Maldives family-friendly travel guide

The weather in the Maldives is always picture perfect, with daily temperatures averaging 30 degrees Celsius all year. The Maldives is regulated by two seasons, with the months of June and July experiencing tropical rains. The monsoon season is from mid-May to November when strong winds, rough seas and torrential rain can occur. Dry season is from March to April

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you intend to return to Australia.

All visitors are granted a free 30 day Visa upon arrival provided they: hold a current passport (recommended to have at least six months validity); a valid return air ticket to a destination where the passenger has permission to enter, together with necessary visas for the onward journey to the next destination; and have possession of a minimum of US$30.00 per person per day or have a confirmed hotel reservation for the intended period of stay in the Maldives.

Contact phone number: Maldives Consulate (03) 9349 1119

Don’t forget to to check all the details on the visa (passport number, date of entry, date of exit, single or multiple entry).

Embassy address:

Suite 3, 94 Union Street, Westgarth, Vic 3070

Office is open from 10.00AM to 4.00PM from Monday to Friday

Australia doesn’t have an Embassy or Consulate in the Maldives. The Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka provides consular assistance to Australians in the Maldives

For further information go to smartraveller.gov.au

The Maldives has four international airports; Velana, Gan, Villa and Hanimaadhoo. Velana serves the capital, Male.

Water and air taxis are a great way to experience the Maldives, seeing great scenery along the way. There are also ferries servicing the islands.

You will find a mixture of Western, South East Asian, and Indian food served at resorts. Coconuts are a prime feature of many dishes in the Maldives – welcome to tropical paradise!

An abundance of fresh fish are also a common staple, thanks to the Maldives’ location. A breakfast favourite is Mas huni- shredded smoked fish with grated coconuts and onions. 

Republic of Maldives offers a combination of boutique and market shopping experiences. Located on the north waterfront, Male Local Market is the perfect place to buy handicrafts and gifts while expensive dresses and jewellery can be found at Nala Boutique.

Tipping is not necessarily expected in the Maldives as a service charge is usually added to most things, however it can be appreciated in hotels and resorts.

While at the resorts, the dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. It is advisable for men to take a pair of long pants as some resorts require these at meal times. Don’t worry, sarongs are provided if you do forget! In Male, the capital island, and other inhabited islands it is recommended that women wear modest clothing.

The predominant religion of the Maldivian people is Islam. As such, there are strict rules and regulations surrounding the consumption of alcohol, and it can be difficult to find for purchase. Resorts, however, sell alcohol and most have an extensive selection of international wines, beers and cocktails.

On the Maldives the power sockets are of type D and G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Dengue fever, Zika virus and chikungunya occur in the Maldives. The Australian Department of Health advises pregnant women to discuss any travel plans with their doctor and defer non-essential travel to Zika virus-affected areas. Protect yourself with mosquito repellent and enclosed accommodation.

It is safer to drink bottled water in the Maldives.

The monsoon season is from mid-May to November when strong winds, rough seas and torrential rain can occur.

Dhivehi is the official language of the Maldives. Here are a few key phrases:

Hello – Assalaamu alaikum.
How are you? – Haalu kihineh?
My name is ______ – Aharenge namakee ______.
Do you speak English? – Ingireysin vaahaka dhakkan ingeytha?

The largest mosque in the Maldives, the golden domes of this modern site are an important historical addition to the stunning sunset and beach shots that will surely be crowding your photo gallery already. With room for over 5,000 people, this site offers ornate design and traditional architecture that makes it uniquely beautiful and distinctly photogenic!

With a seemingly limitless range to choose from, the beaches in the Maldives all hold the promise of gorgeous sunsets and glistening waters. Thoondu Beach, on the north of Fuvahmula Island, is infamous for its pure white sand and sparkling appearance. Surrounded by a colourful reef, Thoondu is sure to add a little bit of shimmer to that classic sunset shot!

The best place for a good photo in the Maldives is – as the Little Mermaid would say – ‘under the sea’. With Whale Submarine, families are transported 30 metres beneath the waves for 45 minutes to capture the best underwater shot. Just 15 minutes from Male’, this scenic experience is the best way to capture the colourful coral and diverse marine life of the Maldives without getting drenched.