maldives travel budget from india

8 ways to save money in the Maldives

Feb 22, 2024 • 5 min read

Pick an alternative to a luxury resort with this guide to visiting the Maldives on a budget © DavorLovincic / Getty Images

The Maldives might not be the world’s cheapest holiday destination, but it is possible to cut back on what you spend with some clever planning and a spot of compromise.

For example, it'll cost more to stay in an over-water villa (seriously overrated, by the way!) than in a beach villa, and if you drink alcohol, consider saving some dollars by abstaining for the duration of your stay. Here’s our essential guide to exploring the Maldives on a budget.

Daily costs in the Maldives

• Nightly rate at resorts: US$300 to US$2000+ per night on a bed and breakfast basis (opting for all-inclusive packages will generally result in a minimum rate increase of around 30%).
• One-way seaplane journey from Male: US$250 to US$400
• Return scheduled flight from Male with a domestic airline: US$150 to US$550
• Glass of wine (if not included in package) on a resort island: US$10+
• One-tank scuba dive at a resort: US$100 to US$200
• 4-day PADI basic scuba diving qualification: US$400 to US$700
• Nightly rate for a guesthouse on a local island: US$30 to US$60
• Dinner at restaurant on a local island: US$7 to US$20

Fly via the Middle East or India

Most visitors to the Maldives prefer to fly direct to Male , which means the few airlines which fly direct long-haul routes can afford to charge extortionately high air fares (you’ll be lucky to bag direct return flights from North America for under US$1500). One way to cut the cost is to fly via transport hubs such as those in  the Middle East . Airlines serving Male include Etihad , Emirates and Qatar Airways , transiting in Abu Dhabi , Dubai or Doha . A growing number of Indian airlines also operate routes between Male and cities such as Mumbai and Delhi , so it’s also worth considering transiting in India and continuing on to Male with an Indian airline such as Vistara or IndiGo .

Travel in the off-season

Visiting the Maldives during the off-peak monsoon season , between May and November, can mean serious savings. Although there really isn’t a bad time to visit the Maldives, keen divers and snorkelers should note that the sea can be slightly rougher and cloudier during monsoon season. However, diving is possible year-round here, and these months also happen to be the best times for surf sessions – several resorts, including Six Senses Laamu , now have surf schools.

Swap the seaplane for a speedboat

There is a lot of variation in the cost of seaplane flights, but a one-way ticket typically costs a minimum of US$250, with prices reaching US$400. However, there are many resorts that can be reached on just a short boat ride from Male airport. Complimentary boat transfers – typically on yacht-style vessels with plush seating areas and fridges stocked with chilled drinks – will always be included in the price.

If your resort isn’t accessible by speedboat, find out if there’s a domestic airport nearby. The Maldives has 13 domestic airports, so even if you’re staying at one of the country’s most remote properties, it’s likely you’ll be able to reach it with a combination of scheduled flights (which are much cheaper than seaplane journeys) and short complimentary speedboat rides.

Opt for a larger island with more accommodation choice

In the Maldives, bigger is often better – especially when it comes to value for money. Smaller resorts with just 15 or 20 over-water villas will book up much earlier in advance, and their perceived exclusivity will often mean higher prices. Choose a larger resort, such as Siyam World , which is one of the largest, with over 472 villas and 21 accommodation categories, and you’ll have a wider choice of accommodation, ranging from decadent over-water villas to more affordable one-bedroom beach cottages.

Choose a beach villa rather than an over-water one

The Maldives is famous for its over-water villas, but the huge demand for this type of accommodation means they come with a high price tag. Additionally, there are down-sides to these villas, which are often on over-water boardwalks far from the center of the resort, and you won’t have direct access to the beach, either. Book a beach villa, which will almost always come with a much lower price tag – you’ll be just a few meters from the sand and will almost certainly be closer to restaurants and facilities such as dive schools. You can also consider villas that are neither over the water nor on the beach: villas in the center of the island often have the lowest rates, but feel wonderfully secluded and are more likely to have private plunge pools at the rear.

Stay on a local island

Although the vast majority of visitors to the Maldives choose to stay on resort islands, there are a small number of local islands with guesthouses for tourists. Expect to pay between US$30 and US$60 for a night at one of these cheap and cheerful properties, and between US$5 and US$15 for the public ferry journey (most of which depart from Male, although there are inter-island ferries, too). The most popular local islands with guesthouse accommodation include Gulhi , Maafushi and Dhigurah , all of which are easily accessible from Male.

Book activities in advance

Whether you’re keen to gain a scuba diving qualification or hope to do an excursion to a nearby island, always book activities in advance. Many resorts will offer deals for guests including “early bird” discounts (often between 10 and 25%!). These deals vary, but are most likely to apply to guests who book a minimum of a month before their visit. If you’re a qualified scuba diver, find out if your resort offers discounts for guests who book a certain number of dives – for example, if you book five one-tank dives, one will often be complimentary. It’s also easy to underestimate how quickly excursions book up in advance, which is another reason to sign up sooner rather than later.

There's a high import tax on alcohol

You’ll be surprised by how much money non-drinkers will save. The Maldives has the world’s highest import taxes on alcohol (largely because it’s an entirely Muslim country where alcohol is illegal beyond its resorts), and all-inclusive packages that include alcohol are very expensive. If you opt for a non-alcohol package but decide to treat yourself to the odd glass of wine, expect to pay a minimum of US$10 per glass.

And don’t even think about bringing your own alcohol – visitors caught importing alcohol into the Maldives will be handed a fine of up to US$500 and risk a short custodial sentence. 

This article was first published Nov 1, 2021 and updated Feb 22, 2024.

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How To Visit The Maldives on a Budget [2024 Update]

For many travelers, a trip to the Maldives seems like a distant dream. With visions of overwater bungalows, crystal-clear water, and perfectly blue skies in mind, many travelers only see dollar signs and consign a Maldives vacation to their bucket list.

You may be surprised to learn that planning a budget trip to Maldives is possible – and it’s not even that difficult! Visiting the Maldives on a budget requires some planning, but with a few excellent budget travel tips from in-the-know travelers to the Maldives , you’ll be ready to book in no time.

Our ultimate travel guide to the Maldives on a budget, we share everything you need to book your budget trip to the Maldives and plan your travel adventure. Plus, check out our recommendations for where to stay in the Maldives – you might be surprised how much luxury you can get for so little.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Maldives Travel

The Maldives is an island atoll nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the southwest coast of India, though quite remote geographically. While not comprising more than a few square miles of land, the islands of the Maldives stretch 510 miles (820 km) from north to south with their ring-shaped coral reef in the middle of the immense Indian Ocean. 

The pure white sand and crystal-clear waters that are characteristic of the Maldives lure tourists from all over the planet with their natural beauty.

The beauty of the Maldives is not just above the ocean’s surface. Its colorful underwater ocean world tells a whole new story. The unique reefs of the Maldives make for incredible underwater exploration. Snorkeling and diving excursions are available for beginners to experts.

Visiting the Maldives

Over the years, the nation has built an excellent tourism infrastructure, including its world-famous overwater bungalows at countless Maldives resorts , considered among some of the most luxurious and famous resorts in the world.

The incredible luxury tourist installations of the Maldives only make the natural beauty of the destination even better. Even if your budget means you might not be able to enjoy all the luxury that the fanciest resorts in the Maldives have to offer, there is a lot of luxury you can enjoy even on a tiny budget.  

Don’t count out a trip to the Maldives if you’re traveling on a budget – plan ahead and use these tips and recommendations to make a memorable vacation.  

Read More: Maldives Trip Costs: 5 Realistic Budget Breakdowns

Is It Possible to Travel Maldives on a Budget?

It is easier than ever to visit the Maldives on a budget. Government changes in 2008 brought new tourism laws to the country with them, clearing the way for brand-new hotels, apartments, and guesthouses for travelers on all kinds of budgets.

This means that travelers have more accommodation options than ever, and there is an increasing number of excellent, budget-friendly places to stay scattered across populated islands, which offer much more affordable options than private-island resorts.

While it may be a relief to know that budget accommodations are available in the Maldives, flights to this remote archipelago are the biggest expense for many travelers. Using some basic travel hacking, you can score excellent flight deals that will also help you cut costs in this area. Using tips for scoring last-minute flight deals can help, as can travel hacking and paying with rewards points .

Plan a Trip to the Maldives

• 10 Best Resorts in the Maldives (For Every Budget)
• When Is the Best Time to Visit Maldives?
• How Much Does a Maldives Trip Cost?

Maldives on a Budget

We have six ultimate travel tips to enjoy the Maldives on a budget. While you’ll find plenty of budget travel tips that will help you save money wherever you travel, these tips are specific to travel in the Maldives, to help you plan your budget trip to Maldives in style and with ease.

These are our Maldives budget travel tips and accommodation recommendations – let’s dive in so you can get started planning your trip to the Maldives for cheap!

Maldives Budget Travel Tips

1. choose accommodation wisely.

Pick a smaller hotel, guesthouse, or inn rather than a private resort if you want to visit the Maldives on a budget. You’ll find incredible options for all budgets, and even budget hotels and hostels are often within walking distance of a beach on tiny Maldivian islands.

Not all islands in the Maldives fit the bill for this. Most luxury resorts are situated on their own private islands, so make sure you do your research into your destination before booking. While there are a number of islands in the Maldives that boast smaller hotel or guesthouse accommodations, many travelers head for favorites like Maafushi, Dhigurah, and Thulusdhoo.

Not willing to sacrifice your dreams of a luxury hotel? Find other ways to trim your budget by choosing a nicer hotel in a more convenient location (i.e. accessible by quick ferry or speed boat from the capital of Malé).

You’ll want to choose a nice hotel on a populated island rather than a private option . This accommodation choice will mean it will be easier (and less expensive) to arrive, and you’ll have other options for food and activities, not be stuck paying high resort prices.

Read More: 10 Best Maldives Resorts (For Every Budget)

Travel Essential

Don’t head out on your adventure without comprehensive travel insurance! Good travel insurance may cover lost or stolen gear, medical emergencies, delayed or canceled flights, and more.  Check out the policies available from  SafetyWing or compare plans using  Visitors Coverage .

2. Eat Out – Don’t Dine In

By staying in a smaller hotel or guesthouse on a populated island, you’ll also save significantly on the cost of food and drinks . If you select a resort on a private island, you’ll have to eat and drink at the resort and will end up paying higher prices! 

Choose a populated island like the increasingly popular islands of Maafushi, Keyodhoo , Dhigurah, or Fulidhoo are excellent choices for budget travelers. With a good array of accommodation options, plus restaurants and markets where you can try local food and save money, you’ll love these spots.

Keep in mind that if you’re staying on a local island, you won’t be able to purchase alcohol (or pork) unless you’re in a resort. As a Muslim nation, these things are only permitted inside resorts for travelers. It’s a deal-breaker for some, but most don’t seem to mind!

3. Travel in the Off Season

The tourist rush of high-season travel – and the higher prices that accompany it – peaks between December to February or March , when international travelers escape winter back home.  If you can book a trip during the off-season, between May to October, you’ll find considerable drops in prices – we’re talking up to 50% or more.

Prices will most noticeably be lower for accommodations and activities like snorkeling, diving, touristic seaplane rides, and more. You may even be able to find an affordable overwater bungalow in your price range!

It’s essential to be aware that the low travel season in this area of the Indian Ocean also coincides with the monsoon season , so the weather may be wetter than expected. However, if you’re willing to put up with a bit of rain, you’ll save big time. 

Read More: What is the Best Time to Visit Maldives? Our Month by Month Breakdown

4. Choose Flights Wisely

Don’t jump on the first flight you see! If you want to travel to the Maldives on a budget in the future, make a flight drop price alert now, and get ready to jump on it when it comes!

Use tools like AirefareWatchdog , Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) , and Skyscanner to search for cheap flights and receive automatic price notifications for flights you’re interested in.

Relatively cheap, direct flights on budget Indian carriers leave regularly from cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Can you spend a few days exploring India to make the most of a layover in a city like Delhi or Mumbai before heading to the Maldives? Many travelers also find luck with budget flights via Sri Lanka.

If you can find wiggle room in your itinerary that allows you to grab flights on lower-cost days, you can save hundreds. 

Cheap Flight Tip

Swiss Airlines recently opened new routes from several airports in the United States to the Maldives, leaving travelers with bargain fares to the Maldives you won’t often see from the United States.

If you’d love to travel to the Maldives on a budget and live in the United States, this might be the time for you!

5. Travel Like a Local

The flight to reach the Maldives isn’t the only expensive travel portion of a trip to this island nation – the seaplanes most travelers use to reach remote islands can get quite pricey. Here are some ways to cut transportation costs within the country .

Stick to One Island

Most travelers to the Maldives who are headed on a typical luxury resort vacation don’t jump from island to island, though travelers planning a budget trip to the Maldives by staying on populated islands will have the freedom to visit multiple islands! However, you may want to think twice about this before your trip.

To cut down on transportation costs, consider sticking to one island for the duration of your trip. Sticking in one place will give you a better chance to get to know the island you’ve selected quite well, enjoy your hotel’s amenities or connect with fellow travelers. While ferries are relatively cheap, the costs can add up – speedboats and sea planes are a whole other level of expense.

Island-Hop by Ferry

Locals generally skip seaplanes and speedboats altogether and use ferries to move from island to island – if you’re traveling to the Maldives on a budget, you should plan to do the same.

The Maldives state-sponsored public ferries – called dhoni , or the MTCC ferries – cost just a few dollars per journey.

While the ferries can get crowded, and journeys can be a few hours long depending on where you’re headed, you’ll save significantly over a domestic flight. You’ll also enjoy an incredibly scenic ride over the water – no need for an expensive yacht or private boar!

Read More Travel Guides

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6. Choose Activities Wisely

Of course, you’ll want to enjoy the sun and sand once you’re in the Maldives. However, don’t forget the activities you’ll want to enjoy while visiting. 

Snorkeling , paragliding , cruises to stunning sandbanks , and day trips to private islands or day trips to luxury resorts are all incredibly popular from populated islands popular with backpackers (especially Maafushi!) . These activities are more inexpensive than you might think.

Explore popular activities beforehand and get an idea of what you might be interested in enjoying. You can start shopping for prices and planning now.

Save money when visiting the Maldives on a budget by pre-booking popular activities – many tour companies offer discounts for pre-booking, as it helps them plan their staffing , especially in the off-season. 

Best Place To Stay in the Maldives on a Budget

To stretch your travel budget as far as possible, try to avoid the large hotels, resorts, and chains – while budget vacation packages can pop up, generally, you’ll have the best budget trip to Maldives by staying at a smaller, local hotel.

You’ll find options in all price ranges, with basic but clean private rooms just steps blocks from the beach starting at around $35 per night.

These are some favorite accommodations for a budget trip to the Maldives. Check out these fantastic options to save money on your trip to this unforgettable destination!

Stingray Beach Inn

Located on Maafushi Island – arguably the best island for a budget trip to Maldives –  Stingray Beach Inn is an excellent option for budget travelers. Rooms are generally less than $50 during the off-season and around $75 even during the high season.

Rooms are updated and comfortable, and the inn has a fantastic rooftop bar, plus a covered cafe and patio.

Just steps away from the beach, as well as shops and restaurants, this is an excellent and affordable spot for a memorable, budget-friendly getaway in the Maldives.

Read More: How Much Does a Maldives Trip Cost?

Kaani Grand Seaview

If you’re looking for a stay on Maafushi with even more amenities and style, check out Kaani Grand Seaview . One of the largest hotels on Maafushi, Kaani Gran Seaview offers a variety of different room configurations, incredible ocean views, and a large stretch of private, protected beachfront with white sand and crystal-clear water.

This is a great place to make the most of everything that Maafushi has to offer budget travelers while staying in style.

Thundi Guest House

The beachfront Thundi Guest House is a hidden gem in Maldives, so book your trip fast before word gets out. Located on Fulidhoo , a tiny island near Maafushi, this is an excellent getaway if you want to escape the backpackers in Maafushi for a bit more privacy and relaxation while sticking to a budget.

The hotel staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful, the ocean views from every room are stunning, and the food is delicious.

Plumeria Maldives

Located in Thinadhoo, a tiny island well-known for stunning beaches, Plumeria Maldives is an excellent hotel with all the amenities you’re looking for, but at budget prices.

Plumeria Maldives is an excellent, four-star hotel that makes the most of the incredible beachfront, with a lovely private pool, fitness center, and a fantasti c spa, among other great amenities for guests. The island is accessible by ferry, hotel speedboat, or seaplane, so you’ll have plenty of transportation options.

Bliss Dhigurah

If you’re looking for a luxurious, private island feel on a budget, Bliss Dhigurah is one of the BEST places to stay in the Maldives – hands down. Bliss Dhigurah is a small boutique hotel located on Dhigurah Island, one of the most stunning populated islands in the Maldives, and well-known as a destination for swimming with whale sharks and nurse sharks.

The hotel is steps away from stunning beaches and offers special packages and pricing throughout the year to help guests save even more.

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

How to Travel the Maldives on a Budget in 2024

The Maldives is a fascinating country to travel to independently, not least because it’s only been possible to do so for the past decade. 

On my very first visit to this wonderful country, way back in 2014, independent tourism was still in its infancy. I’ll always remember the time I travelled to one (now very popular) island and discovered I was the only visitor there! I had its beautiful beaches all to myself; I was the only tourist on the island. That was a wild experience.

As I write this in 2024, however, inexpensive guesthouses are springing up on local islands on a weekly basis, offering budget travellers an affordable way to explore the country. You might be surprised to discover that you can actually travel to the Maldives for less than $50 a day!

And, in many ways, travelling on a budget in the Maldives is far superior to staying in one of the luxury resorts. Staying in the latter is quite an isolating experience, in fact, as almost all of the resorts are located on their own individual islands. What that means is that you’ll never get a chance to hang out with the locals and learn more about their culture; the only Maldivians you’ll meet will be resort staff.

I’ve stayed on both the local islands and the expensive resort islands, so I’m speaking from experience here: the local islands are totally where it’s at.

But things are changing rapidly.

These once closed-off-to-the-world islands are now welcoming budget travellers to their shores, rapidly building a tourism industry from scratch in the process. It’s a rare experience in today’s world to be able to travel to a country and meet somebody who has never run into a tourist before. To dive into a destination’s culture and experience it in its purest form, before it’s been altered and sanitised for visitors.

In 2024, it’s all still possible. There are still islands in the Maldives that have yet to be transformed by tourism. But it’s not going to remain this way for much longer.

So now is the perfect time to travel to the Maldives.

How much does it cost to travel the Maldives on a budget? As little as $50 a day. As a budget traveler, you can expect to spend $30 a day on a private room in a guesthouse; $10 a day on food; and $10 a day on activities. And there are, of course, ways to do it even cheaper.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to visit the Maldives on a budget.

A Brief History of Budget, Independent Travel in the Maldives

Even luxury tourism is relatively new in the Maldives.

The very first resort in the country only opened in the 1970s. Before then, it wasn’t possible to visit the Maldives as a tourist because there was nowhere to stay! The resort was unsurprisingly a success and over the subsequent few decades, dozens of them began to open.

Most interestingly, the Maldives is a country that’s home to a unique geography. The islands here are tiny — many of them only 100 metres or two in length (300-650 feet). And what that means is that the resorts were built on their own individual islands.

You would have one island and it would have one resort on it and that would be it. The resort staff would live on the island, of course, but aside from that, there would be no other locals living there.

And that was pretty much your only option for visiting the country.

It created a divide within the country: you had the resort islands and you had the local islands. On the latter, there were no accommodation options for tourists; it was actually banned. Locals simply lived their lives there and never met a foreign tourist.

In 2009, the Maldivian government spontaneously decided to mix things up: regulations were rewritten and suddenly, locals were allowed to build guesthouses on the non-resort islands. For the first time ever, tourists were allowed to travel to a “normal” island in the Maldives; to hang out with locals, to learn about their lives and culture, and to not go broke while doing so.

Isn’t that amazing? I’ve absolutely loved my visits to this beautiful country because it always feels like such an adventure. And guess what? The beaches on the local islands are just as pretty as the ones at the resorts! Yes, you can genuinely spend a tenth of the price that the resort visitors do and get to see beaches that are just as beautiful. That’s why I’m such a fan of travelling on a budget in the Maldives.

The Cost of Budget Accommodation in the Maldives

The first thing to note is that there aren’t any dirt-cheap options for accommodation here. You won’t find dorm rooms in the Maldives (as of 2024, there’s one dorm room in the entire country!) or $5-a-night bungalows on the beach, like you would in Southeast Asia.

There is quite an active Couchsurfing community operating in the Maldives, so if you’ve used the site before, this would be an excellent way to score yourself some completely free accommodation. There are currently 2,000 hosts on the islands, so do take a look if it sounds appealing. The benefits to Couchsurfing are numerous: saving money, of course, but also gaining a very local insight to the country; after all, you’ll be staying with a Maldivian, in their home, and getting to know their way of life.

There’s also the option to volunteer on a local island in exchange for accommodation. There are several placements available on WorkAway , where you can help tend to a family’s vegetable garden for a few hours a day or help with ecological projects for an island community. Both opportunities include free accommodation and food. There’s also usually a few volunteering options on WorldPackers , where you could work in a guesthouse in exchange for free accommodation, food, and activities.

Those are the less-comfortable options for entirely free accommodation, so let’s focus now on the budget accommodation options.

On Airbnb , you have the ability to stay in a private room (essentially, you’ll have your own bedroom but be staying in a local’s home with them). This works out to be much cheaper than staying in a hotel or Airbnb-ing an entire house for yourself. There’s around 200 of these private room set-ups across the country, with prices ranging between 20 and 60 USD a night.

Now let’s talk about hotels and guesthouses.

On most islands, for $30-80 a night, you can expect a clean, modern, and spacious room, with air conditioning, hot showers, free breakfasts, snorkelling gear, a bottle of water each day, twice daily room cleaning[!], and fast Wi-Fi. The rooms are seriously nice — much higher quality than the rooms I stayed in in Eastern Europe, for example, but for the same price.

The easiest way to find cheap accommodation in the Maldives is through Booking.com . Simply search for hotels in the Maldives along with your travel dates, sort the prices from lowest to highest, and then start researching. Alternatively, if you want to find the best accommodation in the country, sort the results by “top reviewed” then apply a price limit of less than $100 a night.

I’ll list out some of the properties I’ve stayed in while in the Maldives along with their prices:

Maafushi: We stayed at Island Ambience and paid $75 per night . This was my favourite guesthouse from our time in the Maldives and I fully recommend staying here. The breakfasts were excellent (make sure you order the Maldivian breakfast!), the owner was lovely, and our room was incredibly fancy; it felt like great value for money.

Fulidhoo: We stayed at Cowry Inn and paid $63 per night . Again, we were really happy with our choice and I’d wholeheartedly recommend staying here. The shower was hot, the air conditioning was cold, it was incredibly peaceful and the Wi-Fi was super fast! It’s easily the best budget option on the island.

Guraidhoo: We stayed at Coco Cottage and paid $39 per night . This was the most “budget” property we stayed in, but we still enjoyed our visit. While the rooms were a little more basic, the awesome owner made our stay so amazing! The breakfasts were the best we had in the country, while the excursions the owner offers are wonderful.

Rasdhoo: We stayed at Rasdu View Inn and paid $42 per night . This was such a fun place to stay! Rasdhoo is a little island, so everything is within walking distance of this modern guesthouse. You can arrange tons of activities through the helpful owner here, like jet skiing, wakeboarding, and even a drone photo shoot! Skip the continental breakfast and choose the Maldivian option (always!). Snorkelling gear, beach towels, and beach umbrellas are available to use for free.

Ukulhus: We stayed at Koimala Beach and paid $48 per night . Our room was clean and spacious, and was cleaned everyday. It was in a great location, too, a couple of minutes from the quieter park of Bikini Beach. Again, opt for the Maldivian breakfast every morning here — so good! The lovely owners also helped us arrange a bunch of trips and activities; swimming with manta rays is the absolute must-do!

Thoddoo: We stayed at Thoddoo Sunny Beach and paid $57 per night . This was such a lovely little guesthouse with numerous sweet touches in the room, particularly the artwork on the beds! You can use the guesthouse bicycles and snorkelling equipment at no cost, it’s located just a few minutes walk from Sunrise Beach, the breakfast was great, and the owner offered up some seriously impressive customer service; he was so invested in us having the best time on Thoddoo!

A Note on Maldivian Taxes

None of the prices above include taxes, and this is where travelling in the Maldives gets a little frustrating. The Maldivian government, you’ll quickly learn, absolutely adores charging visitors a whole load of taxes and fees. And so for every night you spend in the Maldives, you’ll be paying the following:

• $3 per person per day green tax.
• 16% tax on goods and services for tourism

Yes, it sure does add up quickly! A $50 a night hotel room shared between two people, now becomes $56 a night with the green tax, $64 with the TGST, and then finally $69 a night with the GST. I know — it’s ridiculous.

Even worse is that you don’t have the ability to pay the fees and taxes while you’re booking your accommodation online. You can’t pay in advance, and guesthouse owners prefer that you pay all of these fees in U.S. dollars. What that means is that you have to bring a whole bunch of USD with you to the Maldives, just to pay taxes! (Card transactions come with a 3.5% fee, so I recommend going cash-only to save money).

The Cost of Budget Transportation in the Maldives

Transportation is incredibly inexpensive in the Maldives, thanks to the local ferries. It’s rare to spend more than $5 for a single journey on them; most are as little as $1. The only downside of using the local ferries is the seemingly illogical timetable because even in 2024, ferries run infrequently (and none of them run on a Friday).

What you need to understand before plotting out an itinerary is that Maldivian geography splits the country into different regions, known as atolls. And within those atolls, you’ll find maybe five or six local islands; one of these will be known as the capital of the atoll.

Most people will therefore choose one atoll to explore, and then use the local ferries to both get there and to navigate to the islands within it. If you wanted to travel from one atoll to another, you’ll likely be able to find a ferry that goes from its capital to the capital of a different atoll. You can then take the ferries around the islands of the second atoll.

Seems simple enough, right?

Well, one of the problems is that the atolls of the Maldives are quite far apart from each other. If you wanted to travel from the northernmost atoll to the southernmost, for example, you’d be covering a distance of 850 km (530 miles)! Definitely not feasible to do that journey via ferry!

That’s one thing that makes travel planning in the Maldives difficult. Let’s say you watched a bunch of Youtube videos about different islands to determine which ones sound best to you. Based on that research, you’d have likely come up with a list of half a dozen islands you wanted to visit. Well, odds are that when you plot them all out on Google Maps, you’ll discover the islands are hundreds of miles from each other!

There are so many amazing islands in the Maldives, it’s just that getting to them can often be a problem.

Not only that, but travelling from one island to another can often involve multiple changes, and coordinating your travel days with the ferry timetables could leave you overnighting on different islands. For example: the ferry from Fulidhoo to Maafushi gets in at midday, but the ferry from Maafushi to Guraidhoo leaves at 7 a.m.; if you wanted to travel from Fulidhoo to Guraidhoo, you’d therefore have to spend a night in Maafushi!

If this is starting to sound a little too complicated, never fear! I’ll go into tons of details in this article to make this all easier for you, breaking down potential itineraries you could follow. I’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to! In general, though, I recommend choosing one atoll and exploring it in depth — maybe two atolls at the absolute most. It’ll make figuring out the ferries so much less stressful.

We paid $0.60 for the ferry from Male Airport to Male, $3 for the ferry from Male to Maafushi, $4 for the ferry from Maafushi to Fulidhoo, and $2 for the ferry from Maafushi to Guraidhoo.

If you want to visit a resort, you’ll have to pay for a speedboat, as the local ferries don’t stop at the resort islands. These speedboats are very expensive — we were quoted $280 per person return trip for a 45 minute journey, or $200 per person return for a ten minute journey. One possibility could be to turn up at the nearest local island, and ask around to see if a local fisherman will take you across on his boat. We managed to arrange a transfer from Guraidhoo to Olhuveli  for $40 per person return trip — but given that the resort was only 6 kilometres away, this is still pretty pricey.

Avoid the seaplanes if you’re travelling on a budget — these will usually cost around $500 return for a 20 minute journey.

Finding Cheap Food: 

Food will set you back around $5-10 per meal, but with most guesthouses offering an enormous free breakfast, Dave and I found ourselves skipping lunch and only paying for dinner. You can’t complain about spending $5 a day on food!

In general, the smaller the island, the less food options there are, and you’ll likely be eating at your guesthouse for most meals. On Fulidhoo, the smallest island we visited, we were charged $10 per dinner whether we ordered chicken fried rice, curry and rice, or a gigantic fish barbecue. There were only three restaurants on the island and they all charged the same price — for the tourists, at least.

For a busy island, such as Maafushi, there were plenty of food options. There are maybe a dozen restaurants on the island, all offering reasonably priced dinners. We paid around $5-10 a meal for fish curry and rice, fish and chips, tuna fried rice — lots of fish-based meals!

Finding Cheap Excursions: 

The cheapest way to go on an excursion is to book it through your guesthouse. Don’t be afraid to shop around for prices, though! Wander into four or five guesthouses and ask for their prices before you make a decision. Also check to see what’s included in the price — some guesthouses will include lunch, water and a soft drink, some won’t include any extras.

I’m not a diver but many of you expressed interest in knowing how you can dive in the Maldives on a budget. If you decide to dive through your guesthouse, or arrange it through a dive shop on a local island, you’ll be looking at paying around $100 for two dives. The cheapest option for diving in the Maldives, however, is doing a liveaboard trip.

Other options for excursions include lots of snorkeling trips. If you’re lucky to be visiting during manta ray or whale shark season, you’ll be able to arrange a trip to see them. We tried to do this in Guraidhoo but sadly didn’t get to see any manta rays. We paid $50 per person for a half-day snorkeling trip. It was pretty pricey but it was also the best snorkeling of my life! Amazing visibility, thousands of tropical fishes, and even adorable sea turtles swimming alongside us.

Most guesthouses will also arrange fishing trips ($50 per person), or day trips to the resorts ($50 per person plus a $30 per person entrance fee). You can also take trips to sand banks ($25 per person) and go island hopping around the atoll ($50 per person).

There Are Even Maldives Tours You Can Take

One of the best tour companies out there — G Adventures — runs sailing tours all over the Maldives at pretty reasonable prices for group tours. If you’re keen to check out the local islands of the Maldives but can’t spend weeks planning it all out, or would rather have somebody else show you around rather than jumping headfirst into independent travel, this is a fantastic option.

G Adventures run small-group tours with a heavy focus on sustainability, authentic experiences, and giving back to local communities. In the Maldives you’ll sail on a traditional Dhoni boat and have opportunities to participate in a plastic clean-up operation on the islands. 

