Skip navigation to content :
Main content Search for an Archers holiday

Holidays in the Maldives

Holidays in the North Male Atoll

Holidays in the Raa Atoll

Maldives Holidays

View all our Maldives holidays.

Maldives MapThe Maldives: Your Desert Island Fantasy… Come True

An absolute dream for beach worshippers and divers alike, the Maldives are the ultimate castaway setting. This string of palm topped coral islands grouped in atolls, offers flawless white beaches and amazingly clear waters to swim, snorkel and dive in. Explore the amazing underwater world teeming with colourful tropical fish and coral reefs, or simply enjoy the beautiful setting, there's no other like it.

The Maldives

The Maldives Republic sits in the Indian Ocean 500 kilometres southwest of the southern tip of India. This truly amazing place is made up of about 1190 low-lying coral islands, of which only around 200 are inhabited. Each island is covered in lush tropical vegetation and palm trees and is surrounded by a protective reef and shallow lagoon, and of course the fabulous ring of white sand.

If you are looking for marine life, then you won't be disappointed in this perfect tropical paradise. Crystal clear, warm waters beckon you to explore one of the world's most beautiful and amazing year round diving destinations. Most hotels offer diving opportunities as well as snorkelling and other watersports so you can get out on the water if not beneath it.

Note: As a Muslin nation, dress is informal but scanty beach wear is not tolerated in Malé. There are 2 monsoon seasons, the southwest from May to October and the northeast from November to April.

North Male Atoll

The capital Malé is located in this Atoll and lies at its southerly end. Summer Island Village, a relatively small island by Maldives standards, is reached by a speed-dhoni boat ride from Male airport, usually taking about an hour and a half.

Paradise Island, just 30 kilometres to the north of Male is reached by a short 20 minute speedboat trip, is one of the larger islands in the atoll and also one of the newest.

Raa Atoll

Raa Atoll lies approximately 130 kilometres northwest of Malé. Here you may still see traditional arts and crafts being practised. Meedhupparu is reached by a 40 minute seaplane ride, a fantastic opportunity to drink in your new surroundings.

Useful Information

Language: Dhivehi is the offical language

Currency: Maldivian Rufiya (RF) but mainly US dollars are used

Time difference: GMT + 5 hours

Flight time: Approx. 12 hours

Eating out approx. how much: This varies per island 3 course meal £25. Bottle of wine £20-30. Glass of beer £2.50.

Bank opening hours: (Malé)

Shop hours: (Malé) Saturday - Thursday 8.30am-11pm; Friday 1.30-11pm

Good buys: Sarongs, t-shirts, rush mats, wood carvings

Special events: December/January, Independence Day theme floats (Malé) - 26 July.

Tourist office:

High Commission of Maldives,
22 Nottingham Place,
London SW1X 3FB
020 7224 2134

Visa requirements: None known

NB. There may be a short delay in the transfer to your hotel whilst awaiting additional flight arrivals. Late night departures for those on islands who cannot transfer to the airport at night receive a complimentary day use room either at the airport hotel or in Malé. Duty free alcohol cannot be taken into the Maldives, but will be kept for you, and can be collected when you leave.

Representatives do not visit all islands on a regular basis, contact details will be provided on arrival.


Weather Guide

jan

feb

mar

apr

may

jun

jul

aug

sep

oct

nov

dec

av. daily max temp (ºc)

31

31

34

31

31

30

29

29

29

29

30

29

av. daily sun (hrs)

8

8

7

7

6

8

7

7

7

8

8

8

av. monthly rain (cm)

5

2

2

5

18

30

23

20

16

19

15

7