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Culture

The rich culture of the Maldives shares elements with its Indian and Sri Lankan neighbours as well as Arab, Persian, Indonesian, Malaysian and African sources. These richly woven influences have evolved over the years to create a unique cultural identity. Sports are deeply ingrained in modern culture, particularly surfing and soccer. Mat and rope weaving are a very important part of the country’s artistic heritage, and you can find handwoven pieces as well as wood carvings and traditional clothing, masks or jewellery at many local markets throughout the islands. The Maldives are also known for boat-making, particularly the traditional ‘dhoni’ boats, used for fishing. If you book a Lagoon Suite at Medhufushi Island Resort in the Meemu Atoll, you’ll take a ride in a private dhoni to get to and from your suite and the island.

Cuisine

As you might expect from a nation of islands, the cuisine of the Maldives (known as ‘Dhivei’) is heavily rooted in fresh seafood. Fish (especially tuna) is often paired with coconut, fresh fruit and vegetables and rice for hearty, flavourful meals. The country’s national dish is Garudiya, a simple fish broth made from local tuna boiled in salted water (occasionally a little extra spice added). Enjoyed alongside a generous portion of coconut rice or theluli faiy (fried moringa leaves), it’s a must-try for any traveller. The five-star Siyam World Maldives boasts 12 restaurants, including Kaage, which serves up traditional Maldivian recipes passed down through the generations.

Diving

An explosion of marine life hides beneath the clear blue waters of the Maldives. Watch fish dart between the rainbow coral. January to April tend to be the best times of year for visibility, while August to November is the best time to see whale sharks and manta rays. Many resorts offer snorkelling and scuba diving, including Rahaa Resort, which has an on-site dive centre and a dazzling house reef in the vibrant Laamu Atoll. Some resorts like Sun Siyam Olhuveli offer diving tours of shipwrecks, perfect for adventurous travellers.

Climate

The tropical climate of the Maldives is divided into a dry season, between December and April, and a rainy season, between May and November. The temperature stays warm year-round, with average highs of around 30℃ throughout the year. During the rainy season, you can expect occasional showers, but there’ll still be plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The ocean temperatures are also warm throughout the year. The lowest average temperature is around 28.2℃, in December and January, while the highest is about 29.9℃, in April. Whenever you book your Maldives holidays, you can expect warm weather and warm waters.

Speak to an expert

Our Personal Travel Advisors can help you find the best Maldives package holidays. By drawing on first-hand experience and expert training, we’ll help you plan the holiday of your dreams. With transparent pricing, exclusive deals and flexible payment plans, we work with you to ensure everyone can enjoy the ultimate Maldives holiday. If you need help customising your holiday, or simply need some more advice, chat to a Personal Travel Advisor on 01782 378 802.

FAQs: Your Maldives questions answered

When's the best time to go to the Maldives?

The Maldives is beautiful year-round, but the most popular times are usually during the dry season, between December and April, ideal for a sunny winter break. If you prefer to travel during the low season, consider visiting between May and November.

Is the Maldives good for families?

The Maldives is a great holiday destination for families. Many resorts, like Sun Siyam Olhuveli, feature kids' clubs and spacious, family-friendly villas, so everyone can enjoy a tropical getaway.

Is the Maldives good for couples?

Romantic getaways don’t get much better than a private overwater villa on the crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters. The Maldives is a great option for couples, especially when resorts like Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa offer special honeymoon and wedding packages.

Is the Maldives expensive?

Relatively speaking, the Maldives is one of the more expensive holiday destinations in the world. But with Blue Bay Travel, you can find the best deals on the best-value resorts.

How long is the flight to the Maldives?

The flight from London to the Maldives (Malé) is around 10 and a half hours if you fly non-stop. Connecting flights generally take between 12 and 16 hours.

Where are the Maldives located?

The Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean, right on the equator. Its closest neighbours are India and Sri Lanka to the north-east.

Where to stay in the Maldives?

The Maldives has numerous resorts across its atolls. From Cocogiri Island Resort Maldives in the Vaavu Atoll to Siyam World Maldives in the Noonu Atoll, you can find plenty of fantastic luxury resorts on Blue Bay Travel.