Some of their tours include: 

• Maldives Dhoni Cruise  (7 days) — You’ll spend a week cruising around some of the prettiest islands in the country, like Fulidhoo — my favourite island! You’ll get to snorkel in coral reefs, skip over pristine sandbanks, and visit uninhabited islands that are truly off-the-beaten track. 
• Maldives Island Hopping  (8 days) — Head north from Male to Dhiffuhsi, Thulusdhoo, Huraa, and Villimale. You’ll take walking tours across the islands, jump in a kayak for sunset, check out a saltwater lake, and enjoy a traditional meal with a local family. This one looks epic, as it’s going to a part of the Maldives that I’m desperate to check out!
• Sri Lanka and Maldives Adventure  (14 days) — If you have more time, why not combine an adventure in Sri Lanka with some time spent sailing in the Maldives? Sri Lanka is one of my favourite countries in the world, so I have no doubts that this would be an incredible trip. 

There’s So Little Information Around

I’ve never visited a country where independent travel is so new, and it certainly made planning a little tricky. When there are so many islands to choose from and only a handful of resources for some of the lesser-known ones, it can be frustrating to figure out where to go and when.

I’m a chronic over-planner, so trying to choose between islands left me more than a little anxious. The first thing I do when I decide I want to go somewhere is head to Google Images. I’m a visual person and I like to see exactly where I’m going. When I did this with many of the Maldivian islands, I came across stock photos of the Maldives, photos of resorts, and satellite photos of islands. 

Searching for detailed information was just as tricky. Many of the islands had a paragraph on Wikipedia mentioning their size and population, and that was mostly it. I couldn’t find many travel bloggers who had been and written about the islands. In this scenario, I would venture over to TripAdvisor and start reading the accommodation reviews of guesthouses on an island that I was keen to visit — many of them were long and detailed and covered what the island was like, too.

This won’t be a problem if you visit the more popular islands in the country, but if you want to strike out and find the places that are still untouched by tourism, you’ll feel as though you’re winging it a bit.

And that’s exactly why I’m writing this blog post! I found so little information online that I was determined to start sharing detailed guides on how to travel independently in the Maldives. (Want to share what you learned on your Maldives trip with the world? I highly encourage you to start a travel blog ! It’ll help people be better informed when they visit and provide you with a lucrative income source. Win-win, in my opinion!)

It’s a Strict Muslim Country

The Maldives is an Islamic state operating under sharia law, and requires all of its citizens to be Muslim. Upon entering the country, you have to sign a declaration stating that you are not bringing into the country “materials deemed contrary to Islam including ‘idols for worship’ and bibles, pork and pork products, and alcohol.”

Furthermore, in the Maldives, Friday and Saturday is the weekend, with Friday being a day of rest. Everything but restaurants close down on Fridays and ferries cease to run.

Pork and alcohol is banned, and there are also no dogs in the country. You won’t be able to find an alcoholic drink anywhere outside of the resorts. It’s not even like it’s banned but you can secretly buy it at expensive prices — we didn’t see it for sale anywhere and weren’t offered any while we were there. If you’re hoping for cocktails or beers at sunset, you’ll have to stick with bottles of water instead.

Budget travel tip: I recommend picking up a GRAYL water bottle to save money on drinking while also helping protect the environment. This water bottle works a bit like a French press — you fill it with water and then slide the filter down to the bottom of the bottle. Doing that kills 99.999% of all viruses, bacteria, and cysts in water and gets rid of any sediment or weird flavours, making it completely safe to drink. You can drink tap water anywhere in the world with this kickass bottle and not get sick — whether you’re in India, Mozambique, or the Maldives!

So what should you wear on the local islands? 

For both women and men there’s a strict dress code: shoulders and thighs to be covered at all times, even when on the beach. No see-through clothing, either. Guys, you won’t be able to go shirtless or wear shorts that expose your thighs, and females, you won’t be able to wear a bikini or swimming costume.

I would swim in board shorts and a baggy t-shirt in the ocean. For walking around the island, I usually stuck to jeans and a t-shirt. I’d wear a knee-length dress when heading out for dinner and wrap a shawl around my shoulders.

If you’re going on an excursion away from the local islands — a snorkeling trip, for example — then you can wear whatever you like once you get on the boat.

There are Beaches Especially For Tourists

On some of the local islands, there’ll be one designated beach for the tourists, typically called Bikini Beach. A barrier will be erected between the beach and the streets of the island, and once you pass that barrier, you’ll be able to take off your clothes. Well, some of them. Topless sunbathing (for ladies) is illegal in the Maldives and could land you in jail.

Some of the guesthouses have a small garden area where they’ll allow you to sunbathe in bikinis if there isn’t a Bikini Beach. It’ll say in the listing if this is the case, so be sure to check in advance if sunbathing is important to you.

There was a beach for tourists on both Maafushi and Fulidhoo.

Mostly Anything Goes on the Resorts, But They’re Crazy-Expensive

On the resorts, women can wear bikinis, men can go shirtless, and alcohol is available at Australian-ish prices ($8 for a beer, $15 for a cocktail).

Fancy a special trip to one of the fancy resorts while you’re in the country? Prepare to pay a lot of money. For a room on the beach, you’ll be looking at $200+ per night, for one of the beautiful overwater bungalows, you’ll struggle to find anything under $400.

Each Island is Different — And There Are So Many to Choose from!

Before arriving in the Maldives, I had naively assumed that each island would be pretty similar. I was wrong.

There are 1200 islands in the Maldives, 200 of them inhabited. Of the inhabited islands, you’ll find guesthouses on maybe 50 of them. You’ll also, as I keep saying, know very little about any of them. I was pleasantly surprised, then, to discover that each island I visited offered something different. The only thing they had in common: none of the streets were paved!

Maafushi is the touristy island. There are more guesthouses on the island than anywhere else in the country. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, the locals are used to tourists, and there are many souvenir shops. The beach is beautiful, despite the built-up hotels.

Fulidhoo is the quiet island paradise that’s a little off the beaten track. This is where we were the only tourists for almost a week. The downside to the peace and quiet is the lack of eating options. There’s something like three restaurants on the island, but nobody speaks English and our attempts to order food failed often. Because there are so few options, we were charged $10 per meal, drastically higher than what we paid on any others.

Guraidhoo is a hangout for surfers. There isn’t a beach for tourists here, and the beaches aren’t incredible. The waves are huge, though, and there’s plenty of badass looking Maldivian surfer dudes wandering the streets. Everyone tries to sell you Maldivian chocolate in Guraidhoo — a mixture of coconut, sugar and jasmine.

Running Out of Money is a Real Concern

The only ATMs in the country are in Male, which makes paying for things on the local islands kind of frustrating. The UK has an annoying rule that you can only withdraw $350 per day from an ATM and, as I was in Male for just six hours, that’s all the cash I could get out for a three week trip. (I travel with an emergency credit card that I’ve never used, and when I tried to get cash out with it at the airport, my bank blocked my card!)

That’s why it’s a good idea to book your accommodation in advance so that you can pay for it before you arrive. The guesthouses will occasionally take credit cards, but they’ll also charge you around 4% to do so. We didn’t see anywhere offering cash advances on the islands.

The taxes and fees that I mentioned above mostly have to be paid in cash and, although the guesthouse owners will ask for it in USD, we got away with paying for it all in Maldivian Rufiyaa.

In restaurants, on the local ferries and in the local shops, everything has to paid for in rufiyaa.

It’s also quite hard to get rufiyaa changed back into anything useful when you leave, and there are quite a few reports online saying that all of the currency exchange places in Male refused to change their currency back. Getting out lots of money in advance with the idea that you can just change back what you haven’t spent at the end of your time isn’t a great idea. I’d recommend bringing a few hundred US dollars into the country with you as a backup supply of cash.

While I’m speaking about downsides:

When I arrived at Male airport, Dave and I were the only backpackers in sight. We were the only people to walk through the airport without a travel agent greeting us, and we were the only non-locals taking a ferry over to a local island.

At times, it felt like I was invading the islands against the locals’ wishes. I felt as though Dave and I were regarded with suspicion — or perhaps curiosity. On some of the smaller islands, our greetings of “hello” towards the locals were often ignored, as we received little more than stares in exchange. I don’t know if they were shy, or curious, or even angry that we were on their island home. This did, however, occur predominantly with the older residents.

Having said all that, the majority of the locals were friendly and welcoming and happy to chat. It was just the occasional stare that left me feeling like I was intruding.

Additionally, while Dave and I were mostly left alone when walking as a couple, when I was wandering the islands alone, the local women were all excited to chat to me. Whether it was just to say hello, or to offer me a piece of Maldivian chocolate to try, travelling as a solo female offers a different experience to travelling as a couple, and I felt 100% safe while alone there.

Note: Since publishing this post, a few locals have commented to let me know that there is at least one ATM on each atoll. For the islands that I visited, the guesthouse owners often travelled to Male to get cash, and when we were close to running out, told us we’d need to take a trip to Male if we didn’t want to pay by card. I’d therefore recommend asking guesthouse owners before you arrive whether there’s an easily accessible ATM near to the island if this is a concern for you. 

It’s a Great Location for Digital Nomads

I was fully expecting to spend my three weeks in the Maldives offline due to unusable Internet.

On Maafushi, our Internet speeds were 6mb/s download; 3mb/s upload. They were a bit slower on Fulidhoo and Guraidhoo but marginally so. We had one day without Internet on Guraidhoo, which was a network-wide problem, but other than that we stayed connected all the time.

If your phone is eSIM-compatible (all recent iPhones and many Android phones are), I recommend checking out  Airalo , which sells local e-SIM cards for travellers. What that means is that you can buy your SIM card online  before  you arrive in the Maldives, and then as soon as you land in the country, you can switch on your data and start using it. It’s worked flawlessly for me and I’ll never go back to physical SIM cards. You’ll pay  $30 for 17 GB of data  for the Maldives and can also top-up through the Airalo app. if you run out.

We were shocked to discover that we received a data signal everywhere we went — even during a two hour ferry ride across the open ocean where we couldn’t see land in any direction. I guess that’s what happens when there’s no tall buildings to diminish the signal.

Working and travelling in the Maldives is therefore easy. Wi-Fi speeds are faster than I’ve received in many guesthouses around the world, and data is very reliable.

Maldivian Hammocks are Strange but Comfortable

And you’ll be spending a lot of time in them.

One of the first things I noticed when we arrived in the Maldives was the strange hammocks — I’d never seen anything like them. Made from a steel frame with netting sewed around the edge, you’ll find these uncomfortable looking contraptions hanging from sturdy tree branches on the beach. You’ll even find ground-based ones outside of most houses.

They’re surprisingly comfortable.

The Maldivian Language is Fascinating

The language spoken in the Maldives is similar to Sinhala, but also has aspects of Urdu, Hindi, Arabic and many, many more languages.

The script is thought to have originated as a secret code for writing magical formulas so that outsiders couldn’t understand what was being written. As far as experts can tell, the ordering of the alphabet is completely random.

Maldivian Breakfasts Are Divine

Maldivian breakfasts are incredible, and every time I’ve been served a continental breakfast, my least favourite of the breakfasts, I’ve felt like breaking down in tears.

The most popular breakfast in the Maldives in Mas Huni, pictured above. That bowl of awesome contains finely chopped  tuna, onion, coconut and chili, which you roll up in freshly-baked roshi. 

But the rest of the meals aren’t as exciting. Unsurprisingly, fish features heavily in Maldivian meals. So does curry and rice. Curry and rice every day. Every day it’s curry and rice. I wasn’t a huge fan of the curry in the Maldives, but it seemed that every time we ordered a “Maldivian dinner” from our guesthouses we were presented with fish curry and rice. Still, better than a continental breakfast.

The Weather is Hard to Predict

Online, I read that the wettest month in the Maldives is September but the locals say it’s June/July. Either way, it’s pretty hard to predict the weather.

Each island has its own climate, so if it’s raining on one island, it won’t necessarily be raining on an another that’s 20 km away. Because of this, every weather forecast sticks to the standard rainy season prediction: Dry until 3pm, rain for the rest of the day.

The smaller the island, the harder it is to find a weather forecast online. I spent most of my time in the country obsessing over the weather because I was so concerned it would rain over Dave’s birthday, when I’d booked a resort stay as a present. Spoiler alert: it did.

Low Season is the Time to Go

High season starts in October and the prices of guesthouses increase dramatically. Our $60 a night guesthouse in Maafushi almost doubles its prices to $100 and is now fully booked from October until the end of the year! While we were there, at the start of September, we were the only people in the guesthouse for our four day stay.

The other islands have also been pretty quiet in August and September. On Fulidhoo island it was so quiet that we were the only tourists. On Maafushi, the island with the largest amount of guesthouses, there were usually only around 10 people on Bikini Beach at any one time, so it didn’t feel busy there, either.

Go during this time of year! We’ve experienced one full day of rain over three weeks, and two rainy afternoons. The weather has been great, the prices are halved, and the islands are quiet.

It Won’t be Like This Forever

Let’s take Maafushi. Last year, there were 100 beds on the island. This year there are 500. Next year, there’ll be something like 1000. Seriously. They’re already building a big resort with 80 beds for the upcoming high season. The unbroken silence of the much smaller local islands no longer exists on Maafushi. Instead, there’s construction everywhere. We woke up and went to sleep with the gentle sounds of banging and crashing as people worked on building guesthouses all day every day.

Maafushi is a small island. It measures 1.2 km by 0.2km and the bottom third of island is taken up by a jail. That many beds feels like too many on an island like Maafushi, especially when there’s only one “Bikini Beach” and it’s about 30 metres long. That’s going to get very crowded very quickly. This is a place that I think I would return in two years and barely recognise it.

I’m certain that the next time I return to the Maldives it’ll be unrecognisable from the quiet islands I experienced today.

Phew! That was a long post! I’ve tried to cover absolutely every aspect of travelling to the Maldives independently as best as I could. If there’s something I missed out, leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help! :-)

Related Articles on the Maldives 🎒 A Budget Traveller Visits a Luxury Resort in the Maldives 🏖 Falling in Love With Maafushi 🏝 Fulidhoo: The Only Tourists on the Island 🙅🏼‍♀️ Scammed in Guraidhoo: The Shady Guesthouse Owner

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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530 comments.

Definitely bookmarking this post! Thanks a lot for all the detailed information. I know which country will be in my travel list for next year :) One question though: would you still recommend non-millionaires to visit one of the resorts?

I would, but I’d say to limit your stay to just a few nights if you don’t have much money to spend. Our two nights was perfect, and well worth the money. Because we usually stay in budget guesthouses and apartments throughout the year, it was so exciting to treat ourselves to a luxury experience. The overwater bungalows really are special, and definitely worth experiencing at least once! :-)

Hi lauren, i am also trying to be there at olhuveli resort for 1 night from guraidhoo, but the major issue is transfer charges. I just need to know that if we reach there through local fisherman, they will allow us to stay there if we have booking for 1 night.

Sorry, no idea!

Hey Lauren,

What do you know about cheap flights to the Maldives? I stay in South Africa and so far the flight prices to Maldives cost more than the accommodation.

I take it that it’s probably not the best country for vegetarians to visit outside the resorts. Still pretty keen to go though. The Maldives have been on my bucket list for a long time.

You’d definitely be okay on some of the more touristy islands — there were plenty of vegetarian items on the menu in restaurants in Maafushi and Guraidhoo. In Fulidhoo, we didn’t really see much in the way of vegetarian food, but I’m sure you’d be able to get some if you asked. Of course, how good it would be is another matter… :-). You’d also probably end up having to have a Western breakfast over the Maldivian one.

Thanks so much for this write up. Really helpful stuff! I hope to be able to experience the Maldives the same way you did and will start saving right now :)

Glad you found it helpful and good luck with your saving! :-)

Wow! Thank you! Lauren for this blog. I didn’t even know Maldives has budget guest house options available. I was put up at Eriyadu resort island and spent a bomb on water and the excursions. I always wanted to visit Maldives again and now I know it’s within reach.

Thank you for this lovely post covering pretty much everything one would want to know. I’ve always dreamed of visiting the Maldives, but it never seemed possible because of the extreme prices. Good to know that’s not the only option. Lovely photos as well! It looks like 3 amazing weeks you spent there.

Three amazing weeks and I really didn’t want to leave! It’s definitely a much more affordable option than it seems :-)

Love this! I would love to visit the Maldives one day, I love how colorful it seems. Seems affordable too as long as you’re not at one of the big resorts.

Yep, it’s so much cheaper in the guesthouses than at the resorts, AND you get to experience Maldivian culture, too. Win-win :-)

Hi Lauren, What an interesting read, even for a local. I swear I could feel your frustration about the lack of information about islands and the transportation woes. On the bright side maybe well have less crowds because of it. I visited Maafushi recently and things are as you describe. Sad to see so much of nature giving way to concrete and cement. On the order of the alphabet, as you observed, you might think that maybe they set the most used letters to the front. It might have been helpful getting new words accepted quickly. The language has gone through a lot of changes in recent times.

Thanks so much for your comment, and for some information on the alphabet. I really appreciate it! :-)

Compare the first 9 letters of Thaana (the name of the Dhivehi alphabet) to the first 9 Arabic numerals. To know more about it search up “thaana” on Wikipedia or Google. :)

Thanks! :-D

Great information! The Maldives is one of those places I have never really considered visiting, mainly because I thought it was just honeymooner destination. Good to know you can do it on a budget now, and visit other parts of the country! It looks like it was a great experience!

Thanks, Hannah. It was a wonderful experience and I fully recommend checking it out! :-)

Thank you SO much for this post. I have been wondering if the Maldives can be done on a budget for a while now as I want to plan a trip there at Easter. Having only stayed in a resort there before I had no idea this could be done and you have opened my eyes!

You’re welcome, Olivia! It’s definitely possible to travel on a budget in the Maldives, it just takes a bit of research and a little extra effort! It’s well worth it though :-)

This looks incredible. I knew pretty much nothing about the Maldives. (Alright, I admit it, I had to google them to find out where they were.) So thank you so much for sharing all this ingormation – really great and comprehensive. Also, your photos are stunning – I particularly love the one of the heron.

I know what you mean about places getting ‘spoiled’ though – though if it’s providing a livelihood for locals… It’s a tricky one to get the balance right on, I think. Too many tourists can so easily spoil a place (it’s been endangering my own home of the Lake District for decades), but then, if the tourism industry dries up, it can be catastrophic. I’m glad you had such a good experience of the Maldives though. And fingers crossed the travel industry doesn’t destroy such a beautiful looking place.

No problem! I’m glad I could introduce you to this beautiful country :-). Completely agree with you — I think it’s great that locals are now getting to profit from the tourism industry, rather than the big resorts, but I hope it doesn’t end up destroying the wonderful islands. It’s a tough balance.

You would honestly think the way so many “westerners dream of the Maldives” there would be more information on the location.

I knew it was a strict Islamic State, but I didn’t realize it was that strict, and I think very important to know before hand.

The beaches still look perfect though. This was a fascinating post. Who knew so little is known about such a dream destination.

I agree — but I think most Westerners are dreaming about the resort-filled image of the Maldives, where everything’s arranged for you and you don’t have to do any research. The beaches were incredible! :-)

Such good information! I was dying over your Instagram posts–like you, anywhere with overwater bungalows is basically a dream honeymoon destination for me. Good to know that it can be done a bit differently on a budget, but still with those gorgeous beaches :)

Absolutely — the beaches were just as nice on Maafushi and Fulidhoo as they were on the fancy resort :-)

Great guide–thanks for putting it together! It’s exciting that they are allowing guesthouses on the local islands, but I agree, I hope the islands don’t get too over built! I would love to visit the Maldives, and it’s so nice to know that it can be done on a budget. Hope we can make it there before they change too much!

You’re welcome, Jenna! I’m happy you found it useful :-)

I usually don’t focus on “beach destinations” for my travels, being from a Caribbean island… But this looks like something very special. I’m a bit concerned about the recent law adjustments, though. To each their own, i respect a country and its culture, but some things are harder to digest than others. I’ll definitely be thinking about this destination, though.

I understand your concerns, and I agree with you. It’s a tricky decision to make, but the Maldives is still a wonderful country.

I went to the Maldives last year for the first time and agree that it has some of the best beaches in the world and I totally fell in love with it but I have always thought how expensive it is and know of many people who have wanted to go but been put off by cost – I think this is just a wonderful post giving people an opportunity to visit the Maldives, where they may have previously not thought it possible! It’s also given me some great tips to keep at the back of my mind if I ever make it back :)

Thanks so much, Shikha! I hope you get to make it back :-)

YES! I’m so glad to see this! I love locations like the Maldives, and I love it when people prove that they’re accessible – though sadly that does come at a trade off. I’m glad you had such a good time :)

Thanks, Lindsey! It’s so much more accessible than people believe it to be, and I’m happy to share my experiences :-)

Awesome, awesome overview. I think the lack of ATMs would really bug me! Funny how some things you have to be so prepared for but other things (like the ferries you mentioned) you really can’t plan so much for.

Also, that building reminds me of the half finished buildings we saw around Santorini!

It was a little frustrating as I was really aware of how much I was spending — I hate having to order the cheapest option on the menu because I’m so conscious about prices!

Wow! You did an amazing job with this post, Lauren! A lot of time and work, I’m sure, with a perfect post as a result. I was just talking about visiting the Maldives yesterday, with my husband. Wlll ‘dive into it’ again;-), but now with your info at hand. Thanks!

Thank you so much, Anja! Let me know if I can help out with anything :-)

Amazing resource. I have not been to Maldives and learned a lot. Thank you for this guide, Lauren.

You’re welcome! :-)

It’s really nice to see that it’s possible to visit the Maldives without having a huge wallet – I’ll definitely try to visit here by 2016. The pictures of the islands are beautiful!! Thanks for sharing. :)

You’re welcome! Hope you get to visit soon :-)

Very interesting, I didn’t know much about the Maldives, apart from seeing pictures of high priced resorts. I didn’t even know it was a strict Muslim country. It is somewhere that I would defiitely consider visiting and I think I would also want to do a mix of resort and local islands. If only the flights weren’t so expensive :(

The flights can be expensive if you’re coming from far away. From Southeast and South Asia, however, I’ve found the flights to be quite reasonable. Sri Lankan Airlines have a lot of good deals on at the moment!

Excellent post! Very good specific information. Maldives is back on my list! Thanks Lauren.

Thanks, Shirley! Glad you found it helpful :-)

Hi Lauren, loved reading your post about backpacking the Maldives on a budget. I got some very useful tips as my boyfriend and I have just spent a week on Maafushi Island. Our accommodation budget was a bit lower than your so we couldn’t take your Water Breeze Inn recommendation however we did find a very reasonable and pleasant guest house for $29 per night. The week went pretty smoothly and our money definitely went further than we expected, however we ended up not being able to board the cheap ferry back to Male city as it was full and so had to pay $25 each for the speed boat. Nightmare when you are on a shoestring as I’m sure you can imagine!

Other than that it was a perfect week before a crazy three weeks in Sri Lanka. Thanks again and enjoy your onward travels

Ah, so sorry to hear that you had to take a speedboat! And crazy that it was full — it was so quiet when I was there. Glad you had a good time overall, though! Isn’t it such a beautiful country?

Hi, Lauren exilent information in your every Answer and now I will plan my Maldives tour Otherwise my previous experience regarding That place are not very good.Thank you very much Lauren I think many people now take Planning of Maldives.

IM looking forward that I can visit this fantastic place in Maldives/ great to hear those feedbacks which leads me to excitement visiting this place :)

Thanks, Carney! :-)

Such a useful post! I was wondering if you booked your guesthouses before arriving on each island or waited until you got there to look at them?

Thanks, Jayne! :-) I booked before we arrived, which was a bit risky but we wanted to pay for them in advance because of the whole ATM issue.

Thank you for this wonderful post and photos of the place I currently call home! I loved how you spoke about the country and the locals (sometimes I read things online that are a bit offensive- especially about the culture/religion). Visiting Maafushi next month and hope to see those other two you mentioned before my contracts up! :D

Than you so much, Sarah! I’m so pleased to hear you liked the post. Hope you like Maafushi — that was my favourite island.

Oops and one thing – alcohol is illegal on local islands, you said about it “not being banned but you can buy it secretly”- secret buying is the black market. Be very careful!!!!

Ah, I think you misread the article. I said: “ It’s not even like it’s banned but you can secretly buy it”. I wasn’t recommending buying it on the black market! :-)

Yes- alcohol is certainly banned on local islands! For locals and tourists alike. There is one hotel on Hulhumale island, called Hulhumale International Hotel (HIH) close to airport- this is the only one I know that has an alcohol licence.

I’ve heard about that!

great guide, this will be so much help to me when I finally make it there! i’ve been in India for 2 years and have been dying to go because flights aren’t too bad. Bookmarking this! Thanks.

Glad you found it helpful! There are some really cheap flights from Sri Lanka and India. I think we paid around $180 return from Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines.

Which airport did you fly into?

I have never fancied going to the Maldives due to the resorts. Good to know it is possible as an independent traveller. Thanks for the post.

Yep, there’s definitely a lot more to discover than the fancy resorts! :-)

This post has scared me!

I’ve always wanted to visit the Maldives, and now I feel like I have to visit ASAP before it becomes a tourist trap! Aaaahhh!

While some of the busier islands that I visited will rapidly attract more tourists, there are still hundreds of islands to choose from :-)

Pretty neat write up. I’d like to correct one tiny bit, men can go swimming shirtless. I’ve seen a lot of locals do that. As for women, your attire description is what one should keep in mind. Great post btw. I’m book marking this to show to pass on to all those who keep asking me for budget options in the Maldives.

Ah, thanks so much for that! I’d read before arriving that men had to keep their shoulders covered on the local islands, so that’s what we did. Good to know that Dave could have been a lot more comfortable when swimming! :-)

That was a very detailed post. loved it. I am a Maldivian and even for us exploring our own beautiful nation is so expensive we usually end up in a beach in South East Asia, for more fun & privacy from the Islamic Culture. However this is a must see destination in terms of our beaches, reefs, tropical nature :) Thank you for the post, it will definitely help a lot of new tourists who would love to explore Maldives within a decent budget. Btw, 10% service charge is not for the government but almost all the hospitality service providers charge it for themselves. in resorts its divided among the staff members, i am not sure bout small operations. It’s sort of a forced tipping.

Ah, thanks so much for letting me know, Leesha! One of the guesthouse owners made it seem like the bed tax, GST *and* the service charge were all collected for the government. I feel much better knowing that it’s going to the service providers instead (apart from the guesthouse owner who scammed us!) :-)

Great article about local island hopping. However you can dive for $25 on Maafushi with Shark Diving, great company, great guides (includ all equipment, boat). Liveaboards are definitely not the cheapest way to see the underwater world.

Ah, I actually meant that it was the cheapest way to visit the Maldives and dive — because the accommodation and meals and entry to islands and whatnot would all be covered in the price.

I always thought the maldives were only fancy resorts, but this looks right up my alley!! Awesome guide!

Glad you found it helpful, Katie! :-)

Thank you for your kind words about our country. Awesome that you chose to experience local life too as most people just see the resorts as life in the maldives, but as u would have seen, its really different.

Did you get a chance to visit Male’, the capital? A day trip/half day is a must for any traveller going to maldives. After all, a third of the population lives there, just on one island, when we have about 1200 of them.

Thank you so much, Amina! I’m thrilled you liked the post! I spent half a day on Male while I was waiting for a ferry but I sadly didn’t get to see too much of it. I had my backpack with me and didn’t want to explore in the heat with all my luggage. Next time I visit, I’ll definitely be taking so time out to take a look around :-)

Hi Amina I know this is an old post but since your a local I would like to ask which island you recomend. We are traveling to Maldives only for 3 nights. I would prefer an island where we can explore the Maldivian culture. And since I am Muslim myself would like quiet beaches. Other than this fantastic post not much info on net about it. Thanks

well i just wanted to add that the government doesnt take the service charge. its a charge by the hotels. but then again all of the hotels will charge them (although the amounts might vary) and so that doesnt make much of a difference.

Thanks for letting me know, Ahmed! I’ve edited the post to reflect that :-). Quite a few of the guesthouse owners told me that all of the taxes and fees were for the government, so it’s interesting to hear that the service charge goes directly to them.

Excellent info from a foreigner about my home town….glad you had a beautiful time….but for the benefit of others wanted to correct a minor error. on contrary to what the write up says,both men and women can most definitely wear shorts. while women’s shorts are acceptable slightly above knee length,at mid-thighs, men can have theirs slightly shorter.

Thanks so much for the information! I did actually say that women and men need to cover their shoulders and thighs, meaning that shorts were okay :-)

Bank of Maldives ATMs are available all over the country, with at least one ATM at each atoll.. where ever you are, you just have to locate the nearest bank branch for you to have access to an ATM

Oh, thanks for the clarification! I find that interesting as, when we were close to running out of cash on several islands the guesthouse owners told us that the only way for us to get money out was to go to Male. One of the staff members on Guraidhoo needed to get some cash out and went to Male to get it, too. That’s much better if there are ATMs on each of the atolls :-)

Hey Lauren! I’m a Maldivian and I have been living in the US for the past three years. I heaven’t had time to read the entire article. I just wanted to drop a comment about the part I read. Most people do not talk and stare simply because they are shy and out of curiosity… Take my word for it. Now you know.

Thanks so much, Zihan! That’s good to know! :-) I had a feeling that was the case, I just was a little concerned my presence may have been bothering the locals, which I really didn’t want. Thanks for letting me know! :-)

This was really interesting, Lauren, thanks! I had no idea the Maldives were such a strict Muslim country, that really seems strange to me considering I picture it as the quintessential tropical holiday place: somewhere to lie on a beach in my bikini with a cocktail. Good job I know better now!

That’s definitely the experience you’ll have on the resorts, but not so much on the local islands! :-)

It’s pretty surprising how little people know about it, isn’t it? I would have visited a lot earlier if I’d known!

Now, the taxes thing would piss me the hell off, ditto the ATMs. Glad to know there are tourist beaches, too – board shorts don’t bother me, but I HATE swimming in t-shirts! The beaches look divine though, and good to know the WiFi situation is top notch! Also, those breakfasts…you actually had me searching for flights to the Maldives after reading this. Someday…

It was a bit frustrating to think you knew the price of everything and then have 18% extra thrown in! I think you’d love the Maldives, though. You have to visit!

Is there a certain months to go far as storm season and do you know any good guesthouses on the maafushi island

Great article. Few things I wud like to correct,.. Men can go to the beaches shirtless. Short shorts are also allowed. But like you said Bikini is not allowed in the “public”.In resorts they will let you do anything you want. Nude sunbathing will not be a problem if you are in a sandbanks or picnic island where locals normally don’t go. I recommend not trying to get alcoholic beverages from the black market. Now that cud get u in jail. If you fancy a drink, they have a bar in the airport. (Hulhule Island Hotel or H.I.H). But experiencing “Maldives” is like you did, avoiding resorts and sticking to the local islands.

Thanks, Joe! I wasn’t advocating buying alcohol from the black markets — I actually don’t drink! Good to know that men can go shirtless on the beaches, though :-)

Hello Lauren,

I’m a Maldivian and I’ve been to resorts as well as traveled to a bunch of islands within the country, I always wondered why tourists chose the fancy resorts and the high prices instead of exploring the beautifully, traditional lifestyle of the locals.

