Maldives Travel & Holiday Packages
WHEN EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Popular Maldives Packages
REGIONS OF MALDIVES
MALÉ
The small Maldivian capital is the throbbing, heart of the nation, a densely crowded and fascinating place which is a huge contrast to the laid-back pace of island life elsewhere in the country.
NORTH MALÉ ATOLL
Male, the island capital of the Maldives, is situated on the southern end of the North Male atoll, a short Dhoni or speedboat ride from the Male International Airport (Velana International Airport). Beautiful white sand beaches, superb dive sites highlighted by colourful corals and deep wrecks, and the high concentration of resorts, hotels and restaurants make North Male Atoll a favourite among first time visitors.
SOUTH MALÉ ATOLL
Like its northern counterpart, the South Male Atoll is replete with diving points, surf breaks and sugary beaches that are a delight all year. What pulls in people to the southern half of the Male Atoll though is its relatively more tranquil atmosphere.
BAA ATOLL
Located northwest of the Maldives atoll chain, the Baa Atoll is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, an indication of the rich biodiversity of Maldives. Baa Atoll consists of 75 islands of which 13 are inhabited while the remaining 57 islands are uninhabited.
DHAALU ATOLL
Dhaalu Atoll is a tempting destination for those who want to experience excellent snorkelling and diving in a quiet corner of the country. The northern islands of Ribudhoo and Hulhudheli are also famous for their goldsmiths and silversmiths who, rumour has it, learned the craft centuries ago from a sultan’s banished royal jeweller.
RAA ATOLL
Raa Atoll is a pristine paradise with only a handful of resorts. Ugoofaru, the capital island, is home to the largest fishing fleets in the Maldives while Alifushi island is where one can find the best traditional dhoni builders in the archipelago.
NORTH ARI ATOLL
Sitting west of the capital and roughly 30 minutes away by seaplane, the near-rectangular Ari Atoll offers stellar beaches and superb diving experience in its 105 islands. It is bisected into North and South Ari Atolls, and both are world-class destinations that belong to any bucket list.
SOUTH ARI ATOLL
South Ari Atoll is a protected marine area that attracts a magnificent number of whale sharks year-round.
NOONU ATOLL
Noonu Atoll boasts four exceptional resorts in its 13 inhabited islands, all with virtually exclusive access to dive sites located within the proposed Edu Faru National Marine Park.
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Helpful Information
When to visit
The Maldives enjoy a warm tropical climate year-round, with temperatures ranging between 23°C and 32°C. The high season runs from December to March, when the north-east monsoon brings drier weather and clear skies. During these months, humidity is slightly lower and there's a cooling sea breeze most days.
Unsurprisingly, Christmas and New Year are the most expensive time to travel. The south-west monsoon lasts from May to September. It’s wetter, with occasional strong winds but the downpours tend to be short—they’re usually over in 15 minutes—and the sun quickly reappears to dry the ground.
If you’re a keen diver, the marine life tends to be at its best from January to April. April is also considered a ‘shoulder’ period, and therefore prices are lower.
Seasonal surcharges, supplements, compulsory meals and/or transfers may apply during high season or at particular properties.
About Us
Welcome to Maldives! We are delighted to introduce our Maldives division, formerly known as Maldives Travel Connection, which is now part of the Entire Travel Group. With over 50 years of operation, we are trusted and experienced in the region. Learn more about us on our About Us page.
Immerse yourself in the breath-taking beauty of the Maldives, where azure blue waters caress powdery white sand beaches. This tropical paradise boasts 1,192 coral islands spread across 26 ring-shaped atolls, creating a mesmerising necklace in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives offers a unique blend of stunning natural landscapes and luxurious amenities.
Indulge in the tranquil waters of shallow blue lagoons, encircled by magnificent coral reefs teeming with vibrant marine life. Snorkelling, swimming, and an array of water sports await adventure seekers. As a world-class diving mecca, the Maldives provides unparalleled opportunities to encounter manta rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, and over a thousand species of fish, including the awe-inspiring whale sharks.
Renowned as one of the world's most romantic destinations, the Maldives has extraordinary luxury resorts on private islands. Selecting the perfect alternative from the over a hundred available options can be a delightful challenge. Each resort offers a taste of heavenly seclusion and top-notch amenities, ensuring an exclusive and unforgettable experience.
