Maldives Solo - How to Enjoy a Fantastic Holiday in the Maldives

The number of tourists that visit the Maldives is proof that the country is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. With its charming sandy beaches, azure waters of the ocean, islands, and vibrant marine life, the Maldives invites those with a thirst for adventure. Things to do and see here are aplenty, and if you are planning to visit the country during your next holiday, you need to know how to enjoy your time here.

About the Maldives

The Maldives is an archipelago of 2,000 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. The country is located close to Sri Lanka and India. The capital of the country is Male. The islands are quite small; some are inhabited by locals, and the resort islands are reserved for tourism.

The country is an Islamic country, and there are things you are not allowed to do. For instance, you cannot drink in public or be drunk in public. You cannot bring religious texts and products containing pork into the country. Public beaches are off limits to those clad in their swimsuit; also, you cannot walk around in public wearing just your swimsuit.

While all this makes it sound like you are not going to have a good time here, rest assured that you will. The resort islands are a world away from the traditional lifestyle of the Maldivians. You can drink and laze around at the beach in your swimsuit all you want. You just have to be careful when you are in public and at the airport.

Visa

The visa process isn’t complicated in any way. You’ll be given a visa upon your arrival; the visa is good for 30 days. You do have to submit copies of your passport and your hotel reservation. Keep in mind that the passport should be valid for the next six months; also, you need to have a return ticket.

Accommodation

Accommodation is the best thing about a vacation in the Maldives. Most tourists think that Maldives accommodation is expensive. While they are not wrong, there are things you can do to make sure you don’t pay too much for your accommodation. Most tourist hotels offer discounts and seasonal offers.

The types of accommodation options include guesthouses in the capital city and homestays on a local island. Spending time with a local family is one of the best things you can do in the Maldives. Villas are an option as well; the likes of Kuramathi Maldives are an example.

Guesthouses are great if you are on a budget, but island resorts are the best accommodation option for a solo traveller.

Best time to visit

The Maldives has a dry season and a wet season. The country is a tropical destination, which means that the rainy season is going to bring daily rainfall, making it impossible to enjoy outdoor activities.

November to April, the dry season, is the best time to visit. The humidity is low, with minimal rainfall. However, due to high demand, accommodation rates tend to go up during this time. Also, you will need to make an early reservation as hotels sell out faster than usual during the dry season.

Transport

To travel between the islands, you can take a ferry or a speedboat. Seaplanes are an option too. Taking the ferry can be a challenge as ferries never stick to the schedule. Seaplanes are a great way to travel as they afford you a bird’s eye of the islands.

The best thing to do is to get your resort to sort out your transport. Most resorts offer airport pickups.

Things to do

The list of things you can do in the Maldives is a long one. Water sports are the main draw for tourists. Snorkelling, diving, kiteboarding, and surfing are a few of the most popular water sports in the Maldives.

The country also offers a set of unique experiences. Underwater dining is a popular romantic experience, and underwater walking and submarine submerging are two other unique experiences the country is known for.