The three things that decide a Maldives trip.

The last seaplanes leave around 15:30, so land in Malé by 15:00. Later, a seaplane island means a night near the airport or a domestic-flight route.

Seventeen of our islands are reached by speedboat around the clock, which is what a late Gulf departure needs.

Hanifaru Bay peaks in the green season, when rates are softest and showers are short.