Maldives Tour Packages

The Maldives is a dreamscape of 1,000+ coral islands scattered like emeralds across the Indian Ocean. Picture powder-soft white sands, lagoons in a dozen shades of turquoise, overwater villas, and reefs teeming with manta rays and reef sharks. Just 2–3 hours by flight from Indian metros, this island nation blends barefoot luxury with warm island culture, making it perfect for honeymoons, family escapes, diving holidays, and spa-centric retreats. Expect spectacular sunsets, world-class snorkeling, and the soothing rhythm of tropical island life.

Type of Destination

• Nature & Beach: Idyllic beaches, lagoons, and house reefs.
• Luxury & Wellness: Private-island resorts, overwater spas, yoga pavilions.
• Adventure & Water Sports: Scuba diving, surfing, kitesurfing, parasailing.
• Honeymoon & Family: Romantic villas and excellent kids’ clubs.
• Cultural Touches: Malé’s mosques, local islands, craft traditions.

Prime Season and “Snow” Season

• Prime (Dry) Season: November–April. Clear skies, calm seas, best visibility for snorkeling/diving. Peak crowds and pricing in December–March.
• “Snow” Season: None. The Maldives is tropical year-round with no snowfall. The wetter period (May–October) brings occasional showers and excellent surf and manta encounters.

Languages Spoken

• Dhivehi (official).
• English is widely spoken in resorts and tourist areas.
• Many staff understand Hindi and other Indian languages due to regional workforce.

Local Transport Options

• Speedboats: Fast resort/local island transfers (10–120 minutes depending on distance).
• Seaplanes: Scenic daytime hops to distant atolls; an experience in itself.
• Domestic Flights: To regional airports (e.g., Gan, Maafaru, Hanimaadhoo), followed by speedboat.
• Public Ferries: Budget-friendly inter-island services (less frequent; slower).
• Taxis: Available in Malé and Hulhumalé only.
• Bicycles/Walking: Common on local islands and flat resort islands.

How to Reach

• By Air (Best & Easiest):
  • International gateway: Velana International Airport (MLE) near Malé.
  • Direct flights from Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kochi, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram; typical flight time 2–3.5 hours.
  • Other airports: Gan (GAN) in Addu Atoll; Maafaru (NMF) in Noonu; Hanimaadhoo (HAQ) in Haa Dhaalu (served by domestic flights from MLE).
• By Sea:
  • Select cruise ships and liveaboards operate in season. Private yachts require clearances.
• By Road/Rail:
  • Not applicable from India. Within Malé/Hulhumalé, roads and taxis are available; no intercity rail in the Maldives.

Best Time to Visit (Season-wise)

• Summer (March–May)

  • Weather: 27–32°C; humid; seas generally calm early, building into first monsoon showers late May.
  • Crowd: Moderate (peak eases after March).
  • Budget: Slightly lower than Dec–Mar; good offers on meal plans.
  • Packing: Light cottons/linens, UV-rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, flip-flops, light rain jacket late May.

• Monsoon (June–September)

  • Weather: 26–30°C; short tropical downpours, sunny breaks; livelier seas; best surf and manta action (notably in Baa Atoll).
  • Crowd: Lower; good value.
  • Budget: Attractive deals and added-value packages.
  • Packing: Quick-dry wear, light rain gear, dry bag, anti-seasickness tablets if needed.

• Winter (October–February)

  • Weather: 26–30°C; improving to very dry and clear Nov–Apr; excellent underwater visibility.
  • Crowd: High from December to February; book early.
  • Budget: Highest during Christmas–New Year and Jan–Feb.
  • Packing: Resort casuals, smart-casual for dinners, reef shoes, SPF 50+, after-sun care.

Tip for Indians: Maldives time is UTC+5, which is 30 minutes behind IST—useful for planning transfers.