Plan your dream holiday with the assistance of our specialists, who possess in-depth knowledge of the Maldives. As regional experts, we can help you create a customised itinerary tailored to your preferences and desires. Let us guide you to discover the true essence of this tropical paradise.
Thank you for considering our services, and we look forward to assisting you in planning an exceptional holiday in the Maldives, where every moment is a treasured memory.
Visa Information
Australian passport holders do not currently require a visa for a stay as a tourist of up to 30 days but must hold a passport with six months validity from date of entry to the Maldives. If you are a non-Australian passport holder, please check your visa requirements with the appropriate Embassy or Consular office.
About the Maldives
Known officially as the Republic of the Maldives, the sovereign archipelagic nation of the Maldives is positioned in the Indian Ocean on top of a vast underwater mountain range. It comprises 26 natural atolls categorised into 20 administrative divisions, and only 200 of its 1,192 islands are inhabited, 100 of which are resorts.
Incidentally, the Maldivian language has the distinct pleasure of contributing to the English the word “atoll”, which was derived from the Maldivian word “atholhu”. Channels of various sizes between the atolls are used for navigation. The pearl-string-like islands of the Maldives cover a land area of no less than 292 km2. These are all protected by a reef structure and encircled by a lagoon blessed with crystal clear waters where some of the world’s most exclusive and spectacular marine life is found.
Which Atoll to Visit?
The Maldives is made up of 26 Natural atoll and it can be hard to work out which one to visit!
Easy access - If you don’t wish to travel far when you land in Male International Airport then you may wish to stay in one of the many resorts located in the North & South Male Atolls. Its just a short speedboat transfer out to these Atolls, compared to the atolls requiring either domestic flights or seaplanes.
Swimming with Whale sharks – Swimming with the largest fish in the world is high on many peoples bucket lists and can be achieved by staying in the South Ari as Whale Sharks are year-round residents here.
Baa Atoll – is the Maldives first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, offering infinite opportunities for snorkeling and diving in its 75 islands and 105 coral reefs. The gorgeous Hanifaru Bay is a famous breeding ground of manta rays!
Check out our Atolls section to find out more information on where to stay. Our Maldives Specialists are here to help and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Things to Do in Maldives
While Maldives is known for relaxing activities and majestic beaches, this island destination offers much more. Besides enjoying the serenity of the islands, you can try parasailing to get that adrenaline rush. You can also ride the fast tubes with your friends and family for laughs and splashes.
You can then pamper yourself after a day full of water activities by having a much-needed spa treatment in the many resorts in Maldives. Ask for the Balinese massage for a full-body and holistic experience, alongside a rejuvenating facial and mani-pedi.
While most resorts in Maldives have everything you need, you can visit neighbouring islands and mingle with the friendly locals. Here you can find small cafes, markets, mosques and beaches that are under the radar.
Must-visit Attractions in Maldives
Visit the best places with our Maldives holiday packages and create memories to last a lifetime.
For travellers seeking a holiday beyond luxurious resorts and five-star hotels, Maafushi is an ideal choice. This destination is popular for those on a budget while still providing captivating beaches, soothing waves and delectable cuisine. You’ll find lots of homey coffee shops near the shore.
Diving enthusiasts can’t miss going to the Banana Reef. This dive site in Maldives bursts with aquatic life, stretching from its crystalline shores to its coral reefs and deep waters.
Best Time to Visit Maldives
Maldives is a tropical destination that enjoys warm temperatures between 23°C and 32°C all year round. Tourists can enjoy the cool sea breeze and clear skies during December to March when humidity is slightly lower. The weather from May to September gives solid winds and an occasional downpour of rain.
Christmas and New Year are the most desirable times to travel to Maldives. Enjoy the holidays as you’re surrounded by pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
If you want to experience the country’s marine life at its best, book our Maldives holiday packages from January to April. Prices in April are also lower as it is considered a “shoulder” period.
Known Destinations in Maldives
Maldives is the perfect destination to enjoy the sun, have a digital detox and appreciate the world’s finest beaches and marine life.
