2 trips
If you think you know what the typical Maldives getaway looks like… think again! The Maldives is a paradise open to all, including gap year travellers on a backpacker budget! Find yourself unwinding on the glamorous stretches of white sand, dipping into crystal-clear waters for some world-class snorkelling and sailing around the tropical islands in the daytime. Then in the evenings, kick back with stunning sunset views, cocktails, and fresh seafood. If you’re after an island getaway, our Maldives tours are dreamy!
Read more in our Maldives Travel Guide.
Found 2 trips
18 days
from £2,529 £2,023
A tropical adventure from Negombo to Malé
Escape to the tropics with this amazing combo trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Enjoy 12 days of golden beaches, jungle hikes, and sacred sites in Sri Lanka, before flying to Malé where we'll spend 6 days on a traditional dhoni boat, cruising through the bluest waters you've ever seen.
What’s better than one paradise island? Hundreds of them! Set sail across a bright turquoise ocean, arriving at beaches softer than clouds. Dip into the clearest waters and kick back on powder white sands that belong in a dream. Not to mention all the local cultures you can experience on our Maldives trips… Take us there already!
There’s plenty of fish in the sea, plus manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, sea turtles… You get the picture! Swim alongside tropical ocean life inside a crystal-clear ocean teeming with coral reefs. Because if snorkelling in the Maldives isn’t at the top of your bucket list, it seriously should be!
Experience the Maldives’ local way of life on Fulidhoo. You’re just minutes from the ocean on this tiny stretch of coastline, perfect for lazy beach days. When sunset hits, everyone heads west. Celebrate late into the night with a traditional performance of Bodu Beru, where you can sing and dance to the rhythm of the drumming.
Some of the favourite memories made on our Maldives trips go beyond the paradise islands. The journey is the destination here, as you cruise between beaches. Chill out on the sundeck, soaking in the golden rays and sharing your favourite stories with new mates, as bright blue skies transform into rosy pink hues and glistening stars.
The Maldives enjoys a hot and tropical climate. Temperatures are very consistent throughout each month, averaging highs of around 30℃ year-round, and rarely ever falling below 25℃. January to April is the dry season for the Maldives; whereas the rainy season, lasting from May to October, has more humidity. Although there are showers, you can still typically expect some longer, sunny spells in between.
The best time to visit on our Maldives tours comes down to preference. January to April is the most popular season for tourism. Between the clear blue skies, dry heat and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving, it’s easy to see why!
April and November / December mark the respective start and end of the rainy season, so you can typically find more budget-friendly travel costs. Although May to October has frequent rain showers, there are still long sunny spells. July to August is especially popular among surfers because of the high waves.
The Maldives is made up of 1,192 islands, and around 200 of these are inhabited. Beyond the beautiful resorts, this island nation is a blend of African, Arab, South Asian and Southeast Asian cultures.
On our Maldives tours, you’ll have the chance to experience a side of this country that few visitors see, including local fishing communities and secret paradise islands. Dressing modestly outside of the beach is recommended for respect for the islands’ religions.
Entry requirements and visa regulations are different for every destination and your purpose of travel. We recommend staying updated on the latest official information before you go travelling. Your passport should be undamaged and have enough blank pages for stamps and visas. Many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months of validity beyond the date of entry.
For more information and resources regarding entry requirements, check out our Visa Advice page.
At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.
We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for the Maldives, as it's regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information, and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.
The Maldives is an island country located in South Asia. Its closest country is Sri Lanka, so many travellers choose to visit both.
The Maldives has 1,192 islands, and around 200 of these are inhabited. In other words, the Maldives is an island-hopping paradise!
The Maldives is a dream destination for snorkelling and scuba diving in crystal-clear waters, home to tropical ocean life and coral reefs. It’s also super popular for island-hopping, as you can set sail for secret beaches, diving spots and local villages.
It’s up to you! January to April is the most popular season thanks to the clear blue skies and dry heat. The months of April and November / December are fantastic for those looking to travel on a budget. Meanwhile, May to October can be great for surfers looking to chase high waves.
Gap 360 has partnered with Masta and Nomad Clinics, one of the UK’s largest networks of private travel clinics. Through Masta, you can arrange a Travel Telephone Consultation, an in-person Consultation, and book your vaccinations at your nearest clinic.
Flights to the Maldives from the UK take around 11 to 13 hours if you fly direct.
Ah, the Maldives… aka paradise on earth. It’s the perfect place for all kinds of adventures. You could be getting a spa treatment one day and snorkelling near whale sharks the next. So whether you’re a chilled-out traveller or an ocean enthusiast, this paradise is calling you. Keep reading to discover the best...
Last updated: 8th April 2024
