ushered onto a boat. Bliss.
Seaplane transfer: Resorts farther away (like Lux South Ari Atoll) require a seaplane, which is expensive (around $600–$700 round-trip) but bucket-list worthy. Watching the view of tiny islands dotting the turquoise ocean below is surreal. The downside is that seaplanes don’t always run on the time you want, so you may be waiting hours or have early wakeup calls to catch them.
Domestic flight + boat combo: Some properties, like Park Hyatt Maldives, require a domestic flight followed by a boat ride. It’s longer, but often leads to the most remote, untouched islands.

Pro tip: Seaplanes only operate during daylight. If you land late at night, you’ll need to overnight in Malé before transferring.

When Is The Best Time To Visit The Maldives?

The Maldives are warm and tropical year-round, but the season matters:

Dry season (November–April): Hot, sunny, calm seas. Best time to visit the Maldives for guaranteed “postcard Maldives” weather.
Shoulder season (May and October): Lower prices, fewer crowds, still good conditions.
Rainy season (June–September): Cheapest, but risk of storms and choppy seas.

I visited in September and had amazing weather with just one quick rain shower. That said, if it’s your first time, you’ll want to splurge on dry or shoulder season. If you’re going to travel to the Maldives on a special event, like a honeymoon, and don’t want to risk bad weather, go during dry season.

How Long Should You Stay In Maldives?

Because it’s such a long journey, don’t shortchange yourself with just a weekend unless you live in a city like Doha already.

4–5 nights: Minimum stay to recover from jetlag and feel like you got the full experience.
7-10 nights: The sweet spot, and what I recommend if you can swing it. This allows time to really unwind and relax at your resort.
10-14 nights: if you plan on resort hopping so you can try multiple different experiences.

On my trip, I stayed at three resorts in one week, and while it was incredible, the transfers ate up time. If you’re doing less than a week, I suggest sticking to one property so you aren’t wasting days transferring to other Maldives Islands.

Where To Stay In The Maldives: Best Resorts

There are over 100 private island resorts to choose from, and they all market themselves as the most luxurious. Here’s my honest breakdown of three I personally stayed at.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa Review

Park Hyatt was my favorite resort of the trip, and I miss it already. The island is tiny, intimate, and feels authentically Maldivian for a big brand-name resort.

Best for: Couples, solo travelers who want tranquility, or anyone craving a down-to-earth yet luxurious vibe.
Why I loved it: I snorkeled with 10+ turtles on the Turtle Quest, swam over one of the most vibrant reefs I’ve ever seen right off the resort beach, and even spotted bioluminescence on the beach at night. Every evening we sipped unlimited sangria from nets hanging over the water while watching the sunset. The staff remembered my name, treated me like family, and even had a doctor visit my villa when I arrived with a scrape from a biking accident at another resort. The property is stunning and feels like you’re living in a jungle paradise.
Don’t miss: The whimsical treehouse dinner. Imagine dining in a canopy of trees with multiple courses and wine pairings?! It felt straight out of a movie. Plus, set aside time daily to snorkel in their house reef, which is one of the best in the whole country.

Velassaru Maldives Review

Velassaru is one of the easiest resorts to get to since it’s only a short speedboat ride from Malé.

Best for: Couples, groups, or travelers wanting luxury without the price tag of ultra-remote resorts and those plane transfers.
Why I loved it: Their wine tasting experience blew me away. As someone WSET2 certified, I was impressed with how educational and elevated it was. They also have a coral reef restoration program where guests attach fragments to frames to help rebuild reefs damaged by bleaching events. It felt good to give back to the ocean while still sipping cocktails on the beach later.
Don’t miss: The dolphin and turtle snorkel tour. We saw a massive pod of dolphins playing with our boat for 25 minutes, then swam with a sea turtle.

Lux South Ari Atoll Review

Lux South Ari Atoll is the largest island I stayed on, with a chic “clean girl” aesthetic and bikes to get around.