Places to Visit

1. Malé City: Grand Friday Mosque, Islamic Centre, National Museum, vibrant fish and local markets, and the breezy waterfront.
2. Hulhumalé: Family-friendly beach, cafes, and a relaxed promenade; gateway to many guesthouses.
3. Baa Atoll – Hanifaru Bay: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famed for seasonal manta ray aggregations (June–November).
4. South Ari Atoll (Alif Dhaal): One of the best places to spot whale sharks year-round, plus rich reefs and sandbanks.
5. Addu Atoll (Gan & surrounds): Cross the Equator, explore WWII wrecks, and cycle interconnected islands.
6. Vaadhoo Island (Raa Atoll): Occasional “Sea of Stars” bioluminescence on certain nights.
7. Maafushi (Kaafu): Popular local-island stay with budget guesthouses, water sports, and day trips.

Things to Do

• Snorkel a House Reef: Step off your villa or jetty into coral gardens with reef fish and turtles.
• Sunset Dolphin Cruise: Spinner dolphins often ride the bow waves at dusk.
• Sandbank Picnic: Private stretch of white sand surrounded by luminous blue.
• Spa & Wellness Rituals: Overwater spa suites with Ayurvedic and island-inspired therapies.
• Island-Hopping & Culture: Visit a local island to see mosques, boatyards, and taste Maldivian “hedhikaa” (snacks).

Adventure Activities

• Scuba Diving: Channels (“kandus”) with sharks and rays; calm lagoons for beginners and PADI courses.
• Surfing: North & South Malé Atolls, Thulusdhoo (Cokes), and seasonal swells May–Sept.
• Kitesurfing/Windsurfing: Steady winds on outer lagoons in monsoon months.
• Parasailing & Jet Skiing: Aerial lagoon views and adrenaline rushes.
• Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Glassy-water mornings around sandbanks and reefs.

Cuisines to Try

• Mas Huni: Shredded tuna, coconut, onion, chili with roshi (flatbread).
• Garudhiya: Clear tuna broth with rice, lime, chili, and onions.
• Rihaakuru: Rich tuna paste used as a condiment.
• Hedhikaa Snacks: Gulha (tuna dumplings), bajiya (curried pastries), bis keemiya (veg rolls).
• Coconut & Seafood Curries: Mild to spicy; plenty of vegetarian options available, especially at resorts.

Dining Places (City & Iconic Resort Venues)

• Ithaa Undersea Restaurant – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island: Iconic glass-tunnel dining beneath the sea.
• 5.8 Undersea Restaurant – Hurawalhi Island Resort: The world’s deepest all-glass undersea restaurant.
• Subsix – Niyama Private Islands: Underwater lounge for brunch or late-night vibes.
• Seagull Café House – Malé: Ice creams, seafood, and garden terrace.
• Sala Thai – Malé: Consistently loved Thai cuisine in a cozy setting.
• Thila – Kurumba Maldives: Oceanfront grills and Maldivian flavors near Malé.

Resorts & Stays (for Different Budgets)

• Kurumba Maldives (Kaafu): Classic, family-friendly, quick speedboat from MLE.
• Meeru Island Resort & Spa (North Malé): Value-friendly with great house reef trips.
• Baros Maldives (North Malé): Boutique luxury, famed for snorkeling and service.
• Gili Lankanfushi (North Malé): Barefoot eco-luxury with rustic-chic overwater villas.
• Anantara Kihavah (Baa): “SEA” underwater restaurant and stargazing observatory.
• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (South Ari): Overwater villas, Ithaa, great diving.
• Soneva Fushi (Baa): Castaway villas, open-air cinema, family-friendly luxury.
• Guesthouses on Local Islands: Maafushi, Fulidhoo, Ukulhas, Rasdhoo—ideal for budget travelers and culture seekers.

Nightlife

• Remember: Alcohol is served only in resorts and liveaboards; Malé/Hulhumalé are dry.
• Subsix (Niyama): Underwater party/lounge nights.
• SIP Bar (W Maldives): Sunset beats and starry-night cocktails.
• Finolhu Beach Club (Baa): Retro-chic vibe, themed nights.
• Hard Rock Cafe Maldives (CROSSROADS): Live music and a lively promenade.
• Sky Bar & Observatory (Anantara Kihavah): Stargazing with a resident astronomer and crafted drinks.
• Plus: Full-moon beach parties, movie nights, and night fishing excursions.

