Islands
The Maldives, where the island is the decision
One island, one resort, one week. Which is why the house reef, the transfer type and the meal plan are the three things we check before recommending anything.
We hold no photography of our own for this destination yet, so this page is set in type rather than dressed in pictures that are not ours. We also publish no fixed rate card here: it is quoted to order.
In short
Ask about the house reef before the room category. It matters more.
A good house reef means snorkelling from the beach rather than a boat trip every day, and it is the single largest difference between two resorts at the same price.
Transfers are by speedboat or seaplane and can be a large share of the total cost. Seaplanes only fly in daylight, which shapes your arrival and departure. We quote transfers as a separate line so you can see them.
Local island guesthouses on Maafushi, Dhigurah or Fulidhoo cost a fraction of a resort and give you the same water. It is a genuine option, not a compromise.
Signature
House reefs and water villas
Trip length
6 to 8 nights
Best months
Nov to Apr
Gateway
Male
Why go
Four reasons travellers choose the Maldives
01
House reefs
Snorkelling straight off the beach, rather than a boat trip every morning.
02
Manta and whale shark
Seasonal aggregations in South Ari and Baa atolls, with resorts sitting right beside them.
03
Diving
Channel and thila dives with strong marine life, for new and experienced divers alike.
04
Local islands
Guesthouse stays at a fraction of resort prices, in the same water.
Practical
Getting there, and how we quote it
Travel and access
Flights from Nairobi route via the Gulf or Colombo to Male.
Free visa on arrival for most nationalities, with proof of accommodation.
Seaplane transfers operate in daylight only, which affects your flight timings.
How we handle this destination
We arrange the Maldives to order and always show the transfer cost separately.
On resort islands, full board or all inclusive almost always works out cheaper than paying per meal.
Local island guesthouses are a real alternative, and we will price both.
How we work
Quoted to order, with the camps named
We do not publish a rate card for the Maldives because the prices move by season and by availability, and a number on a page that we cannot hold is not useful to you. Send us your dates, your group and a rough budget, and we will come back with named properties, a routing and a total. For destinations outside our own operating area we work with vetted local operators, and we will tell you when that is the case.
Quoting
To order
Properties
Named before you pay
Office
Westlands, Nairobi
Registration
Kenya and TRA
Questions
Maldives Tours questions
How much are transfers?–
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They range from a short speedboat ride to a seaplane flight, and can be a large share of the total. We quote them as a separate line.
Which meal plan?+
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On resort islands, full board or all inclusive, because there is nowhere else to eat.
Can I combine it with a safari?+
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Yes, and it is our most popular honeymoon combination. Mara or Serengeti first, then a week in the water.
Kenya registered tour operator
TRA registered
Our own 4×4 safari vehicles
In-house driver guides
Westlands, Nairobi
Start planning
Send your dates, group size and rough budget, and we will build a the Maldives itinerary rather than send you a brochure.