Maldives
A thousand islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, each one a postcard. The water really is that blue, the sand really is that white, and yes, you can sleep in a villa perched over the sea. It's the kind of place that feels too beautiful to be real — and the underwater world is just as stunning as what's above.
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Maldives travel FAQ
Is the Maldives only for luxury travelers?
Not anymore. Local island guesthouses have made budget travel possible. Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, and Dhigurah are popular budget islands with guesthouses from $40-80/night, restaurants for $8-15 per meal, and affordable snorkeling trips. Resort islands still start at $300-500/night for overwater villas. The scenery is equally stunning either way.
How many days do I need in the Maldives?
4 to 7 days depending on your pace. A resort stay is mostly relaxation — snorkeling, diving, spa treatments, and reading by the water. On a local island, you can fill days with dolphin watching, sandbank picnics, snorkeling excursions, and island hopping. Most people wish they'd stayed longer. The speedboat transfer from Malé takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the island.
What's the best way to see marine life?
Snorkeling is accessible to everyone and often incredible right off the beach — house reefs at many resorts have turtles, reef sharks, and rays. Diving opens up manta ray cleaning stations, whale shark encounters (best around South Ari Atoll), and stunning coral walls. Night snorkeling for bioluminescent plankton is magical at some islands. Most guesthouses and resorts arrange excursions for $30-80 per trip.