All nationalities can obtain a thirty (30) day visa on arrival that's issued at the immigration checkpoints upon entering the country. The visa is free of charge but travelers should have a machine-readable passport that's valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival, have a valid ticket out of the country, have enough money to fund their stay (USD100.00 + US50.00 per day) or alternatively a confirmation of reservation for a resort, hotel or boat.

It is possible to extend your 30-day tourist visa for up to 90 days at Immigration Head Office in Male for a fee. In case you want to remain in the Maldives for a little longer make sure you apply for an extension before the expiration of the visa already granted.

Also: Make sure your passport is valid long enough for your stay!

Yes, you are about to head off to paradise, and yes, those overwater villas look to die for, but there is another side to the Maldives people tend to forget. The Maldives is a Muslim country, and there are a few very important and strictly enforced rules people need to be aware of. For starters, there is no alcohol available unless you are on a licensed boat, hotel or resort. Other than that it's a dry country, and you won't be able to bring any duty-free liquor with you into the country. Also, keep in mind to pack appropriate clothing for when you roam around the local islands. Women are banned from wearing bathing suits or revealing clothing in some areas. These rules don't apply to private resorts and have somewhat eased off a little with bikini beaches popping up all over the Male Atolls. But be aware; even though things are a little bit more relaxed now, you are a guest in a foreign country, and you should respect the local traditions.

For tourists, pretty much everything is quoted and expected in US Dollars, so don't worry about getting some Maldivian Rufiyaa before your trip. There are Two ATMs that dispense Maldivian Rufiyaa at the airport and right next to them, you'll find a currency exchange where you can change all major currencies to US Dollars. Always keep a few Rufiyaa's in your pockets though in case you venture out to local islands or take the ferry to Male.

The Maldives isn't really the place where you want to go shopping for a new leash or wax. It's A, very very hard to find, and B, if you find it, it's very very expensive! Make sure you pack enough supply for your time away. Don't save on sunscreen, wax or first aid kits and even bring the extra backup just in case. The same rule applies to surfboards. Pick your quiver wisely. Pack your favorite shortboard, a slightly wider stick for when it's smaller, and if your baggage allowance allows it, a step-up for the glory days. Oh, and get yourself travel insurance too!

Don't expect to be able to binge watch your favorite Netflix show but internet reception isn't all that bad, especially in resorts and on the mainland. Most people get by, but you can always get yourself a local SIM and stay connected through your phone. This is a piece of cake. Once you cleared immigration and collect your luggage, you'll see two phone shops on your right. There are only two providers in the Maldives; Dhiraagu and Ooredoo and they both run pretty similar plans for tourists. The plans are quite affordable (around USD 30 for 20GB) and good for 14 days.

There’s no bigger headache than having world-class waves at your front door but not being allowed to surf them. While there is an abundance of waves in the Maldives some resorts offer private breaks to limit the number of surfers to control the lineups; hence, you won't be getting in, unless you have pre-booked your surf passes! As an accredited surf tour operator, we have you covered and make sure you won't be missing out on the session of your life because of a technicality.

The island paradise is exposed to the same swells as surf mecca Indonesia, but due to its higher latitude and the tighter window for exposure, the surf usually doesn't get as big or powerful.

December through to March is the prime tourist season for honeymooners, cruisers, divers, etc., who come for the "view" rather than the surf. Conditions during that time are sunny and dry, while May to November is a more humid and unpredictable time of the year, with more wind and thunderstorms, which ultimately leads to better surf.

It's easiest to divide the waves in the Maldives into two groups; South facing spots and East facing spots.

South Facing Spots

• Really light up in March & April with favorable winds and powerful surf

• Good waves from May to October, but winds can be inconsistent.

• Learners and intermediates are loving the months of November through to March.

• NW winds are great for righthanders, while NE winds turn on the lefts.

• Love a good South swell

East Facing Spots:

• East facing spots have a longer swell window - generally starting in April through to October

• Not much happening from November to March as the Indian Ocean is taking a breather

• Really start spitting out magic with a South Swell (not too much West)

• West winds turn on the righthanders while North winds favor the lefthanders.