The Maldives consist of around 1,190 islands in 26 atolls. On many of them there is exactly one hotel. Choosing the island is therefore the most important decision of the trip, because you spend almost all your time there. Three questions help you choose.
House reef or lagoon?
A house reef is a coral reef right in front of the beach. You swim out from the shore or along a jetty and are immediately among colourful fish, turtles and sometimes small reef sharks. If you love snorkelling, pay particular attention to this when choosing the island. A good house reef turns every day without a boat trip into a small underwater adventure. What matters is how far away the reef edge is. On some islands it is a few metres, on others several hundred.
Other islands lie in a large, shallow lagoon. The water there is light turquoise and calm, ideal for swimming and for children. Small children love it. To snorkel, you take a boat to a nearby reef.
Getting there: speedboat or seaplane
All international flights land in Malé. From there you continue to your island:
| Transfer | Duration | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Speedboat | 20 minutes to 1.5 hours | for islands in North and South Malé Atoll, also in the evening |
| Seaplane | 30 to 60 minutes | spectacular views, daylight only, often more expensive |
| Domestic flight and boat | 1 to 2 hours | for distant atolls in the far south and north |
If your flight lands in the late afternoon or evening, there are no more seaplanes. You then spend the night near Malé and continue the next morning. Keep this in mind when you book.
Resort or local island?
A resort on its own island offers peace, service and often villas right over the water. Almost all offer full board or all inclusive, because there is nothing on the island apart from the hotel. Prices are high to match.
The Maldivians themselves live on the local islands. For some years there have been guesthouses and small hotels there that are much cheaper. You experience everyday life and take a boat out to snorkel. But the rules of the Muslim population apply: no alcohol, and swimwear is only worn on the designated beach.
Water villa or beach villa?
Villas on stilts over the water are the best-known image of the Maldives. They give direct access to the lagoon and plenty of privacy. Beach villas are often larger and cheaper, with a path straight to the sand. For families with small children they are usually the safer choice. Both types have their charm.
The best time to travel
From December to April it is the dry season. The sea is calm and visibility under water is very good. This is the high season with the highest prices. From May to November there are more showers and more wind, and prices fall. In return, manta rays gather in some atolls, in Baa Atoll mainly between June and November. In South Ari Atoll whale sharks are possible all year.
Good to know
To enter you need a passport valid for at least six more months and an online registration before the trip. For German citizens the tourist visa is free on arrival. If you hold another passport, check the rules for your nationality. In resorts you usually pay in US dollars or by card. An environmental tax is added per night and is often not included in the basic price.
flug-123.de editorial team, updated 10 November 2026. We review our guides regularly. Rules can change. If in doubt, the details in your booking apply.