I don’t think you’ll have to worry about the islands getting ruined by too much tourism, because some other island will be then begin to start getting into the tourism industry as it’s gonna be one of the few employment opportunities on local islands.

Maafushi was the first island that became specialized in tourism Even before the law was passed, the guest houses were there. I’ve been there a few times and I’m planning to go there next month.

The most beautiful island I’ve been to (and I’ve been to many) would be HA. Kelaa. Yeah, HA Atoll means a long way from Male’, and it also means they are much more beautiful. There should be one or two guest houses there, but since the population is small, and I hadn’t seen many young adults around, I don’t think there are a lot of restaurants around. However, the locals are always willing to help, if you could find an agent within the island, they can arrange a fair accommodation and meal plans.

Tip: If you’re traveling to an Island not near Male’, there are only a few options to get there. The farther it is, the harder it gets. But it’s worth it. – There are a few local airports located on islands on different parts of the country, so you can fly to the airport which is nearest to your destination, and from there, you’re able to travel by ferry which can be a 1-4 hour journey depending. Flying from local airport to airport can cost around USD70 – USD100. There’s a small charge for the ferry too, which can be USD20 – USD50. – Then there is the cheaper, but time consuming option. Each of these islands have a ferry that travels from Male’ to the island, (and transits on other islands within it’s atoll, in some cases). It costs around USD25 – USD35 for the ferry, but it can take around 18 hours on the ferry. The trip can be enjoyable if you chat up with a crew member, or even the captain. They can tell you a lot of stuff about almost anything about the islands. They are very experienced.

Well, I hope all this was helpful. If you want anymore help, feel free to ask me :). Thank you for you compliments on our country, Lauren. :)

Im travelling there in january. For 5 days 4 nights. Is it true that the north atoll is better during this period in term of weather and coral visibility

Sorry, Ray, I haven’t been to the north atoll to know personally. I also haven’t heard either way, and wouldn’t want to guess and give you wrong information!

Thank you so much for your super detailed comment, Mohamed! You make a good point about previously untouched islands opening up to tourism more and more — and there are so many islands to choose from in the Maldives that there’ll always be some quiet ones to explore :-)

I can’t wait to head back and explore further afield!

Thanks Anthony! Glad to hear you enjoyed reading it :-)

If there is a BML branch on the Island, there should be an ATM. Maldives hammocks you mentioned are locally knows as “Joali” or “Undhoali”- which is a swing. Transport cost’s will be damn expensive if you want to travel to other islands. Loved the article. But it would be complete if you could have mentioned some of the activities you could do while in Maldives as such night fishing, diving, snorkeling, barbecue, watersports… Suggestions regarding how certain facilities could have been improved would be helpful to those owners and travel agents.

P.s. Do visit again and share your experience. As you mentioned, certain travel info is hard to get hands on. That is true as this sector (backpakers/budget holiday) is a recent setup is on the verge of expansion. Hence as the market grows, so will the services and facilities. If you need certain info before hand try facebook queries and other travel agent websites.

Thanks for the suggestion! I actually didn’t do many of the activities on offer in the Maldives aside from a snorkeling trip. I don’t write about things I haven’t personally experienced so that’s the reason why I didn’t focus on activities very much.

I also write for my readers, fellow travellers, rather than guesthouse owners and travel agents :-)

Shifax, If you need I wrote an article about diving in the Maldives if you need more information you can have a look: http://divezone.net/diving/maldives

Otherwise, Lauren congratulation for your post it is very informative and very exhaustive!!! I hope I could also write articles that long ;-). Don’t hesitate to send me an email if you need more information about the underwater world of the Maldives!

Thanks so much for sharing your information about diving, Julien! One day I’ll work up the courage to try it :-)

Thanks for putting together such a detailed post, Lauren! I’m dying to do the Maldives on a budget, but I think I’ll have to save more for it. I’d love to stay in one of the expensive resorts for a night too. I see you were in India recently, can’t wait to hear how you got on! :)

Ah, I actually had to cancel my India trip, which is how I ended up in the Maldives. My Indian visa ended up being too complicated and expensive to apply for, so I went for some island hopping instead! :-)

So beautiful! The best beaches I’ve ever seen :-)

SO helpful! Definitely bookmarking this! Thanks for sharing.

Happy travels :)

You’re welcome!

Hi Lauren, Greetings and best wishes from Maldives. I am a Maldivian and just like the other couple of Maldivians loved your post, I also loved it equally or even better. You have described Maldives and it’s most aspects of tourism related side so well. Quite detailed and easy to understand even for someone who never knew about these islands.

Maldives is a Muslim country but not so strict on dress code as long as someone’s not so exposed getting close enough to nudity. You will find even local girls with their shoulders exposed and wearing shorts at the thigh level. Boys may not walk around without a shirt but that doesn’t mean they are forbidden. The elderly and the young has quite a huge difference in the ways of dressing and you could have noticed it had you stayed a bit long in Male’, the capital.

I am not trying to put someone into a religious debate over this issue (someone who may read this) but wanted to clear the impression that you had about the serious restrictions over dress code here in the Maldives.

Like you said, Maldives was always recognized as a destination for the rich but now you have explained it otherwise, so well.

Your article is valuable and thanks so much for the compliments.

Thanks so much for clearing that up. I do my best not to offend cultures as I travel so was cautious not to offend and covered up as much as possible :-)

This is a fantastic guide, Lauren! I’ve always thought of the Maldives being out of my reach (budget-wise), but I’m so glad to hear that this doesn’t really have to be the case!

Even though you said locals were friendlier to you when you were out on your own, the lack of other tourists would kind of make me think twice about traveling solo there – I would want a buddy to at least chat to!

Yes, I would have felt a bit lonely on Fulidhoo if I hadn’t been with Dave. Some of the more popular islands, such as Maafushi, would have been fine as a solo traveller.

better try out the islands away from the Capital Male’…. you might not find guest houses or much people who speak English. But the hospitality you will receive is something to cherish…… Eid festival is marked very colorfully in islands with lots of cultural activites

Thanks for the recommendation, Fathima! I definitely enjoyed the islands the further from Male I travelled. Would love to visit for Eid one year!

How do you tink I need to spend for a 5days 4 nights trip on a budget. One night water villa n e rest in a guest hse.

Maybe $500/night for a water villa, and $60/night for a guesthouse.

Awesome article i must say :) however Guys can go shirtless as long as they are covered beneath with a short. And girls can also wear shorts that is not much revealing in the local islands.

Thanks for sharing, Shafa! I wore shorts when I was on the local islands, but I’d read in a few places that men had to keep their chests covered up, too. Good to know that’s not the case :-)

This is Awesome!!!!! reading this makes me wanna go there for a holiday this December

You should :-)

I read your article .Very usefull information about Maldives budget tour. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you! :-)

Great article about your trip to my lovely country. I saw it late at night and still ended up reading the whole blog and comments.

I just want to share a link on ferry schedule by MTCC http://www.mtcc.com.mv/content/rashu-link

Hope you will visit our country again.

Thanks, Shifan

Thanks so much for sharing, Shifan! I’m so pleased to hear you enjoyed the article, and I can’t wait to return to the Maldives! :-)

wow! Ur post is just brilliant….i was in Maafushi in May this year and enjoyed my time there the locals to me were super friendly and I spend next to nothing to be able to enjoy the kind of beach and clear waters that far exceeds my expectations…..the island hopping to Sexy beach and picnic island were just perfect I could spend a whole day there….any photo at any island looks so good….my next trip I will check out the other 2 islands you mentioned….nobody mentioned them to me last May haha…..

Awesome — so glad to hear from someone who loves Maafushi as much as I did. Next time I plan on doing some island hopping like you did :-)

Hi Lauren, I’m in Maafushi now and I agree with you. It’s way cheaper living in local island and heading out to island hop and do activities at different island, locations. I haven’t quite get my taste buds to like the local food yet. Though I love their barbequed fish. So fresh! I’m definitely coming back here for holiday. It’s way laid back then any other places/islands I’ve visited.

So great to hear from someone else on Maafushi — so pleased to hear you’re enjoying your time there, too! :-)

Very interesting article. Thanks for sharing :-)

I am so bummed that we did not have the time to fit in a visit to the Maldives when we were so close by in Sri Lanka, especially now that I’ve read your account of it. It’s great to hear that budget tourism really is becoming feasible and you can rest assured that the next time we’re in that part of the world (and obviously we will make it a priority to do so because I need to get back to Sri Lanka asap!) we’ll be using this as our guide.

Hope you make it back to Asia soon, and would love to hear what you think of The Maldives! :-)

Class post, it doesn’t sound like the Maldives are possible on my typical budget which is often $50 per day. I guess many travellers are going to think – why bother going to the Maldives and spend more money for something I can get for cheaper in Thailand…where I can also get drunk every night and walk around with my top on.

Personally I think the lack of alcohol and conservativeness of it all sounds perfect. I’m always looking for an excuse to not drink beer (hate the stuff) and keep my top on (typical pale English chest.) But is it worth all the extra hassle with the ferries and such?

Some things you didn’t mention that might interest. Bugs. Are there any? I always picture tropical islands as being filled with them. Hot water. Is it available? (Or do you want it?) And was it too hot to lie on the beach? Nothing worse than a beach holiday where you can’t actually go on the beach!

I think it’s worth the hassle. As long as you spend a few hours planning to make sure your plans coincide with the ferry schedule it shouldn’t be too difficult. Frustrating, yes. But it’s worth it :-)

Not really any bugs. There were a few on Fulidhoo when there wasn’t any breeze, but most of the time it was windy enough to keep them at bay. Temperatures were around 25-30 degrees C most days.

Such a magical place!

It really is! :-)

You’re welcome! Glad you found it helpful :-)

Definitely a great place that I want to visit. Most people I’ve heard that have went usually spend a ton of money. Now that I know there are cheaper options definitely want to look into it more. Thanks for sharing your experience.

It’s so much cheaper than people think it is! :-)

Thank you for such a comprehensive post on travelling independently to the Maldives, Lauren! The photos were impressive (the door and the heron ones topping the list)!

I have one question I’ve been meaning to ask you, though: how do you feel about the fact the Maldives (and several of the countries you visit) don’t really respect basic human rights? Don’t take me wrong; I’m not asking you this in a critical or flaming sort of way. It’s just that I myself would LOVE to visit countries such as the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Belize, etc., but feel really ambivalent about it because I feel I’d be contributing to the economy of countries which do not respect, for example, women’s rights and/or LGBT rights. How do we look past this?

Hi Rodrigo,

It can be tricky. But where do you draw the line? If I stopped going to countries that didn’t respect human rights, that restricted freedoms, that were corrupt, that advocated torture, that had shitty politics, gender inequalities… how many countries could I actually visit? Not many.

I feel that by visiting these countries it helps to bring about change because locals meet people with different life views and ways of thinking. Staying away only increases the isolation that can create these issues in the first place. I personally have re-evaluated so many of my beliefs since I started travelling just from meeting other people from different cultures and ways of life. The countries you mentioned above are some of my favourite countries in the world, with some of the friendliest people I’ve come across. Truly lovely, welcoming people who I’ve been happy to give my money to. So, I try to stay in homestays and guesthouses wherever possible so I can give to the locals who need it.

I guess what it comes down to is that I wouldn’t want to hold an entire population of country responsible for the actions of their government, or of a certain percentage of said population. And it’s only by visiting and experiencing a country first-hand that I can see what it’s really like. Having said that, one country I don’t plan on visiting is North Korea because I don’t think there’s an ethical way to do so.

Thank you, Lauren!

It’s a really tough call for me. You’re totally right when you say these populations benefit from being exposed to new ways of thinking (as do we), and I do think if we stick exclusively to countries which respect human rights we’ll be limiting and keeping ourselves from visiting some on the most gorgeous places on earth (and if we bring animal rights into the mix, we won’t even leave the house *sigh*).

I guess I’ll just have to somehow triage said nations and decide how much I’m willing to turn a blind eye to. The algorithm is still being worked out… In the meantime, I guess there’s still a myriad of options that likely won’t interfere with my current criteria. :)

After read your post , seem that going Maldives is not a dream for budget traveler like me ! Useful information =)

It can definitely be a reality! :-)

Hi Lauren, really great to chance on this brilliant post! Can I know what exactly is “day trips to resorts”? What can we do at the resorts, just basically visiting it? Tks!

Yep, you can use the pools, lie on the beach, go to the restaurants or visit the spa. Basically just visiting it for a day :-)

Wow! I knew the Maldives was beautiful but I always assumed it was way beyond my budget. I’m planning to do some travelling next year and now I have a new destination on the list. Thanks!

You’re welcome, Myles! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did :-)

Thank you for the detailed post about the Maledives! A lot of it really surprised me. Now it can really be on my bucket list.

You’re welcome, Laura! I hope you get to visit soon :-)

So many great tips! Maldives is at the top of my list of places to go and maybe I’ll be able to afford it sooner than I thought!

Thanks, Gina! I hope so — it’s a really wonderful country :-)

yeah right, if you plan to stay for a week in a budget hotel in one of the islands then you can get a cheap deal.. cheap in maldives term is mid-range compared to travelling in other countries with good tropical beach as well (e.g. thailand, philippines, etc beach + culture). don’t be decieved with adds saying below 100 USD for a guest house in the maldives cos you also have to make sure about the ferry cost which could go up to 150 USD per 2 persons or if you can get both hotel and ferry cheaply then you also lose time cos of either ferry leaves late afternoon from male or very early from other islands. way to go maldives

Hi, C. I don’t want to assume that you didn’t read my post but I’m confused by your comments. There are plenty of guesthouses available for under $50 a night. I took 5 ferries in the Maldives and didn’t pay more than $3 for a ferry. The speedboats are ~$150-300, but the local ferries are very cheap.

And yeah, there are much cheaper accommodation options in Thailand and the Philippines, but I can’t think of anywhere in either place that are this beautiful without a single other tourist on them. For me, the appeal was being somewhere where very few (and in some cases, no) other tourists were. And the $40-60 a night guesthouses were just as good value as you’d receive in SE Asia for the same price.

Yeah, you can’t do it for $5 a day, but when you compare it to the $1000 a night all inclusive resorts, $70 a night is pretty damn budget :-)

Hopefully next time I visit I’ll be able to recognise the complexities that go into each of the curries. I’m still very inexperienced with curry eating.

This is a great resource! I always hear that the Maldives is so expensive but these tips are great for those of us who want to visit without a lot of money :D

Absolutely! It really doesn’t have to be expensive at all :-)

Great compilation! I’m in the midst of preparing a backpacking story on the Maldives myself! Went there last year and realized it’s one of the hardest countries to say goodbye to. I also went to the southernmost atoll–Addu, which is quite open to budget tourism, and is an old British army base. I’m glad independent travel in the Maldives is possible now–staying on isolated resorts, no matter how outstanding, there is next to nothing you learn about this unique atoll country and its culture.

Thanks so much for sharing! I’ve heard really great things about the Addu atoll, so I’ll have to make sure I visit next time. It sounds fascinating! :-)

If we’re travelling with kids (ranges from 2-11 yo), which island would u recommend we go to???

I’m obviously not an expert at travelling with kids, but Maafushi seemed like it would be the best place out of the islands I visited.

So great to see that word is getting out about the Maldives as something other than a high-end resort destination. We travelled there for the first time shortly after guesthouses started opening officially and just loved the raw experience on the local islands. We’ve since been back to see more (Omadhoo, Hanimaadhoo (north), Guraidhoo).

Totally agree with your comment on there being very little information around, and your highly-detailed post will be really helpful to travellers, I’m sure! The guy at guesthouses-in-maldives.com is really knowledgeable and helpful too :)

About the bikini swimming and activities, many guesthouses are selling packages now that include meals and trips to deserted islands, where you can also swim freely. A package might help reduce the cost of some of the activities and make sure you can get off the island to see more of the gorgeous scenery.

Thanks so much for sharing, Jennifer! I can’t wait to head back to explore some other islands :-)

LAUREN, loved your report! Thanks for sharing. Also thanks to SHIFAN for providing the link to the ferry schedule which lists days/times for longer trips. My question is regarding the shorter ferry trips between Male and the nearby islands such as Hulhule(airport), Hulhumalle, Villingili, Kuda Bandos, Kurumba, Thulusdhoo. Do these ferries run daily (including Fridays?) and several times per day to and from Male? Is there a webpage that lists the timetable?

This website should help with the shorter ferry trips: http://www.atolltransfer.com/#!ferry-routes/c1jxp

An excellent point, and so sad to think about :-(

hi lauren, your blog is increbidle!!!

i just want to ask if a tourist staying in a guesthouse can have also an access in the photos that you posted above which you captioned “Working in the Maldives: surprisingly easy!”

That photo was taken on Olhuveli Resort, so not on one of the local islands with guesthouses.

I am a Maldivian. Thank you for coming in and trying out the real Maldives, and not the completely artificial, cut-off-from-all-the-world and horribly expensive resorts (where the money guests spend mostly don’t even enter the local economy!). Just a couple of words to you: Do come again. And please do forgive the locals for what you feel is a stare. Usually what you see as a stare is a good thing. In local terms, if they do not look at you, they are pointedly ignoring you which means that they don’t like you! Also, if ever you need help of any kind while you are on an inhabited island, please ask for it. That is one great way to make friends. And please, please, if there are children around, do not ignore them. Even if you do not need anything, think of something and ask for it (Try this: Ask where you can get a glass of water to drink. I will be very surprised if someone does not invite you home for a cup of tea!) Come again! Stay with us. Let us become part of your life while you are here.

I have never travelled out of india and first time I am planning my Honeymoon and I am thinking for Maldives…I have gone through many websites including yours and now I know a lot about Maldives like what to do where to do and about hotels.. etc… do I need to worry about something ? any suggestions for me ??

Nope I can’t think of anything you need to worry about, and you don’t need to use a travel agent. It’s quite easy to book everything yourself :-) Let me know if I can help in any way!

Thank you so much, Dhivehi :-) I can’t wait to return!

well, im from k.guraidhoo, and im one of the surfers that you mentioned above.. are we that scary looking? :O

I didn’t call anyone scary in my post?

Hi Lauren – enjoyed our stay at Papa Pippos on Otres Beach in Cambodia this past winter after reading about it in your blog. Glad we got there before it gets ruined. Now looking for an inhabited island in the Maldives where we can snorkel right off the beach. Want to be able to snorkel easily and also mingle with the locals. Any ideas? Thanks.

Hmmm, well none of the islands I visited had amazing snorkeling. The Indian Ocean tsunami destroyed much of the reefs around the local islands so there’s a lot of dead coral. Maafushi was the nicest island for snorkeling and swimming as the waves were very calm — but not any coral to see, just a few colourful fish.

Kindly reply to my post… that will help me a lot… by the way I am planning the trip my self. thinking to book flight tickets and hotels separately my self, not by using any Travel Agent/Travel website. is it ok not to get any Guide, I think after knowing about Maldives from Google and your posts, I can manage my self…. please reply…. any suggestions for me ?

Yep, you definitely don’t need a guide! Just book your accommodation and flights separately, and you’ll be sorted :-)

Just want to say thank you for this blog. It’s very helpful. :)

Thank you for saying that! :-)

I enjoyed your blog very much! I’m going to Maafushi on Sunday and I have one big dilemma: should I take a suitcase or a backpack? What did you use? Is there enough space for a suitcase in the local ferryboat? Do you that it’s safe for a woman to travel alone in the local islands?

Thanks a lot,

There’ll be plenty of room for a suitcase — the ferries are quite big with room for luggage. And yep, I think it’s perfectly safe to travel solo in the Maldives as a female — I felt very safe when exploring alone.

Thanks for sharing this and other related posts. I really enjoyed reading your blogs.

This by far is the most informative post I read on Maldives (on a budget). I was hesitant about doing this trip , but after reading your posts I have decided to go ahead. Just need to find the right time … when its not full season and yet not terrible weather. Need to have luck on my side for that :)

Thanks so much, Sameer! I found August/September to be a great time of year to visit! :-)

Hi there Lauren,

I am wondering if you can recommend an overwater villa near the islands you visited? We are hoping to do the same sort of thing as you, and treat ourselves to two nights on an overwater villa as part of a budget trip.

Thanks, Tara

I can only recommend Olhuveli Island as that’s the island I stayed at. I don’t know about any others.

Hi Lauren Great article. We are going to the Maldives next month. Regarding the ferries: I’ve found that ferries can now be booked and paid online http://www.atolltransfer.com/#!buy-tickets-/cyfs but the prices are much higher than you describe. Do you recommend booking online or just show up? Thanks, Thea

The ferries I talk about in this article are run by the government. I think your link is a privately-owned company so a little pricier. I’d probably just show up at the ferry terminal.

Or they’re a third party that charges you many times the price of a normal ferry ticket.

I just wanted to say thank you for your amazing post. I found myself completely engaged the entire way through it. So many tips, and tricks and amazing things to consider. Thank you for that.

My bestie and I do a large annual trip and this year we are considering a Taj Mahal to Maldives trip, and this was a perfect read.

Could you suggest how to get to Male from Mumbai, assuming you know of course. (most efficient and cost effective way)

Thank you once again, and have an awesome day. Brooks

Hi Brooks, I haven’t done the journey myself but Sri Lankan Airlines have some good deals at the moment.

$78 from Colombo. Flying into Male.

hi lauren, I am planning a trip to Maldives soon. I want to know which is the best island. I don’t want anything secluded as I want to experience the culture its self. thanks

Maafushi is a good option! Or Male, which isn’t pretty, or with beaches, but probably has more of the culture.

Thankyou for the amazing post. I can`t say enough on how awesome this post is. Me and my fiance were planning are honeymoon in Maldives in May 2015. I wanted to ask you the following: 1. Can get whale shark excursions from maafushi? 2. I can`t seem to find Water Breeze Guesthouse on airbnb? Should I book directly with them?

Glad you found the post useful! :-) I think you can see whale sharks from Maafushi, depending on the season, especially if you’re divers. Thanks for letting me know about Water Breeze. I’ve updated the link to Agoda, where you can book it! :-)

Here’s the link to Water Breeze: http://www.agoda.com/water-breeze-hotel/hotel/maldives-islands-mv.html?cid=1719506

Hi Lauren, Great compilation! I’m preparing honeymoon to Maldives, and your post helps a lot!

If you have to choose 1 specific island for honeymoon, which one u prefer?

I’d choose Fulidhoo :-)

Thanks Lauren. My flight gets to Male at 3:05 pm on a Tuesday. Possible for me to get to Maafushi by ferry that day? or would I have to wait?

Also I was choosing between the three islands you mentioned for my honeymoon? What would be your top two picks? One is going to be Fulidhoo as I can see from the post above :)

Maafushi or Guraidhoo?

I think you’d have to wait until the next day to get to Maafushi.

And definitely Maafushi! Guraidhoo was pretty ugly and the beaches weren’t very nice.

Hi Lauren! Thanks so much for this post, was really helpful! Do you know anything else about the liveaboard trips? Me and my friend want to do one in august and dunno where to find info! Thanks :)

Hi Clara! I personally don’t know much about liveaboards in the Maldives, but this page on Tripadvisor looks to have some useful information and trip reports of some companies: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g293953-c205197/Maldives:Liveaboard.Safari.Dive.Boats.html

Thanks so much for this informative post! I noticed you wrote about the overwater bungalow in your post, can you let me know how did you arrange that please? I mean, did you have to go back to Male for the transfer to resort or you actually went from either Maafushi, Fulidhoo or Guraidhoo? Can we arrange our own transfer or it has to be arranged through the resort?

Thanks in advance!

Yep, I stayed at Olhuveli Island , and arranged the transfer from Guraidhoo. The resort quoted me $200 return per person for the six kilometre journey, but through our Guraidhoo guesthouse, I arranged transfers for $40 return per person. You can absolutely arrange it outside of the resort and it’ll save you an awful lot of money! :-)

Thanks so much Lauren! ;)

Welcome! :-)

Hi Lauran, thanks you for your blog. i have a question about this answer. when i want to book hotel, in many website they include the tansportation and you i cant book only the resort. how did you do? i have another question, my wife has a little problem with the food. do you think you can find “normal” food like rice, chicken, fries in local islands?

thks for all Rolly

Ah, maybe look at booking directly through the resort’s website? Olhuveli didn’t include transport when you book — it was an add on.

Rice is seen as normal in the Maldives as well! They have rice for breakfast and a lot of meals are chicken curry with rice or chicken fried rice. You can get fries and pizza on Maafushi! But I don’t think they had Western options on Fulidhoo or Guraidhoo.

Your post is what inspired us to go to Maldives in November last year and we loved it. We did not go to Olhuveli but Thoddoo, which is famous for its fruits and white sandy beach. It was a great – inexpensive – holliday. The only problem was the weather: we were so unlucky, it rained almost everyday. But the water was still calm, warm and crytal clear!

Yay! So happy to hear you decided to visit after reading this post :-). Thoddoo looks amazing, even with all the rain!

Hi Lauren, my friends and I were planning to go to Maldives and after reading your blog, we became hesitant due to the fact that they are a strict Muslim Country.

I’m wondering if they would allow tourist from LGBT community like for example Transgender and alike?

From what I can tell, pretty much anything goes on the resort islands — there are lots of reports from gay couples online saying they had no issues there, and I’d imagine it’d be the same for transgenders. I can’t find any information on travelling to the local islands, though, so if that’s in your plans, you might you want to email guesthouses in advance to check, or aim to be discreet during your visit. Hope that helps, and sorry I couldn’t offer more detailed information.

Hi Lauren and Gils Feliciano,

Just jumping into the conversation. We were wondering exactly the same thing about LGBT and it is not a problem. Generally, resorts do not care. But yeah, Maldives is quite a conservative country so it is better to be discreet… You can read more on our blog about our GAY experience of the Maldives: http://nomadicboys.com/gay-maldives/

Perfect! Thanks so much for jumping in, and happy to hear LGBT travellers can safely visit the Maldives :-)

Great read! thanks for the whole lot of insights into Maldives. Like you, I couldn’t find much info on the country and such. And so sad that I saw your post one week after i’ve booked at a resort, a not-so-cheap resort. Here’s hoping all goes tremendously great!

I’m sure it will, Aida! The resorts are so beautiful that it’s impossible not to have a great time :-)

Thanks for the post; it’s very helpful:)

I still have one question…is it possible to arrive in Maafushi without accommodation and find those offering affordable rooms waiting at the dock?

Yep! I’d probably just wander around and find somewhere rather than relying on those guys, though — they’re there to pick up guests rather than tout their rooms.

Excellent post :) Very Informative, Thanks :)

Glad you found it helpful!

Hey.. Thank you so much for publishing this.. You saved a catastrophic honeymoon.. No alcohol and restrictions on clothes – definitely not somewhere I would want to go for a honeymoon.. I really liked the way You’ve put everything.. Great Blog! Keep writing.. And thank you once again!

That’s only the case on the local islands but either way, glad to have helped!

Hi Laura, this is SUCH a useful post. We honeymooned in Maldives 20 years ago, we found it pretty boring. We dived 2-3 times a day, which was great, but being stuck on an island with no cultural interest was dull. We were thinking of going again in 2 weeks, we’re in India now so the flight would be easy. I’d love to see more and backpack around, but no alcohol would spoil our trip. I really don’t see tourism growing very fast if you can’t have a cold beer at the end of the day. Seriously considering whether we should bother going or not now. But thanks for the info, I would not have even thought about the beer situation otherwise. Every country we’ve ever been to where alcohol is “banned” it wasn’t, you could still get a coldie, even if it had to be disguised in a teapot. Cheers!

It’s Lauren, not Laura :-). And alcohol is really so important to you that you wouldn’t go somewhere if it wasn’t available?

Bookmarked! One of the most informative blog i have encountered so far while doing my research for my upcoming backpacking trip to this wonderful place. I’m considering going to Sri Lanka for fewdays from Male. Let’s see how extensive i can research about this place. Thank you Lauren for your informative blog.

My boyfriend wrote a similar style post for Sri Lanka here: http://whatsdavedoing.com/budget-travel-guide-sri-lanka/

Thank you for such invaluable information. We are planning on doing a Three night vacation (Unfortuantely thats the time my husband and I have on hand atm)

We will be staying in Hulhumale. I plan to do a day trip to Male and take the ferry in the noon to Maafushi. Stay in Waterbreeze for the night. Leave for male-Hulhumale the next day and then goto the Resort Islands the next day (Hotel has a shuttle. I am not sure if its the same as Picnic Islands???) Will stay in one of the overwaterbungalows). Leave for Hulhumale the next day. Spend the day and leave next day. Would appreciate any tips/ suggestions.

Sincerely Manisha

Lauren I loved reading your information and defiantly want to visit – what is the best and most affordable route to get there from the USA – also are there any charter yachts available? Also do you have to snorkel and dive in skins ? Curious Mark – aka CaribeSail

I’m afraid I’m going to fail at answering all of those questions! I’d head to Skyscanner to find the cheapest flight from the US. I *think* there might be charter yachts! And no you don’t have to snorkel or dive in skins.

When you to the transferring from island to island (ie Guraidhoo to Olhuveli) and while you get the resort to arrange the transfer for you and as the quote the price, do you actually pay via credit or you only pay upon the service rendered? And as for the return trip, is also possible, while you are already in the resort at Olhuveli Island, to get them to send you back to male instead of the origin island you came from? Is it also possible from any resort to send you to the Male Airport instead of Male?

I didn’t arrange the transfer through the resort, I organised it through my guesthouse. I paid after we returned to Guraidhoo and when we checked out. Olhuveli will be able to transfer you back to Male, but I doubt the guesthouse will. And if they did, I imagine it would end up being pretty expensive due to fuel costs, whichever you used. The resorts will take you to Male Airport but it’ll likely be around $250 ish. I think it would be the same price to use the guesthouse’s boat. You’re best to return to Guraidhoo and then catch the local ferry. That would work out at around $25 instead of $250.

Thanks Lauren for the prompt reply. My apologies for the many errors from the previous post and yet you are able to understand where I am coming from! Anyhow, my plan is to actually travel from maafushi to Olhuveli and to Male Int’l Airport. From what you had mentioned, will it be advisable to book a return ticket of Maafushi – Olhuveli, from which, I can then travel from Maafushi to the Airport? However, there is an issue with timing of the ferry/boat mentioned in your article too. What is your recommendation or solution for such a problem then?

Right. I guess your only option is to pay for the transfer to the Airport. I think it’ll be around $200 whether you book it through the resort or guesthouse. You could try emailing your guesthouse in Maafushi to see if it’s something they can offer you at a cheaper price?

Thank you for the informative post on Maldives. One question though, I was researching on accommodation and am still a bit confused on the transfer details. From what you mentioned, local ferries don’t go to private resorts. Do you know how I can find out which islands do the local ferry go to?

Here’s the timetable: http://www.atolltransfer.com/#!ferry-routes/c1jxp

I cannot believe that i read your very long (but informative and useful) post. Usually i ignore 3 paragraphs ’cause i am too lazy staring at it. But i am pleased and thankful that you made this post.

