What I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to the Maldives
PLANNING, TIPS, EXCURSIONS, AND HOTEL RECS
The Maldives has always felt like a bucket list destination, even unattainable honestly —a dreamy oasis of crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and those iconic overwater bungalows. But what I didn’t know? Planning a trip here can be overwhelming. I’m not a travel expert, just a girl who loves to explore and figure it out along the way… but trust me when I say I learned a LOT on this trip.
If you’re planning your own Maldives adventure, I’m here to save you hours of stress, scrolling, and second-guessing.
I also want to give you AFFORDABLE options to travel here where you don’t have to break the bank.
Let’s dive into everything I wish I knew—plus my best hotel recommendations and the excursions you have to book.
1. Understanding the Geography
Arriving:
You will arrive in Malé which is the capital of the Maldives and the hub of international arrivals. I would book flights so you can arrive early in the morning (before noon) and then take your speedboat, ferry, or sea plane transfer to your final destination. If you arrive after noon, it might be difficult to catch a transfer to your final destination as many leave earlier in the day. If arriving to Malé in the morning isn’t accessible, you can always opt to stay in Malé for the night, but I personally would try to avoid this. There’s no beaches, it’s a packed city, and a Muslim country (so no alcohol or a glass of wine at sunset) and overall not the tropical paradise vibe you imagine when going to the Maldives.
Here’s the deal: the Maldives is made up of over 1,000 islands spread across 26 atolls, and most of them aren’t close together. This means:
If you’re staying on one island, you very likely can’t take excursions from another.
Certain wildlife and activities are only available in specific areas. For example, whale shark snorkeling happens in South Ari Atoll, and you won’t find it in every region.
If you’re a planner like me, do some research before choosing where to stay. Decide what wildlife or excursions are on your must-do list—dolphins, nurse sharks, manta rays, turtles—and pick accommodations in the area that offers them.
Island Hopping Tip: While island hopping sounds dreamy, it’s not as quick or easy as I thought. Ferries, speedboats, or seaplanes can add up fast, and each transfer can take hours. If you’re on a budget or tight timeline, plan to stick to one main island and explore its surroundings.
Transfers: If you are going to a resort island from Malé you can contact your hotel and they will help you book your transfer (whether is be speedboat, ferry or sea plane). If you are going to a local island you will have to book this yourself. You can find info on transfers here.
2. Resort Islands vs. Local Islands
This was the biggest “aha” moment for me.
Resort islands: Private, luxurious, and expensive. Resorts are stunning, but they often make it difficult (and pricey) to leave for excursions elsewhere. Excursions through private resorts are easily double the price compared to those on local islands. If you want to do everything (like I did), this can quickly add up.
Local islands: These inhabited islands, like Maafushi, offer excursions at a fraction of the cost. They’re vibrant, authentic, and still beautiful, with access to most major wildlife tours (think: whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and more). Quick Note: Local islands are Muslim culture so there is no alcohol served on this island. You also should be respectful of the culture and not walking around in a bikini. Some islands (like Maafushi) have a “bikini beach” where you can be in a bikini, but I covered up on the rest of the island.
My Recommendation: Do a split stay! We stayed on Maafushi first, booked affordable excursions and accomodations, and then transferred to a private resort for the relaxation and luxury vibes. It’s truly the best of both worlds.
3. Hotel Recommendations
If you want to mix affordability, adventure, and luxury, here are my top picks:
Local Island: Maafushi
Where to Stay: I recommend Maafushi for its affordability and access to excursions. Hotels here are cozy, clean, and budget-friendly. Look into Kaani Palm Beach or Arena Beach Hotel for beachfront views and a relaxing stay.
Excursions to Book: I can’t rave enough about Shadowpalm Maldives and Maldives Fellas. Both companies made the booking process seamless and took us on once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you want to swim with whale sharks, spot dolphins at sunset, or snorkel with nurse sharks, they’ve got you covered.
Private Resort: Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort
If you’re ready to splurge, Outrigger Maldives is worth every penny. Think: overwater bungalows with direct ocean access, beautiful pools, and unreal sunset views. The perfect blend of barefoot luxury, adventure and relaxation. They offer all-inclusive options (more on that below), and the luxury here is unmatched. It’s perfect for a honeymoon, romantic getaway, or even just treating yourself and is also NOT the most expensive hotel in the Maldives. I would say it is a very accessible price for a luxury stay.
Other Notable Resorts. I have not personally stayed at these, but here are some top tier resorts from travel creators that I trust:
Soneva Jani: Located in the Noonu Atoll, Soneva Jani epitomizes barefoot luxury with its overwater villas featuring private pools and retractable roofs for stargazing. The resort is surrounded by a vast, pristine lagoon, offering unparalleled tranquility.
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort: Set in the Dhaalu Atoll, this resort combines contemporary design with natural materials, offering luxurious villas, a renowned spa, and exquisite dining experiences. The overwater library and observatory add unique touches to the guest experience.
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru: Located in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this resort offers exceptional marine experiences, including manta ray snorkeling and coral reefscaping. The blend of traditional Maldivian design and modern amenities provides a luxurious yet authentic stay.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island: Spread across two interconnected islands in the South Ari Atoll, this resort is famed for its undersea residence, "The Muraka," and the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. With luxurious accommodations and diverse dining options, it provides an unforgettable Maldivian experience.
4. Bring USD (and lots of it)
Cash is king, especially on the local islands.
I wish someone told me this sooner… Bring US dollars! The local exchange rate isn’t great, and USD is widely accepted across local islands. You’ll save money and avoid awkward situations where you can’t pay. Trust me—just bring a stack of cash.
5. Respect the Local Culture
The Maldives is a Muslim country, and while private resorts have fewer restrictions, local islands follow strict cultural norms. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Bring modest clothing for local areas (flowy pants, skirts, or lightweight tops).
Not every beach allows bikinis. Look for designated “bikini beaches” where swimwear is allowed.
Alcohol is illegal on the local islands. Only on resort islands or boats can you drink alcohol.
It’s easy to show respect while still enjoying your time—just pack smart.
6. Go All-Inclusive at The Resorts
I usually skip all-inclusive packages because I can never eat and drink enough to make it worth it, but in the Maldives? It’s a game-changer.
Private resorts are often isolated, meaning you won’t have access to other restaurants or shops.
Food and drinks can get astronomically expensive if you pay as you go. We paid nearly $100 for a dinner that was one salad, one main, and one appetizer. Drinks tend to be $20+.
My advice? Either book an all-inclusive package upfront or upgrade when you arrive. You’ll save money (and stress) in the long run… and let’s be honest, unlimited cocktails by the water just hit differently. You don’t want to be penny pinching while you’re here and the all-inclusive package will be well worth the price.
Final Thoughts
The Maldives is truly a slice of paradise—but it’s not your typical “book a flight and wing it” kind of trip. It requires some planning, budgeting, and awareness of where you’re staying. But when you finally get there? Pure magic.
If you follow these tips, I promise you’ll save yourself the overwhelm and enjoy every second of this dream destination. Swim with sharks, chase sunsets, and soak in the luxury… because the Maldives is so worth it.
Save this post, share it with a travel buddy, and let me know if you’re planning your Maldives trip soon—I’d love to hear about it!