Maldives is a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean that is only a short flight from Dubai. It's perfect for honeymoons, romantic retreats, and luxury vacations.
It's the best island getaway since it has beautiful villas over the water, clear lagoons, and resorts that are the best in the world. The Maldives is a place you won't forget, whether it's your first time there or you've been waiting to go back for a long time.
This guide will show you all you need to know to plan your Maldives trip from Dubai, such as the best places to visit, things to do, and travel recommendations from experts.
Visa Requirements for UAE Residents and How to Get There?
Are you planning a trip to the Maldives from Dubai? This is a quick guide on the visa requirements and what to expect when you get there, which is especially helpful for the UAE residents.
Visa on Arrival for UAE Residents
Great news! You can get a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival in the Maldives if you have a UAE passport or a valid UAE residence visa. This makes traveling very easy and stress-free.
What You Need:
- A passport that has validity of at least six months from your arrival date.
- A confirmed reservation at a registered hotel or resort
- A ticket for a return or onward trip
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to stay
You must submit a Traveler Health Declaration on the Maldives IMUGA portal at least 96 hours before you arrive.
Arrival Process Made Easier
When you get to Velana International Airport (Malé), you'll go through the standard immigration process. Because of the visa-on-arrival policy, this process normally goes quickly and smoothly.
After you go through immigration, how you get to your resort or guesthouse will depend on your booking. You can choose between a speedboat, seaplane, or a domestic flight, each of which will take you on a beautiful trip to paradise.
Why Choose a Maldives Tour Package from Dubai?
The Maldives has become a top destination for UAE residents due to its accessibility and the unparalleled experiences it offers. Here's why:
- Visa on Arrival: UAE residents enjoy a 30-day stay with a visa on arrival.
- Direct flights: Emirates, FlyDubai, and other carriers operate direct flights from Dubai to Malé.
- Customized experiences: There's something for everyone, from romantic getaways to exciting dive trips.
- All-inclusive options: Many resorts provide full packages that include meals, transportation, and activities.
- Privacy & seclusion: Private-island resorts make sure you have a peaceful and private vacation.
Whether you're booking a
Maldives honeymoon package or a family trip from Dubai, this destination caters to every style of traveler.
Best Places to Visit in Maldives
Maldives is a paradise for all kinds of travelers, with its white-sand beaches, brilliant blue lagoons, and lush coral islands. The island has something for everyone, whether you want to relax in luxury, go on marine adventures, or learn about the local culture. If you're considering a
trip to Maldives from Dubai, here are the best sites to see:
1. Malé – The Vibrant Capital City
Malé is a busy city with a lot of history, culture, and local character. It is very different from the resort islands. The city is great for those who wish to see how Maldivians live every day. It's easy to wander around and has a lot of cultural attractions.
- Things to Do in Malé: Go to the Maldives National Museum, walk around Sultan Park, shop at the local fish and fruit markets, and have coffee at a street café.
- Top Attractions in Malé: Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque), Tsunami Monument, Republic Square.
- Travel Tip: When you visit Malé or any other populated island, dress modestly and follow Islamic customs.
2. Maafushi Island – The Budget-Friendly Escape
Maafushi is one of the most popular islands in the Maldives since it has a lot of fun things to do and is cheap. It's great for people who want to have a more real experience than staying at a fancy hotel.
- Things to Do in Maafushi: Go on snorkeling expeditions, dolphin cruises, banana boat rides, and picnics on the sandbank in Maafushi. You can also go to local cafes and meet other travelers.
- Top Attractions in Maafushi: Bikini Beach, Floating Bar & Safari, Coral Garden diving site.
- Travel Tip: This island is great for people on a budget. For better pricing and group savings, book trips through your guesthouse.
3. Vaadhoo Island – The Glowing Beach of the Maldives
Vaadhoo Island is famous for the Sea of Stars, which is one of nature's most beautiful shows. At night, the bioluminescent plankton here light up the shore, making a glow that is unlike anything other.
- Things to Do in Vaadhoo: Take a walk along the shining beach at night, schedule a seaside meal, and click beautiful photos of the beach.
- Top Attractions in Vaadhoo: The Sea of Stars phenomenon, island village tours, traditional Maldivian meals.
- Travel Tip: The ideal time to see the bioluminescent glow is between July and November.
4. Baa Atoll – The UNESCO Marine Biosphere
Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which makes it a great place for eco-conscious vacationers and people who love marine life. Hanifaru Bay is where huge groups of manta rays and whale sharks come together.
- Things to Do in Baa Atoll: Snorkeling in Hanifaru Bay, diving in the coral-rich waters, and staying in eco-luxury resorts.
- Top Attractions in Baa Atoll: Hanifaru Bay, Dharavandhoo Island, Milaidhoo and Soneva Fushi luxury resorts.
- Travel Tip: The best time to see manta rays is from May to November. Always arrange guided snorkeling tours with licensed marine guides.
- Check out: Maldives Tour Package for Couple
5. Banana Reef – A World-Class Diving Destination
Banana Reef was one of the first diving places in the Maldives, and it is still one of the greatest. With its banana-shaped curve, colorful coral life, and many different kinds of marine life, it's a diver's paradise.
- Things to Do in Banana Reef: Scuba diving, taking pictures underwater, and looking for marine life including reef sharks, moray eels, and bannerfish.
- Top Attractions in Banana Reef: The reef itself is the main attraction—known for its dramatic cliffs, caves, and overhangs.
