Maldives or Cuba: which to choose for a holiday

The Maldives is in the Indian Ocean and Cuba in the Caribbean; the holidays differ in distance, season risks and what there is to do besides the beach. A comparison by facts you can verify.

Geography and nature

• The Maldives has 26 atolls and about 1,192 coral islands in the Indian Ocean. The dry northeast monsoon runs from January to March and the wetter southwest monsoon from mid-May to November; December and April are transitional, and it can rain in any month. Best season
• Cuba is the largest island of the Caribbean, with beaches, mountains and colonial cities. Old Havana and its fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seasons and risks

• The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from 1 June to 30 November, and the statistically busiest months are September and October. Cuba lies in that area, so late summer and autumn carry a storm risk there.
• The Maldives dry months (January to March) fall outside the Atlantic hurricane season, so a winter trip avoids it for either destination.

Rules and how to choose

• Russians can enter the Maldives without a visa for up to 90 days as tourists; rules for other countries change, so check each official source before booking. Visa for Russians Documents
• The Maldives is a Muslim country: dress modestly outside resorts, and alcohol is not sold on local islands. What to wear Alcohol rules
• If your priority is a quiet beach, reef and a short island stay, the Maldives suits it, and Thoddoo is a budget option on a local island. Which atoll to choose Thoddoo or nearby islands Cost of a trip

Sources

• US National Hurricane Center: climatology
• UNESCO: Old Havana and its Fortification System

Reviewed by the Relax Residence team in October 2026.