The Maldives, a stunning archipelago of over a thousand islands in the Indian Ocean.
Maldives is famed for it's crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, and iconic over-water bungalows the perfect base for unforgettable snorkeling, swimming, and diving adventures.
While there’s no one perfect way to enjoy the Maldives, there are a few common missteps that can hinder your experience. Whether you’re planning your trip or already soaking in the views from your infinity pool in the Baa Atoll, here are nine mistakes to steer clear of in the Maldives.
1. Limiting Yourself to One Island
The Maldives, with nearly 1,200 islands, is famous for it's one island, one resort concept. However, don’t make the mistake of experiencing just one small, stunning islet or only the capital, Malé, where you’ll land. To truly embrace the Maldives, plan some island-hopping. Charter a boat, take a day tour to nearby atolls, or split your stay between two resorts to explore more of this breathtaking archipelago.
2. Believing the Maldives Is Only for Luxury Travelers
While known for it's lavish reputation, the Maldives can be surprisingly budget-friendly. Flights are often affordable, with round-trip fares under $1,000 much of the year. Opt for a four-star resort like Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma or stay at local guesthouses for a more economical trip. Affordable activities include snorkeling at public beaches or participating in reef restoration programs offered by resorts like Reethi Beach Resort.
3. Overlooking the Local Culture
The Maldives isn’t just about beaches, it’s a cultural with influences from Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, the Middle East, Indonesia, and Africa. Don’t miss the chance to experience this rich heritage. Attend a traditional music or dance performance, savor local Maldivian cuisine, visit a fishing village, or take a ride on a traditional dhoni boat. These experiences add depth to your trip and go far beyond the typical resort stay.
4. Skipping a Liveaboard Adventure
A liveaboard trip offers a unique way to explore the Maldives, with options ranging from budget-friendly boats to luxurious yachts. These sea safaris include professionals such as dive instructors and sommeliers, and you can even customize your crew to include wellness experts like massage therapists or yoga instructors.
5. Saving It Only for Your Honeymoon
The Maldives is undoubtedly a top honeymoon destination with it's private islands, over-water bungalows, and dreamy sunsets. But it’s not just for couples. The Maldives is perfect for family vacations or group getaways too. Resorts like Soneva Fushi offer massive kids’ clubs.
6. Forgetting Reef-safe Sunscreen
Under the intense equatorial sun, sunscreen is a must, but don’t forget to make it reef-safe. Chemical sunscreens can harm the Maldives’ precious coral reefs and marine life. Opt for physical, reef-safe options that protect both your skin and the environment. Some resorts, like those under the Six Senses brand, have even banned chemical sunscreens entirely to promote sustainability.
7. Overlooking the Value of All-inclusive Resorts
While staying on a secluded island sounds idyllic, it often comes with high costs for imported food and drinks. To avoid unpleasant surprises, consider booking an all-inclusive resort.
8. Skipping a Multi-Destination Trip
Despite it's remote allure, the Maldives is surprisingly well-connected. Regular direct flights from hubs like Colombo (1.5 hours), Dubai (4 hours), and Kuala Lumpur (4.5 hours) make it easy to combine your Maldivian escape with a visit to destinations like Sri Lanka, the UAE, or Malaysia.
9. Missing Out on Bioluminescent Beaches
While the Maldives crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches shine during the day, the magic doesn’t stop at sunset. From April to November, certain shores light up with a spectacular glow-in-the-dark effect caused by bioluminescent plankton.