Like you, i want to save enough money and travel. well, me doing odd jobs means a no-no for me. But whenever i could, i would.

We are planning to stay at Maafushi, and probably at the same Guest house you stayed (WaterBreeze). Your post shows what i want to know. Really thankful : )

if you have anything more to add. like affordable things we can do in Maafushi or a must-try food. please do share = )

Thanks, Jun! I’m glad you stuck with me all the way through :-)

Good day Lauren. Very informative site, thanx. I thought i will add a few things.. Some guest houses/ hotels have their own speedboats and dont charge much for transfer, eg. Plumeria hotel, newly opened in Thinadhoo, next stop on way from Fulidhoo on ferry. 65usd per way. Also, always try n book direct with guest house, they very negotiable with rates. Before booking flights make sure of ferry schedule , usually 3 times a week to island, and 3 times back to Male. Sat/mon/wed, or sun/tues/thurs. ferry times from Male 9am, or 10 am. Takes approx 1 hour from landing to get to ferry, first have to take ferry from airport island to Male, comes to north side of Male. Need to take taxi from there to Vilingili ferry terminal, south west of Male, distance approx 2km, cost about 3usd..return times of ferry also important, usually arrives Male at 2.30-2.45 pm. Takes half hour to get to airport from ferry terminal. Some inhabited islands have scheduled speedboat transfer, costs vary but 1 example is Omadhoo island, 25 usd.per way. Dughurah 95usd, but this island in South Ari Atoll, best place for Manta rays and Whale sharks, and island has 3km long sandy beach, and great house reef. Other good islands are Thoddhoo, this is agricultural island, nice beaches too. Also Ukulhas island. With regard to ferries, there are some islands that have ferry service at night, leaves at midnight from Male, arrives usually at 5am. This has advantage of saving 1 nights accommodation cost. And ferry very cheap, less than 5usd.

Ooh, and for sharing this, too! So helpful! I really appreciate it :-)

Thank you Farid for your detailed comment. Where can I find a schedule of the midnight ferries you mentioned and where do they go? My flight arrives at 1:30am and I was planning on spending the night at the airport, but if there is a ferry around that time that would be great.

Thank you so much!

Larsen, this is a fantastic post! Thank you!

Farid hasn’t subscribed to comments on the site, so I doubt he’ll see this and be able to reply to you. Just wanted to let you know! I’d suggest asking the guesthouse you want to stay at if you can’t find the timetable online.

Lauren (not Larsen) :-)

now for some info on Thinadhoo island, Vaavu atoll, next stop from Fulidhoo on ferry. Ferry leaves sun/tues/thurs from Male @ 10am. Return to Male sat/mon/wed, 9.15am, arrives Male @ 2.30 pm. 5 guesthouses on island. Oceanic Village where i am staying now, 4 rooms. Hudhu Raakani, 5 rooms, both on the beach. Plumeria, very stylish 4 star, plush, 21 rooms, 100m from beach, Casa Barabaru various rooms on island some on on beach, some not, Rai Nika beach, 5 rooms? 3 of these are Italian/Maldivian owned. Fantastic BIKINI beach, locals not allowed there. About 500m long, spotlessly clean.only 1 restaurant owned by Hudhu Raakani, run by Erica(italian) so can get pizza/pasta if u want. This is my 8th day here and until now we are the only tourists on this island. Entire beach to the two of us, now thats private. Also, there are only 40 locals staying on this island, yes u read correctly, 40 ppl. Quiet, peaceful. House reef wonderful. If u need more info u r more than welcome to e-mail me.

Thanks for sharing, Farid!

Fascinating! I’ve always wanted to go. Had no idea it was a strict Muslim country. Are you able to go to the expensive resorts to grab a cocktail/dinner without being a guest?

Yep! As far as I’m aware, you should be able to do so!

But you might have to pay their day rate, so it’d be worth going for a full day.

Hey Lauren, i have been following for quite some time now but i must say that this post is one of my favorites, since i plan on visiting Maldives soon as part of a 4-week volunteer program. I have just one question and i was wandering if you could help me.! Do you consider staying in Maldives safe or not? Have you witnessed any rise of religious extremism or something relevant? Continue traveling and inspiring us this way!!

Hi Eleni! I experienced zero problems in the Maldives with regards to safety. I felt extremely safe, I was happy walking around on my own, and I didn’t see anything that I’d classify as religious extremism or violence or anything like that!

Dear Lauren, thanks for writing this lovely blog. I had many apprehensions in finalizing Maafushi as my Honeymoon destination in the month of November this year but after going through this article, I feel I know almost all about this lovely Island.

However there are few queries in my mind, which is obvious, and was wondering if you could help:

1. The main reason of staying on this Island is definitely because its cheap and you get chance to explore the best water activities. However, to experience the life in Resorts, would you recommend a day trip there or to book a water bungalow for a night? In later case, does resorts allow this for a night and of they do, what would be a good option around?

2. Me & my partner doesn’t know swimming. We’re planning to stay there for 3 day, so can we experience SCUBA after their training? Or knowing swimming is a mandatory thing?

Many thanks again for the details that you have already provided. Looking forward for your response. Cheers!

Happy you found my post useful, Piyush! :-) Here are my answers:

1) I’d recommend staying in one of the resorts for a night if you can afford it. That way you’ll have access to the bungalows and be able to relax a little more, without constantly looking at the time to see when you have to leave again. I’d recommend Olhuveli — it was beautiful!

2) I’m not a diver myself so I’m not too sure. I think you need to be able to swim 200 metres in order to dive.

Nice article, thanks for sharing Lauren.

Thank you so much for this detailed post, this has helped me so much! I had booked a flight to the Maledives for a few nights (because I always dreamt of going to the lovely unspoilt beaches and beautiful beach huts *sigh*) without realising how expensive it would be – I nearly fell over when I checked out some resort prices yesterday!! Fulidhoo sounds really lovely – how are the beaches there, would you recommend going just there? Is it possible to have excursions from there? And how easy is it to get there from the airport (we arrive in the evening, so it might be too late to catch a ferry…)? And do they have a tourist beach at all?

Hi Arctica,

I loved Fulidhoo! In case you haven’t seen it, here’s my post about it: https://www.neverendingfootsteps.com/fulidhoo-maldives-travel-guide/ If you’re only going to be there for a few nights then I think it would be perfect! The island is small so any longer than four or five days and you’d probably start getting a bit bored. Lots of excursions available! If you stay at Thundi Guesthouse, which I mentioned in the post, the guy offers lots of excursions — island hopping, resort visits, fishing trips, snorkelling, diving, whale shark watching. They do have a tourist beach — it’s small, but lovely! Because there are only six beds on the island, you’re likely to have it all to yourself.

In terms of getting there, you’ll have to go via Maafushi, and I don’t think the ferries run very late. You might be best to spend the night in Male and then get to Fulidhoo the following day.

Hi Lauren I would be visitng the Olhuveli resort in August 2015. But the cost of speedboat transfers are way too much. For a family of three, I have to spend close to 1000 USD!! (only for the speedboat transfer) Would appreciate if you could suggest anything to save me some dough. Anything like the ferry rides, island hopping…etc. Thanks in advance!

Yep, just take a ferry to a local island and arrange a transfer there! I arranged one with a guesthouse owner on Guraidhoo for $20 each way per person. The ferry to get to Guraidhoo is around $3.

Wow, thanks for the quick reply & solution! Do the local guesthouse owners arrange for a transfer even if i dont want to stay in their guesthouse ? And are there many guys who would be willing for the transfer? Coz i dont wanna get stranded on the island! Cheers

I think it would be possible, but having not done it myself, I can’t say for certain. One option could be to email a guesthouse owner on the island in advance and see about arranging a transfer with them without staying there.

This post is awesome! I’m going to Maldives with my girlfriend. We are going to stay on the islands of Fulidhoo, Maafushi, Feridhoo and Ukulhas. You explained pretty exhaustively about Fulidhoo and Maafushi, but do you know how the islands of Feridhoo or Ukulhas are?

On the island of Fulidhoo we’re staying at La Perla Guesthouse… Do you have any experiences there?

Sorry, I haven’t been to those islands and don’t know anything about them. I also didn’t stay at La Perla Guesthouse so can’t say how it is. Glad you found the post helpful!

Thanks Lauren for such a wonderful article. This is definitely going to help me a lot for my trip to Maldives. :-)

Hi lauren! This blog is very informative! Thank you so much for this. Im from the Philippines and yes im a tropical country babe. Id love to visit maldives hopefully on our honeymoon next year. Then i learned its a muslim country. And so… my bikini daydreams have changed. Lol. By the way, i just want to ask… Where does direct flights to male come from? Any specific country that would have a flight which you would suggest? Thank you.

I flew from Sri Lanka, but you can get there from all over. Maybe there’s a direct flight from Manila?

Dear Lauren,

We see thats its a great post that you have written about Maldives. You have really covered a lot of very important points that will be needed for a tourist to visit Maldives. We being a guest house operator wish there are more informative posts like this that could help the average traveler a trip to Maldives guest houses, to enjoy more days of sun shine and turquoise blue waters and free to travel around from one island to another exploring the local folk, sea, beaches and islands. We hope you will come back and write another exciting report soon. Please feel free to mail back if you do require any assistance.

With warm Maldivian regards Shaheem

Thank you so much, Shaheem! I hope to return next year! :-)

This is one of the best article i have ever read …

I actually felt being in Maldives while reading this post .. Simple and informative .

Nicely written Lauren

What a compliment! Thank you so much, Bilal.

Amazing article, complete and exhaustive! I would also recommend to visit the capital Male. A nation’s culture is best reflected in its people’s way of life, and this is what a traveller should try to capture when is visiting the Maldives Islands. Whether you are staying in a beautiful Resort or Guest House or you are touring cultural museums and art gallery in Male, you can immerse yourself in the old world of Maldivians going about their daily routine and catching the exuberant culture that defines the Maldives.

Thanks, Marcello! Male is on my list for when I next head back.

the best and the most informative article till date about visiting maldives. thanks alot heading towards Dubai n then to maldives in couple of day cheers

Hope you have a wonderful time! :-)

Just want to add my thanks! Looking at going to Maldives this fall and this is the first site I’ve found with a lot of useful information (after much searching). Thank you for sharing.

Thanks so much, Jennifer! Have a great time :-D

Dear Lauren, Trust all is well at your end. Couple of days ago landed on your blog while searching for Maldives. We are a small family (2+1 5y) and have 5 days 4 nights at Maldives which was not planned but due to cheap tickets we could accommodate it and flying to India after that which was actually our main destination. We don’t know swimming so for us not many options are left for snorkeling etc. what would be your suggestion for booking? A resort nearby Male island to save transfer times and might be able to use public ferry or guest house on surrounding islands near Male. I hope you could help us decide our itinerary. Many thanks :)

Hi Mil! I recommend heading to Maafushi for your stay. You can take day trips to resort islands while you’re there, and there are many more restaurants and guesthouses to choose from than on other islands. It’s also pretty close to Male so getting there and back won’t be a problem.

Or, if you’re looking for a resort, I can recommend Olhuveli, which I stayed in!

Your tips are very useful to me because I was planning to go Maldives with the family to spend my vacations. Now I can save me a lot of money by using your idea. Thanks a lot for these

So happy I could help, Sally! Have a great time!

Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing so much of information here! Is really help as I’m travelling to Maldives with my bf on Dec. :) Wish to get some advice from you, as we going for only 5D4N, i planning to stay 2 nights in Maafushi Island, 1 night at Olhuveli Resort (for my bf birthday) & last night will be stay near to Male airport. May I know how to get the Olhuveli Resort from Maafushi (for budget way)? & also how to get to Male city from Olhuveli Resort? Thanks.

Hi Chee! Email your guesthouse on Maafushi and ask if they can arrange it for you. I did it through my guesthouse in Guraidhoo. They’ll be able to drop you off and pick you up. And then you can get a local ferry from Maafushi back to Male.

This is such a great post, thank you for sharing all of your insightful experiences! I am looking to go to the Maldives in the winter and your blog has really helped a lot! I do have one question – while doing my research on the Maldives, I found out that in order to visit the non-resort islands I needed to be granted a special permission from the Maldivian government. With so little information around, I was not able to find anything out about the process of actually getting the permission granted. How did you go about this? Thank you in advance! :)

I’ve never heard of that being a thing — maybe you read something written before tourists were allowed to freely visit the local islands? Either way, I didn’t do anything before arriving.

Hi Lauren! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this – it has surely helped me understand the Maldives much more. Apologies if this question has been asked above – but if you can lend some insight / advice that would be great! I am travelling to Sri Lanka with my boyfriend from December 19th – Jan 1st and then Vietnam from Jan 1st – Jan 9th. During our stay in Sri Lanka – we want to detour for 3-4 days in the Maldives. We are two young professionals (30 and 37), fit, outgoing, love to eat & drink (boyfriend is a travel food writer), and have spontaneous adventures. You mentioned you went to Maafushi, Fulidhoo and Guraidhoo. If you were us, which 2-3 islands would you recommend us visiting as I understand there are hundreds? As well, which islands should we avoid? Looking to stay on a budget with a little wiggle room. Thank you so much!

I’d recommend visiting Maafushi and Fulidhoo, and avoiding Guraidhoo. I hope to return to the Maldives soon to add some more islands to my list, but for now, I don’t have any personal experience with any other islands. Hope you have a great trip!

Hey lauren thanks for such a informative and detailed blog. All my doubts were cleared about maldives by you.

No worries! Have a great trip! :-)

Lauren, you are a GEM for this. I’ve read every word of your blog and subsequent Q&A but have yet to come across my question. I often have subtle anxieties about currency exchanges/insufficient funds in light of emergencies etc. 1. Did you pay in Maldivian currency the entire duration of your stay? 2. Was your Resort booked online? 3. Lastly, can online confirmation of an “onward” ticket be used as proof to exit the island? If so, when should this be presented?

1. I think it was mostly USD. Places preferred us to pay in USD but would also accept ruffiyah as well. 2. Yep, I booked it online. 3. I wasn’t asked to show an onward ticket when I arrived, but yep, online confirmation is fine. You probably won’t be asked for it!

how is football(soccer) over here,are they (players) well paid a do yhey ha e stadium

Sorry, I really don’t know!

we are a newly wed couples ….planing for a 7 days tour…we are concerned about budget..can u guide me…approx amount (considering a budget traveler & few luxury options)…thanks

Hi Rajshekhar! I’d say you’d need around $100-125 a day (between you) for the budget option, and maybe $500 a day for a luxury stay.

Hey Lauren, very cool post. Thank you so much! We’re planning our honeymoon trip and hoping to reach Maldives on / around 20th Dec. I’d highly appreciate if you could address below queries:

1. We’re required to book our return tickets and accommodation in advance for the airport verification (entry requirement). We have 5-6 days in hand and are in a limbo regarding how many days to spend Vs where (have so far decided for Maofushi, Fulidhoo based on your inputs). Any other recommendations looking at the time in hand? 2. Any special pointers/recommendations considering that we’ll be on a honeymoon trip? 4. Where could we buy internet enabled local SIM, upon reaching there?

Sorry it took a few days to get back to you.

1. I’m afraid I don’t have any suggestions for anywhere apart from Maafushi or Fulidhoo, as I haven’t been anywhere else (apart from Guraidhoo, which I didn’t like). Maybe take a look at Gulhi — I think you can get there from Maafushi and a friend of mine who visited gave it a good write up. 2. If you’re not going to be staying at a resort, it’s well worth doing a day trip to one from the local islands! It gives you a taste of luxury for around $30 for the day. You’ll have access to all of the resort, which is a lot of fun! I also loved the snorkelling trip I did — the water was so shallow that you could stand up and still be surround by colourful coral. 3. For the local SIM card, this post has everything you need to know: http://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-maldives/

Hi.I book room on Maafushi yet and i wanna book resort such as Fihaalhohi or Olhuveli resort.But i dont know how much for those tours.Can u give me some infos and prices ? And price of any tour

I paid around $500 per night for an overwater bungalow on Olhuveli. Check out their website for prices!

Hi Lauren, great post. you are so right when i was trying to have the big picture of MAldives and where we can go and not go. As you said 1000 islands , where do one start?

So from what i gathered, we should just do Mafushi and the other two could be put aside ? Are there any other island to look / check out too? Also its a shame that we can’t wear our usual beach where and need to be all covered out and walk to bikini beach to be free and relaxed?

I’d recommend including Fulidhoo – very different to Maafushi and much nicer. I didn’t visit any other islands so can’t offer any recommendations, but there are a ton in the comments on this post that locals have recommended to me.

Well, there could be no bikini beaches at all… I don’t think it’s a big deal to have to cover up on a one minute walk to the beach.

This is literally the best and yet most honest reviwe I’ve read about my country! Glad that you’ve mentioned all the above difficulties you had to go through and I hope everything here changes in a more positive way as well. There is something you should know about us locals though, most of us we do know English but maybe it’s the accent that some of us have a difficulty in understanding, but the younger generation ofcourse would be able to understand you perfectly. I personally know locals in Fulidhoo since it’s literally my half home; and thats what they lack there and I shall take note of what you said about the varieties of food avialable as well. Thank you! =)

So happy to hear that, Mihkna! :-)

Hi. I’ve read through your article and it’s really great and I can literally imagine your trip given the amazing pictures! So I’m planning a solo trip to Maldives next year around May or June. You mentioned about Airbnb. Is that like an agency where I go to once I land in Male? And is 3d2n enough for me to just visit the Maafushi Island? I heard that’s the most popular island people go to and I just wanna experience the local life and maybe some underwater sightseeing.

Hi Choo! No, Airbnb is an accommodation booking website. Just type in the name of the island into the site and book somewhere :-) I think 3d is fine for Maafushi.

Thanks so much! :)

Thanks Lauren for sharing informative blog… It ‘ll surely help when we ‘ll visit maldives.

Good information, thank you!

This post is remarkably detailed! I definitely have to bookmark this for future reference. I have had the Maldives on my mind for about a year now, as well as Sri Lanka. This is by far the most information I have found online. Thank you so much for helping others!

Thanks, Jodi! Glad you found it helpful! :-)

Our arrival to Male is on a Tuesday 12:45 and departure on Sat at 11:25 am since i could not find a flight that could match with the ferry timings from Male.

The ferry timings are a really pain , we need to get transferred to felidhoo islands and the Ferry departs Male city at 10 am on Tue Thur n sun, from Felidhoo it is 8:40 am on Sat , Mon and wed.

Is there a second ferry that runs on the same day , Ferry timings are really a pain in the ass. It is screwing up with our entire journey and we are on a budget trip.

Please advise if we have better options or do we have to change our booking to another atoll.

As far as I’m aware, the only ferries are those you’ll find on the timetable online. It would probably be best to visit somewhere different. Alternatively, you could get in touch with the owner of a guesthouse you want to stay at and ask if there are any additional ferries.

Wonderful post. I was wondering if you saw bioluminescence. Do the guesthouses arrange trips.

I didn’t. I think it can only be found on certain resort islands at certain times of the year. I didn’t see any trips to go see it, sadly!

Thank you so much for your awesome info Lauren! I just went there and I fell in love with Fulidhoo right away. Now I miss Fulidhoo now!

I miss it, too! Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit :-)

Thank you Lauren for the very informative and helpful post on this. It was very handy for organising our trip to Maafushi:).

So happy to hear that, Daniel!

hi Lauren, nice blog! learn a lot from it. me and my husband are going in maldives this March on a budget travel mode. :) based from my previous research, the place is really quite expensive which im afraid if our pocket money would make it. haha!!! yet im excited to see the beach, the water bungalow and everything there! your photos are awesome that i want to see it in person.

You could definitely visit for $50/day each, so it’s not too expensive! Although the water bungalows will definitely increase the total price by something like $1000 :-)

During low season, it’s possible to find accommodation lower, than 50$. But it’s better to ask chosen guest house about discount. Price for water villas now starts from 400-500$ per night, but these prices from agent, not booking[dot]com. Actually, booking is not the best place to book accommodation in Maldives

And you wouldn’t just be saying that because you’re a travel agent, would you? ;-)

Its a great post with loads of very useful information. I always thought that travelling in Maldives would burn a hole in my pocket. Now i can consider to plan a trip!

Absolutely! :-)

I visit Maldives last year , and i spent 5000$ for two weeks , it was the best vacations inmy life. I wish that i can return to those amazing places. Thank you Lauren

No problem! Glad you enjoyed your time there — it would be hard not to! :-)

Thanks for sharing. Amazing post! I am planing my budget honeymoon. This post has helped a lot! :-D

So happy to hear that! Have an amazing trip :-)

I am currently in Maafushi. There is an ATM now! It’s towards the prison end of the island on ‘Main Street’. The whole island is a construction site. My fear is where will all the guests sun bathe in a year or two…. Bikini beach is tiny, there’s no way it will accommodate much more than already visit! Just to add, I’m a solo travelling female and its no problem! Love your blogs!

Hi! I am planning a trip to Maldives alone, is it safe? I will only stay there for 5 days, which Island and resort will you recommend so I can enjoy my trip.

Yep! Definitely safe! I recommend Maafushi or Fulidhoo :-)

This might be a silly question, but the prices that you quote in your post- are they in usd or the Maldivian currency?

Thank you so much and hope to hear from you soon!

US dollars! If it was Maldivian Ruffiyah, it would be very, very cheap to travel there! :-)

Thank you so so so much for this post – it has really helped me a lot! I am planning on going to the Maldives for two weeks, and was just wondering whether you think that is a good idea? I would be going solo, as a young (22) female… Would you think this would be an issue, or would I have to be concerned about my safety when being there?

Thank you already in advance!

So happy to hear that, Ravi! :-)

Dear Lauren, Thank you for the very informative blog! it helped me alot in planning my Trip. I have some questions though, What private island resorts did you go to during your stay in which you took that pretty good pic of the overwater bungalows? and how did you get there and how much did it cost you? thank you very much!

Fortune Cement plant Brgy. Mapulo, Taysan Batangas

That’s mentioned multiple times in the post.

I would like to know difficult it is to fly into Male and then get a boat out to MAAfushi? can you get a ferry any day out there and anyway back, excluding friday? And then once back into Male do you catch another ferry to one of the luxury resorts? or will the resort take care of that for you.? Thanks Jeana

Not very difficult. Look at the timetable for ferries — it’s linked to a dozen times in my post and the comments — to find out when the ferries run. Also covered in the post is how ferries don’t run to the luxury resorts — you have to pay $200+ each way to visit them or arrange your own transport with a local.

I am planning to go to Maldives in NOVEMBER with my wife. Is it the best place for honeymoon ? And , I am a pure Vegetarian , would i get sufficient veg food items there??

I’ve heard it’s easy to eat as a vegetarian on the local islands, so you shouldn’t have much of a problem. As for whether it’s a good honeymoon destination, that depends entirely on what you like to do! If you’re all about the beaches and relaxing, you’ll love it :-)

Hi Lauren, I really do like your article about Maldives :) I spent 8 months there, but not as tourist. I was working on construction lot finishing the 7 star resort. 98% of the time, I spent on an island of 500 m in diameter, but my experiences is different (even though very interesting) story. There is not much I can contribute to your blog, since my expenses were paid by the company. Still, I might can add a few tips. if you need, or want, stay overnight in Male, the good alternative could be an island Vilingilli, just 10 min away from Male. It is very local island, only pedestrian, and easily reachable by ferry from Male. One of my supervisor lived there and invite me to visit. I was so suprised to find something so authentic so close to Male. The second tip might not work for ordinary visitor, but once, when I was in Male, they couldn’t find find an free seat in hydroplane for me, so asked a local supplier if he can help me, since I didn’t want to spent a 4 hours ride in the speedboat. He managed it and it costs 50$, so try maybe locals web to get cheeper flight. For adventures souls, it is possible to travel long distance from Male on dhoni (local boat) for the peanuts (or nothing), just need to find a good captain in harbour, maybe have a sleeping bag, and time, since 3.5 hour ride with a speed boat can last 24 hours. Depends what experience will make you happy. The only thing I would like to worn you, if you stay away from resorts, is dengue fever; use mosquito repellent on less inhabited islands. Unfortunately, it is all I can tribute :( But it is worth to visit, I never saw such a beaches and turquoise sea as on Maldives :)

Thank you so much for your comment, Anesa! There’s some really great tips in here :-)

I am headed to the Maldives for a few weeks this July/August and, like you, have been struggling to find information to help with trip planning. That is, of course, until I came across your blog. Thanks for taking the time to offer your readers a comprehensive, detailed look at life in paradise.

Oh, you’re welcome, Jessica! I’m glad you found it useful :-)

Awesome job Lauren…. superb attention to detail. I could visualize perfectly everything you described. I’ll be looking forward to reading more of your travel blogs.

Hey, thanks so much, Jonathan!

Thanks a lot Lauren for the detailed review about the trip. It was so insightful that I would hardly need a handguide now. I will be travelling in June this year.

Glad you found it useful! :-)

What a fabulous post! I’ve got to say – how great and refreshing it is to read such a thorough post, and with so many questions replied, too. This has led to me exploring your blog some more. Full kudos to you!

I’m traveling to the Maldives in July, for a live aboard dive trip. I thought while I was there – is at least visit one of the three islands you’ve mentioned (while visiting all three would be the dream, time is of the essence). Which of the three islands would you recommend? It will most likely be for one or two nights.

Additionally, how long should I spend in the capital to get a real feel for the Maldivian culture/’city’ life?

Also, is there anything particular I should see or do while there? While I’m happy to lounge on the beach, or in one of the hammocks you mentioned for half a day – I’m an explorer at heart and just like getting out there and seeing and doing.

Thanks again, Clare

Thanks so much for this post – it’s about time the word spread about alternative options for visiting the Maldives! To clarify, there are some guesthouses that have private beaches and even swimming pools. So, visitors can still have the bikini beach holiday experience without having to take an excursion to a deserted island or a resort. One of the best parts of the Maldives and staying at guesthouses has to be the sense of seclusion – the islands are so scattered that you can still feel you’re the only tourists around. We’ve been twice, both times via guesthouses, and I’m sure we’ll be back. Enjoy the Maldives, all!

I completely agree with you, Sakda! :-)

Hi there I would be very grateful if you could let me know more info about your guesthouse stay in the Maldives. Which island? which guesthouses would you recommend? any other useful details you can forward that you learned on your trip.

With many thanks Brock :)

Hi Brock, I highly doubt that Sakda will return to this post and see your comment, unfortunately.

Hi Sakda, which guesthouses did you go, if you dont mind sharing please.

Hi Dooris. I doubt Sakda will return to this post to see your question, as it’s not possible to be notified of replies to comments.

Thank you for the lovely post which coves everything one wants to know about Maldives. Planning to visit Maldives in the first week of July 2016 for 2 weeks & I hope to enjoy Maldives as much as you did. Thank you

I’m sure you will!

Very informative

How much ruffiya we have to take with us for one week stay at maldives for two persons. On average How long it will take to enjoy a single island?? is one week stay is enough for the islands you have mentioned??

That depends on so many factors, like which islands you’re staying at and how you’ll be getting around and how many activities you’ll be doing. A week is probably too long for any of the islands — they’re all very small and there isn’t much to do on any of them aside from sitting on the beach. I’d say 3-4 days is enough for any island.

Hi, if we only have 5 nights and 4 days. which is the best island you can recommend for us to stay? Looking to travel on Aug 19th-24th 2016. Thank you in advance!

I’d recommend Maafushi

Hi Lauren, fantastic post! I’m going next month for a week on a live aboard, and then I’m going to “island hop” for another week before heading home. I very much appreciated your comments on what to wear. Question: do you think it would be safe for a single female to travel around on her own there? I’m mostly interested in exploring and experiencing the local culture. Any thought would be great!

Yep, absolutely! I felt very safe whenever I was wandering around on my own. You get a few stares and stuff, but it’s curiosity rather than anything else :-)

Hi Lauren, Thank you so much for the outstanding post. It really helps a lot. I’m planning to visit during the second week of Aug, for 9 nights and 10 days with my wife and 2 young kids, below 6 years old. What would you suggest the best island to stay? We need to have a relaxed visit; not surfing or diving. Which is the nice place to visit with kids? Since we are planning a budget travel, can kids really enjoy the trip?

Thanking you in advance for your suggestions.

I’d suggest spending half of your time on Maafushi and the other half on Fulidhoo. Your kids will definitely enjoy the trip! Budget doesn’t have to mean crappy — our hotel room was lovely and the beach was beautiful. It didn’t feel like we were slumming it or anything!

Great post! I absolutely loved my time in the Maldives and couldn’t believe how easy it is now to do it on a budget. Your post was a great help in planning my trip – however i REALLY didn’t like Maafushi island. I believe it may have changed a lot since you were there and there’s now lots of Chinese tourists on package holidays arriving there. The beach was totally dug up when I was there, too.

Oh, no way! Yeah, when we were there we were sharing the beach with maybe five people at the most and there were no package holiday tourists/tour groups at all! Such a shame to hear it only took a couple of years for it to change so significantly :-(

Congrats for this wonderful post… i have a question for you… I’m planning to go to the Maldives alone.. Do you recommend me to do so? what about safety there for solo travellers???

I can’t say for every local island in Maldives about safety, but I was in 7 of them and they are safety for solo travelers. So you can go alone, no need to worry about it. I saw a lot of ladies that travelling alone.

Yep, they’re very safe places for solo travellers.

Hey, Lauren. Just wanted to ask how did you manage to avoid the 277 USD transfer fee for Olhuvelli? Isn`t it mandatory and didn`t their management still insist for you to pay it, regardless of the fact that you`ve arranged your own transport from Maafushi to there. Asking, cause read a similar case on Trip Advisor with another traveler Regards, Atanas

Nope! I emailed them to say I was coming from Guraidhoo and arranging my own transport and they were fine with it.

Maybe they’ve changed their policy, but it definitely wasn’t mandatory when I went.

Thanks a lot for the reply. I consider visiting Olhuvelli (as a somewhat luxurious experience), combined with Fulidhoo for a more local approach. Do you think it will be hard to find someone from Fulidhoo to transfer us to Olhuvelli and then back again few days later? I saw it`s closer to get to Olhuvelli from Maafushi and Guiradhoo, but don`t like the fact that Maafushi is now run with tourists, while Guiradhoo doesn`t have a bikini beach (read that there is one on another island nearby). Cheers

Hello Atanas, It will be expensive to travel from Fulidhoo to Olhuvely as its private transfer. Contact Atoll Transfer, maybe they have cheaper option. About picnic island near Guraidhoo. There is a bridge that connect Guraidhoo and picnic island with bikini beach. So it’s very easy to go there

hi lauren nice work done. i m planning to visit maldives in dec for my honeymoon. required your personal assistance for that, is there any way i can keep in touch with you. thanx

You can drop me an email through my contact form if you have any quick questions.

I was getting so confused and panicked as my wedding is getting closer and me and my partner has booked flights to Maldives and after that nothing has been planned but your blog was so helpful. But we are going in Dec the highest peak season for 5 days and 4 nights during new year’s eve. Any suggestions and does Ferry takes a lot of time to travel to Mufaashi island? Regards Archie

It only takes an hour or so to get to Maafushi by ferry. But I would high recommend avoiding Maafushi and going somewhere else for your wedding. I’ve heard recently from readers that it’s been destroyed and is full of tourists — it doesn’t sound like a very nice place anymore.

