Is Maldives safe for solo female travelers?

Maldives is generally safe for solo female travelers. The locals are very respectful and welcoming. The islands are frequently patrolled and tourist areas are well lit and populated at night. However, it's important to respect local customs, dress modestly, and avoid isolated areas especially at night. Also, be attentive while swimming or snorkeling as currents can be strong.

Safety rating

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How safe is Maldives?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

The Maldives, especially the resort islands, are generally safe for solo female travelers even at night. The crime rate is relatively low but remember, safety can vary from island to island. It is advisable to take normal precautions as you would in any other place. Refrain from walking alone in secluded areas and always inform someone of your whereabouts. It's better to use common sense and stay vigilant, especially in non-resort islands after dark.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in the Maldives, primarily consisting of sea transportation like ferries and speedboats, is generally safe. The services are well-operated and widely used by locals and tourists alike. Some boats, especially local ones, may lack certain safety features like enough life jackets, making it slightly less optimal. However, crime on these modes of transportation is extremely rare, making them a safe choice. It is important to note that services may be inconsistent and infrequent, especially on some less touristy islands, so planning ahead is essential.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

In Maldives, you may experience bouts of stares being a foreigner, but outright harassment is quite uncommon on the streets. The locals are generally polite, respectful, and value tourism highly. While appropriate dress is recommended, particularly due to the country's Islamic background, most locals are used to tourists and hence, such issues are not predominant.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Very low

The Maldives is known for its safety with extremely low petty crime rates. It's a dream destination known for its luxurious resorts, pristine beaches, and an overall peaceful atmosphere and local infrastructures that focus on maintaining safety for residents and tourists alike. General safety tips like not leaving belongings unattended still apply but overall, incidences of thefts, pickpocketing, and other petty crimes are extremely rare.
Tap water:

Tap water:Unsafe

It's not advisable to drink tap water in the Maldives directly from the tap due to concerns about contamination. Though the water is treated, there could be issues with the distribution system. Most travelers and locals prefer to drink bottled water.

Is Maldives safe to travel?

3.7 /5

Based on 3 experiences

Fabianne

Fabianne

Portugal

Solo travel experience

I feel safe all the time. I did every tour, including swimming with sharks and visiting the sandbank. I have been to public islands after arriving in Male, the capital of the Maldives. To move between islands, I used public boat transportation. On public islands, it is easy to find good and cheaper accommodation.

Posted: January 11, 2024
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Solo travel experience

Apart from the resorts, the Maldives is not a postcard paradise. The food in restaurants is relatively expensive and of various qualities. The standard breakfast here is tuna with pasta and rice, very tasty. The beaches vary in quality; in Ukulhas they were a bit weak - either strong waves or the sea floor covered with dead coral reef. Thoddoo, on the other hand, was like a fairytale, with lots of trees, calm water from the west, more deserted, with palm groves from the east. In Thoddoo, there are not many restaurants. Since this is a Muslim country, certain dress codes must be observed, but generally speaking, one can feel safe there.

Posted: September 30, 2023
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Is Maldives safe right now?

Before your visit to Maldives, it's essential to check travel advisories for Maldives, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises exercising increased caution in the Maldives due to terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: June 23, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in the Maldives due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: March 13, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in the Maldives due to risks of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: May 1, 2024

Is Maldives worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 3 experiences

Elena

Elena (38)

Italy

Family travel experience

I came to Maldives for 2 weeks (couchsurfing) and stayed 5 months due to the pandemic. The first 1,5 months I was couchsurfing, the rest staying in an overwater villa of a 5* resort all inclusive for free as the ministry of tourism took care of us. It was the best experience ever: my daughter learnt to swim there at 2yo and we adopted a new born kitten which I breastfed. Octopus is the best restaurant in Maafushi island and you can find some hosts there as well as in Guraidhoo. It's easy to get there with 1,5$ ferry and with wizzair one can fly from Napoli through Abu Dhabi for 300€ return flight

Posted: February 7, 2024Experienced: February, 2020
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Maldives

Meet local women in Maldives who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
fathina

fathina

About Me

I am a pretty decent person who wish to travel a lot before I become too old to enjoy life. I love a night out, with good company, laughter, music, games and some drinks.

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Fathimath

Fathimath

About Me

Hey!, I'm Fathimath and I'm interested in books, backpacking, boozing, cinema, food & cuisine, history, nature, live music, nightlife, photography, sightseeing, shopping, solo travel, swimming, culture, art, architecture, diving and writing

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Safety in Maldives