Local Expertise: Our deep knowledge of the islands, especially Maafushi which we consider our second home, ensures that you receive authentic and well-informed recommendations.

Authentic Connections: By traveling with us, you'll experience the genuine culture of the Maldives and have opportunities to interact with friendly locals.

Flexibility and Freedom: Without the constraints of a typical travel agency, we can offer a more flexible and tailored travel experience, ensuring your holiday is unique and memorable.

Energy and Enthusiasm: Our team is full of life and excitement, and we aim to pass this positive energy on to you, enhancing your travel experience.

Our trips are perfect for those who enjoy an active holiday and love to try new experiences. If you have a passion for the ocean, enjoy meeting new people, and seek adventure, you'll find our trips ideal. Children are welcome as long as they can participate in the daily activities, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for the whole family.

To book the trip, first contact us using the form. After we send you the detailed presentation and confirm there are spots available for your desired date, you will purchase the recommended plane ticket. This will reserve your place. Once the group is finalized, we will create a WhatsApp group to provide further instructions and updates.

Local islands are home to Maldivians, providing an authentic glimpse into everyday life. Here, you’ll find several hotels alongside local houses. As alcohol is forbidden on these islands. Given that the Maldives is a Muslim country, modest dress is required, though the expectations are not overly strict; just avoid wearing swimsuits within the island. Casual attire like shorts, tank tops, or dresses are perfectly acceptable. Staying on local islands allows you to experience the genuine culture of the Maldives and enjoy a variety of activities at reasonable prices. You’ll also have the chance to meet and interact with the friendly and welcoming locals.

Resorts, in contrast, are famous for their luxurious water villas, which you might recognize from iconic photos. Each resort is situated on a private island, devoid of residents, offering an exclusive and serene environment. Resorts are characterized by their pristine beaches and all-inclusive packages, providing a high-end holiday experience with maximum comfort and convenience.

The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round and distinct wet and dry seasons. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Temperature: Average Annual Temperature: 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F)

Sea Temperature: Typically around 28°C (82°F) year-round

Seasons:

Dry Season (Northeast Monsoon): Period: November to April

Weather: Clear skies, low humidity, and minimal rainfall

Wet Season (Southwest Monsoon):

Period: May to October

Weather: Higher humidity, frequent rain showers, and occasional thunderstorms

Best For: Surfing, as the waves are bigger during this time

Tips: Sun Protection: Regardless of the season, the Maldives gets a lot of sunshine, so sun protection is essential.

Water Activities: The warm sea temperatures make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving throughout the year.

Travel Considerations: The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit, but the wet season can offer lower prices and fewer tourists.

No special vaccination is required for the Maldives.

On the first day, we always visit a local beach to practice using masks and fins. The team from Shadowpalm will gladly demonstrate everything and offer advice, so no prior experience is necessary. Even small children can learn and enjoy it perfectly.

The official currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). Here are some key points about currency and payments in the Maldives:

Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)

Symbol: MVR or Rf

Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 Rufiyaa

Usage and Exchange: Rufiyaa is typically used on local islands for everyday transactions. US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted at resorts, hotels, and for many tourist activities.

ATMs and Banks: ATMs are available in Malé and on some larger islands, dispensing Rufiyaa. Banks and exchange counters also provide currency exchange services.

Credit Cards: Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are widely accepted at resorts, hotels, and many restaurants.

Tips:

Currency Exchange: It’s advisable to carry some local currency for use on local islands, small shops, and markets.

Tipping: While not mandatory, tipping in USD is appreciated for good service, especially at resorts.

Important Note:

Exchange Rate: Always check the current exchange rate before exchanging money, as it can fluctuate.

Prices in the Maldives can vary widely depending on whether you are staying on a local island or at a resort, as well as the level of luxury and services you choose. Here's a general overview of what you can expect in terms of costs:

Accommodation:

Local Islands: Guesthouses/Budget Hotels: $50 - $100 per night

Mid-Range Hotels: $100 - $200 per night

Resorts:

Standard Resorts: $300 - $600 per night

Luxury Resorts: $600 - $1,500 per night

High-End Luxury Resorts: $1,500 - $5,000+ per night

Food and Drink:

Local Islands:

Meals at Local Restaurants: $5 - $15 per meal

Meals at Mid-Range Restaurants: $15 - $30 per meal

Resorts:

Buffet/All-Inclusive Meals: $50 - $150 per person per day

À La Carte Dining: $30 - $100 per meal

Alcoholic Beverages: $10 - $25 per drink (Note: Alcohol is only available at resorts)

Activities:

Snorkeling Trips: $20 - $50 per person

Diving (Single Dive): $50 - $100 per dive

Water Sports (Kayaking, Paddleboarding): $20 - $50 per hour

Excursions (Island Hopping, Dolphin Watching): $50 - $100 per person

Transportation:

Speedboat Transfers: $20 - $80 per person (local islands)

Seaplane Transfers: $200 - $500 per person (resorts)

Additional Costs:

Service Charges and Taxes: Many resorts add a 10% service charge and a 12% Goods and Services Tax (GST) to bills.

Tipping: While not mandatory, tipping is appreciated. A general guideline is $1 - $2 per bag for porters and $10 - $20 per day for housekeeping staff.

Budget Tips:

Local Islands: Opt for guesthouses and local restaurants to save money.

Travel Off-Season: Visiting during the wet season (May to October) can offer lower rates.

All-Inclusive Packages: Consider all-inclusive packages at resorts to better manage food and drink expenses.

By planning carefully and choosing the right options for your budget, you can enjoy the Maldives without breaking the bank.

Yes, all transfers between islands/destinations are included, except if you book flights that do not align with the group's private transport schedule.

Yes, passports must be valid for more than six months from the date of travel.

We recommend bringing tablets for those prone to seasickness. The caffeine prevents drowsiness. It's a simple way to avoid ruining your day. We always provide water and juice on boats. Hydrate frequently, and if possible, bring a reusable water bottle to reduce waste.

Yes, all snorkeling and diving equipment for activities is included. We provide masks, snorkels, fins, and towels daily.

The Maldives has summer weather year-round. Pack light, with flip-flops and summer clothing. A long-sleeved T-shirt can be useful if it rains. Request our specific "before you travel" presentations for detailed packing lists.

Bring an adapter for your electronic devices. The plugs are American-style. We recommend a universal adapter.

Based on previous groups' experiences, we recommend bringing $300 in cash for personal expenses. This includes purchases like swimsuits, souvenirs, and extra activities. For meals, $150 should be enough. Additional excursions and treats may require more funds, and it's better to avoid bank withdrawals due to fees and reliability issues. The best way is to pay cash in USD.

The detailed trip breakdown we send via WhatsApp includes all the information on what meals are included each day. Most boat meals are included, but dinners typically are not.