Shopping

• Majeedhee Magu (Malé): Clothing, electronics, everyday island life.
• Malé Local Market: Spices, coconut products, snack foods.
• Island Bazaar (Malé): Local-designed gifts and tasteful souvenirs.
• Hulhumalé Beachfront Boutiques: Swimwear, handicrafts.
• What to Buy: Lacquerware (Baa Thulhaadhoo), woven mats (thundu kunaa), coir crafts, artisanal coconut items.
• Do not buy: Coral, turtle shell, or black coral—illegal and environmentally harmful.

Off-beat Places

• Fuvahmulah (Gnaviyani Atoll): One-island atoll famed for tiger shark encounters (for advanced divers).
• Thulusdhoo (North Malé): Laid-back surf island (Cokes); craft sodas and local vibe.
• Fulidhoo (Vaavu Atoll): Tiny, friendly island with great drifts and nurse-shark excursions.
• Thulhaadhoo (Baa Atoll): Traditional lacquerware artisans; culture-rich day trip.
• Dhigurah (South Ari Atoll): Long sandspit, whale-shark safaris, community guesthouses.

Festivals & Events

• Independence Day: 26 July – parades and performances in Malé.
• Republic Day: 11 November – official ceremonies.
• Victory Day: 3 November – national remembrance.
• Fishermen’s Day: 10 December – honors the fishing heritage.
• National Day: Falls in Rabi’ al-awwal (Islamic calendar); processions and cultural displays.
• Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha: Dates vary yearly; festive prayers, family feasts.
• Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy: Usually in August near Kuda Huraa (dates vary).

Key Experiences (Must-Do)

• Stay in an Overwater Villa for that classic Maldivian moment.
• Seaplane Flight over atolls—turquoise panoramas you’ll never forget.
• Manta Ray Snorkeling at Hanifaru (seasonal) or cleaning stations elsewhere.
• Whale Shark Trip in South Ari Atoll.
• Private Sandbank Dining or a castaway picnic at sunset.

Travel Tips for Indian Visitors

• Visa: Indians receive a 30-day visa on arrival (free). Carry passport, return tickets, and confirmed stay details.
• Money: Currency is Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR); USD widely accepted in resorts. Cards are common. Expect 10% service charge + tourism GST on bills, plus a nightly Green Tax (usually USD 6 per adult in resorts; lower in guesthouses).
• Connectivity: Buy a Dhiraagu or Ooredoo SIM/eSIM at MLE for cheap data.
• Dress Code: Swimwear/bikinis OK in resorts and designated “bikini beaches” on local islands. Elsewhere, dress modestly.
• Alcohol & Customs: Importing alcohol, pork, and certain religious materials is prohibited. Drones need prior permission.
• Health & Safety: Use reef-safe sunscreen, hydrate, and carry motion-sickness tablets for choppy transfers. Dive/snorkel with reputable operators; consider dive insurance.
• Religion & Fridays: Friday is a weekly holiday; some services run on reduced hours. During Ramadan, expect adjusted timings.
• Time Difference: Maldives is 30 minutes behind IST.
• Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated—USD 2–5 for housekeeping/porters; more for exceptional service.

Interesting Facts

• The Maldives is the lowest-lying country on Earth, averaging around 1–2 meters above sea level.
• It comprises 26 natural atolls and over 1,000 islands, with around 200 inhabited and many dedicated resort islands.
• Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, renowned for manta congregations.
• The country hosts the world’s largest seaplane operations, linking remote islands.
• President Mohamed Nasheed held an underwater cabinet meeting in 2009 to highlight climate change.
• The equator runs through Addu Atoll—you can cross it by boat or bike between islands.

Why the Maldives Works So Well for Indians

• Short flights and minimal jet lag.
• Easy visa-on-arrival, many vegetarian and Jain-friendly menus at resorts.
• Plenty of family facilities, kids’ clubs, and safe, shallow lagoons.
• A spectrum of stays—from budget guesthouses on local islands to ultra-luxury private retreats.

Plan early for winter peaks, pick the atoll that matches your interests (manta/whale sharks vs. surfing vs. quick transfers), and get ready for living in shades of blue.