Thanks a lot for this very comprehensive and useful post! I am actually going on a business trip to Male. I will be staying for 2 extra nights to explore one or 2 of the islands(thursday through saturday). So happy to know that it’s possible to find budget hotels on locally inhabited islands! I have 2 questions for you. – Which of the islands would you recommend for a female solo traveler? -Do you think it will be difficult to get the ferry to the airport on Saturday evening? (Last thing I want is to miss my plane).

So information on a single post. This is great information. Thank you.

Thank you for the kind comment!

hi Lauren! nice to know your post and it really helps me! :)) i’m going to go to Maldives 2 weeks later, and hope to get a wonderful experience as yours. thank you <3

I hope so too! :-)

Dear Lauren, this is an amazing story and really helpful info. I am planning to go to Maldives alone for 5 night in November and I booked the nice guesthouse at Maafushi. I am planning to stay there with my accommodation,but as I understood from all that you said, I could pay for some excursions or go visit another island…Is it possible if you go by ferry from island to island to go in the morning and come back later in a day from one island to another for instance Foolidhoo as long as they are connected with public ferry? I did not find anything more helpful than your post, since I was also frustrated I did not know what to choose out of thousand islands. . I love to swim for hours, so since you said there is a beautiful beach in Maafushi, I hope I can experience the blue waters and enjoy, even if I am only there…I might remember something more to ask since I have a month until my trip. As I understood I could pay in US$ almost everywhere? Restaurants? and ferrys? and tours? Thanks much!!!

Hi, your blog was very informative. I have booked our 10 yrs wedding anniversary for next year, however I got a bit worried with few things you have mentioned in your posts. One of that was the dress code. So are we expected to wear long pants and sleeves when we come out of the plane or in the airport? Our international plane will arrive a night before our check in day, so that means that we still have to stay in the main city. Where will be the closest stay you can recommend?

Nice, informative blog. How much is the bottled water in the Maldives and can it be easily bought on each island?

Yeah, you can easily buy it everywhere. I can’t remember how much it was as I visited over two years ago. Maybe $1 or 2. I don’t remember it being expensive or anything.

hi its around 0.30 for 1.5 Ltr and 0.20 for 500ml and you could easily get it from any shops on the island like lauren said they will accept only in Maldivian Ruffiya which is $0.30 = MVR6 and $0.20 = MVR3 and now most of the island will have local ATMS which accepts VISA MASTRO all of the major brand hope helped out a bit cheers :D,

I’m thinking about traveling to the Maldives in a few days. Do you think Villingili is a safe bet if I’m on a tight schedule? Do you know how easy it is to go snorkeling and other water activities from there? I’m an American hoping to travel there for a couple of days but want to keep it simple.

Thanks for the blog! It’s great!

Ah, I haven’t been to Villingili, so I can’t speak for what it’s like.

Maldives is one of my favorite travel destinations in Asia. And I think to experience best of Luxury travel in Asia, you have to visit Maldives… it offers to many amazing things to do for its tourists that everybody ought to live this place. there is awesome things to do and specially for honeymoon couples.

hi and bravo! that was the most informative and greatest post i ever encounterred on internet about maldives on budget. i have a question: was it cheaper to pay in rufiyah or in USD? thnx in advance

Eeep! I’m afraid I don’t remember. It’s been three years since I last visited the Maldives.

hey I’ve heard that Maldives has one of the most known bio-luminescence beaches in the world..

when is the best time to go to truly experience this? where on the islands has the best beaches for this?

I’m sorry, I don’t know where you’d find it. Maybe one of the resort islands? I’d love to see it too one day!

Hello LAUREN,

Thanks for sharing such a nice post. I love to visit Maldives once in a life. And It’s really helpful for me to visit Maldives within my budget.

Glad to hear it! :-)

I have a dream to travel to Maldives. I just love your post and also found informative and interesting.

No problem!

what are the best countries to fly into the maldives from? also do you need a visa (US)?

You’ll find the cheapest flights from India or Sri Lanka. Southeast Asia isn’t too expensive, either. But really, it just depends on what deals are on at the time. Sometimes I see flights from Turkey for $300 return; sometimes from the UK; sometimes from Poland; sometimes from Qatar. There isn’t one country where you’ll consistently be able to score the cheapest flights.

You don’t need a visa.

Thank you for your detailed overview regarding Maldives. The best thing about you is that you are still replying and guiding travellers on this blog even after 3 years.

I would like to know about visa process. Should We have to acquire visa before landing maldives or do we get there on landing? and how much does visit visa cost? any idea? Thank you.. :)

Most countries will get a visa on arrival for free.

How did you book the Olhuveli resort without paying the speedboat fee? I tried booking and it says it’s compulsory for the transportation fee. Thanks for your vlog anyway, very helpful.

I think they may have changed the fee to be compulsory after I wrote about how to avoid it. It wasn’t compulsory when I visited — it was optional when making the booking, so I didn’t include it and emailed them to tell them I’d be arranging my own transport to the island.

I emailed them and they said ” as per company policy, it is mandatory to book a one way transfer to Male International Airport at the charge of USD 138.60 net per person”

Hopefully i can find other resorts around the area with same price range which can wave the transfer fee.

Best of luck! :-)

A detailed analysis of every aspect .Thank you Lauren ,this was really helpful.

I’m glad you found it helpful, Tana!

Great article!!! reading this makes me wanna go there for a holiday this year

You should! ;-)

Hi Lauren, Great article, I have dreaming of the Maldives but since I am not wealthy by any means, staying at the resorts seemed impossible and now I see other options.

What I did not know is that the Maldives are a Muslim country that practices sharia law. I could be mistaken but I thought that a man and woman need to be married? I would like to visit with a long term boyfriend; we live together but are not married. Are there issues with that? Thank you,

Nope, no issues with that. I shared a bed with my boyfriend in every guesthouse and we’re not married.

Hey Lauren I just want to say that I appreciate that article that you have made about The Maldives, it made me wanted to visit the place with my family soon.

I’m so happy to hear that!

Great blog post! I love how you categorize your ideas in headings and subheadings, making your content scannable and easy to read. I also enjoy the information and sources your provide for your readers.

Thanks so much!

Thank you very much for such exhaustive information. It was very helpful

Thank you so much for this post. It was super helpful.

Do you think it would be smart to plan a 5 days trip to Maldives?

Also, I am a woman traveling alone on a budget. Do you think it will be safe overall?

It’s super safe as a woman in the Maldives. I never felt in any danger while I was there. And sure, if you want to go to the Maldives, it’s a smart decision to go :-)

Loved all the details you provided here . I’m considering it for my first wedding anniversary . I have around 3 days in Maldives with the second day as my anniversary . Would you recommend any over water resort for two days ( maybe the one you chose for the birthday celebration ? ) and an added day of island hopping ? I would value your input highly :)

Yes, I would recommend that! I loved Olhuveli, but be aware that you’ll have to pay for the expensive transfer from Male now, so it will be more expensive.

This is a FABULOUS post I have ever read on Maldives, trust me! I am off to this country next week and staying in Maafushi! All your points are so very helpful, especially for the dress code! I am a solo woman traveler and will be going solo to Maldives. Hope to come back with lots of memories :)

Hope you have a fantastic time! :-)

Is it difficult to travel between Islands

Did you read the post?

Doing my search now about going to Maldives together with my Google Map too to locate the islands you mentioned here and OMG. lol But your blog is so informative. Tips and tricks and everything about the ATMs (I’m no fan of bringing cash with me) but since you mentioned it here gosh I gotta bring some or I’ll end up somewhere. Thanks though, Lauren. I really appreciate every detail here. We’ll definitely consider going to Maldives maybe this year or next and I have clues what to do this time. God bless. :)

Glad you found it helpful, Jannelle!

Hi Lauren, I wanted to know whats the easiest way to fly into Male airport? What airline to use? Also how can I make sure a ferry will be there to take me to the island where my guest house is booked?

I mean, I don’t even know where you live, so I can’t answer your question. Just look at Skyscanner for what your options are for flying to Male and choose the one that suits you best.

Ferries run on a set timetable, so look at the time of the ferries and make sure you flight lands in Male before then. It’ll take about half an hour to get from the airport to the ferry terminal, so I’d give yourself at least half an hour before the ferry departure time.

Thank you so much for your information.

I am wondering about the way to get to the Olhuveli Resort. You indicate that you took a ferry to Guraidhoo and then a fishing boat to Olhuveli.

I am curious which atoll. There appears to be more than one. Or I’m misreading something. Ferry schedule gives you the option to land at either Kaafu Atoll or Thaa Atoll.

I’m also a little concerned about cash as I’m coming from Sri Lanka without any backup USD. Hopefully, there are credit card machines at the resort. :)

Please let me know.

Yes! I paid by card at Olhuveli.

I didn’t finish my comment, apologies.

Do you believe now that the speed boat is really the only option to get to Olhuveli Resort?

And is it just the cost of the speedboat two ways that you have to pay or are their other costs now?

You mentioned in a response to a comment the following: ” loved Olhuveli, but be aware that you’ll have to pay for the expensive transfer from Male now, so it will be more expensive.”

Much appreciated!

Ah, yes. Back when I first visited Olhuveli, I had no problem emailing them to tell them I was arranging my own transport. Going by what my readers have told me, shortly after that, Olhuveli made the transfer costs mandatory, so there’s no way to get around them. You can try your luck with them, but it seems that they’re now telling people the speedboat is compulsory.

Hi Lauren, I will be in Maldives for 5 days, do you think is a good idea to spend all days in Maafushi, what do you recomend.

Thanks in advance

If possible, I’d try to get to a different island instead, as Maafushi has become overrun with tourists in recent years.

Hi Lauren, Wonderful article about independent traveling through Maldives. It’s great to see finally Maldives welcoming budget traveling. This will be a great chance earn money for locals and also for budget travelers can travel there on a budget. What wonderful chance to enjoy world’s most beautiful beaches.

Absolutely! It’s wonderful that it’s now possible to explore the country without needing to pay extortionate fees to the resorts.

Hi Lauren! Wonderful article! I just discovered your blog because I’m looking for info on Maldives, we’re going there this January. Your post makes me more excited than ever!

Hope you have an incredible time there, Maj!

LAUREN, loved your report! Thanks for sharing

Lauren, do you know whether camping is allowed on the beaches (or elsewhere)? Often when I travel, I just find somewhere interesting/hidden and camp. Weirdest place was in Djibouti City. I am daring enough to try anything, but if it is illegal I don’t want to get embroiled in some ridiculous mess. Thanks!

I’m not sure, but you’d definitely struggle to find anywhere hidden. Most of the islands are around 100 metres in length, 20 metres across, and with one beach. So it’d be pretty obvious you were doing it. Not sure if it’s legal or not, but given that you’re supposed to pay daily bed taxes, etc, I’d lean more on the side of it not being possible.

What a fantastic post! So informative! I actually own a scuba diving centre in Fulidhoo called Fulidhoo Dive – we opened last year! I think you’d be surprised if you came back – there’s a lot more guesthouses now and speedboat transfers to the island are quite frequent now – although we’re still managing to retain that relaxing, remote atmosphere, and during low season there are still times when there are only half a couple of tourists on the island! If you were going to update the post again, you might want to mention that bed tax is now abolished. Instead there is a green tax, which is 3usd per person per night. GST is now 12% on guesthouses! And also have you seen the new money? It’s really beautiful, but doesn’t look like your photo anymore! i hope one day you might be able to come back and compare your experiences!

I’m actually going to be returning next year so that I can write about how it’s changed/explore some more islands :-)

I will be planning a trip down to Maldives on this November. Ticket has been booked. May i have your contact to get your advise on our trip.

Adele isn’t subscribed to comment replies on this post, so she won’t get your message. Also, she isn’t a travel agent.

Thanks for these tips for traveling on a budget. I’m glad that you mentioned that it’s important to book the accommodation in advance, so that you can pay it before you get there. Not only that, but it seems like a good way to assure that you will have it when you get there. I’m interested to learn more about how early you should book this, like if it can be done as early as a month in advance or even earlier.

Yeah, I booked around a month in advance.

Hi, Lauren. I found your blog so helpful. I’m planning a solo trip to the Maldives on May, 2018 for my 43rd birthday ;) and I just want to experience something different on birthday occasion. Do you think the weather is favorable for a tourist in May? Seems the country’s weather is unpredictable and I just couldn’t find blogs from travelers traveling there in May….would that still be a low peak season? Hope to hear from you and thanks :)

Sorry, I didn’t visit in May, so I’d only be googling what the weather is like in May to answer your question. Which I assume you’ve already done :-)

This post is great! You share some really good tips and recommendations, which we highly appreciate. My boyfriend and I are actually going to travel the World for the first time, starting in Janaury. Therefore, we love reading about travelling experiences from more experienced travelers.

I got curious while reading your blog post, about a lot of things really and in particular travelling to the Maldives without spending a fortune, but I also noticed that you said that you do not really like using couchsurfing while travelling, and I was just curious to know if there’s a reason for that? We have been talking about using couchsurfing as much as possible when we are travelling and we would like to know what other travellers thinks about it.

We are looking forward to your reply, and to see more of your adventures!

Best wishes, Ophelia

Yeah, a few reasons:

1) I make good money from this site so don’t feel as though I need to use Couchsurfing to keep costs low. 2) I’m an introvert with social anxiety, so the thought of staying in someone’s home and then feeling as though I have to hang out and chat with them, while having no privacy, makes me panic. 3) I work a lot, so I’ll often spend all day inside working on my laptop, but feel as though I couldn’t do that if I was in someone’s home. 4) I’ve heard from friends who use it that it’s nothing like it used to be 5-10 years ago. The culture has changed. That it’s mostly guys looking for hookups these days. Meetups are always full of men. That hosts are so fed up with hearing from people who just want freebies that they’re leaving the site in droves, so it’s hard to even find anyone who will host you. Also, the fact that I have a hosting profile that has nothing but my name and a photo — I’ve never used Couchsurfing and have no reviews — but still receive desperate requests from men to stay with me at least once a week is weird. Here’s an article from back in 2013 that talks about these points in detail, and the comments offer more opinions too: https://www.nithincoca.com/2013/03/27/the-rise-and-fall-of-couchsurfing/

When I first left to travel, I thought I would try Couchsurfing because all I ever heard was amazing things about it. Six years later, I can’t remember the last time I heard anything positive about it. None of my friends use it anymore and every article I read about Couchsurfing says it’s been destroyed.

Loving the tip about the GRAYL water bottle. Will defo be getting myself one of those for my next trip! Just got back from the Maldives and I absolutely loved it. Had the pleasure of seeing a whale shark and some green turtles whilst snorkelling! Will defo be going back!

Amazing! Glad to hear you had a great trip, too :-)

Amazing!!! Thank you…if you can kindly answer these questions :D

Do you know if it’s possible to stay in the guesthouses/resorts and travel around with a 2 years old baby? Do the resorts provide transportation to the resorts and back included in the price? Possible to get a marriage cerimony in a budget too? lol

Many questions hahaha

Yeah, I you can travel with a baby — I can’t think of any reason why you wouldn’t be able to! The resorts charge around $280 for return transport from Mali. No idea about a marriage ceremony, sorry.

Hi Lauren, I, like many here just wanted to thank you for your detailed information about visiting Maldives as a budget traveler. It was very helpful, particularly where you described in detail what you could wear (and where). As I’ll be going with only carry on luggage that will be very helpful for smart packing. Also that you mentioned you felt safe being out and about as a solo woman. Just one quick question on that – do you have experience being out as a solo female in Male city/Hulhumale at night? If so, did you also feel it was safe? If you haven’t been there at night alone, no worries and thanks again for all this helpful information! ^_^

Ah, sorry, I didn’t spend more than a few hours in Male and haven’t been to Hulhumale yet.

Hey.. I have heard bikini is not allowed on the public beaches and only on resorts. Is that correct?

Nope. Read my post again.

Is there a way of getting from Male to Feridhoo and return several days later say in Feb 2018.

Check out the ferry schedules.

I love all the details on this post. Thank you for this comprehensive article. Air Asia also has provided direct flight to maldives

No problem! Yep, I flew out of the Maldives with Air Asia actually.

You’ll love it! Hope you make it there :-)

check mandhoo island in south Aari atoll. it is a paradise.

It’s on my list! Even if you’re self-promoting, haha.

A great list to get the most out of your travel without much hustle ?

Nice post! Thanks for sharing such a beautiful informative information on the blog. It’s a nice information on how to travel the maldives on a budget. Information really helps for frequent traveler for maldive’s. I really apprciate the blog, thanks for shring the information once again. I look forward to get more article’s on budget travel to maldive’s. Thank you.

That’s an awful lot of keywords in that comment ;-)

Amazing Post.

Thanks for providing such a wonderful guide and tips. I was thinking of travelling to Maldives next month with my wife, and I am sure that these tips really gonna help me a lot for my trip.

Keep sharing…!!!!

Have a great trip!

Great post!! I just got back from the Maldives, I was traveling to other local Islands- it was amazing experience. The thing i love about the Maldives that each island is different than the other. Thank you for the information. Ofri.

It’s much more diverse than people think :-)

Hi Lauren, you’re a great travel blogger! Thanks for the amazing details covering local accommodation, travel, culture and general life in Maldives – makes it way more interesting to consider this destination in light of all this information, rather than just going there for the luxury experience. Look forward to reading about your future travels :)

Thank you! I really appreciate that :-)

Hi Lauren, good day! I found your post as I was browsing the internet about cheap/affordable out-of-the-country travels. I LOVE HOW DETAILED EVERYTHING AND GOT A GOOD ESTIMATE ON WHAT TO DO IN MALDIVES. I am not sure if someone has asked this before, but i hope you wouldn’t mind me asking – how much (in USD) would I need to save if I were to go on a week-long trip, covering the airfare and accommodation? ? I am from Philippines, and usually USD rates are high and I would love to save up for it. How does $500/person sound? Or should it be more? I hope to receive your recommendation and favorable response. ? Thank you sooo much!

Very helpful for those who are thinking/planning a trip to Maldives. Thank you for sharing your experience and tips on how to save and enjoy as well.

Thanks for reading!

As someone who specialize in selling budget holidays in Maldives and having visited the most guest house island in Maldives I must say that Lauren’s guide is the best guide ever written on internet for Maldives budget holidays. Great work!

Wow, thank you so much! That means a lot :-)

Thank you for all the helpful hints that you have given in your article. This would definitely help me plan my trip better. I have a question, what is the cheapest way to travel to the Maldvies from USA?

Hi Lauren, Thanks for the great article on Maldives…I’m planning to visit it for my honeymoon in January, and this write up has been super helpful to say the least. I not only read the articles but also all the comments.

I would also like to explore a couple of local islands and then head to a beach resort for a couple of nights. I have a few questions and it’d be nice if you couldhelp.

is the airport and Male city on separate islands? If yes, how far and how much does it cost to go there?

Going by the comments, Maafushi is ruined by tourists, Fulidhoo sounds nice going by what you mentioned. I’m sure you’ve done your research for your upcoming trip, have you come across any peaceful local island that i can include in my list?

Can i carry a few bottles of water from the local island to the resort island to avoid buying at an exorbitant price?

Do you think it’s advisable to do the water activities from the local islands and then move to the resort island, i’m guessing it will be expensive to do the activities at the resort.

Do you know of islands where one can get bicycles on hire to explore the island?

Thank you in advance :)

This was such an insightful read! I always postponed a visit to the maldives so that I can splurge when I visit. But since it is possible to travel on a budget – guess there’s no time like the present!

Could you please give me more details on how to search for transport, other than the one provided by the resort? Was it difficult to find it, how did you do it? Is it reliable?

Thanks in advance Regards :-)

Hi Lauren just browsing about travel to Maldives, I’ve been twice there and always wanna back there. It was wonderful to see your boat photos with stairs to upper deck…yeay I’ve been using it too when I was in Angsana Velavaru.

Food is incredible I think, I ate a lot of curry and biryani chicken rice there and buy some herb but still can use it for cooking till now hahaha a bit difficult to use it in my local food.

Anyway thank you for remind me about Maldives

Thank you very much for this blog. It’s really very helpful for a person like me, who plans all his trips on his own i.e. without a travel agent. It’s always a thrilling experience to plan your trip on your own.

Me and my wife have gone through almost everything you wrote here and found overwhelmingly useful to plan our trip. It made us to google around or ask our hotels for certain things like ATM/Cash/Payments etc. Also, before we planned this trip I thought that, one can roam around in Maldives almost everywhere in shorts (women in bikinis). But thanks to you for making that point clear about private islands and bikini beaches.

It’s indeed a lovely post. Making almost everything clear.

Regards, Abhishek

Thanks for this informative post.

As you mentioned, you had managed the transfers from Guraidhoo to Olhuveli Resort through local fisherman and that is a way cheaper option.

I am also planning to stay in Guraidhoo for 2 nights and then visit Olhuveli for 1 night. But while booking the Resort Water villa, they mention MANDATORY transfer fees.

Can you please tell me if I can arrange my own transfer and ditch the mandatory resort transfers ?

Yeah, unfortunately, Olhuveli seem to have made their transfer fees mandatory, which wasn’t the case when we visited. You could maybe see if you could arrange a transfer from Guraidhoo rather than Male with them, as that should cost less. I think we were quoted $200 rather than $280, which is still outrageous, but less money overall. It’s ridiculous that they make the transfers mandatory.

Amazing article! I hope the upcoming tourists will travel with responsibility so many others can still visit the archipelago.

Great information about travel to Maldives. I am going there next month. I am going to be arriving in the evening and i cannot find any information for the ferries schedule from the airport to male city. Do you know the ferries schedule or the last ferries to Male city.

Few things from experience

1. The islands which you mentioned are nearby islands to Make airport and you would end up seeing factories and pollution

2. They don’t respect their currency and they love dollars. If you pay in dollars they give back change in Rufiyaa Only

3. Madlives doesn’t accept damaged currency and they are very strict in this case. Even a tiny torn in the middle, they won’t take the currency. So, be careful while you are carrying dollars.

4. Resort experience is completely different from island experience

5. Male has full pavement across city

Maldives is now completely controlled by Koreans and they are heavily investing in Maldives. They are constructing malls, flyovers and damaging the beauty of Maldives

great guide, this will be so much help to me when I finally make it there! i’ve been in India for 2 years and have been dying to go because flights aren’t too bad. Bookmarking this! Thanks.

The Maldives has always been my dream destination. But I either don’t have time or the money to travel. Glad that I found your website now I can properly plan my trip for the upcoming summer and finally cut it off from my bucket list!

Yay! Have an amazing trip :-)

Local is always the best way to go! The point of traveling is not only to see the area but also to embrace the local atmosphere, it’s more hands on experience. And being cheaper is always a plus 😅

Hi Lauren, you are amazing! I was trying to find a cheap destination for a week! I am happy to see your blog, and I have been reading comments, and the target seems impressive to me. But, I want to ask you I am planning to go with my friend and now it’s 2019. How far the inflation rate has increased the prices. We want to spend less amount on accommodation and high on extra leisure activities. If I go for the cheapest option like $40-$50, how far it will be from a beach and what types of activities are available for youngsters to enjoy fully. Thanks!

Gosh – I was researching the Maldives for me and my family (husband and 3yr old and 1 yr old) and after reading this blog I’m convinced this is not the best option for a family. Would you agree?

How come? I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t be a good idea to visit with kids!

No it’ll be absolutely fine if you choose to stay at a resort catering to families. (Some are adults only.)

If you chose to stay at an inhabited island, just need to be very aware of the social customs and laws and abide by them. (This is not a country you want to be flouting the law in by doing things like drinking alcohol in public on non-tourist islands. Apart from being disrespectful, you may find yourself being fined or worse.)

With young kids I’d try and avoid island hopping too much if you’re not sticking to the tourist routes, but that would apply anywhere.

If you’re respectful and nice to the locals, you’ll find you have a good time in return.

Hope you get a chance to revert. My fiance and I had no idea that accommodation was this expensive in Maldives and tried to be spontaneous by booking flights from 25th Dec – 1st Jan thinking we could celebrate Christmas and New Year’s both. After researching a lot, we thought that the only logical thing to do now is to cancel the tickets and go some time off season. But your post has made me rethink my decision. Would you recommend us taking this trip even if it means skipping overwater villas?

Hi Lauren, Thanks for the rush down memory lane. Loved your blog of the Maldives. I happen to visit once on uncle Sam’s dime( us Navy ) back in Dec 80 – Jan 81. The ship was anchored off Male, so never went to far from there. The snorkeling was the best I ever experienced. That’s saying alot since our ship went all over Asia & Australia. Wish I was a diver then. Have been wanting to get back there since. You’ve given me the courage to start looking into it again. I imagine it will be way different now. Thanks again.

6 yr bump! Great post, and such a stark contrast to this other guy’s post I just finished reading who was unable to look past gushing about the uber expensive accommodations/transportation he experienced, my first impression was he did not try hard enough, nearly put me off Maldives as a destination. Thanks to you it’s back on the radar:)

Thank you! I’m so glad to hear that :-)

This is one of the most thorough articles on traveling that I’ve every come across. Big thank you for sharing your travel experiences and for providing us with all the required info!

One quick question – I and my wife are planning to travel to Maldives. We are aware that the local ferries are run by the govt. and we would love to explore this means of transport only. Is there a way we can find out the schedules of these local ferries?

Thanks in advance for the revert!

Best, Roochay

My dream destination! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide! Saved your post for the future 🙂

Lots of good info here, but I’d say you’re incorrect in that you can’t get a room on the beach for less than $200 a day. It’s not always possible, but it is possible if you keep your eyes open and are willing to jump on deals that come up from time to time. They usually occur in low season, and may be relatively short notice (I think I booked within 4-6 weeks of my travel date).

I wrangled an on the beach self contained room on a resort island, with all meals included, during whale shark season for under $200 a night. (I think it was about $170 from memory which wasn’t bad considering it was a nice resort and everything I needed was included (bar some snorkeling/diving trips I decided to do) and you could spend the whole days on the house reef easily at no charge which I did do myself.)

Also really important to get any transfers bundled into your accomodation stay. I needed a seaplane to get out there which if booked alone would have been crazy expensive, but although not cheap compared to a local ferry, was brought back in cost considerably when booked with the accomodation during this deal which made it affordable for me.

Amazing stay, but you do need to be very conscious of extra charges if you decide to go out on boat trips, and drinks (including water) were not included at all places I stayed while there, as it can add up.

I considered staying at an inhabited island which would have been cheaper, but being female and wanting to spend the whole day in the water, didn’t really want to deal with the restrictions that would have probably had me swimming in my clothes or restricted to the tourist beaches. Not a backpacker level costing trip, but still worked out cheaper than many of the destinations I could have visited in my own country.

Edit: Australian currency quoted so would be quite a bit less than that again in US dollars.

Hi! Thank you for all the useful information. The article seems to be written in 2014 but updated in September 2021. Could you possibly comment on the COVID restrictions? From what I see on the website, you must book at a tourist resort right now and book your whole stay in advance? Also, do you know whether you need a return ticket in order to enter the country? Thank you so much in advance!

I contacted maafushi tours and pickmytrail and both informed that Islands hopping or private resort visits for day tours are not working due to COVID restrictions. They mentioned like it is not explicitly banned, but u need to get separate RT PCR on all the islands and need to stay minimum 3 days.

If u need visa on arrival, u need return ticket and hotel bookings for sure.

This was amazing and so helpful!! I use Airalo but it doesn’t say they cover the Maldives, do you know if this changed recently? Thanks!

Hi Ali! Yep, Airalo has eSIMs for the Maldives here: https://www.airalo.com/maldives-esim

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The Maldives Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 11, 2024

The Maldives is one of the most sought-after luxury destinations in the world, conjuring images of lavish resorts and jet-set honeymooners lounging in beachfront villas and swimming in sapphire waters. While the Maldives is home to all of those things and is known as a luxe destination for splashing out, it’s also possible to visit here without entirely breaking the bank.

Located in the Indian Ocean, this remote country of 1,192 islands and 26 coral atolls is bursting with world-class diving and snorkeling. There are a plethora of opportunities to explore outside the hotel resort bubble and take in the beautiful remoteness of this tropical paradise. Thanks to a greatly improved boat transfer system and the opening up of independent guesthouses, the Maldives is evolving into a (slightly more) budget-friendly vacation spot.

This travel guide to the Maldives can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this gorgeous tropical getaway!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• How to Stay Safe
• Where to Stay
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Maldives

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in maldives.

1. Explore Malé

The Maldivian capital, while small, has plenty of things to see and do. Seet the country’s 17th century mosque (Hukuru Miskiiy) and get a historical overview of the country at the National Museum. Be sure to grab a coffee and watch the world go by in one of the charmingly chaotic cafes too.

2. Go diving

The Maldives is one of the best diving destinations in the world. See hammerheads in Rasdhoo Madivaru (aka Hammerhead Point) or free dive with whale sharks. There are also lots of mantas and sea turtles here too. Single-tank dives start at 775 MVR.

3. Relax on the beach

Outside the private resorts, Omadoo (on the South Ari Atoll) and Ukulhas Island (on the Alif Alif Atoll) are two of the best beaches in the country. Manadhoo is another great place too. Just make sure you’re on a designated ‘Bikini Beach’ (a beach specifically for westerners).

4. Enjoy the food

The seafood here is beyond delicious and incredibly fresh. Most of the restaurants in Malé offer outdoor dining areas. Some of the more popular places to go include The Seagull Café, Symphony, Royal Garden Café, and Irudhashu Hotaa (for quick meals).

5. Do some watersports

Banana boats (inflatable boats pulled behind a speedboat), parasailing, water skiing, jet skiing, snorkeling, and kayaking can all be found here. Prices range from 380 MVR for snorkeling to 2,000 MVR per person for tandem parasailing.

Other Things to See and Do in Maldives

1. treat yourself to a spa day.

Even when you’re on a modest budget, it’s wonderful to indulge in an extra dose of R&R. Expect to pay at least 1,000 MVR for a 30-minute massage. Some of the larger hotels offer discounts for early-morning/late evening bookings so inquire with your hotel, Airbnb host, or guesthouse to find out about deals.

2. Go fishing

Seafood is an integral part of Maldivian cuisine. Most hotels and guesthouses rent poles, bait, and provide a guide for around 775 MVR. Skipjack and yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, bigeye scad, and mackerel scad are all commonly found here. If you’re an experienced angler, some of the best game fishing in the world can be done here. Expect to pay at least 3,000 MVR for a half-day shared charter.

3. Snorkel in the Baa Atoll

The Baa Atoll is a 1,200-square-kilometer (463-square-mile) UNESCO Biosphere Reserve brimming with manta rays and whale sharks. On a clear day, you can see them swarming below the surface. It’s only a five-minute boat ride from Dharavandhoo Island but visiting the area is strictly regulated and there is an 80 person capacity so as not to disrupt the precious ecosystem. Admission is around 550 MVR, which gives you 45 minutes in the water and a certified snorkel guide. Profits go towards the Baa Atoll Conservation Fund.

