Is the Maldives Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
The Maldives, an archipelago of stunning islands in the Indian Ocean, might be synonymous for many with honeymoons and loved-up couples, but did you know it is also the perfect destination for solo travellers? Known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and luxurious resorts, it attracts visitors from around the globe. However, you might be asking yourself, is the Maldives safe for solo female travellers? This comprehensive guide explores the safety, travel tips, and must-do activities for women considering a solo trip to this paradise.
Is the Maldives Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Let's start with the elephant in the room: Is this "honeymoon getaway" any good for solo travellers, and is the Maldives safe for solo female travellers? We asked Bea from Bea Adventurous to share her experiences travelling to the Maldives.
Bea’s Experience in the Maldives
Like many, I had always assumed that the Maldives would be a destination I’d visit while loved up, not in the middle of a divorce, with a broken heart and alone! I had come to the Maldives to join an Indy Escapes Maldives Island Hopping Tour, but as I do on all my trips, I extended my stay to explore the country on my own. I stayed on a local island, in a small B&B right in the heart of the local community. I walked alone at night and went for runs in the early mornings. I chatted with locals and expats and felt entirely at ease at all times.
Overall, the Maldives is considered one of the safest countries for solo female travellers. The crime rate is low, and hospitality staff are courteous and professional. However, like anywhere in the world, exercising the usual precautions is essential.
Be aware of petty crime
Don’t leave your belongings unattended on the beach
Don't walk down deserted streets at night, especially on the islands of Malé and Hulhumalé
The doomsday website (aka the government advisory website - UK, USA, Canada & Australia to name a few) has a few more concerns than those. What you do need to be aware of, though, is the fact that the Maldives is an Islamic country and that, therefore, you need to behave appropriately to avoid disrespecting the locals.
How to navigate the laws and cultural differences as a solo female traveller
Behaving appropriately for the culture that you are visiting is one of the best ways to stay safe as a solo female traveller. In the Maldives, this means adapting to their cultural differences.
The Maldives is an Islamic country, and therefore, they appreciate it when visitors dress conservatively. Because tourism is such an important economic driver within the islands, there is a high tolerance level. Still, I always recommend covering shoulders and knees (and mid-drifts) while exploring the local islands. The good news is that most islands have a "bikini beach", reserved for scantily dressed tourists to work on their tans.
It is also worth noting that alcohol is prohibited in the Maldives. However, they make an exception on the resort islands or licensed boats, where alcohol is served freely. Although you won't find alcohol on the local islands, Maafushi does have a party boat moored out at sea with regular free shuttles for those who can't resist a tipple.
As a solo female traveller, alcohol is one of the things I avoid unless I am with people I know. This is one of the reasons I love to combine solo travel with group trips. I get the best of both worlds. I get to explore destinations on my own, but I also get the chance to meet like-minded travellers and share my experiences with them.
A final consideration when visiting the Maldives, whether alone, in a group or with a loved one, is Ramadan. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, and during this time, you shouldn't eat, drink or smoke in public during the daytime. Most restaurants will set up screens so passers-by can't see you eating. The dates for Ramadan change by year and country, so make sure you check before booking your holiday!
If you are looking for more comprehensive information on understanding the Maldives, check out our before you go section.
So now that we have established that the Maldives is safe for solo female travellers, let us help you plan your next adventure!
How to Plan a Solo Trip to the Maldives
The Maldives are easily accessible, with several international airlines offering direct flights to Malé, the capital city. From there, seaplanes, domestic flights, and speedboats can take you to your island of choice.
Flights to the Maldives
When booking flights, consider airlines like Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, British Airways and Sri Lankan Airlines, known for their service and reliability. Early booking and flexibility can help you snag better deals.
Transport in the Maldives
Upon arrival in Malé, transport to your island can be arranged through your accommodation. Seaplanes offer a scenic but pricier option, while ferries and speedboats provide a budget-friendly alternative.
Beyond lounging on stunning beaches, there are plenty of activities for solo explorers:
Snorkelling and Diving: Explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Water Sports: Try kayaking, windsurfing, or paddleboarding.
Cultural Tours: Visit local villages to learn about Maldivian culture and crafts.
