The Maldives: Overwater Villas, Manta Rays & Private Atolls
Overwater villas above clear lagoons, house reefs a few steps from your deck, manta rays in Baa Atoll's Hanifaru Bay and whale sharks off South Ari, all less than four hours from most Indian cities.
- Best time to go
- December to April is the dry season with calm seas and the most sun. May to November brings more showers but lower rates, and the manta season in Baa Atoll (best from June to November).
- Flying from India
- Non-stop flights to Malé from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram: from about 1½ hours from Kerala to around 4 hours from Delhi.
- Visa for Indian passports
- Free 30-day tourist visa on arrival for all nationalities, with a confirmed resort booking, a return ticket and a passport valid for six months. Complete the online traveller declaration (IMUGA) within 96 hours before arrival.
- Currency
- Resorts price in US dollars and accept cards. The local currency is the rufiyaa. Resort bills add service charge, tax and a green tax of USD 12 per guest per night (children under two are exempt).
Maldives at a glance
The Maldives is a chain of about 1,190 low coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, and almost every resort occupies its own island. The choice of atoll shapes the trip: North and South Malé resorts are a short speedboat ride from the airport, so you arrive in time for lunch; Baa, Noonu and Raa need a seaplane flight of 30 to 45 minutes, rewarded with quieter reefs and larger lagoons.
Days revolve around the water: snorkelling on the house reef, a sunset cruise looking for spinner dolphins, a picnic on a sandbank, diving trips and spa treatments over the lagoon. Families do best in a beach villa with direct sand access and a kids' club; honeymooners often choose an overwater villa with its own pool. Plan four to seven nights, or combine with Sri Lanka for a longer trip.
Must-see
- Hanifaru Bay's manta rays (Baa Atoll)
- Whale sharks in South Ari Atoll
- A sandbank picnic
- Your resort's house reef
- Sunset dolphin cruise
Food to try
- Mas huni (tuna, coconut and onion) with roshi flatbread
- Garudhiya fish broth
- Freshly caught reef fish grilled on the beach
- Hedhikaa short eats with tea
- Indian, Japanese and Mediterranean menus at most resorts
Where to shop
- Malé's local market and fish market
- Lacquerware and woven mats from local islands
- Resort boutiques for resort wear
- Duty-free at Velana International Airport
Where to Stay
Areas and styles of stay we book most often. We shortlist specific hotels once we know your dates and budget.
Lagoon side, any atoll
Overwater villas
Villas on stilts over the lagoon, with steps from the deck into the water, glass floor panels in many and private pools in the larger categories. Sunset-facing villas cost a little more and are worth it.
Beach side, any atoll
Beach villas
Villas set back among palms with direct access to the sand and often a private garden pool. Better for families with small children and for anyone who prefers shade and privacy.
Baa, Noonu and Raa atolls
Seaplane-access resorts
More remote islands reached by a seaplane flight over the atolls. Seaplanes only fly in daylight, so late-night arrivals overnight near Malé first.
Signature Experiences
Moments we build Maldives journeys around
Manta rays at Hanifaru Bay
In Baa Atoll's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, plankton draws dozens of manta rays into a small bay between June and November. Snorkelling only, with a ranger, in limited time slots.
Whale sharks off South Ari
South Ari Atoll is one of the few places in the world where whale sharks can be seen all year. Trips go out with a marine biologist and follow strict distance rules.
Sunset dolphin cruise
Pods of spinner dolphins often ride the bow of a dhoni in the hour before sunset, leaping and spinning as the sky turns orange.
Snorkelling with turtles
Green and hawksbill turtles graze on many house reefs. Resort marine biologists lead guided snorkels and run turtle identification programmes.
Malé and a local island
On longer stays, a half-day in the capital (the fish market and the Old Friday Mosque) or a visit to a local island shows everyday Maldivian life beyond the resorts.
Planning Your Journey
Timing, routing and what our specialists tell every Maldives traveller
When to visit
December to April
Dry, sunny and calm, with the best visibility for snorkelling. Christmas, New Year and Diwali-to-January dates sell out early.
May to August
The south-west monsoon brings showers and wind, but also lower rates, empty resorts and manta season in Baa Atoll.
September to November
Mixed weather that improves through November, with good value and mantas still at Hanifaru.
Getting there and around
Flights
Non-stop flights to Malé's Velana International Airport from many Indian cities, or connect via Colombo.
Resort transfers
Speedboat (15 to 60 minutes) for North and South Malé atolls; seaplane (30 to 60 minutes) or a domestic flight plus boat for outer atolls. Resorts meet you at the airport.
Insider notes
Pick the transfer, then the resort
Arriving late at night? Choose a speedboat-access resort near Malé or stay one night by the airport, because seaplanes do not fly after dark.
Seaplane luggage limits
Seaplanes usually allow about 20 kg of checked luggage plus 5 kg hand luggage per person. Extra weight is charged and may follow on a later flight.
Meal plans matter
Resort meals are expensive. Half board or full board usually saves money; all-inclusive suits families and those who enjoy a drink.
Respect local islands
Alcohol is only served on resort islands and liveaboard boats. On local islands and in Malé, cover shoulders and knees.
Maldives: Common Questions
Overwater villas offer the lagoon at your doorstep and sunset decks, and suit couples. Beach villas give shade, garden pools and easy sand access for children. Many couples split their stay between the two.
Plan your Maldives journey
Speak to a specialist.
Share a few details and one of our Maldives specialists will get in touch, usually within a working day.
Journeys from here
Itineraries that include Maldives
Journey · Beach & Wellness
Maldives Overwater Sanctuary
Journey · Family & Ocean
Maldives Family Atoll Escape
Journey · Beach & Wellness
Baa Atoll Biosphere Retreat
Journey · Beach & Romance
Maldives Seaplane Hideaway
Journey · Beach & Honeymoon
Sri Lanka & Maldives Honeymoon
Ready to plan Maldives?
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We reply with a costed, day-by-day plan you can change as much as you like.