4. Tour the National Art Gallery

Established in 1999, there’s no permanent gallery here so be sure to check the website in advance as the space is left empty if there is no visiting exhibition on display. The temporary exhibitions at the gallery, which range from traditional paintings and local textiles to international modern artists, are well worth a visit.

5. Dive the Maldive Victory

In 1981, this 100-meter-long (328-foot) cargo ship hit a reef and sank. It’s now an incredible dive site for experienced divers. Resting between 15-31 meters (50-100 feet) below the surface, there are strong currents here that keep the tropical fish flowing through the shipwreck — but they also make it a challenging dive site. There are all kinds of coral, fish, and sponges here. It’s accessible all year around.

6. Visit the Malé Fish Market

Come here and catch a glimpse of Maldivians living out their daily routine in the commercial center of Malé. Select a fish (if you can muster your way through a purchase as most fishermen don’t speak English) and have it cooked at your guesthouse for dinner.

7. Wash up on a sandbank

These tiny mounds of sand in the middle of the Indian Ocean are the closest you can get to feeling like you’re on your own private island. Private trips can be arranged to any one of the hundred different banks dotted around the islands (many of which are attached to/affiliated with resorts). Tours usually last 2-3 hours and cost 900 MVR.

8. Skip Maafushi

Maafushi, once a sleepy little island, is now the victim of uncontrolled development. There are hotels going up left and right, boats making frequent trips to Malé to pick up tour groups, and an increasingly-crowded and overbuilt beach. The few restaurants on the island cater mostly to tourists and outside the area cleaned up for visitors, it’s one trash-covered dump. Skip it!

9. Do all the watersports

Diving and snorkeling to see the life under the water is what the Maldives are famous for but there’s plenty more to do. Most resorts have kayaks, paddleboards, and paddle boats that you can borrow for free. Others offer surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing packages for both beginners and experienced surfers (May-October is the best time for this). Then you’ve got things like banana boating, tubing, jet skiing, sailing, parasailing, and flyboarding which are all also often available.

10. Stay on a local island

Most people stay in the high-end resorts when they go to the Maldives but there’s so much more to the islands than this. Local islands give you the chance to get to know the Maldives as a country rather than just seeing a resort and a ton of biodiverse marine life. The local islands are where you can find guesthouse accommodation which is cheaper, and there is more variety in terms of tour operators, restaurants, and other things to do. Fulidhoo, Ukulhas, Rasdhoo, and Thinadhoo and some of the most popular choices. Generally speaking, the further away from the capital you get the more laid-back and quiet the islands are.

How to Stay Safe in Maldives

The Maldives is an incredibly safe destination for tourists. Keep an eye on your belongings in public areas in Malé, which is more prone to petty crime (although at a very low level). On the other islands, especially the resort-focused islands, it’s highly, highly unlikely anything is going to happen to you or your stuff. That said, it’s always a good idea to avoid leaving any valuables on the beach while you swim.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (always keep an eye on your drink when out, never walk home alone at night, etc.)

With the exception of the 2004 tsunami, large-scale natural disasters are rare. However, climate change has led to an uptick in increased rainfall, storm surges, and minor coastal floods. Make sure you have travel insurance when you visit.

Respect the Muslim customs by adhering to dress codes, especially in the capital, where resort wear isn’t common. Do not drink alcohol outside your resort as fines are possible.

While scams here are rare, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

If you experience an emergency, dial 119 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Where to Stay in Maldives

Hostels are virtually non-existent in the Maldives so people on a budget mostly stay in guesthouses and small hotels. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started and save money:

• Hanifaru Transit Inn (Dharavandhoo)
• Dream Inn (Thulusdhoo)
• Sands Exotic Hotel (Thulusdhoo)

Maldives Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Guesthouse private rooms – 625 MVR per night
• Resort rooms – 6,000-30,000 MVR per night
• Airbnb private rooms – 700-1,200 MVR per night
• Airbnb apartments – 1,500-6,000 MVR per night
• Sit-down restaurants – 70-300 MVR
• Beer – 125 MVR
• Cappuccino/latte – 35 MVR
• Bottled water – 5 MVR
• Groceries for a week – 700 MVR

Maldives Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 1,100 mvr per day.

If you are backpacking the Maldives, this budget covers staying in a budget guesthouse, cooking all of your meals, not drinking alcohol, taking public ferries to get around (but mostly sticking to one island), and doing free and cheap activities like snorkeling and relaxing at the beach.

Midrange – 4,300 MVR Per Day

On a midrange budget, you can stay in a budget hotel or private Airbnb. You’ll be able to eat out for most of your meals, take some guided tours, go diving, do some water sports, visit a couple of islands, and take the occasional private water taxi to get around.

Upscale – 9,500 MVR Per Day

On a “luxury” budget, you can stay in a hotel, drink alcohol, eat out for all your meals, island-hop, and do more activities and guided excursions such as fishing charters and parasailing. This is just the ground floor for luxury, though.

Maldives Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

The Maldives is a challenging place to save money so non-resort travel is fairly new to the country. There are only a few things you can do to lower your budget here:

Book in advance – While most budget travelers figure out their plans on arrival, booking in advance has several benefits. For starters, Airbnbs, guesthouses, and hotels can get booked up in peak seasons so your options may be limited. If you have booked in advance, your hotel or friendly villa/guesthouse owner can help facilitate transfers and arrange activities.

Bring plenty of cash – Though the Maldives has its own currency (MVR), US dollars are widely accepted — and you often get a better price if you pay in USD. This varies from one restaurant or shop to another, so carry both and pay with whatever gives you the best rate. There are only ATMs in Malé.

Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is not safe to drink so make sure you have a reusable bottle with you. To stay safe, bring a water filter like LifeStraw to ensure your water is clean and free from bacteria. It saves you money and saves the environment too!

Island hop by ferry – The Maldives’ islands are served by a series of ferries from Malé. They run on opposite days (to Maafushi on Monday, back to Malé on Tuesday) and rarely on Friday (the Muslim sabbath). You can jump from Malé to an atoll’s capital island then to smaller, nearby islands in the chain. Ferries cost between 55-150 MVR depending on the distance. Plan ahead and research the ferries beforehand so you can avoid paying for a private speedboat.

Consider all-inclusive packages – The taxes and import fees on food and drink means that you really don’t have many restaurants to choose from. Some hotels offer great rates which include food, drinks, and even premium amenities such as watersports, free yoga classes, or spa treatments.

Use a travel agent for resort stays – This might seem counterintuitive for a budget traveler but agents who specialize in Maldives travel often have access to better deals than you can find on the internet. Their prices generally include speedboat or seaplane transfer costs and you may even find that you get upgrades on arrival.

How to Get Around in Maldives

Boat – The unreliable but reasonably-priced public ferry is a no-brainer for independent travelers, with ferries starting at 55 MVR depending on the route. If you’re looking to visit an island farther away from Malé, you need to do some island hopping via the ferry system. This might require you to stay overnight on an island along the way as the ferries do not run daily or regularly. Most ferries also do not run on the weekends.

Many of the islands further afield can only be accessed by private boat or plane. Check the ferry schedule well in advance and plan accordingly (I didn’t and it threw off my whole itinerary).

The island ferry schedule can be found here .

Private speedboats cost around 385-1,500 MVR per person depending on the distance from Malé.

Air – Flying is incredibly expensive here. Flights from Malé to the surrounding islands cost up to 7,000 MVR each way. Skip flying if you want to stay on a budget!

When to Go to Maldives

The Maldives is a year-round destination with temperatures hovering between 23-31°C (74-89°F). The high season runs from December to April, when airfare and hotel prices increase dramatically (especially around Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, and Easter). Book in advance if you want to visit during this period.

Don’t be too nervous about booking during the monsoon period, which runs from May to October. You can enjoy fewer crowds, better rates, and plenty of sunny days in between the few-and-far rainy spells.

Diving is spectacular throughout the year. For other watersports, such as surfing, the best breaks are from mid-February to November.

Maldives Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Maldives Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Maldives travel and continue planning your trip:

My In-Depth Guide to Experiencing the Maldives on a Budget

How to Spend a Week in the Maldives for Less Than a Night in a Resort

The 20 Best Tropical Islands in the World

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Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• Private Villa Rentals
• Tour Packages

WHERE TO STAY IN MALDIVES

• Luxury Resorts in Maldives
• Budget Resorts In Maldives
• Maldives All Inclusive Resorts
• Maldives Honeymoon Resorts
• Child Friendly Resorts Maldives
• Maldives Resorts Near Malé
• Popular Guest Houses
• Maldives Liveaboard
• Hotels in Male City

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Maldives Visa Requirements
• Maldives Capital City
• Maldives People
• Maldives Food
• Maldives Weather
• Scuba Diving in Maldives
• Maldives Yoga Retreats
• Surf Holidays in Maldives
• Travel to Maldives from United States
• Travel to Maldives from Australia
• Travel to Maldives from India

POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN MALDIVES

• Ari Atoll North
• Ari Atoll South
• Baa Atoll Holidays
• Dhaalu Atoll
• Gaafu Alifu Atoll
• Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
• Haa Alifu Atoll
• Haa Dhaalu Atoll
• Laamu Atoll
• Lhaviyani Atoll
• Malé Atoll North
• Malé Atoll South
• Meemu Atoll
• Noonu Atoll
• Shaviyani Atoll
• Inspiration

India to Maldives – How to travel to Maldives from India

India to Maldives – The Maldives has remained a popular destination for a blissful vacation among Indians for many years. The exotic escape remains one of the best places reachable from India to enjoy the best sun, sand, and sea experience in the entirety of the Indian Ocean. Whether you are an Indian planning your Maldives honeymoon to one of the beach resorts in Maldives or a visitor stopping to discover the lively streets of India before escaping into the isles of Maldives, here are some of the ways to reach Maldives from India.

The good news is there are direct routes from the Maldives to India, such as Air India, for a seamless transition to the Velana International airport of Maldives. The Colombo stop is also a regular route taken by flights such as Sri Lankan Airlines. Spice Jet, IndiGo, Emirates, and SilkAir are also some airlines that operate to Maldives from India. You can easily book a return flight to Maldives for about $200-$400 and reach the Male International airport within 2hours (average cost and time).

From Kerala, India to Maldives

Kerala is one of the states of India in which you can travel to Maldives very easily. The trip from Thiruvananthapuram to Maldives international airport takes about 1hr 30mins. The average economy return tickets cost about $100 to $250. If you are in Kerala, you might also be traveling from Kochi. Your options are almost the same as Thiruvananthapuram. In March, you can find economy class return tickets from IndiGo Airlines for $177. The duration is about 1hr 30min for a direct flight to the Maldives.

Air India Limited, IndiGo, and Spice Jet are some of the airways operating to Maldives from Kerala. You can also find Sri Lankan Airlines running through Colombo for about the same price range. However, the duration of the trip will be doubled.

From Mumbai, India to Maldives

Compared to Bangalore and the Kerala Coast, flights from Mumbai to Maldives takes a bit longer with an average of 3 hours for the whole trip. One of the most common direct flights available is IndiGo. An economy ticket with a return for 14 days is about $220 in March. You will also find 6h layovers to Kochi from IndiGo airlines. Sri Lankan Airlines is also an available option for those who are keen on stopping over to Colombo. During March, you can find return economy class tickets for about $350 with 8-hour stops to Colombo.

From Delhi, India to Maldives

Dehli is one of the farthest cities in India from Maldives. There are lots of flight options available, so you may run into some hassles when organizing a trip to Maldives for your honeymoon or a family vacation. The travel duration is almost 5 hours. You can get a return ticket in economy class for about $250 to $350.

Let’s look at the flight of options that you have when traveling from Delhi to Maldives. Your first option is from IndiGo with one-stop for around $250 in economy class. The flight layovers to Kochi for about 5 hours or to Mumbai for about 3 hours. The total duration takes about 7 to 9 hours with the additional 4hours for flight time.

Similar to many other cities in India, Delhi also has the Colombo route costing around $320 for return tickets in economy class. The flight layover in Colombo is about 2 hours, while the total duration of the trip takes 7 hours.

Your best bet is GoAir that has direct flights to Maldives from Delhi. In January, you can get return tickets for $279 in economy class. The best thing is, the whole trip will take a little over 4 hours.

From Pune, India to Maldives

Are you looking to travel to Maldives from the bustling city of Pune? You will find plenty of flight options that run through the cities of India. A return ticket in economy class cans cost about $120 to $350 with one stop in between. GoAir, Air India Limited, Spice Jet, and IndiGo Airlines are some regulars that fly to Maldives.

For as low as $270, you can find economy return tickets from GoAir for an 8h 30mins trip to the Maldives with a 5-hour layover in Bangalore. You also have a 7-hour Delhi layover option for about $342 with a trip duration of 13hrs 25mins.

From Kolkata, India to Maldives

When traveling from, Kolkata one of the shortest routes available is via the Colombo Stop by Sri Lankan Airlines. If you are planning to go around October, you will find economy class return tickets for about $319. The entirety of the trip takes about seven and a half hours with a 3-hour layover at Colombo.

Of course, you have other flight options from India as well. For about $340, you can travel to Maldives in 10 hours through Mumbai via IndiGo airlines.

Some of the cheapest options are two stops. In August, you can find deals from economy class as low as $120. IndiGo, Spicejet, and GoAir stop to Bangaluru and Kochi before heading to Maldives. Keep in mind that these two-stop options can be more than 24 hours.

From Chennai, India to Maldives

When it comes to traveling to Maldives from Chennai, your most common options are IndiGo, Sri Lankan Airlines, Air India , and Maldivian . The IndiGo and Sri Lankan Airlines are the fastest and cheapest ways to reach the Velana International Airports of Maldives from the city of Chennai.

Through a one and half hour stop in Colombo, you can reach Maldives from Chennai in just 4hours from Sri Lankan Airlines. During March, you can get a return ticket in economy class for around $200. If you are taking the IndiGo option, you can expect 3-hour flight layovers to Kochi or Mumbai and a total duration of 7 to 8 hours for the whole trip.

From Bangalore, India to Maldives

If you are in Bangalore, you are blessed with some of the cheapest flight options from India to Maldives. Currently, more than 20 airlines operate from the two destinations. It’s safe to say there is no shortage of flights, both direct and Indirect. Air Asia, IndiGo, Sri Lankan Airlines, Air India, and GoAir are some of the more noticeable names with regular flights.

For an indirect route, your best option would be Sri Lankan Airlines. Through a 2 hour layover in Colombo, you can find an economy class flight with return with a total duration of 5 hours for about $200.

Your best options are the direct routes from Bangalore to Maldives provided by IndiGo, Air India, and GoAir airlines. In January, you can find deals as low as $80 for a one-way ticket in economy class from GoAir. The best thing is it only takes about 2hours for the whole trip.

Direct Flights to Hanimaadhoo Maldives from India

If your holiday destination is in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, then you can directly fly from some cities of India such as Cochin to Hanimaadhoo island in Haa Dhaalu Atoll Maldives via Maldivian Airline.

It’s the perfect option for a short Maldives weekend getaway at a guesthouse or resort near Hanimaadhoo Island. Speedboats, domestic flights, and seaplane transfers from Male’ International airport to distant resorts are costly. Hence, flying directly to Hanimaadhoo airport can save not only your time but also money for long domestic transfers in the Maldives.

Traveling to the Maldives from India is cheap and easy with flights connecting from different cities of the county. Multiple direct and indirect routes can be taken from different locations of India. If you are in Kerala or Bangalore, you have a considerable advantage as the two particular destinations are closest to Maldives. Nonetheless, your exotic honeymoon destination, fun getaway, or blissful family paradise is just a few hours away.

A travel & food blog

Maldives on a Budget | Budget Tips + 6 Days Itinerary

We all dream of visiting Maldives — the famous water villas, blue beaches, snorkeling and diving in the ocean to see corals and wildlife such as fishes, sea turtles, even sharks. Maldives used to cater exclusively to luxury travelers, but recently it’s now possible to go here on a budget.

In fact, this is where I spent my birthday solo back in 2018. Here’s a budget travel guide to Maldives, including budget tips and a sample 6 days itinerary.

Visa requirements

Season and best time to visit, do’s and don’ts, how to get here, how to get around, where to stay in maldives, maafushi island, gulhi island, fulidhoo island, 1. beach bum., 2. book a snorkeling or sand bank tour, 3. sunset fishing and barbecue, 5. get a day pass in a private resort., where to eat, 6 days itinerary in maldives, cost estimates for a budget trip, budget travel tips to maldives, what to read next:, an overview of maldives.

Maldives is a small island nation in South Asia. It is composed of over 1000 islands, over which over 200 are inhabited by locals or converted into private resorts. You literally have lots of options especially when it comes to private resorts you can stay at.

Here are some things you need to know before you go:

No pre-visa arrival is required in Maldives. All nationalities get a 30-day free visa on arrival .

I have a Philippine passport. My experience with immigration is smooth; I was asked for passport and nothing more.

The official language of Maldives is Dhivehi. English is also widely spoken so you won’t have any problems with communication.

Maldives uses Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR).

• Bring USD and then change it to MVR via Bank of Maldives in Male Airport arrival hall or via the Currency Exchange counter at Newtown Inn in Hulhumale. It’s not advisable to exchange currency in Male due to long queues.
• Establishments accept both MVR and USD, but generally if you pay in dollars you will still receive rufiyaa in change. I suggest changing a small note (such as $50) when you arrive and paying the rest of your purchases in dollars.
• Keep the receipt of the exchange because you’ll need it to convert your remaining money back to a foreign currency. You can only do this after checking in to your return flight, via currency exchange in the departure hall.

Maldives has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 30 C, so it can be visited all-year-round.

There are 2 seasons in Maldives. Dry seasons run from January to March and wet season runs from May to October . There may be heavy rain showers any time of the year but they tend to be short, so you don’t have to worry about them.

If you want to get the best weather, visit during the dry season. Some people attest that August to September is the best time go to because it’s just starting to get into high season, so you can enjoy cheap prices and great weather. I went here in June, and days were mostly cloudy with several hours of sunshine.

Maldives is a Muslim country. In fact, citizens are required to follow Islam as religion so its population is 100% Muslim . As such, it’s a pretty conservative country. There are do’s and don’ts you need to know:

• In general, wear conservative clothing in public — shirts, shorts or dresses will do. Also, it’s not allowed to wear bikinis in a public beach. However, today this isn’t really an issue since local islands have designated bikini beaches. You can also freely wear bikinis in picnic islands, sand banks, dive boats and private resorts. Accommodations may also have their own private beaches, gardens or sunbathing terraces.
• Alcohol is prohibited in inhabited local islands, including the capital Male. However, you can still consume alcohol in private resorts or safari or tour boats which may offer alcohol for tourists. Just don’t bring it back to your guesthouse.

For other information for first-timers, I’ve compiled everything on 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Maldives .

From Manila, there are 2 airlines that fly to Male International Airport (Maldives):

• Airasia – with Kuala Lumpur layover
• Scoot – with Singapore layover

You have to wait for promo or booked several months in advance to get a good price (P8000-9000 round-trip). Otherwise, you’ll have to spend some P17,000-22,000 ($300-400) round-trip.

I booked my flight tickets from Kuala Lumpur direct to and got it for P8,000 ($150) only.

All tourists will arrive in Male International Airport. From there, there are transports to an atoll’s island capital and then to nearby smaller islands.

Since 99% of Maldives is covered by sea, you can use either water transport ( public ferry or speedboat ) or air transport ( domestic flight or sea plane ). Most tourists use water transport because it’s cheaper.

• Public ferries are cheap ($1.5-3.5 / P80-180), but they also take considerably longer. Speedboats are fast but a little more expensive, depending on where you want to go ($20-45 / P1000-2400).
• Public ferries do not operate on Fridays, but speedboats are still available on selected times.
• The ticket for public ferries are sold on the spot, so it’s not possible to pre-book them.
• Public ferries are uncannily punctual so it’s best to be at the port 15 minutes before your departure time. (The ladies I was with at the Maafushi jetty learned this the hard way when one of them went to the restroom and the public ferry didn’t wait one bit for them.)

Here are some personal tips:

• Public ferries have limited schedules so research about it before your trip. Island hopping can be difficult without proper planning.
• If you’re staying in an island resort, the easiest way to get there is by pre-booking an inland transit. Each island resort has its own speedboats. It comes with an additional cost but at least it will save you time and worry.

If you’re staying in the capital of Male, there are various hotels you can book. Outside, there are 2 types of islands you can stay at: local islands or private island resorts .

• Local islands is the option for budget travelers. Here you can find resorts and guesthouses, which are cheap as they are owned by locals. You can get rooms as cheap as $40-45 (P2000-500) per night. A local island is home to residential communities so the restrictions mentioned above applies (e.g., no bikinis in public beaches, no alcoholic drinks).
• Island resorts cater to mid- or luxury travelers and here is where you can see the water villas that are popular in Maldives. Rate for an overnight stay in a water villa is around $300+ (P15,000+) for one night in a water bungalow.

Local Islands for Budget Travelers

Here are some of the local islands you can stay at in Maldives.

Maafushi is currently the most popular local island for budget travelers in Maldives. It’s a main tourist hub, with over 30+ accommodations, as well as restaurants and tour agencies.

I recommend staying in Maafushi Island if you’re in a budget. It’s easy and convenient. For a solo traveler like me, it’s easy to find joiner tours and book inter-island transfers. For me, the bikini beaches are only passable but you can book tours to nearby sand banks and islands which will make your stay worth it.

How to get here:

• Option 1 : From the airport, there are speedboats that directly go to Maafushi (travel time 30 minutes). iCom Tours , Shadow Palm and Maafushi Tours are speedboat companies that ply this route. A one-way speedboat ride costs $20 (P1000).
• Option 2 : This option is cheaper but also takes longer (travel time 1.5-2 hours). From the airport, there are direct ferries to Maafushi. If for some reason you missed the direct ferries, you can also go on a ferry to Male ($1 / P50) and then take a taxi (flat rate of $2 / P100) to the jetty for the public ferry to Maafushi ($2 / P100). The ferry schedule is at 3PM everyday, except Fridays.

Personally, I prefer going on a speedboat as the price difference offsets the time you’d be waiting.

Suggested resorts:

• Maafushi Inn . Offers affordable sea-view rooms. Book here via Agoda  or Booking .
• Reyva Inn . Book here via Agoda .
• Kurumba Villa . Book here via Agoda .
• Medhufaru Inn . Book here via Agoda .

Gulhi is a local island similar to Maafushi, but quieter and less crowded. Its bikini beach is a long stretch of white-sand, with one end of the shore a playing ground for baby sharks. It has a house reef where you can snorkel and the end of the beach is home to baby sharks.

A lot of foreign backpackers prefer Gulhi over Maafushi. It all comes down to taste. Here you can swim and relax, but there are also fewer shops and restaurants. If you’re traveling solo, make sure to inquire beforehand if there are other travelers you can go with on boat tours, otherwise it will be very expensive for you.

• From the airport, ride a public ferry or speedboat to Gulhi Island. Sea transfers going to Maafushi usually stop by Gulhi Island first.

Suggested resorts :

• Silver Shade Guesthouse . A nice, clean guesthouse. The owner Samad is very welcoming and friendly. During my stay, he took me snorkeling on the beach and even invited me to join him for dinner. The guesthouse offers boat tours and diving. Book here via Agoda  or Booking .

In my opinion, Fulidhoo Island is the best local island in Maldives. It represents the Maldives I see in post cards — beautiful beach, never-ending light-blue water on white sand, with coconut and other trees for shade. I only stayed here for a night and wished I booked longer.

Fulidhoo Island can also be visited during a snorkeling tour from Maafushi Island.

• From Villingili Terminal in Male or Maafushi jetty, ride a ferry to Fulidhoo Island.The ferry runs thrice a week (travel time 3 hours). Here is the timetable to Fulidhoo via Atoll Ferry .
• There is also a speedboat from Male to Fulidhoo ($45 / P2300).
• Galaxy Sunrise . This guesthouse is the best room I’ve had in Maldives and it’s affordable too. It has its own private beach where you can relax, and it’s near the bikini beach also. It’s located in the part of the island where you can see the sunrise (which, by the way, was very beautiful). The owner Bushree is also very welcoming. Book here via Booking .

There are lesser-known local islands that offers great activities at cheap prices as well, such as Thulusdhoo Island .

If you have money to splurge, consider staying in the most expensive resorts in Maldives for a truly memorable tropical experience.

What to do in Maldives

Here’s a summary of the activities you can do in Maldives. If you’re looking for other options, read our separate guide on Best Things to Do in Maldives .

Obviously, you’re here to enjoy the dazzling blue waters of this island nation.

A snorkeling tour includes various stops where you can see corals, fishes, sometimes even dolphins and sharks. Depending on the package, a visit to a sand bar may also be included. You can also book a separate tour for having a picnic at a sand bank.

A tour costs at $25-35 (P1200-1700). Excursions and tours can be arranged by your accommodation.

This is another type of tour where you go fishing and then grill what you caught for dinner. Rate is about $25 (P1250) per person.

Maldives is a great dive destination and considered one of the best in the world. The diving season runs all-year round. As a general rule, it’s best to dive on the western side of any atoll from May to November and on the eastern side from December to April for better visibility and reef life.

Aside from corals, you can also see various types of fishes, sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins and different types of sharks. Both introductory and professional dive packages are available. Introductory dive costs about $70 (P3700).

From Maafushi, there are various private resorts which you can visit for a day, including Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Adaaran Prestige Vaadoo, Centara Rasfushi, Fihalhohi and Rihiveli resorts.

As mentioned above, this can also be arranged by your accommodation.

For the resort day tour, I went to Fihalhohi Resort . It costs $80 or $110 (including lunch buffet), including speedboat transfer from/to Maafushi and entrance fees. To be honest, it was a little underwhelming at first. I was finally able to see the water villas but it didn’t look as majestic as it does in pictures. There’s a beautiful beach that reminded me of Calaguas, but not necessarily better. However, the resort has great marine life. Around it you can snorkel and see colorful fishes and manta rays. There’s even an area where you can spot dolphins.

There are tons of Sri Lankan-influenced and Indian restaurants in Maldives. Generally, you can get a decent meal for $4-10 (P200-500). You might also want to ask your guesthouse to serve you a Maldivian breakfast in the mornings.

Here are some restaurants you can check out in Maafushi:

• Arena Beach Resort . This sea-side restaurant serves dinner buffet for only $12 (P650), excluding taxes and drinks. The spread includes barbecued seafood and pasta. The choices are limited, but quality-wise the food is delicious. It’s also very romantic since you can have a table in the beachside.
• Maafushi Floating Bar . To get here, you need to get on a small boat which will take you to this yacht where the floating bar is. For me it’s a novel experience although the alcohol options are limited when I visited.

Here is a sample 6 days itinerary in Maldives.

In my opinion, 6 days is good enough if you manage to schedule everything properly. If you’re into other activities such as diving, you might want to stay longer.

Here are some things to note when planning your itinerary in Maldives:

• Inter-island transfers can take a lot of your time. In most cases, you might not be able to make it to a tour since tours start in the morning at around 9AM.
• If you’re on a short vacation (e.g., 5-6 days), it’s best to stay in 1-2 islands only.

To give you an idea, here’s a general quotation of prices in Maldives ( Updated as of 2020 ):

• Accommodation : Single or double room $35-40 (P1500-2000)
• Snorkeling or sand bar tour : Around $25-35 (P1200-1700)
• Resort day trip : Around $100 (P5000)
• Diving : Introductory course $70 (P3700)
• Food : Regular meal $4-10 (P200-500) / Buffet $10-12 (P500-600) plus tax
• Water transport : Ferry $1.5-3.5 (P80-180) / speedboat $20-45 (P1000-2400)

For the 6-days itinerary above, a safe budget for 2 people is  $450-490 (P23,000-25,000) per person excluding flights.

My budget for a 6-day solo backpacking trip to Maldives was about $430 (P22,000), excluding round-trip flights from Kuala Lumpur ($160 / P8000). It’s a bit lower than the budget estimate above because my itinerary was different (Gulhi Island – Maafushi Island – Fulidhoo Island) and I had posted a more practical itinerary where you can do more activities.

So here’s the most important part of this guide. Budget tips for your travel to Maldives!

• Travel with a group . Traveling with other people is always cheaper. This is true for Maldives as well, where you can split costs in booking a group room.
• Book your flight tickets and reservations in advance . If you’re coming somewhere without a direct flight to Maldives (such as the Philippines), book your flight tickets months or a year ahead.
• Schedule your trip during low season . The low season is from May to November, when you can enjoy low rates. This coincides with the monsoon season (May to October), it isn’t as troublesome since you may only get occasional rainshowers.
• Stay in a local island . Local islands are not only cheap, they are also easy and convenient since you have access to establishments such as resorts or guesthouses, restaurants and tour agencies.
• Book through Airbnb . A lot of guesthouses can be found in Airbnb, and these are usually cheaper than resorts.
• If you want to splurge, go on a day tour to a private resort. This is cheaper than booking an overnight accommodation there. A day pass usually includes lunch buffet and snacks including alcoholic drinks and snorkeling rental. Rate is around $100 (P5000).
• Bring a reusable water . You can avoid the extra expense of buying a bottled water every time by bringing your own container and refilling it in your accommodation.

Things to bring

Here are things you should bring on your trip to Maldives.

• Summer dresses and cover-ups. Use when strolling along the public roads before hitting the beach.
• Sunscreen. Maldives is a tropical country and it’s close to the equator so even on cloudy days, you might get a sunburn. It’s best to wear a sunscreen everytime you go out.
• Reusable travel bottle. Keep hydrated under the sun.
• Underwater camera. Half the charm of Maldives can be seen underwater. Even if you’re only on a snorkeling tour, bring an underwater camera so you can take photos of various corals and sea creatures.

That sums up our budget travel guide to Maldives. Do you have anything to add? Let us know in the comment section below!

You might also want to read about:

• 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Maldives
• Best Things to Do in Maldives

If you like this post, pin it for later!

Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

How much all your expenses in total?

Great guide. Thank you!

Regine Rose

Hello can I ask does it need a show money in order to get in Maldives and how much ? Thank you

Hi, may I ask if it was not your first overseas travel? Since you said that the immigration process from the airport is so smooth. May I know what proof of financial did you provide to them. If credit card statement will do or do I need to bring cash and exchange it to usd?

