26 natural atolls 1,192 coral islands, about 200 inhabited Visa on arrival Free 30 days, all nationalities Green tax $12/night resorts · $6/night small guesthouses Best diving visibility Dry season, roughly Dec–Apr One island, one resort The concept that shaped Maldives tourism Guesthouses on local islands Legal since 2009 — a genuine budget route 26 natural atolls 1,192 coral islands, about 200 inhabited Visa on arrival Free 30 days, all nationalities Green tax $12/night resorts · $6/night small guesthouses Best diving visibility Dry season, roughly Dec–Apr One island, one resort The concept that shaped Maldives tourism Guesthouses on local islands Legal since 2009 — a genuine budget route
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Check-in & checkout

What check-in and checkout actually look like

Following on from our arrival & immigration walkthrough — which covers the airport — this page picks up from the moment you actually reach your resort's jetty.

Arrival at the resort

Most resorts greet arriving guests with a welcome drink and cool towel right at the jetty, followed by a check-in process that's typically faster and less formal than a standard hotel — often completed in a lounge area rather than a front desk queue.

Villa orientation

A staff member typically walks new guests through their villa on arrival — pointing out amenities, explaining how to reach the restaurant and other facilities, and covering anything specific to that villa category (see our villa amenities guide). It's a good moment to ask any questions about the resort layout while someone's right there.

Standard check-in and checkout times

Times vary meaningfully by resort — always confirm directly rather than assuming a universal standard, and ask specifically about early check-in or late checkout if your transfer timing doesn't align neatly with standard hours.

Checkout day, with a later transfer

If your onward transfer is scheduled for later in the day, many resorts offer day-use of certain facilities after checkout — pool, beach, some dining — worth asking about specifically rather than assuming you'll need to vacate everything the moment you check out.