How long should a holiday in the Maldives be?

A week? Two? One island, two, or more? A combination of a local island and a resort?

My short answer: if you can, set aside 14 days.

And now for the longer answer. :)

If all you want is a rest — lazy days on the beach, without much activity — 7 days may be enough. Unless you enjoy being bored for longer. :)

But if you want a taste of the real Maldives — combining the beach with snorkelling, mantas, sharks, turtles, sandbanks, fishing, fish feeding and all the rest — seven days are nowhere near enough.

I will explain why, but I will keep it brief.

First, allow a day to rest and settle in after you arrive.

Second, the excursions. A manta trip takes two hours, and so does fish feeding, but that does not mean the two trips fit into 4 hours. And you certainly cannot just squeeze all the excursions into a day or two.

Third, the weather. The ocean calls the shots in the Maldives.

Fourth — there is always a fifth thing. :)

In my view, 12 days is a sensible minimum. My recommendation is 14.

I have also explained why I think it is worth staying longer in this detailed post.

Should we split the holiday between two islands?

I understand wanting to see more places on a single trip.

I have done it too. But I don't any more. :)

If you have chosen an island to suit your own tastes, there is no particular reason to change it halfway through your holiday.

You will lose time packing, transferring, checking in again and getting your bearings.

Besides, every island has far more to discover than you might think at first glance.

The most popular combination in the group is Ukulhas and Thoddoo.

Both islands are wonderful, but I think each deserves at least a week.

So, if you really want two islands, allow at least two weeks — one on each.

And if you have more time, there is nothing stopping you from adding Mathiveri or Rasdhoo.

If you only have seven to ten days, choose one. Try the other next year.

Otherwise, it is like watching only the trailers for two good films. :)

What about combining a local island and a resort?

That is an interesting option too.

I recommend starting on a local island, where you can take excursions and get to know the ocean and the people, then moving to a resort for a few more leisurely days.

Of course, there is a completely different way to see the Maldives too: island hopping. You move from island to island every two or three days, constantly on the go, discovering new places.

One more important thing

When choosing flights, match your arrival and departure times to the island transfers.

It is a good idea to arrive in Malé in the morning, so you can catch one of the first boats.

Be careful with very early return flights. You may have to leave the island the day before and spend a night in Malé or Hulhumalé.

That is how a seven-day holiday can easily turn into just four proper days on the island.

And finally — no, two weeks in the Maldives does not mean a holiday that costs twice as much.

The flights and transfers cost the same. The extra spending is mainly on accommodation, food and activities.

If you only have a week, go, of course. A week in the Maldives is better than no Maldives at all. :)

But if you can spare 12–14 days, do it.

And don't be surprised if, by day ten, you are working out how much longer you could stay.

That still happens to me even after a three-week stay. :)

The posts below cover these questions in considerable detail.