Maldives Resorts: Transfers, Green Tax, Seasons
In the Maldives, the resort you choose also decides your transfer from Velana International Airport, by seaplane, speedboat or domestic flight, and the extra charges added to the room rate.
Getting there
Resorts are reached from Velana International Airport by seaplane, speedboat or domestic flight, depending on the resort. Trans Maldivian Airways flies seaplanes from the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal at Velana.
Good for
- Honeymoons
- Overwater and private-island stays
- Snorkelling and diving
- All-inclusive packages
Watch out for
- Green tax: USD 12 per person per day at resorts since 1 January 2025 (USD 6 at hotels and guesthouses on inhabited islands with 50 or fewer rooms). Children under 2 are exempt.
- The southwest monsoon (wet season) normally runs from mid-May to November, according to the Maldives Meteorological Service.
- Seaplane or speedboat transfers are usually charged on top of the room rate.
Booking tips
- Check whether the quoted price includes green tax, GST, service charge and transfers.
- The northeast monsoon (dry season) runs from January to March; December and April are transition months.
- Compare all-inclusive and half-board plans; food on a resort island has no outside alternative.
FAQ
How much is the Maldives green tax?
Since 1 January 2025: USD 12 per person per day at resorts; USD 6 at hotels and guesthouses on inhabited islands with 50 or fewer rooms. Children under 2 are exempt.
Seaplane or speedboat?
It depends on the resort's location; each resort arranges its own transfer from Velana International Airport.
When is the best season?
The northeast monsoon (dry season) runs from January to March, and the southwest monsoon (wet season) normally from mid-May to November; December and April are transition months, according to the Maldives Meteorological Service.