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Your Trip to the Maldives: The Complete Guide

• Best Time to Visit
• Weather & Climate
• Male International Airport Guide
• Top Romantic Resorts
• Sustainable Resorts
• Top Things to Do
• Best Beaches
• Snorkeling & Diving
• Nature Experiences
• Food to Try
• Best Restaurants

Made up of nearly 1,200 coral islands strung north to south in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is one of the most popular beach destinations on the planet. Known for world-class diving, miles of empty white-sand beaches, and resorts oozing with luxury, the Maldives isn’t always the most budget-friendly destination (though bargains can be found). But if you’re looking for mind-blowing sunsets, sugary sand, and the most turquoise water you’ve ever seen, break out your credit card and book a flight. Read on for our complete Maldives visitor’s guide, and learn the best places to stay, eat, dive, and explore in this spectacular tropical locale.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time To Visit: In true tropical island style, temperatures in the Maldives average 83 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) year-round, and there are only two main seasons; dry and wet. The dry season comes in fall and winter, from November through April, with temperatures ranging from 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) to 89 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). The low, monsoon season runs from May through October, with the wettest month usually falling in June. Temperatures in the rainy season range from 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) to 87 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).

Getting Around: As an island nation spread across hundreds of miles of the ocean, it’s only natural that boats are the country’s transport mainstay, so prepare your sea legs (or Dramamine). For those staying near the capital or attempting a more budget holiday, ferries are offered between some of the more populated islands in the Malé Atoll capital area. Speedboat taxis can be hired for short-distance island hopping, and private resort speedboats whisk guests away to properties in the immediate vicinity. For resorts set in distant atolls, further transport will be via seaplane or a domestic flight to one of the more far-flung airports followed by speedboat transfer to the resort.

Travel Tip: Many visitors to the Maldives must travel by seaplane to reach their final destination, so it’s important to note that seaplanes only operate during daylight hours. If your flight arrives after dark, consider staying at a nearby hotel on either Hulhulé Island or in nearby Malé city.

Things to Do

This is a country surrounded by water, water, and more water, so it's only natural that water sports have emerged as the leading activity in the Maldives. Landlubbers can bask in the sun on deserted sandbanks, or perhaps spend the day in one of the dozens of spas dotted at upmarket resorts throughout the nation.

• Diving: Some of the world's best diving can be found in the Maldives' coral atolls. Spot whale sharks and manta rays from May through November in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, or dive deep with octopi and reef sharks to explore some of the area's famed shipwrecks.
• Water sports: Snorkeling, stand-up paddle, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and every other water sport imaginable are available year-round. Most resorts include access to non-motorized water sports equipment, and the larger populated islands generally have water sports rental facilities.
• Spa experiences: The Maldives is home to some of the most indulgent hotel spas in the world. These havens of tranquility offer everything from Thai massages set in overwater villas, to underwater treatment rooms, to complete detox, rejuvenation, or restoration packages. Most resorts have a spa on the property, so it's only a matter of choosing which will best suit your budget and relaxation desires.
• Nothing: Perhaps the ultimate activity of all in the Maldives is doing absolutely nothing. This definition of "nothing" means laying on a sun lounger on one of the country's best beaches , staring into the sea-green distance while sipping ice-cold coconut water and reading a novel.

What to Eat and Drink

Maldivian cuisine borrows mainly from India and Sri Lanka, which both highlight hot, spicy flavors. But in the Maldives, what you’ll eat largely depends on where you stay. High-end resorts offer a variety of a la carte local and international fare in a host of luxurious settings, including in overwater and underwater restaurants .

Budget resorts are more likely to provide buffet meals with both Western and Asian options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are also small local eateries and cafes on many of the inhabited islands, purveying specialties such as fish cakes, soups, and curries.

Alcohol is prohibited in the Maldives (except for tourists at licensed hotels and resorts), so don’t expect to wash down your curry with a beer in any of the local establishments. Many of the more upmarket resorts, however, have full bars, and even wine cellars with hundreds of vintages to choose from.

Where to Stay

If visitors stay in the city of Malé, it’s rarely for more than one night, as there’s not much going on in the capital other than commerce, a few restaurants, and a museum or two. Most visitors stay in one of the dozens of resorts, which are often set on private islands in one of the country’s myriad coral atolls.

Accommodations vary widely in the Maldives, from rustic local guesthouses to some of the world’s most expensive resorts. If you’re on a budget, there are a handful of guesthouses and small hotels in many of the inhabited islands, such as in the North Malé Atoll or Ari Atoll.

There are also a variety of all-inclusive resorts, which range widely in quality. Check out Adaaran Prestige Vadoo , which is only 20 minutes by speedboat from the airport and has overwater villas with private pools, or the chic design and five restaurants at LUX* South Ari Atoll .

The Maldives’ lineup of five-star resorts are the stuff holiday dreams are made of. Postcard-perfect beaches, overwater villas, serene spas, and private butlers are only a taste of what to expect should you choose to splurge. Some of the most popular (and expensive) options include chains such as the Four Seasons , St. Regis , and the Six Senses , plus properties like Soneva Jani , which features massive overwater villas with private pools and waterslides, or Huvafen Fushi Maldives which has the world’s first and only underwater spa.

Getting There

The gateway to the Maldives is Velana International Airport (MLE), formerly Malé International Airport, which is set on an island adjacent to the capital city of Malé. Upon arrival, the best transport mode depends on where you’re staying. A bridge connects the airport (on Hulhulé Island) to adjacent Malé city, or there are taxis, speedboat taxis, and regularly scheduled (though not always on time) ferries.

The Maldives’ seafaring past and Indian Ocean location means the remote country has been heavily influenced by its closest neighbors, India and Sri Lanka, as well as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Africa. Many visitors will only see the surroundings of their chosen resort, but the Maldives possesses cultural treasures on the local islands and in Malé that are also worth exploring.

• One of the oldest mosques in the Maldives is the Malé Hukuru Miskiy, or Old Friday Mosque, which was built from ornately carved coral in 1658. The mosque is set on Hulhulé Island, an easy taxi ride from the airport.
• The Maldives National Museum in Malé is a compact yet illuminating repository for the country’s prized artifacts. Displays range from ancient to modern times and contain everything from religious carvings to whale skeletons to lacquered wood boxes handmade by Maldivian craftspeople.
• Across Sultan Park from The Maldives National Museum is The National Art Gallery. Established in 1999, this relatively new museum houses collections of Maldivian art from both past and present.

Money-Saving Tips

• May through October is monsoon season in much of Southeast Asia, and the Maldives is no exception. Although summer can sometimes bring heavy rainfall and severe storms, most often there are only afternoon showers, and risking a visit during these monsoon months (particularly June, considered the wettest month) means deep discounts compared to visiting the country during the peak season.
• Since alcohol is heavily taxed and marked-up in the Maldives, a drinks bill at the end of your trip can pose a hefty surprise. To keep the holiday stress-free and the umbrella drinks coming, consider choosing an all-inclusive package if you plan to indulge in adult libations during your stay.

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Maldives Travel Budget - Visit Maldives on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Maldives Costs

• Is the Maldives Expensive?
• How much does a trip to the Maldives cost?
• Maldives Hotel Prices
• Maldives Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in the Maldives
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• Hostel Prices & Reviews
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• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Maldives
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Maldives
• The Best 2-Week Tours in Maldives
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• How much does it cost to travel to the Maldives? (Average Daily Cost)
• The Maldives trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in the Maldives?

Is the maldives expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to the Maldives?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to the Maldives?

You should plan to spend around $301 (MVR4,623) per day on your vacation in the Maldives. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $78 (MVR1,205) on meals
• $139 (MVR2,140) on local transportation
• $236 (MVR3,621) on hotels

A one week trip to the Maldives for two people costs, on average, $4,216 (MVR64,719) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 301 MVR 4,623
• One Week Per person $ 2,108 MVR 32,360
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 4,216 MVR 64,719
• One Month Per person $ 9,035 MVR 138,684
• One Week For a couple $ 4,216 MVR 64,719
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 8,432 MVR 129,438
• One Month For a couple $ 18,069 MVR 277,368

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to the Maldives cost?

A one week trip to the Maldives usually costs around $2,108 (MVR32,360) for one person and $4,216 (MVR64,719) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to the Maldives on average costs around $4,216 (MVR64,719) for one person and $8,432 (MVR129,438) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in the Maldives will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to the Maldives on average costs around $9,035 (MVR138,684) for one person and $18,069 (MVR277,368) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in the Maldives is $295 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• 7N Self Guided Maldives North Male Island Hopping 8 Days - 3 Destinations $ 699
• Maldives Island Hopper 8 Days - 4 Destinations $ 2,260

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

The Maldives is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within Asia, the Maldives is very expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Asia for its travel costs. There are only a few countries as expensive or more expensive than the Maldives in the region.

For more details, see Is the Maldives Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to the Maldives?

The average Maldives trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Maldives travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in the Maldives

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in the Maldives is $118 (MVR1,811). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in the Maldives is $236 (MVR3,621). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 118 MVR 1,811
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 236 MVR 3,621

Hotel Prices in the Maldives

Looking for a hotel in the Maldives? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in the Maldives based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $333. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Sun Shine View Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 47
• JEN Maldives Male by Shangri-La Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 255

Local Transportation Budget in the Maldives

The cost of a taxi ride in the Maldives is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $139 (MVR2,140) per person, per day, on local transportation in the Maldives.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 139 MVR 2,140

Recommended Services

• Maafushi: Airport Transfer By Speedboat Viator $ 40
• Speedboat Transfer between Maafushi and Guraidhoo Viator $ 50

Food Budget in the Maldives

While meal prices in the Maldives can vary, the average cost of food in the Maldives is $78 (MVR1,205) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in the Maldives should cost around $31 (MVR482) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in the Maldives is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 78 MVR 1,205

Recommended

• Half Day Private Sunset Fishing Tour in Maafushi With Bbq Dinner Viator $ 135

Entertainment Budget in the Maldives

Entertainment and activities in the Maldives typically cost an average of $37 (MVR564) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 37 MVR 564

Recommended Activities

• Maldives Adventure Trip Viator $ 99
• Half-Day Original Eco Tour to Villimale From Malé Viator $ 80

Alcohol Budget in the Maldives

The average person spends about $34 (MVR526) on alcoholic beverages in the Maldives per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 34 MVR 526

Water Budget in the Maldives

On average, people spend $0.61 (MVR9.38) on bottled water in the Maldives per day. The public water in the Maldives is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 0.61 MVR 9.38

The Maldives on a Budget

At a Glance

Top tourist attractions, popular foods.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Maldives Tourism and Travel Guide

All you need to know about maldives.

Start Planning: Find Where To Stay in Maldives

Explore Tripoto's Maldives Tour Packages

When in Maldives: Don't Miss These Unique Travel Experiences

Take a Virtual Maldives Tour: The State In Pictures & Videos

Post About Your Maldives Trip & Make it to Editor's Picks

Frequently Asked Questions

The local currency is known as Rufiyaa (Rf). However, to contribute to Maldives tourism, all local places accept and prefer US dollars. It’s wise to always keep a few extra US dollars with you at all times.

A typical honeymoon package to Maldives can cost anywhere between Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 1 lakh. Since honeymooners are the biggest supporters of Maldives tourism, the country ensures it’s a welcome abode for them.

From Mumbai 4 direct flights  Go First  Vistara  Air India  Indigo

From Chennai No direct Flights. All 1 or 2 stop flights

From Kolkata No direct flights. All 1 stop or 2 stop flights

From New Delhi 3 direct flights  2 Go First  1 Indigo

From Bangalore 3 direct flights  Indigo  Go First  Air India

Kochi 1 Direct Flight  Indigo

Hyderabad No Direct Flights. All 1 stop or 2 stop flights

The name of Maldives capital city is Malé.

The time zone for Maldives is GMT+5.

Known as Malé International Airport, it is the main international airport in the country. It is located on Hulhule Island in the North Malé Atoll.

The weather is a big reason for growing popularity of Maldives tourism. If you are planning a trip to Maldives, make sure it’s during the dry season of November to April. The weather of Maldives is mostly sunny with a few months of rain during the wet season.

India has been one of the largest contributors to the growing popularity of Maldives tourism. There are numerous flights to Maldives from India by known carriers like Air India and Indigo. Flight tickets cost anywhere between Rs. 14,000 to Rs. 70,000 for a round trip depending on the time you book and season.

According to the laws of the country, it is illegal to bring alcohol. However, to ensure Maldives tourism doesn’t suffer, resorts have special permits to serve alcoholic beverages.

Owing to the efforts of Maldives tourism, all major credit cards are accepted in resorts. The accepted credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card.

Yes, English is widely spoken in Maldives. In an effort to boost Maldives tourism, locals can also communicate in English freely.

You will receive a visa-on-arrival if you're planning a trip for less than 30 days. Maldives Tourism allows for an extension of up to 60 days (taking the total stay in Maldives to 90 days).

Maldives tourism is growing by leaps and bounds. Contributing to this growth is a number of factors including Maldives beaches, beautiful coral reefs, its many opportunities for diving and the luxurious experience that the country offers.

The country welcomes all kinds of travellers and the increasing Maldives tourism has ensured that Maldives resorts have cuisines from across the world keeping in mind non-vegetarian, vegetarian and vegan options.

Owing to the development of Maldives tourism, efforts are being made to increase the number of banks and ATMs throughout the islands. Currently, there are ATMs in Malé as well as the airport.

The best resorts which contribute to Maldives tourism are Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, Dusit Thani Maldives, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Six Sense Laamu.

Popular to contrary opinion, Maldives tourism has made it easier for travellers to explore Maldives on a budget. Starting at Rs. 3000 a night, you can find beautiful rooms with basic facilities. We recommend Water Breeze Guesthouse, Coral Heaven Guesthouse and Gangehi Island Resort.

Yes, you will need a basic course in diving before you head for a diving trip to the coral reefs. Maldives tourism encourages instructors and companies to follow all guidelines thoroughly during the course of a diving trip. Ensure that your instructor is PADI certified.

If you would like to explore Maldives local cuisine, head to the capital city of Malé. From street food to local restaurants, there is lots to discover. The surge in Maldives tourism has encouraged restaurateurs to experiment with the ambience and cuisine. Some of the best are Lemongrass Fifth, Family Room Cafe, Symphony Solo, Island BBQ.

There are countless ways to spend your time in Maldives. Suitable for all kinds of travellers, Maldives tourism has been making consistent efforts to ensure tourists have a great time here. From diving to island hopping to water sports like banana boat ride, water ski to stand-up paddle boating, you can try a variety of experiences.

Tourists throng Maldives throughout the year thus increase Maldives tourism. This has led Maldives tourism to create customised packages and offer huge discounts. You have the flexibility of getting a customised package or creating one using services from multiple operators. Ideally Maldives holiday packages are all inclusive which drastically brings down costs. However, if you find discounts on various activities and accommodation separately, it’s a good deal.

Maldives is an archipelago of more than 1100 islands.

Water villas in Maldives are crowd pullers which boost Maldives tourism. The water villas cost anywhere between Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 80,000 a night.

Home > Maldives Tour Packages

Maldives Tour Packages: Deals upto 15% off

Planning a trip to Maldives. Take a look at our exciting Maldives tour packages that cover stay, meals and transfers. Choose from a wide range of handpicked itinerary for Maldives tour. Easily customize your Maldives packages as per your travel requirements. Plan your Maldives tour with India Thrills and get the unbeatable deals at best prices .

About Maldives:

Known for its pristine waters, white sandy beaches and over-water luxury resorts, Maldives is a famous Island country having about 1180 islands, out of which only 200 are inhabitants. The Maldives have a large number of luxury accommodations including spa resorts, lagoons, overwater bungalows, and beach facing villas. As cool as it sounds above water, Maldives is equally exciting underwater, due to its vibrant corals and wonderful marine presence that consists of Sharks, Manta ray, Sea Turtle, Dolphin, Stingray, Lion fish and many more.

Best Selling Maldives Tour Packages:

Best Of Maldives In Budget – 4 Nights 5 days

Starting from

₹ 94,850 / Person

Amazing 3 Nights 4 days Maldives Trip

₹ 74,420 / Person

Maldives 4 Nights 5 Days Package

₹ 93,850 / Person

Stay at Kuredu Island Resort, Maldives - 4 Days

• Kuredu Island

₹ 75,850 / Person

Maldives Honeymoon Special For Couples

₹ 94,420 / Person

Maldives Honeymoon Package – 7 Days

₹ 99,280 / Person

Maldives Special at Sunrise Beach Hotel - 4 Days

₹ 76,850 / Person

Paradise Island Honeymoon Tour for Maldives

• Paradise Island

3 Nights Stay at Arena Beach Hotel | Maldives Package

₹ 80,280 / Person

Book from a wide range of Maldives holidays package. And explore the charm of Maldives. With India Thrills, you get the best deals for Maldives packages inclusive of stay, transfers, and meals. Also, you can add a lot of breathtaking adventures from water sports and sky diving in your Maldives travel package. Our travel aficionados have curated a long list of the best possible itineraries for a Maldives vacation. So even if you’re looking for a quick escape to Maldives, you can browse Maldives tour packages for 3 nights and 4 days. And if your aim is to get relaxed and spend a good leisure time, we have 5 nights 6 days Maldives tour packages. Our prices for Maldives packages starts from 49000 per person only . So get in touch and book yourself a trip to Maldives.

Affordable Maldives Holiday Packages:

Maldives packages with flights:.

Take a look at some of our Maldives packages with flights starting from 76,000 rupees only.

Best Time To Visit Maldives:

December to April is considered the best time to visit the Maldives as this is the summer season in the Maldives. The season is quite popular among tourists to enjoy their holidays and honeymoon, making it a heavily crowded place, as the Maldives don’t face any rainfall during these months. Due to Christmas and New Year celebrations, December sees a massive sea of people here. Hotel rates are at a peak these days, so it is better to get an all-inclusive Maldives package. Also, you can enjoy your favourite water activities and sports till the last day of April. May to November is the monsoon season, and you’ll end up facing heavy rainfall. Hotels and resorts are usually less pricey during this season, but still, it is not recommended to visit in this season, as you will not get the best experience of Maldives. 

Best Places to visit in Maldives:

Majestic Islands, luxurious accommodations and unbeatable serenity makes Maldives worth visiting. T he major attractions in the city are Maafushi Island, Grand Friday Mosque, Hukuru Miskiiy Mosque, National Museum, Artificial Beach, Alimatha Island, Sand Bank, Hulhumale central park along and Sinamale Bridge. But one obviously cannot cover all these places in a go, so take a look at top places to visit in Maldives. 

1. Male City: The capital city, Male, is the tourist hub of Maldives. The city has restaurants, cafes, shops, offices, and mosques. It is also the biggest city in the country. Tsunami Monument, Sultan Park, National Museum and Victory monument are some of the major attractions in the city.

2. Maafushi Island: With the pristine waters, majestic beaches, and beautiful landscapes, Maafushi Island is the most famous Island in the Maldives. One can try various adventure sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, etc or go shark diving. Also, Maafushi enjoys authentic Maldivian Food. It is worth visiting on your Maldives trip .

3. Grand Friday Mosque: This famous mosque is situated in the heart of Male city. If you’re in Male city, you must visit this architectural wonder. Also, get to know about many unknown things at this main Islamic center about the religion and how it is practiced here.

4. Sinamale Bridge: This is a landmark bridge connecting Male and Hulhumale Islands or Maldives International Airport. To see this beautiful place, take a can to Male city. You will get to see a broad view of the beautiful ocean from here.

5. National Museum: If you get excited about history, you should not miss visiting the National Museum in the Maldives. Also, you can have a look at the items, including displaying weaponry and religious relics engraved in Arabic and Thaana.

6. Artificial Beach: The beautiful man-made beach attracts a massive wave of the young crowd. One can spot sharks here at the renowned Shark Point. Also, visit some famous places near artificial beaches, including Manta Point, Massimo Thila, and Kani Corner.

7. Bioluminescent Beach: Another famous attractions to visit in your Maldives tour is Bioluminescent Beach on Vadhoo Island, also known as the glowing beach. You will be stunned to see this beautiful sea of stars. You cannot miss having a look at this stunning view. There are more than 27 famous beaches here. Bioluminescent Beach, Hulhumale beach, Artificial Beach, and Kurumba Beach are some.

We covers these top places in our Maldives packages. So book a Maldives tour and make the most out of Maldives.

Things to do in your Maldives Trip:

There are many exciting things you do in your trip to Maldives, be it enjoying and exploring your resort, soaking the sun on the beaches, exploring Maldives, trying different cuisines, or indulge in exciting water activities.

1. Watersports: You can definitely look forward to experiencing thrilling water sports on your Maldives trip. You can try scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, etc. Scuba Diving in Maldives would be a heavenly experience for you. You will get a chance to explore marine life through the crystal clear blue waters, having a sight of magnificent reefs and other creatures. 

2. Dolphin Watching: Dolphin Cruise Excursions are quite popular among the tourists. Your Maldives Tour would be incomplete without this short trip. You will catch a sight of cute dolphins playing in the ocean, leaving you feeling joyed. 

3. Island Hopping: Island Hopping will give you a chance to explore Maldives closely and locally. You can have a look at the local people, their lifestyle, communities, and more. You will end up knowing about this place closely and other than the lavish resorts/hotels.

4. Trying out cuisines: You can try different famous cuisines in Maldives. Don’t forget to try out the famous authentic Maldivian Cuisine. Try out on the Maldivian Lobster, Champagne Barbeque, A wide variety of meats and more. You can also explore the local markets and try the local food all by yourself.

5. Romantic dinner: If you’re a couple visiting Maldives for vacation, don’t miss a chance to enjoy a romantic candle light dinner on the beautiful beaches of Maldives. This will be a memorable experience for you to have a romantic time under the beautiful skies of Maldives.

6. Skydiving in Maldives: One of the best things to do in your Maldives trip is to go for Skydiving. Imagine a jump from a height of 10,000 feet at a speed of over 120mph, is what Skydiving in Maldives brings for you. Feel the adrenaline rushing all through your body during this exciting activity.

7. Fishing : One can try fishing in Maldives, if you have a spot for fishing. You will be having a great time hunting on the famous Tuna Fish here. You can either go with a local or can go on a regular fish expedition. You should choose according to your preference. 

The best thing is you can add any of these activities in your Maldives trip package and get yourselves a customized holiday trip.

How To Reach Maldives:

The only way to reach Maldives is by Air. Male International Airport is the main and largest airport in Maldives. For international flights, you need to travel to either the male international airport on Male Island or the Gan Airport in Addu City. These airports connect with most of the south-east Asian countries. You can also travel via domestic flights, their airports are Hanimaadhoo Airport, Kaadedhdhoo Airport, and Kadhdhoo Airport. You can easily travel to this country, without worrying about a visa. Maldives offers you 30 days on arrival visa which can be extended upto 90 days further for some specific reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maldives:

If you’re from India, and planning a trip to Maldives, you can easily get a tourist visa on arrival without any cost. Indian citizens don’t require a pre-arrival visa. The necessary documents to carry for a tourist visa are a passport valid for next 6 months and return air ticket. Your on-arrival visa will be valid till 30 days which can be further extended upto 90 days.

The average price of a Maldives trip from India is Rs 1,30,000 for 2 persons. This cost includes air tickets, stay in a 5 star hotel, speedboat transfers. Below is the price chart highlighting Maldives trip cost from India.

Below are our best selling packages for Maldives:

• Kuredu Island Maldives Vacation
• Paradise Island Resort Maldives Trip
• Glimpse of Maldives with Arena Beach Hotel
• Amazing Maldives Trip 3 Nights 4 days
• Kurumba Maldives Resort package

November to April is considered the best time for a Maldives trip as the weather is hot and pleasant to enjoy leisure time. During these times, Maldives don’t receive any rainfalls to ruin your day plans. Also, t his period has clear skies, beautiful views, and lower humidity. It is a good time to explore the best of Maldives.

No, Indian Rupees (INR) are not accepted in the Maldives. You can shop using either Maldivian Rufiyaa or US Dollars. However, we recommend carrying US Dollars as they are widely accepted throughout the country.

A 4-day Maldives package can vary in price. If you include airfare, the cost ranges from ₹130,000 to ₹139,785. Without airfare, the package can cost anywhere between ₹74,000 and ₹155,000.

Here are our 4 days best selling Maldives tour.

• 4 Days Maldives Vacation
• 3 nights at Kuredu Island Maldives

Absolutely! With India Thrills, you can customize every aspect of your Maldives tour package. From selecting your hotels to arranging taxis and flights, everything can be tailored to your preferences. We take pride in being the only company that offers such a comprehensive customization service, ensuring your Maldives vacation is exactly the way you want it.

We recommend booking your Maldives tour package at least 120 to 180 days in advance to secure the best deals and availability. Early bookings often come with discounted prices, giving you more value for your money. Keep in mind that airfare, hotel rates, and activity charges can increase as your travel dates approach, so booking early can help you avoid last-minute price hikes.

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Best places to visit during your maldives budget tour.

Maldives has a lot of islands on its list of places for attractions and sightseeing. Here we tell you what are the top 5 places and things that are a must-have on your list when visiting Maldives.

1. Male Island

Famous For: Ancient mosque, colourful buildings

Languages: Dhivehi

Nearest Airport:  Velana International Airport

The average price for hotel*:  3-star hotel: INR 5,206 4-star hotel is INR 7,099

Best Time To Visit: November to April

Ideal duration: 5 Days

Best Places to visit / Major Attractions: Grand Friday Mosque, National Museum, Sultan Park, Artificial Beach

Let’s begin with the capital of the Maldives. Male is the most well-known island for its restaurants and tourist attractions. You can explore the surroundings, take a dip in the ocean pool or indulge in underwater snorkeling and scooter riding. There are attractions like Tsunami Monument, Male Fish Market, Sultan Mosque and Male National Museum.

2. Emboodhu Finolhu Island

Famous For: Natural beauty

Languages: Dhivehi, English

Nearest Airport:

Malé International Airport

Best Time To Visit: July, August

Ideal duration: 1 Day

Best Places to visit / Major Attractions: HP Reef, Artificial Beach, Alimatha Island, Banana Reef

The best thing about these islands is the water villas which is the main attraction of Maldives. This island is accessible through a speed boat and has around 55 water villas to choose from providing luxurious accommodation and amenities.

3. Banana Reef

Famous For: Diving

Languages: Maldivian

Nearest Airport:  Male International Airport

Best Places to visit / Major Attractions: Hulhumalé, Alimantha Island, Biyadhoo Island, Manta Point

The Banana Reef is the oldest reefs of Maldives with magnificent caves and cliffs and beautiful coral growths. It's a popular diving site and offers the best of its kind. It has favorable diving conditions with calm water currents. You can opt for scuba diving or snorkeling here and go from 5 meters to 30 meters underwater and soak in the sight of beautiful marine life.

4. The Blue Lagoons

Famous For: Water sports

Nearest Airport:  Malé International Airport.

The blue lagoons at the Maldives are perfect for water sports, most places offer a variety of adventurous activities and if you are not the one who enjoys going underwater then this definitely has got you covered. All and all you cannot give these a miss, after all, Maldives budget tour which is a beach destination is incomplete without water sports.

5. Artificial Beach

Famous For: Water sports, carnivals

Nearest Airport:  Trivandrum Airport

Best Time To Visit: November to February

Best Places to visit / Major Attractions: Manta Point, Kani corner, Shark Point, Nassimo Thila

With calm waters, soft sand and exciting water sports, Artificial Beach attracts a lot of travelers from all around the world. Away from the normal hustle-bustle of the city, the place is a great spot for travelers to relax and rejuvenate in the calm and serene surroundings. The city’s recreational center is also a stone’s throw away from the recreational center of the city. The beach has a special appeal and match up with all the natural beaches in Maldives. Party lovers can also head to this beach as a lot of carnivals and live music performances are hosted on the beach for the entertainment of tourists. One can also visit nearby attractions like the National Museum, Male Friday Mosque, and Hulhumale Island while visiting this beautiful beach.

6. Hulhumale

Famous For: Golden-domed mosque

Nearest Airport:  Velena International Airport

Best Time To Visit: December to April

Ideal duration: 2 Days

Best Places to visit / Major Attractions: Hulhumale Mosque, Hulhumale Beach, Hulhumale Central Park

Located at the South of North Male Atoll in the Maldives, the island is a beautiful retreat with the perfect balance of nature and architecture. Yet another artificial island in Maldives, the island lies around 8 km from the North East Coast Of Male. The freshly planted trees, golden beaches, white sand, and blue waters make the place the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation. The golden-doomed Mosque is a popular attraction in the Maldives and visited by many travelers throughout the year. A lot of water activities are also hosted on the island making it a favorite spot for adventure lovers.

Famous For: Corals

Also named as the “Rainbow Reef”, the destination is known for its brilliantly colored soft corals. Also known as the soft coral capital of the world, you can spot different varieties of coral here. One of the most beautiful dive sites of the island nation, the place is sandwiched between two outer atoll islands making it the perfect diving site fro travelers. Most of the reef is covered in yellow, blue and orange as well as stunning sea fans. While indulging in diving, you can spot a variety of underwater animals including small reef fish and large pelagic species such as gray reef sharks, eagle rays, tunas, and barracudas.

8. Fulhadhoo

Famous For: Beaches

Languages: English, Maldivian

Nearest Airport:  Dharavandhoo Airport

Best Time To Visit: July to October

Another must-visit destination in the Maldives, the island falls within the bounds of the administrative territory of the Baa atoll. Significantly away from the great part of other inhabited islands, the place is far away from the busy sea and tourist routes. The ocean by the Fulhadhoo island abounds in coral reef and equatorial fish schools. This is the place to be for travelers who love snorkeling and diving into the crystal clear waters. Far away from the normal hustle-bustle of the city, the island is the go-to destination for lying down on the beaches, soaking up the warmth of the sun and discovering the beautiful marine life of the island with thousands of dolphins and turtles.

Best Time To Visit Maldives On Budget

Maldives is a year round destination and can be visited by tourists throughout the year, however here is how Maldives experiences different weather.

Summer (March to July)

Summer in Maldives is particularly hot and the temperature ranges upto 31 degree celsius. The weather is good for spending long days on the beaches. A lot of water activities are hosted in Maldives during this time and the visibility for snorkeling and diving is perfect. The days are a little warm but the evenings are pleasant and the beaches provide the perfect ambiance. June is the month when you can grab some amazing hotel deals at affordable prices. You may also see small parades and public celebrations on resort islands.

Monsoon (August to October)

Monsoon in Maldives starts in the month of August. Short heavy downpours are usual but snorkelling and diving activities are still hosted on the island. The weather becomes a little humid but the evenings are pleasant and good for exploring the island. You can easily spot whale sharks and manta rays in the water of the ocean during this time. However, you can always enjoy water sports in Maldives during this time.

Winter (November, December)

The best time to visit Maldives is in the winter months when the weather is extremely pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing. The average maximum ranges upto 30 degree celsius. You can also experience light showers during these months. The busiest months in Maldives, you can also celebrate Christmas and New Year during this time in Maldives.

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Pocket Friendly Maldives Honeymoon Package

₹ 33,000/- ₹ 49,000/-.

Per Person on twin sharing

• Sightseeing

Hotel included in package:

• Maafushi (4D)

This 3 nights 4 days Maldives honeymoon package is ideal for newlyweds....

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• Scuba Diving
• Underwater World
• Male City Tour
• Hill station
• Maldives (5D)

Upto 4 Stars

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• Kid's Special

Bond with your family on this 5 days 4 nights Maldives family holiday package and retre....

