Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Maldives: For Tourists & Business Travelers

🌟 PART 1: BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

🧠 A. Dreaming of Maldives

• Why Maldives?
  • Famous for overwater bungalows, turquoise waters, coral reefs, luxury resorts, privacy, and peaceful surroundings.
  • Ideal for honeymoons, relaxation, water sports, and even luxury business retreats.

💰 B. Budgeting and Saving

Item	Estimated Cost (USD)
Round-trip Flights	$500 – $1,200 Booking.com
Accommodation (3-5 nights)	$500 – $4,000
Meals	$100 – $400
Excursions & Activities	$150 – $800
Transport (Speedboat/Flight)	$100 – $300
Travel Insurance	$50 – $150
Souvenirs	$50 – $200
Total Estimate	$1,450 – $7,050

Saving Tips:

• Start saving at least 3–6 months prior.
• Use travel savings apps (e.g., Revolut Vault, Chime).
• Watch for flight and resort deals on websites like Skyscanner, Agoda, Expedia.

📆 C. Best Time to Visit (Weather & Seasons)

✈️ D. Booking Your Flight

• When to Book: 2–3 months in advance.
• From Kenya or Africa:
  • Fly via Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines or Ethiopian Airlines to Velana International Airport (MLE).
• Use Skyscanner to compare routes.
• Book flights with free cancellation/flexible change.

🏨 E. Choosing Where to Stay

Popular Islands:

• Maafushi (budget & tours)
• Baros, Soneva, Kuramathi (luxury)
• Male or Hulhumale (business & transit)

🎒 F. What to Pack

✅ Passport (6+ months validity)
✅ Light, breathable clothes
✅ Swimwear & snorkeling gear
✅ Sunscreen (reef-safe)
✅ Waterproof phone pouch
✅ Travel insurance documents
✅ USD cash + card
✅ Adapter (Maldives uses UK plugs)
✅ Travel SIM (e.g., Ooredoo, Dhiraagu)

📄 G. Documents You Need

• Valid passport
• Return flight ticket
• Accommodation confirmation
• Travel insurance
• Visa is not required for most nationalities for up to 30 days

🌴 PART 2: MALDIVES TOURIST ITINERARY (7 Days)

🗓️ Day 1: Arrival & Transfer

• Arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE)
• Transfer via speedboat or seaplane to your resort/island
• Welcome drink & check-in
• Relax on the beach
• Sunset dinner

🗓️ Day 2: Snorkeling & Water Adventures

• Morning: Snorkeling tour
• Afternoon: Banana boat, paddleboarding
• Evening: Beach BBQ or live music night

🗓️ Day 3: Sandbank Picnic & Island Hopping

• Half-day tour to sandbanks
• Picnic on a deserted beach
• Visit nearby local islands for culture
• Night: Stargazing or private candlelit dinner

🗓️ Day 4: Spa & Wellness Day

• Morning: Couples or solo spa treatment
• Afternoon: Yoga or meditation session
• Evening: Optional sunset cruise with dolphins

🗓️ Day 5: Scuba Diving or Marine Tour

• Full-day PADI dive (if certified) or guided marine exploration
• Visit underwater restaurant or glass-bottom boat
• Evening: Leisure at resort

🗓️ Day 6: Cultural Tour & Souvenirs

• Visit Male City: local markets, mosques, museum
• Try Maldivian cuisine
• Buy souvenirs (handicrafts, sarongs, teas)

🗓️ Day 7: Departure

• Breakfast and check-out
• Transfer to airport
• Duty-free shopping and final photos

💼 PART 3: MALDIVES BUSINESS TRAVEL ITINERARY (5 Days)

🗓️ Day 1: Arrival & Preparation

• Arrive & check into a business-friendly hotel in Male or Hulhumale
• Rest & refresh
• Prepare documents, test presentation equipment
• Dinner with local contact or at hotel

🗓️ Day 2: Business Meetings

• Early breakfast
• Meeting(s) with local partners, government or investors
• Optional: Visit client sites or tour offices
• Networking dinner

🗓️ Day 3: Site Visit or Expo Attendance

• Travel to island site (if relevant to your work)
• Attend exhibitions or conferences
• Record notes, take photos
• Return to main island

🗓️ Day 4: Blending Business & Leisure

• Wrap up work, send emails
• Afternoon: Leisure – spa, snorkeling, short tour
• Sunset cruise for executives or team bonding

🗓️ Day 5: Final Wrap-Up & Departure

• Check out
• Debrief with stakeholders
• Depart via Male International Airport

📝 PART 4: Extra Tips for Both Travelers

💡 Tips:

• Time Zone: GMT+5 (no daylight saving)
• Language: Dhivehi (English widely spoken)
• Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) – USD is widely accepted
• Transport: Water taxis, speedboats, seaplanes
• Internet: Most hotels offer Wi-Fi; get local SIM for backup
• Health: No vaccinations required, but mosquito repellent is advisable

📅 IDEAL TIMELINE FROM PLANNING TO TRAVEL