Best for: Families and large groups who want lots of dining and activity options.
Why I loved it: The overwater spa was divine, the sushi restaurant had California-worthy rolls, and I loved biking around the island at sunset. Every morning the resort hides bottles with prizes (like free cocktails or spa credits), which is such a fun touch. At night, manta rays and sharks swam under the jetty lights. Plus, they have the best breakfast buffet of all the resorts we visited, truly divine.
Good to know: Service felt less personal here compared to other resorts, and our whale shark tour was disappointing since the staff seemed indifferent when we didn’t see any after spending 5 hours on the water. I also crashed my bike in front of an employee and instead of asking if I was ok, he told me to biked more carefully.

Best Things To Do In The Maldives

Yes, you’ll want to relax, but there’s so much more to the Maldives than lounging by the pool. Here are activities I loved across my trip:

1. Snorkeling and Diving

Every resort I stayed at had house reefs, but Park Hyatt’s was the most vibrant. In one swim, I saw turtles, sharks, starfish, eels, and schools of technicolor fish all within their house coral reef, literally 20 feet of their jetty. Some resorts require you to take a boat to a reef, but this was all right here.

2. Whale Shark Tours

Lux South Ari Atoll is famous for whale sharks, which has been high on my bucket list since I was a child, though I didn’t see any on my trip. Still, it’s worth booking if you’re patient and lucky. If you are staying multiple days you can easily rebook a tour to try again.

3. Dolphin

At Velassaru, we watched a playful pod of dolphins for nearly half an hour, then snorkeled with a couple of sea turtles. Honestly, one of the best mornings of my life.

4. Turtle Tours

Maybe it’s because I’m a millennial who loves Finding Nemo, but getting the chance to swim with 10+ sea turtles at Park Hyatt was a highlight of my life.

5. Sunset Cruises

Sailing on a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat at golden hour felt like I was in Moana. Sparkling wine, canapés, and pink skies = dreamy. We did this on our first night in the Maldives after our long travel day and it was the perfect way to ease ourselves into the trip.

6. Coral Reef Planting

Velassaru runs a hands-on program where you attach coral fragments to metal frames that later get added to the reef. Knowing I helped rebuild part of the ocean felt powerful.

7. Spa Treatments

Lux South’s overwater spa was the best massage of my life. It started with a foot soak, then a lymphatic-style massage while the ocean shimmered beneath me.

Most resorts have spa areas, and I insist you get at least one while visiting. Opt for a massage on your first or second day to help you unwind after your trip and ensure you get a great treatment before any possible sunburns (speaking from experience!)

8. Coconut Learning Experience

At Park Hyatt, we joined a coconut demonstration where staff showed us all the ways coconuts are used for food, drink, and even survival. As someone obsessed with Survivor, I was taking mental notes in case I ever get stranded on an island one day.

9. Island Picnic and Reef Fishing

Park Hyatt also organized a picnic led by locals, where we learned how to reef fish and cook freshly caught seafood. It was equal parts educational and delicious — and way more memorable than a resort buffet.

10. Beach Movie Nights

Several resorts, including Lux South, set up outdoor movie screenings under the stars. After long days of snorkeling, sipping cocktails while watching a film with your toes in the sand is surprisingly magical.

11. Toes-In-The-Sand Dinners

Both Park Hyatt and Velassaru offer romantic (or friends-are-the-new-romance) toes-in-the-sand dining. Think a table lit by firelight right on the beach, waves lapping in the background, and a meal that feels more like an experience than just dinner.

12. Fantastic Food and Drinks

We never felt hungry in the Maldives. Every resort will provide you with delisous cuisine from all over the world. Some stand-outs to me are:

Park Hyatt: Local Maldivian tuna dishes, fantastic mocktails, and endless paneer masala and seafood that I ordered daily.
Velassaru: A sommelier-led wine tasting with new vs. old world pairings.
Lux South: A massive breakfast buffet with everything from dumplings to English beans, sushi rolls so good I felt like I was back home in Japantown, plus an underwater disco bathroom at the sushi restaurant.

One of the highlights was late-night chats in our villa pools with wine, trading Nuuly rentals for dinner outfits, and helping each other stage “for the gram” sunset photos. The Maldives are iconic, but they’re even better when you share them.