- Travel Tip: Most dive resorts offer beginner PADI courses, and experienced divers can go deeper with a licensed guide.
Best Things to Do in Maldives
The Maldives has unique experiences that make every journey better, from underwater wonderlands to luxury pleasures. Here are five things you have to do to really experience a Maldivian vacation:
1. Snorkeling in Coral Reefs
The Maldives is known all over the world for its shallow coral gardens full with colorful sea creatures. You may easily see sea turtles, clownfish, reef sharks, and manta rays when snorkeling here, frequently just a few steps from your villa.
Best Locations for Snorkeling: Banana Reef (North Malé Atoll), Maafushi Reef, HP Reef, and Baa Atoll’s Hanifaru Bay (during manta season)
Travel Tip: Always apply sunscreen that is safe for reefs and pack a waterproof case for your phone or GoPro to record the trip.
2. Scuba Diving with Exotic Marine Life
Diving in Maldives reveals stunning underwater scenery, including coral walls and caves, as well as whale sharks and manta rays. It's one of the best places in the world to go diving.
Best Locations for Scuba Diving: Fotteyo Kandu (Vaavu Atoll), Kandooma Thila (South Malé Atoll), and Manta Point (Ari Atoll)
Travel Tip: Most resorts have trained PADI instructors who can take beginners on exploratory dives.
3. Seaplane and Helicopter Tours
From above, the Maldives is just as beautiful. A scenic flight gives you a strange perspective of atolls, sandbanks, and a lot of different shades of blue. It's a great way to start or end your journey.
Best Locations for Seaplane and Helicopter Tours: Departures from Malé and resorts like Soneva Jani and Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Travel Tip: If you can, sit by the window and bring a wide-angle camera lens or a smartphone with a panoramic mode.
4. Floating Breakfasts & Private Lagoon Dinners
Start your day with breakfast in your private pool on a floating tray, and end it with a candlelit dinner under the stars. These
high-end dining experiences are famous in the Maldives.
- Best Locations: Gili Lankanfushi, Baros Maldives, Anantara Veli, and most premium resorts
- Travel Tip: Plan these activities for special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, or honeymoon nights, and make sure you reserve them early
5. Sunset Dolphin-Watching Cruises
There is nothing like
sailing into the sunset with dolphins jumping next to your traditional Maldivian boat. It's one of the most romantic and beautiful trips you can have on the islands.
Best Locations for Dolphin Watching: South Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll, Maafushi
Travel Tip: Bring polarized sunglasses to see better, and think about taking tours that have expert photographers on board.
What to Eat in Maldives
The food in the Maldives is a mix of local island dishes and foods from other countries. Most resorts have fancy restaurants, but you may also try traditional meals on the neighboring islands.
Must-Try Maldivian Dishes:
- Mas Huni: A breakfast staple of shredded tuna with coconut and chili.
- Fihunu Mas: Grilled fish marinated in Maldivian spices.
- Garudhiya: A comforting fish broth served with rice and lime.
- Boshi Mashuni: A salad made from banana flowers and coconut.
Travel Tip: Meals in resort islands are usually buffet-style or à la carte. Try small cafés on local islands for real, home-cooked food.
Where to Shop in Maldives
The Maldives isn't known for shopping, But there are a few sites where you may buy souvenirs and crafts manufactured by locals.
Best Shopping Places in Maldives:
- Malé Local Market: It is a great place to buy snacks, spices, and coconut-based goods.
- Chaandhanee Magu (Malé): This place is famous for its handicrafts, woven mats, wooden miniatures, and local art.
- Resort Boutiques: Many high-end resorts have carefully chosen stores run by local artisans.
Travel Tip: : Don't buy things made of coral or shells because they hurt the ecosystem and are often banned at customs.
Maldives Tour Package from Dubai
Whether you're after a romantic honeymoon or a luxury family stay, Best Value Tourism offers tailor-made Maldives tour package from Dubai. Here are some of the popular packages:
Maldives Family Package from Dubai
Our Maldives Family Package from Dubai will let you experience the height of tropical luxury. Stay in a luxury villa on the water or on the beach and enjoy all-inclusive meals, private transfers by speedboat or seaplane, and guided snorkeling or diving adventures. Relax with spa treatments that are meant to be the most relaxing and exciting.
Maldives Honeymoon Package from Dubai
Our Maldives Tour Package for Couple is perfect for celebrating your love. Spend the night in a romantic overwater house, have breakfast on the water, dinner on the beach by candlelight, and a couple's spa session and sunset cruise. With flower bed decor and a custom photo shoot, it's the best way to start your life together.
Click here to book your Maldives Honeymoon Package
How to Reach Maldives from Dubai
Flight Duration: Approx. 4–4.5 hours from Dubai
Airlines: Emirates, FlyDubai, Qatar Airways, SriLankan Airlines and more.
Airport: Velana International Airport (MLE), Malé
Travel Tip: Plan to get there by mid-afternoon so that you can easily get to the resort by speedboat or seaplane.
Best Time to Visit Maldives
Dry Season: November to April is the dry season, which is great for beach activities and romance.
Wet Season: May to October (less crowded, wonderful for diving and seeing marine life)
Travel Tip: Go to Baa Atoll between May and November to see manta rays in Hanifaru Bay.
Final Thoughts
A Maldives package from Dubai is more than simply a vacation; it's a magnificent getaway to nature, peace, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The Maldives will meet all of your expectations, whether you're going there for a romantic honeymoon, a relaxing vacation, or an adventure diving.