Maldives - Tourist Info
There are frequent flights to Male International Airport from various countries on Most tourists arriving in the Maldives are actually Europeans coming in on schedule and charter flights. However there are scheduled flights, with emirates (through Dubai) or Sri Lankan Airline via Colombo, Malaysian Airlines via Kuala Lumpur and through Singapore, by Singapore Airlines. This makes the dream come true to those who do not have direct access to the Maldives.
Male International Airport is on a separate island, Hulhule just next to the capital island, Male. You will need to take a boat from airport to where you are heading. If you are booked to a resort or safari boat, you should be met on arrival. If you are heading for Male jump on one of the regular transfer dhonis leaving from the main jetty; it is just US$1.00 per head if you share the boat.
VISA
A 30-day tourist visa is issued to all valid passport holders on arrival.
CUSTOMS
The import of alcohol is strictly controlled, so forget about bringing your own bottle of duty-free. Alcohol is available on resorts and safari boats.
CURRENCY
The Maldivian Rufiya is valued at MRf 12.85 to US$. Most resorts take major credit cards and travelers cheques. US$ are the preferred means of exchange.
DIVE OPERATORS & ACCOMMODATION.
There are about 80 resorts all with dive bases and over 30 diving safari boats. So diving and accommodation are best arranged together.
FOOD
Resorts and safari boats have good international cuisine. On Male for local fish curry and rice, visit one of the many teashops in town; they are also great for tea and local snacks (short eats) during the day.
DIVING YEAR AT A GLANCE
The Maldives offers superb, world-class diving at any time of year. However, weather, currents, visibility, and distribution all vary from month to month.
JANUARY: Currents are usually strong, which is great for exhilarating drift dives and reef shark actions, but is not ideal for underwater photographers.
FBRUARY: The very best time to visit for diving. Winds are light currents are generally moderate. Sea temperature at their warmest a balmy 30 degree Celsius or more. Visibility, particularly on the eastern side of the Maldives, is often well in excess of 30 meters. Mantas are well established on the eastern sides of atoll. Whales and dolphins are easy to spot in the flat calm condition. Paradise!
MAY: The seasons are changing. This month is usually calm, but if the southwest monsoon comes early, (particularly late May) can be rough. Mantas are on the move.
JUNE JULY: The southwest monsoon sets in, often bringing strong winds and rain. Not the best time to be on a live-aboard. Check out resorts!
AUGUST OCTOBER: The southwest monsoon might still bring wind and rain, but this is not so strong, and there are frequent periods of calm sunny weather. The best time for mantas on the eastern side of Maldives. Also a good time for reef sharks.
NOVEMBER: The seasons are about to change again. This is an inter-monsoon month, and often calm. A good time to visit before the Christmas rush.
DECEMBER: The northeast monsoon sets in. This month can bring wind and rain, but also calm and sunny periods. This is definitely high season inn the Maldives, with a great influx of European divers on their Christmas holidays.