I know it’s meant to be a honeymoon destination, but I loved being here on a press trip with 3 girls who turned into true friends but the end of this. I would love to come back in the future for another birthday trip or bachelorette.

How Much Does A Maldives Trip Cost?

Costs vary widely, but here’s a ballpark:

Flights: $1,000–$1,200 round-trip from the US. From India, flights can be as low as $200.
Transfers: $100 for a boat, $200–$700 for domestic flights, $600–$800 for seaplanes.
Resorts: $500–$2,000+ per night. Beach villas are cheaper than overwater bungalows, but splurge at least one night on an overwater villa, it’s worth it.
Food and extras: All-inclusive saves money if you love to eat and drink a lot. Excursions like whale shark tours or sunset cruises are usually add-ons.

I know many people love to search for a travel guide for Maldives on a budget, but here’s my honest opinion: you didn’t travel literally halfway across the world to cut yourself short. If you want tropical beach vibes that are truly affordable, go to a place like Cabo San Lucas.

The Maldives are legendary and you deserve to pick a resort and experience that will help you truly get a taste of that legend. If you want that experience without totally blowing through your savings, book at Velasarru. If you have a little more wiggle room for a world-class experience, book at Park Hyatt.

Top Tips For Planning Your Maldives Trip

Book transfers directly with your resort to avoid hiccups.
Pack light, airy clothes (it’s humid). Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen.
Skip the endless shoe options (coming from a girl who packed 5 pairs and ended up being basically barefoot the entire time) the resorts’ paths are usually sandy. Stick with sandals and slides.
Respect local customs when visiting non-resort islands (modest dress required).
Seaplanes and domestic flights have strict baggage limits. Double-check before packing.
Choose one “big activity” per day so you can balance adventure with relaxation.
If you’re going with friends, book a villa with a private pool for late-night hangs; some of my best memories came from those chats.

What To Pack For The Maldives

Packing for the Maldives is surprisingly simple — you’ll spend most of your time barefoot, in a swimsuit, or in light resort wear. Here’s what I packed and what I wish I’d left at home:

Swimsuits & cover-ups: Pack at least 3–4 swimsuits since you’ll live in them. I rotated mine daily so I always had a dry one. I love all my Cupshe swimsuits. I also recommend a cute swim coverup like this one that I brought.
Light dresses & linen: Flowy dresses, kaftans, and breathable fabrics are key. Humidity is real. I brought many of my favorite summer tops from Sezane.
Sandals or slides: I brought five pairs of shoes and ended up basically barefoot the entire time. Resorts are sandy, so keep it minimal. Next time I would just pack my Rothys and this pair of slides from Anthro.
Sun protection: Reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Don’t forget SPF for your lips. I also love ELF’s new SPF setting spray for additional sun protection. A friend brought this whipped sunscreen that smelled amazing.
Snorkel gear: Many resorts provide this, but if you’re picky, bring your own mask.
Evening wear: Casual beachy chic is the vibe. Think maxi dresses, breezy jumpsuits, or a cute two-piece set for toes-in-the-sand dinners. (this dress was a crowd fave!)
Travel essentials: Lightweight backpack, refillable water bottle, Kindle or book for lazy pool afternoons, and a portable charger for the long flights. I wear this Spanx set for every trip, it’s so comfy and perfect for 30+ hour travel days.
Medicine & skincare: I recommend bringing aloe gel for post-sun, after-bite cream, and any meds you might need. Resorts have doctors, but it’s easier to pack your own basics.
Optional but fun: A Nuuly or Rent the Runway subscription came in clutch for me. I traded dinner looks with the other girls on my trip, and it felt like we had endless outfits.

Pro tip: If you’re taking a seaplane or domestic flight, luggage allowances are stricter than on international flights. Keep your bag under 20kg (44 lbs) to avoid fees. I’m a chronic overpacker and was overweight all our seaplane and domestic flights – opps!

