Tours to the Maldives

The Maldives: Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to the Maldives?
The Maldives is a year-round destination, with temperatures consistently hovering around the early 30-31°C and water temperatures of 28-30°C. The dry northeast monsoon (December to April) brings the calmest seas and clearest skies while January to April offers the best underwater visibility for snorkelling.  The southwest monsoon (May to November) brings occasional short afternoon rain showers, but conditions are still warm and the seas are generally calm enough for dhoni cruising. For the best chance of encountering manta rays and whale sharks, visit between October and April.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel in the Maldives?
You should be a proficient swimmer with a reasonable level of mobility to get the most out of Explore’s group tours to the Maldives. Whilst the waters are generally calm and clear, and life jackets are available on board, snorkelling sites can often be in open water rather than close to shore.

What is a dhoni?
A dhoni is a traditional Maldivian fishing boat, adapted for small-group cruising. On Explore’s Maldives cruising tours, the dhoni serves as your base, with simple though comfortable cabins, a covered dining area, open sun decks and a local crew including a captain and chef. Dhonis are compact rather than luxurious, but their small size means they can access quieter atolls and more remote islands that larger vessels cannot.

What should I wear in the Maldives?
On board the dhoni, casual swimwear and light clothing are fine. However, the Maldives is a Muslim country, and modest dress is expected when visiting inhabited islands. Brief shorts, tight fitting clothing and anything revealing could be considered extremely offensive to the local people. We would recommend taking clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. Otherwise, lightweight clothing with a protective hat and sufficient swimming gear will serve you well. You should also bring reef-safe sun cream (avoiding oxybenzone and octinoxate, which damage coral).