If you choose to stay at a resort, the resort will have a whole host of activities available for you to choose from. But beware, these come at a premium! If you want a more affordable holiday, consider choosing some local islands with lots of activities, where you can find affordable accommodation and not overly inflated activities.
There are a lot of couples and families travelling in the Maldives, so it can be isolating and hard to meet other solo travellers in the Maldives. So, if you are single and do not want to waste your time waiting for the right moment that may or may not every come, we have prepared a Maldives for singles travel guide too!
For the best value-for-money trip to the Maldives, however, I would recommend joining Indy Escapes. You will be able to tick off many of the bucket list activities available in the Maldives at a fraction of the price. You will also get the chance to visit and stay on a number of local islands that are not easily accessible when travelling solo due to the exorbitant costs of the transfers.
A 7-night trip to the Maldives with Indy Escapes only costs around $1,550! Check out the itinerary!
What Will a Maldives Solo Trip Cost?
Accommodation in the Maldives
You can spend as little as $50 a night or as much as $3,000 a night—the choice is yours! If you are looking for affordable luxury, you can find 5 star resorts close to Male for as little as a few hundred dollars a night for a room on the beach or a Water Villa from around $500 - $1,000 hundred dollars depending on the resort. Be careful to check the cost of transfers to your resorts as a 15 minute trip will cost from $150 - $500 each way, and a sea plane flight will cost $500 - $1,500. The resorts also have a monopoly on the transfers and compulsory charges, so you cannot organise your own private transfers. (Also deleted all hyperlinks to local islands - only to resorts)
The Maldives offers something for everyone! As a solo female traveller, I recommend paying particular attention to the reviews to make sure that you are booking somewhere appropriate and that other solo female travellers have used and recommended in the past.
Food in the Maldives
Resorts offer a variety of dining experiences which are all comparative to expensive western fine dinning experiences, but eateries on local islands are an excellent way to enjoy authentic Maldivian cuisine at a lower cost. You can expect to pay between $10 and $15 for a local meal and between $10 and $20 for an international meal on the local islands.
Excursions in the Maldives
The Maldives is made up of over 1,200 islands which all offer different experiences. Whale Sharks are in one atoll, Manta are in another atoll and the shipwreck is in another atoll. So, be mindful that you will only be able to do the activities on the island that you stay on.
If you are travelling solo to the Maldives, I recommend putting considerable thought into staying on an islands, that offer the activities that interest you most. There are no transfers between islands, so you will also need to travel back to Male to transit to your next island.
I found, the best way to enjoy all that the Maldives has to offer is to join a small group tour of like-minded travellers. As mentioned above, this will make the trip much more affordable and will allow you to tick off many more items from your bucket list!
Overall Budget for a Maldives Solo Trip
Budgeting for a solo trip involves calculating accommodation, food, transport, and activities. While the Maldives is often seen as expensive, careful planning can make it accessible for most. Nice, clean and affordable hotel on a local island: $150 per night
Whale Sharks $100 - $150
Shipwreck $80
Food $50 per day
Transfers $100 - $200
Travelling with Indy Escapes will shatter any misconception you ever had about the Maldives being an expensive destination! Check out upcoming tour dates and availability here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Maldives good for a girls' trip? Absolutely. With its safe environment and diverse activities, it's perfect for groups and solo travellers alike.
Which country is the safest for solo female travellers? The Maldives ranks high alongside other safe destinations like Iceland and New Zealand.
Can I travel to the Maldives alone? Yes, solo travel is not only possible but rewarding, providing opportunities for introspection and adventure.
My final thoughts on the Maldives as a destination for solo female travellers
The Maldives is safe and offers an idyllic setting for solo female travellers. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, this destination caters to all preferences. To enhance your experience, consider connecting with other travellers through social media groups or by joining a group tour. You can always do what I did and tag on an extra few days at the end to explore on your own or experience a water villa in a resort.
Ready to explore the Maldives solo? Start planning your adventure today and immerse yourself in one of the world's most beautiful locales. Learn more about travelling to the Maldives and discover exclusive tips for making your trip unforgettable.
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