Dive, snorkel and boat around the crystal clear waters of Alimatha Island. You can also play a friendly game of volleyball or frisbee on its sun-kissed beaches, making it a perfect destination for family trips and honeymoons.
HP Reef is one of the top-rated tourist attractions in Maldives that brings you closer to marine life. You can marvel at its thriving small fishes and spectrum of corals and underwater caves all year round. The sea here is bustling with the liveliness of the majestic aquatic ecosystem.
Apart from awe-inspiring sceneries and refreshing calm waters, Maldives also has an abundant supply of organic produce, such as bananas, coconuts and mangoes. Delight yourself in a hefty meal once you go to Biyadhoo Island.
Best Hotels in Maldives
Our Maldives holiday deals let you check in to the best hotels in the country.
The Soneva Jani is located on an uninhabited five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll. It is surrounded by pristine beaches, lush greenery and clear water lagoons. Each over-water villa has its own pool that opens to the lagoon stretch.
Reethi Faru, or “beautiful reef”, is a four-star resort with neighbouring white beaches and coconut groves. Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, a wide selection of activities and facilities and authentic Maldivian cuisine during your stay.
If you prefer having the option of a liveaboard cruise or resort stay, the Carpe Diem Beach Resort & Spa is for you. It is known for its diving and leisure activities and a stunning three liveaboard cruise that can cater to 20 guests at a time.
Post Lockdown in Maldives
You can enjoy a typical holiday stay in Maldives thanks to the isolation of most hotels.
Maldives has reopened its borders since July 2020, except for Malé, the source of most coronavirus cases. Travellers must present proof of negative COVID-19 tests not more than four days before their arrival. They must also utilise the national contact tracing app TraceEkee during their stay. Masks are still mandatory in most places.
Flying to Maldives
Australian passports currently don’t require a visa for a 30-day stay but must be valid six months from entry in Maldives. The average flight time is approximately 16 hours and 20 minutes.
Other Destinations
Looking for more island inspiration? We offer a variety of Island Holiday Packages to create your dream escape.
WHY WE LOVE IT!
One island, one resort
Unique to Maldives, the one island one resort concept means that one hotel occupies a whole island. By nature of design, this concept ensures privacy, seclusion, and the ability to distance from others without sacrificing world-class amenities, crystal clear waters, and complete relaxation.
Suits every type of traveller
With an abundance of accommodation options to suit varying budgets and group sizes, the ability to be as active – or inactive! – as you like, and food options to suit even the fussiest of family members, Maldives caters to every type of traveller, from honeymooners to intergenerational travel groups.
Bioluminescent beach
The Maldives may be famous for its shimmering turquoise waters and pure white sand beaches, but several special beaches across the islands are even better at night. These glowing beaches take on the appearance of a star filled night sky thanks to the presence of phytoplankton in the waters.
Stay on land, or on sea
It’s indisputable that Maldives does luxury accommodation like nowhere else, but that’s far from your only option. From overwater bungalows to private live-a-board boats to local guesthouses, accommodation options are varied and abundant. Unique experiences include underwater hotel rooms, beach bubble tents, and even treehouse rooms.
Water sports for every level
Whilst lying by the beach or pool definitely counts as a water sport, the more active will be pleased to know that in Maldives you can enjoy every water activity imaginable. Spend your days snorkelling, diving, jet-skiing, wind-surfing or kite-surfing, or take part in excursions such as fishing trips, dolphin watching, or visit nearby lagoons and sandbanks for a magical dose of serenity and privacy.
Warm, welcoming culture
Visit any one of the country’s two hundred inhabited islands and observe the unique lifestyle and culture of Maldives. Maldivian culture, cuisine and craft have been shaped by the waves of settlers from around the Indian Ocean, who made the islands their home over thousands of years. Experience the relaxed attitude and style of islanders, which modernisation has found impossible to change.
Weather in Maldives
Flying to Maldives
The Maldives is a nation of islands in the Indian Ocean, that spans across the equator. The country is comprised of 1192 islands that stretch along a length of 871 kilometers. Several daily flights operate from Velana International Airport to the 12 domestic and international airports in the country. Scheduled ferries also operate from Male’ to many of the atolls. Flights from Australia to the Maldives are usually via Singapore or Colombo (Sri Lanka).
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