Maldives FAQ

Is the Maldives worth visiting?
Yes. The Maldives are a once-in-a-lifetime destination. I traveled 37 hours from San Francisco and still felt it was worth every second. The combination of overwater villas, world-class reefs, and unique activities like coral planting makes it unlike anywhere else on earth.

How many days do you need in the Maldives?
At least 4–5 nights, though 7–10 nights is ideal if you’re flying in from the US. This gives you time to recover from jetlag, enjoy the resort, and maybe even split your stay between two islands.

When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
Dry season (November to April) is the most reliable for sunny days and calm seas. I went in September (rainy season) and still had great weather, but if it’s your honeymoon or bucket list trip, stick to dry or shoulder season (October/May).

Do you need a seaplane to get to your resort?
Not always. Some resorts (like Velassaru) are only 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé. Others (like Park Hyatt) require a domestic flight + boat ride. And some, like LUX South Ari, need a seaplane transfer. It depends on the atoll your resort is in.

Is the Maldives only for honeymoons?
Not at all. I went for my 34th birthday on a girls’ trip (granted a press trip but all women!) with three women I’d never met before and came home with lifelong friends. The Maldives are also amazing for milestone birthdays, bachelorettes, or family vacations.

How much does a Maldives trip cost?
Expect around $1,000–$1,200 for flights from the US, $100–$700 for transfers, and $500–$2,000+ per night for resorts. All-inclusive meal plans are worth it since food and cocktails add up quickly. Budget options exist on local islands, but if you’ve come this far, I recommend splurging on at least a few nights of private island luxury.

Sample 7-Day Maldives Itinerary

Planning a Maldives itinerary can feel overwhelming when you’ve never been before. Here’s how I’d structure a one-week trip based on my own experience:

Day 1: Arrival + Sunset Cruise

Land in Malé, transfer to your resort.
Unpack, grab a quick bite, and then join a sunset cruise on a traditional dhoni boat. Watching the sky turn pink while sipping sparkling wine was the perfect way to shake off 37 hours of travel.

Day 2: Snorkeling + Spa

Morning snorkel on your resort’s house reef (Park Hyatt’s reef is legendary and just steps from shore).
Afternoon spa treatment, I did one over the water at LUX* South Ari and it was hands down the best massage of my life.

Day 3: Dolphin + Turtle Excursion

Take a half-day tour to see dolphins and turtles. At Velassaru, our boat was surrounded by a pod of dolphins playing with us for almost half an hour.
Evening toes-in-the-sand dinner on the beach.

Day 4: Cultural + Foodie Experiences

Join a coconut learning demonstration to see how locals use every part of the fruit.
Take a cooking class or reef-fishing picnic. We did one at Park Hyatt where we learned to reef fish and then grilled our catch, one of the most memorable meals of my life.

Day 5: Coral Planting + Pool Day

Participate in a coral reef restoration project (Velassaru offers this). Attaching coral fragments to frames was surprisingly moving.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing by your private villa pool, sipping mocktails, and watching fruit bats swoop by.

Day 6: Whale Shark Tour + Movie Night

If you’re at LUX South Ari, try the whale shark tour. Even if you don’t spot one (like me), the snorkel alone is worth it.
Evening outdoor movie under the stars, several resorts set these up with bean bags and popcorn right on the beach.

Day 7: Lazy Morning + Departure

Wake up for a sunrise swim. I slipped into the atoll at Velassaru just as the sky turned pink, and it was one of my favorite moments of the trip.
Long breakfast (go big on the buffets, Maldivian tuna curry, fresh tropical fruit, dumplings, you name it).
Pack, transfer, and start the journey home.

Somewhere between snorkeling with turtles at Park Hyatt, sipping wine with new friends at Velassaru, and biking through Lux South Ari at sunset, I realized the Maldives are more than a honeymoon cliché.

This country is perfect for milestone birthdays, bachelorette trips, girls’ trips, and family getaways just as much as honeymoons. I flew across the world to celebrate turning 34 with women I’d never met on a press trip, and I left with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and a deep love for this island nation.

The Maldives aren’t just a vacation. They’re a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will change how you think about paradise.