FAQs · Destination Guide
Equator-side mantas, a legendary wreck, and Maldives island-hopping by road
Updated Mar 3, 2026 • 11 sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers sourced from research and local operating patterns.
Maldives Meteorological Service describes the northeast monsoon (dry season) as January to March, with April and December as transition months. For Addu, that usually means calmer days for biking the causeways and more comfortable boat trips. If you travel in April or December, keep flexibility for mixed winds and showers. The southwest monsoon normally runs mid-May to November, which can still be a good trip if you plan around weather and lean into topside options like Addu Nature Park when the sea is rough.
For visibility and calmer surface conditions, aim for January to March when the northeast monsoon is active. That window can improve the experience on a deep wreck that sits around 33 m and benefits from clearer water. In transition months (April and December), you can still get excellent dives, but plan the wreck day early in the trip so you can reschedule if current or sea state is not ideal. In the southwest monsoon, choose days with calmer seas and keep the profile conservative.
Most itineraries arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male and then connect to Gan International Airport (GAN) in Addu City. Gan is the practical air gateway for Addu Atoll stays. Build buffer time between flights because a missed domestic connection can cost you a full day. If you arrive late in Male, consider an overnight so the domestic leg is easy the next morning. Arrange your resort transfer in advance so you are not improvising transport on arrival.
Maldives Immigration states all travelers must submit the Traveller Declaration within 96 hours before their flight time for arrival. Use the official IMUGA portal, fill in your trip details, and keep the QR confirmation accessible on arrival. Many travelers also submit an additional declaration before departure, depending on current requirements. Do this early rather than at the airport. If you are traveling with a group, confirm each person has completed their submission.
Channel dives are tide-driven and can run very strong current. If you are newly certified or have limited drift experience, start on sheltered reefs and ask the operator for a gradual progression. A good operator will time channels by tide and will skip the dive if conditions are unsafe. Carry an SMB and understand the ascent procedure before you enter the water. If you are uncomfortable, do not force the channel day. Addu still delivers great reef and nature days without high-current dives.
The protected-areas portal lists Eadhigali Kilhi and Koattey and shows booking options for access permits and activities. Pricing shown includes MVR 108 per pax for foreigners and MVR 5 per pax for individuals for certain bookings. Check the latest booking page for the exact permit category you need (land access versus activity). Plan a morning visit for better bird activity and fewer mosquitoes. Bring repellent if you will be there near dusk.
Expect Maldives Green Tax on accommodation stays. MIRA published a circular stating Green Tax changes effective 1 January 2025, including USD 12 per day of stay for most tourist establishments, and exemptions for children under age 2. Your accommodation collects and itemizes this on invoices. In Addu, also budget for protected-area permits if you plan to visit Addu Nature Park. Resorts may add service charges and other tourism taxes, so read your invoice carefully.
The Maldives Ministry of Tourism publishes a list of hyperbaric treatment chambers. Chamber availability varies by location and operator, and serious cases may require coordination and evacuation depending on where you are staying. Before you dive, confirm your operator's emergency action plan, oxygen availability, and evacuation pathway. Carry dive accident insurance that includes evacuation, especially in Addu where you are far from Male. If an incident occurs, administer oxygen if trained and contact emergency services.