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Grand Park Kodhipparu Hotel

254 km from City Center

An Exciting Maldives Tour Package

₹ 90,000/- ₹ 98,901/-.

• Watersports
• Optional Activities
• Leisure Day

The Maldives is a much-loved destination for all. Booking a Maldives tour packa....

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Ecstatic Maldives Family Package

• Scenic Beauty

Book a 3 nights, 4 days Maldives family tour package to enjoy a vacati....

Exciting Maldives Honeymoon Package

₹ 64,500/- ₹ 72,472/-.

• Bodufinolhu (3D)
• Maldives (1D)

With this 3 Nights, 4 Days Maldives honeymoon package , newlyweds can e....

Best-Ranked 4 Days Maldives Package With Airfare

₹ 130,000/- ₹ 139,785/-.

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₹ 60,500/- ₹ 66,484/-.

• Submarine tour

Exclusive Maldives Honeymoon Package For 5 Days For An Amazing Holiday!

₹ 55,000/- ₹ 80,000/-.

• 01 October 2023 - 23 December 2023
• Catamaran sailing
• Best sellers
• Spa therapies
• Sunset Cruise
• Island Tours

Best Selling Maldives Honeymoon Tour At Adaaran Prestige Vadoo

₹ 139,000/- ₹ 189,000/-.

• Beach Holiday
• Star Gazing
• South Male Atoll (5D)

Marvelous Maldives Honeymoon Tour Package

₹ 69,600/- ₹ 95,604/-.

A trip to treasure is ensured with Maldives honeymoon packages . Those ....

Astonishing Honeymoon Package To Maldives

₹ 74,500/- ₹ 83,812/-.

• Bodufinolhu (5D)

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Maldives Honeymoon Package With Island Hopping

₹ 104,450/- ₹ 116,456/-.

• Island Hopping
• Candle-light Dinner
• Nalaguraidhoo (4D)

For honeymooners keen on exploring Maldives, this 3 nights 4 days Maldives honeymoon pa....

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₹ 75,500/- ₹ 80,371/-.

• Snorkelling
• Banana Boat Ride
• Bodufinolhu (4D)

When it is time to choose the best 4 Nights 5 Days Maldives honeymoon package from Indi....

Maldives Honeymoon Package For Beach Lovers

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• North Male Atoll (6D)

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Maldives Tour Package From Bhubaneswar

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• Spa Treatments
• Hulhumale (6D)

Organizing a tour for your upcoming vacation with your beloved friends and family? Will....

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₹ 95,000/- ₹ 130,433/-.

• North Male Atoll (5D)
• Hulhumale (1D)

Maldives tour package offers you the best travel destinations in the world. The

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₹ 92,000/- ₹ 200,000/-.

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Explore Maldives, The Home To 1,200 Small Coral Islands

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Hotels in maldives by star ratings, hotels in maldives by themes, property types in maldives, faqs about maldives tour packages, what are the essentials to pack for maldives.

Passport, summer clothes, sunscreen, and camera are must-haves for a trip to Maldives.

What are the calling codes for Maldives?

It's +960 for domestic and international calls.

What is the primary language spoken at Maldives?

Maldivian language is called Dhivehi but since it’s a tourist spot, they have adapted to basic English and cater to your requirements.

What kind of electric outlet is used at Maldives?

Most of the sockets use standard UK 3 pin flat plugs and if not most resorts have adapters available.

Are pets allowed in Maldives?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in Maldives.

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Places To Visit In Maldives

Let the experts guide you to the best of this mesmerizing destination

Kudahuvadhoo in Maldives

Known for its mysterious hawittas or mounds, ancient temples and urban delights beautifully blended with the rolling blue waters, Kudahuvadhoo in Maldives beckons tourists for a visit to this amazing place. The capital of Dhaal Atoll, this unique tourist spot offers tons of activities that visitors can enjoy, while also bei...

• Religious sites

Mirihi Island in Maldives

Mirihi Island, Male is a small gem of an island lying in the Alif Dhaal Atoll of the Maldives and is the first island in the archipelago that boasted of overwater bungalows. With surroundings that make for a perfect postcard scene, this tourist island with its intact reef is the perfect spot for tourists trying to get away ...

Veligandu Island in Maldives

A beautiful lagoon, long stretches of white beach, and a brilliant house reef are just some attractions of the gorgeous Veligandu Island , lying on the Eastern rim of the Rasdhoo Atoll that is part of the Northern half of the Ari Atoll, Maldives. Encircled by an awe-inspiringly brilliant turquoise lagoon, this island indulge...

Artificial Beach in Maldives

Attracting hundreds of visitors every day to frolic on sandy stretches along the Indian Ocean, this crescent-shaped Artificial Beach in Malé , Maldives is a man-made beach created from the land retrieved from the sea. A majority of the visitors come here to find some quiet time away from the downtown hubbub of Malé. The beac...

• Ideal for families

National Museum in Maldives

The very first museum of Maldives, National Museum was established in 1952 on the National Day of Maldives, to preserve and display the history of this minuscule island nation in the Indian Ocean. The museum exhibits a rather significant collection of historical artifacts and royal antiquities ranging from the Buddhist era ...

• Historical Tour

Things To Do In Maldives

Your list of the best things to do, compiled on the basis of actual traveler experiences

Surfing in Maldives

Maldives, the country of 1192 islands with some of the most amazing waves, is the perfect destination to surf. Though the surfing season depends on Atolls, it will be great to book the travel from April till October to surf in the beautiful ocean. Male Atolls have been quite popular amongst surfers. Explore all the beautifu...

Swimming with Manta Rays in Maldives

Hanifaru Bay is a sanctuary and people who love snorkeling find this place a perfect destination. It is located in the Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll which is known to be one of the best spots for diving enthusiasts. The best season to visit Manta Rays in Maldives is from May to November as in this season only large groups ...

Visit Underwater Restaurant in Maldives

On a tour to Maldives, treat your taste buds to a meal that’s not only sumptuous but also an experience in itself. Go to a great underwater restaurant in Maldives while being on a vacation and have an altogether a different experience while eating underwater, where fishes are swimming right in front and the spectacular view...

Water Sports at Kurumba

Kurumba Maldives is a resort in Maldives that offers not just the accommodations to people but is also a one-stop place for water sports enthusiasts. Travelers get the golden chance to float in the crystal clear lagoon, pamper themselves in a spa or enjoy the experience of Scuba diving. People love the various water sports ...

Ride the Whale Submarine in Maldives

Whale submarine in Male is one of the most thrilling ways to discover the beautiful Indian Ocean at Maldives. By planning a tour on this submarine, you book yourself a seat in aserene diver's paradise. You can experience the calmness on the sea depth with a mind boggling feel in the underwater Whale Submarine. FYI, the Whal...

• Submarine trip

Best Things to Do During Your Maldives Budget Holidays

Well, it doesn’t end here there is so much more than you can do at Maldives. If you need a spiritual therapy or a thrilling adventure or just want to have some fun holidaying away from city life then you have got the right place. Here are a few activities you may indulge in with your Maldives budget packages.

• Indulge in a spa treatment to rejuvenate your mind and body at top quality spas at island resorts built over lagoons.
• Whale submarine is one of the best attractions at Maldives it's not for whale view but for observing life on a reef. The submarine takes you through an underwater tour and gives you a marine life experience to cherish a lifetime.
• For connoisseurs, there is a list of restaurants to explore Maldivian delicacies and different cuisines like the Seagull Cafe House or Thai Wok Restaurant at Male.
• Walk along the beach at night and you can even find some rare dead corals and shells and the breathtaking view is just another reason to not miss it.
• You have around 50 resorts having nightclubs for you to dance away the night after being at the beach in the sun all day and having some cute gift stores to buy souvenirs to take back home.
• Go for banana boating or sailing through the sea, jet skiing or flyboarding or just spend some quiet time fishing if you are one with patience to get a catch. There is even parasailing if you like flying above the water in the blue sky.
• Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Cruise If you are someone who isn't so adventurous and want to spend the holiday at leisure and relaxing then you can go for a cruise day out and observe a glorious view while watching the sunset along with dolphins playing around and if you are lucky you might get to behold some whales too.

Maldives Visa Policy For Indians

• For Indians a Maldives visa is issued on arrival at the airport by the immigration officials
• A tourist visa to the Maldives is applicable for 30 days.
• An official passport valid for more than 6 months posts the date of your journey is required
• Two passport size coloured photographs which are 35mm in width and 44mm in length. The face should be clearly visible.
• Copies of booking confirmation of hotels or any other accommodation chosen for the trip.
• A confirmed return or onward ticket from the Maldives is also required
• Tourist visa issued on arrival for 30 days' time is absolutely free of charge, but a fee of INR 3350 (or MVR 750) is to be paid in case of extension of visa for a total duration of 90 days.

Maldives has a pleasant climate all around the year; the best time to plan a vacation is between November and April. It's an elaborate task to plan to this multi-island beautiful holiday spot, you can leave it to us by opting for any of our affordable Maldives packages.

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Maldives Tour Packages

Capital: Male | Ranking: 1st in South Asia

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Time Zone: UTC+5 | Driving Side: Left | Calling Code: +960 | Airport Code: VIA

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Maldivian Rufiyaa Currency Name

26°C to 32°C Climate in Maldives

December - April Best Season to Visit Maldives

Dhivehi & English Languages Speaking

Essential Tips for Travelling to the Maldives

Prices are typically cheaper May to November.

ATMs are readily accessible only in certain areas.

Credit Cards are widely accepted.

It is not easy to find a bank.

The legal drinking age in the Maldives is 18.

Maldives has a Different Weekend: Friday and Saturday.

Maldives is Safest By Popular Opinion.

Maldives - Visitors Statistics

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Top Visitors from India

All you need to know about maldives tour.

With turquoise waters, powder-like sand, swaying palm trees, and amazing marine life, the Maldives has to be one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Overwater bungalows, underwater restaurants, and activities like snorkeling and swimming with sharks, stingrays, and clownfish, make it a must-visit place. And to add to the experience, the country is made up of hundreds of tiny private resort islands offering unrivaled views and privacy whilst ensconced in luxury. At GT Holidays, we offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience this beautiful country with affordable Maldives tour packages .

Add to this the fact that you can fly to the island country in less than 3 hours, i.e., fly in on a Friday to begin your Maldives vacation and return to work on a Monday. We offer over a dozen 3 Night – 4 Day Maldives tour packages for people who have always wanted but never had the time to visit this beautiful island.

Table of Content:

• Best Budget Maldives Tour Packages
• Ten Reasons To Visit Maldives

Maldives Tour Experience

• Best Places To Visit In Maldives

Relationship Between India and Maldives

Our best maldives tour packages at your budget, ten reasons to visit maldives, 1. the maldives promotes sustainable eco-friendly tourism.

It is one of the few countries in the world that has combined ecological conservation with tourism and even educated tourists about the need to preserve and protect the country’s delicate ecosystem. Almost every resort is surrounded by lush mangroves, and the sea is teeming with marine life, ranging from sea turtles and hermit crabs to manta rays and corals.

Guests can even volunteer by collecting marine waste or participating in reef clean-up exercises. Children are encouraged to help conservationists working to protect the plant and animal species in the country.

2. The Best Honeymoon Destination

The country has been consistently named among the world’s top ten honeymoon destinations, including Conde Nast Traveller. There’s nothing more romantic than lying on a hammock on a private deck of your overwater villa, sipping a martini, or relishing scrumptious seafood. Or, enjoying candlelight dinner by a private beach with the ocean and the white sands for company! If you have ever dreamt of a laidback luxurious honeymoon, check out our Maldives honeymoon packages .

3. Swim With Sharks and Manta Rays

Swimming with sharks, manta rays, and other marine animals ticks on the top ten bucket lists of most visitors to Maldives. The UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in Hanifaru Bay is the best place for this – you can swim with over 200 sharks and manta rays while snorkeling. The South Ari Atoll in Dhigurah is a famous whale shark area with several spots for free snorkeling.

4. Overwater Bungalows

Staying at an overwater bungalow is definitely on the bucket list of experiences for travellers visiting an island country. But Maldives takes the experience a notch higher. With an infinity pool, a luxury spa island, and a private terrace with an unending view of the Indian Ocean, there’s nothing more you’ll need for a dreamy vacation, not to mention the whale sharks, manta rays, and other marine animals that visit you occasionally as you sip passionfruit daiquiri! You can even choose an underwater room with floor-to-wall ceilings submerged below the Indian Ocean.

5. Amazing Marine Life

You cannot visit the Maldives and not admire the island country’s mesmerizing marine life. The azure waters are absolutely teeming with life, including coral reefs, turtles, whale sharks, manta rays, moray eels, blueline snappers, octopuses, and dolphins. With over 200 colourful coral species, the underwater world sure feels like a scene out of Finding Nemo.

6. The Country Is Racing Against Time

The island you visited during your last vacation may not remain for long, completely disappearing from the world. Thanks to global warming and rising sea levels, Maldives may become uninhabitable in the distant future. It is the world’s lowest-lying nation and only 1.3 metres above sea level. We suggest you visit the place at least once before it is gone forever.

7. Beautiful Beaches

The powdery white sands and turquoise waters are perfect for sunbathing. The sky is in red, orange, and purple hues, and the temperature always ranges from a comfortable 25 to 30 degrees Celsius.

8. Scrumptious Seafood

Maldivian cuisine is influenced by Sri Lankan and Indian flavours, with coconut being an essential aspect of the food. While there is a vast variety of seafood, some local favourites include different types of tuna, mackerel, and mahi- mahi. Plenty of resorts offer an array of international cuisine, but if you’re interested in local food, try gulha, the country’s national dish made using smoked tuna, coconut, and onions filled inside a pasty and deep fried.

9. Underwater Activities

A visit to the Maldives is incomplete without undertaking one of the many water-based activities. The country is one of the best scuba diving activities in the world. Snorkelling is equally fun if the colourful underwater world amazes you. And if you’re uncomfortable doing either, we suggest you take a banana boat ride or a sunset cruise.

10. Budget Destination

This is contrary to what most people would say, but if you have the right travel company, you can always find affordable Maldives tour packages and yet enjoy all the fantastic things this beautiful country has to offer. Flight tickets from Chennai and Bangalore cost less than INR 10,000 and much less if you book through tour operators like GT Holidays.

The Maldives has been historically and culturally close to India and even shares a maritime border. The origins of Dhivehi, the official language of the Maldives, date back to Sanskrit and Pali, with some anthropologists claiming that a certain percentage of Maldivians actually hails from Southern India. In fact, there are reports that cowrie shells from the Maldives were used as currency throughout Bengal and even as early as the Indus Civilization.

Even today, Maldives remains a favourite tourist destination for Indians. The country is only 3.5 hours from Chennai and 2 hours from Bangalore. Maldives tour packages are especially popular during the off-season when it rains intermittently. Typically, most Indian tourists choose short Maldives tour packages with 3 nights and 4 days , while some prefer a longer stay spanning 6 nights and 7 days.

All Maldives resorts are on their own island, with each island ranging from 2.5 km to just 150m. This means that the resort you choose for your Maldives tour package has a huge impact on your vacation experience. The facilities offered by the resort (restaurant, bar, entertainment, etc.) will likely be the only ones you will access throughout the stay.

Thankfully, there are over 160 island resorts to choose from, ranging from affordable to over the top luxurious. Some of the things you must consider include, distance from Male, the country’s capital city, the type of transfers available, and activities within the resort.

Some of The Things You Must Look for When Choosing Maldives Tour Package Include

• Resorts close to Male have shorter transfers, but may not be as quiet as you would expect. Resorts far from Male may seem remote but are quieter. Besides hotels offer seaplane transfer.
• Most islands only have one or two restaurants. If you’ve chosen a remote island resort, remember to pick resorts that offer a buffet rather than a set menu.
• While most activities are included in the package, remember to read the description to understand what’s included and what you’ll have to pay for extra.
• Read the description for entertainment options because not everyone offers discos or live music. If you love to party, this is important.
• Most dive centres are managed by third-party companies. Check with the tour operator about extra charges and what’s included in the package.
• While most resorts offer water sports like scuba diving and windsurfing, you must know if they’re included in the package.
• Resorts vary in size and the number of guests they can accommodate. Generally, expensive hotels have fewer rooms to ensure exclusivity and privacy. Besides, if the description reads that all rooms have a beachfront view, chances are, they will all have a beach before them and you won’t have to share it with other guests. Prices may vary depending on the distance between the rooms and the beach.
• If you’re choosing a beach hotel, read the description on the website clearly for the view. Some rooms are set back on the island, some are in the water, and some are on the beach. While most resorts are set on stilts, not all of them offer direct access to the ocean, i.e., you cannot step down into the sea and will have to walk to the beach if you fancy a swim.

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Travelling in Maldives | Food, Culture, Art, Craft & Entertainment

Maldives’ culture revolves around the sea and is influenced by the lifestyle of the Indians, Arabs, and Sri Lankans who migrated and later assimilated to create a unique melting pot. The country has a lot of Dravidian influences, with the Dhivehi language sounding similar to Sinhalese, the language of Sri Lanka. Interestingly, the locals are called Dhivehin, a word that could be traced back to the Tamil word theev or dheev, meaning island.

While the Maldivians were originally Buddhist, Islam became the only and of the country since the 12th century. Only Sunni Muslims are allowed to be a citizen and own land.

Cuisine and Food

Fish is an integral part of Maldivian cuisine and an important ingredient. Coconut oil and milk are other primary ingredients, although the style of cooking is influenced by the Arabs, Indians, and Sri Lankans. Some of the local food you can try include – Mas huni, Fihunu mas, garudhiya, etc. But if you’re not a fan of seafood, there are multiple restaurants serving food from around the world.

Since Islam is the primary religion, Maldivians celebrate all Islamic festivals, namely, Eid-Ul Fitr, Eid-Ul Adha, The Prophet’s Birthday, etc. Besides, they also celebrate the country’s national and republic day.

Art and Craft

Maldivians are master boat builders. They have perfected the art of making dhoni, a traditional boat that can withstand the rough conditions of the sea. Tourists can buy miniature dhonis as souvenirs besides lacquerware and coir products, handwoven mats, and carved stones.

Entertainment

While traditional music and dance have a strong influence on African, Arabian, and Indian influences, Bollywood music, especially old Hindi songs are famous across the island country. Bodu Beru or big drums is a traditional dance song that starts slow but builds a frenzy and is performed by a group of 15 to 20 men.

Maldives At a Glance

Best places to visit in maldives.

Maldives is an extraordinary nation with beauty following you wherever you go. The country has over 1200 islands, but only 200 are inhabited. While every island has its own charm and is worth visiting, it is practically impossible to cover all of them within your short vacation. We’ve listed 10 of the most visited islands you must not miss the next time you’re in Maldives:

This is the capital of Maldives and a great place to begin your Maldives tour package. The island is close to nearby attractions like Maafushi and Rasdhoo Islands. If you’re interested in exploring Maldivian culture and history, Male is a must-visit. Some of the local attractions here include – the Grand Friday Mosque, the Victory Monument, National Museum, etc.

But if you’re looking to lounge by the beach and explore the country’s marine life, we suggest you go to other islands. However, you can stay in Male, taking day trips to adjoining islands to enjoy scuba diving, dolphin watching, snorkelling, and other activities. Maldives tour packages that include day trips leaving from Male are comparatively affordable.

Nalaguraidhoo Island

Nalaguraidhoo Island is located on the South Ari Atoll and around sixty kilometres from Male International Airport. It is famous for its sunkissed beaches and is even popularly called Sun Island. The island is a famous honeymoon destination with picturesque landscapes, coconut trees, colourful marine life, and beautiful beaches. The island is home to some of the world’s famous beaches, including the Nalaguraidhoo Island Beach, providing a perfectly private atmosphere with its thick vegetation and powdery white sands. Some of the water sports you can enjoy here include canoeing, scuba diving, snorkelling, and kayaking.

And to make the trip even more interesting, you can take up nighttime fishing and even fry your own catch. But the highlight of the vacation has to be diving into the crystal clear waters to swim with manta rays, coral reefs, sea turtles, and other colorful fishes.

Maafushi Island

It is also a tourist-friendly destination with a designated Bikini Beach especially for tourists to swim or sunbathe in swimsuits. Unlike private resort islands, Maafushi is a lot cheaper thanks to the huge number of guesthouses that compete for business. You’ll definitely get a good price for your accommodation and activities. Some of the things you can do at Maafushi include – snorkeling, scuba diving, admiring the bioluminescent planktons, and planning a resort day trip to nearby islands.

Maafushi is a part of the Kaafu Atoll. It is one of the biggest and most tourist-oriented islands in the country with over 70 guest houses serving thousands of guests across the year. This is probably because the island is well connected to Male through speed boats and local ferries.

Hulhumale Island

Hulhumale is 7km from the airport and part of the North Male Atoll. The island is a sought-after destination among tourists thanks to its proximity to Male. There are plenty of accommodation options and activities to choose from for tourists. You could go swimming, kayaking, or simply lounge on the beach to soak up the sun. Hulhumale is a honeymooner’s paradise who comes here to enjoy a romantic time in seclusion.

Ukulhas Island

This is a fairly remote island about 70 kilometres from Male and can be reached via speedboat in 2 hours. Ukulhas is part of the Alif Alif Atoll and is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and lagoons. Accommodation options range from affordable guest houses and beach villas to water bungalows to suit different budgets.

The island is famous for its white sandy beaches and incredibly varied marine life with animals ranging from giant mantas and stingrays to zebra sharks, reef sharks, and colorful fish species.

Baros Island

Baros is around 16 kilometres from Male and can be reached via speedboat in 25 minutes. It is a part of the North Male Atoll and is famous for its water villas. Tourists prefer Baros Islands for its privacy and the luxury treatment accorded to guests. The island is famous for its white powdery beaches, including the Angsana and Vabbininfaru beaches. Some of the activities you can enjoy in Baros include snorkeling, diving, and canoeing. You can also visit the Marine Centre to help tourists learn more about the country’s conservation efforts.

Baros Island is a favourite destination for weddings and among honeymooners and the ultra-rich looking for some privacy.

Huvahendhoo Island

This is a perfect destination for family Maldives tour packages thanks to its custom-made attractions designed to accommodate families with kids. The island is famous for its resorts, water bungalows, beach villas, and other accommodations, besides an array of fine dining restaurants serving international cuisine.

Huvahendhoo is around 87 kilometres and can be reached via ferry or plane. There are plenty of activities you can take up in the island, including snorkelling. Reef fishing, and jet skiing.

Best Beaches in Maldives

The beaches in the Maldives are one of the cleanest in the world, famed for their turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and lush green landscapes. No wonder the country is a honeymooner’s paradise and an ideal place for destination weddings. Here’s a list of the best beaches in the country:

Hulhumale Beach

This is one of the most popular and most visited beaches in the Maldives, thanks to the multiple hotels and resorts around the area. Hulhumale is often a part of most Maldives tour packages because of its excellent weather and amazing range of water sports activities. But being a public beach, you will be expected to dress modestly.

Mudhdhoo Beach

Among other things, Mudhdhoo is famous for the bioluminescent planktons that illuminate the shores at night, giving you a surreal illusion of starry skies. The beach is part of the Baa Atoll and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. While Mudhdhoo is beautiful in the morning, the real magic starts as you experience the translucent blue glow that shimmers along the waves, gently lapping the shores.

Cocoa Beach

It is part of Como Cocoa, one of Maldives’ first luxury resorts. This beautiful beach is loved for its live coral reefs seen through crystal-clear waters. Don’t forget to take up scuba diving to experience the island’s coral reefs, colorful fishes, and blacktip sharks.

Vabbinfaru Beach

Vabbinfaru Beach is famous for its sandy white beaches, crystal clear waters, and nearby reefs. The beach is part of the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Island, known for its perfectly round shape. You can enjoy plenty of activities, including snorkeling, to experience the island’s marine life, including small sharks, pufferfish, and turtles.

If you’re looking for a secluded beach to spend some private time with family and friends, you must head to Reethi Rah. The coast stretches for over three and a half miles but provides over 12 secluded beach spots. You can book a villa with direct beach access to enjoy the sunset with only your loved ones for the company.

Thulusdhoo Beach

Thulusdhoo Island is an hour and half hour ferry ride away from Male, with resorts of various budgets. The beach is a haven for surfing enthusiasts, with some of the best surf breaks in Cokes Beach. Don’t miss the local street food stalls and restaurants on the beach. Some other activities you can enjoy here include snorkeling and night fishing.

Bikini Beach

While there are six bikini beaches (basically, beaches where you are allowed to wear a bikini) in Maldives, the one on Maafushi Island is loved for its Insta-worthy ambiance. Unlike private beaches on the pricier side, Bikini Beach is a public beach with beautiful white sands, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees.

Best Resorts in Maldives

With over 100 resorts interspersed over its numerous islands, choosing the best resort can be overwhelming. At GT Holidays, we select resorts that offer value for money and a wide range of cuisines that suit the Indian palate. Naturally, there must be plenty of water sports for adventure junkies. We have listed some for you:

Coco Bodu Hithi Resort

This resort on Bodu Hithu Island has been consistently reviewed positively on several websites, including Trip Advisor. It was even named among the Top Ten Best Resorts in the Maldives by The Telegraph. The resort has a laidback charm, making it ideal for long siestas soaking up the sun. There’s also a spa and a pool to make your vacation experience even more comfortable.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Resort

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is a private island resort offering much-needed privacy and exclusivity. This is a 4-star resort with hundreds of positive reviews on Trip Advisor and other social review sites. You can snorkel on the famous Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. You can enjoy plenty of activities within the resort, including kayaking, windsurfing, and catamaran riding.

Cocoon Maldives

This award-winning resort is situated on Ookolhufinolhu Island and is inspired by Italian design philosophy. You can choose from overwater and beach villas depending on your budget. Activities include whale shark sightings, sunset cruises, parasailing, and fishing.

South Palm Resort

South Palm is a sought-after resort with over 130 beachfront and overwater villas facing the Addu Atoll’s beautiful white sandy beaches. Activities include scuba diving and wellness spa treatments at the resort’s floating spa.

Oblu Select Sangeli

This is an all-inclusive 5-star resort offering a premium travel experience to discerning travelers. With their Serenity Plan, you can enjoy high-end dining, enjoy the numerous watersports and excursions, and celebrate with their selection of beverages, cocktails, and premium wines from over the world.

This 4-star all-inclusive resort on Maafushi Island promises a great experience with plenty of activities, great food, and a luxurious ambiance. With over 250 rooms, Riu isn’t as exclusive but offers plenty of unique experiences like swim-up bars, themed restaurants, and a wonderful view of the beach.

Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi

Adaaran Hudhuanfushi is situated on the North Male Atoll and is famous for its powdery white sands and pristine waters. Guests can choose from spa massages, watersports, massage therapies, wakeboarding, etc., or go to the gym to stay fit even during the vacation. Depending on your budget and travel preferences, you can choose from Garden Villas, Beach Villas, or Sunrise Ocean Villas.

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Top 10 Things to Do in Maldives

Naturally, if you’re in the Maldives, relaxing and sunbathing feature prominently on your list of things to do. But the island country has plenty of things to offer. Here is a list of things you can do besides lounging on the beach.

1. Sign Up for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

With over 90,000 square kilometers of ocean surrounding the island country, it’s hardly surprising that Maldives is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Almost every resort features reefs that are close enough for travelers to swim. Some popular fishes you can enjoy include butterfly fish, clownfish, angelfish, and parrotfish. You can also sign up for beginner and seasoned scuba diving lessons.

2. Explore The Country’s Culture and Islamic Heritage

With Islam being the only and primary religion in Maldives, it is no surprise that religion influences everyday aspects of life in the country. You cannot truly explore a place without understanding its local culture and food habits. Some places you must visit in the country include National Museum, Old Friday Mosque, Grand Friday Mosque, and the Male Local Market.

3. Enjoy Spa Sessions

With relaxation and comfort being the very essence of a Maldives vacation, it’s no surprise that spa massages are at the center of every Maldives holiday. Spa treatments at most resorts include a variety of massages, facial treatments, and other spa offerings. You can choose from overwater floating spas with gorgeous views or underwater spas surrounded by marine life.

4. Candlelight Dinners by The Beach

With private beaches promising exclusivity, candlelight dining is a part of every romantic Maldives vacation experience. Proposing your fiancé on the white sandy beaches overlooking turquoise waters is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You could also look for underwater restaurants offering a clear view of the reefs, colourful fishes, and manta rays.

5. Cruise Packages

Taking up day cruises is essential in most packages, allowing you to explore marine life and clear waters while lounging on a yacht touring the reefs and the surrounding ocean. This is an ideal activity for families and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

6. Day Trips

Planning day trips to nearby islands is another favorite activity, allowing you to explore the country and make the most of your vacation.

7. Adventure Sports

Maldives is a paradise for water-based adventure sports enthusiasts. You can swim with manta rays, go parasailing, and enjoy fishing, surfing, kayaking, wakeboarding, and even kitesurfing.

8. Shopping

Maldives is famous for its coconut shell-based handicrafts, miniature dhonis, and lacquer work. You can also buy handmade necklaces, bracelets, charms, and other items made using seashells, tree resin, and other locally available natural ingredients.

9. Enjoy On a Glowing Beach

At night, the shores along some of Maldives’ beaches are full of bioluminescence planktons that float in the area. Walking on the beach is safe and, in fact, a thrilling experience.

10. Helicopter Tour

An aerial tour of the different islands is the best way to experience the breathtaking beauty of the place and the stunning scenery of the clear lagoons, bright blue waters, and unique island designs.

Things To Remember in The Maldives

Indeed, Maldives is a beautiful and magical destination. But it is equally unique regarding culture, climate, and geography. Here are some of the things you must know before visiting the country:

It’s A Beautiful but Sinking Country

Almost all islands in the country are only 1 meter above sea level. By 2050, nearly 80% of the country could sink because of rising sea levels. When visiting the Maldives, remember to keep your experience eco-friendly. This includes choosing environmentally sustainable resorts, avoiding plastic, supporting coral restoration efforts, and keeping the beach clean by returning your trash after every beach outing. And do not take seashells back home – it’s illegal and negatively affects hermit crab habitats because they make these seashells their home.

Maldives Is an Islamic Country

Maldives is a conservative country with strict rules about food, alcohol, and clothing. For instance, you cannot consume alcohol publicly and are expected to dress modestly. Similarly, pork is banned in the country. And so are religious books and idols. Kissing and other public displays of affection are frowned upon and could even be considered offensive, leading to punitive action. Similarly, do not discuss LGBTQ issues openly with the locals, as this is sensitive.

Check If the Resort Allows Kids

Not all resorts are kid-friendly. So, make sure the resort has activities for kids before choosing Maldives tour packages. This is especially important when booking overwater villas.

Wi-Fi Connectivity Can Be Spotty

Almost all resorts advertise free Wi-Fi, but the signals could be weak and slow. You cannot expect the resorts to have the same connectivity as you would expect in a big city.

Not All Watersports Are Covered in All-Inclusive Packages

While most Maldives tour packages cover non-motorized activities like paddle boarding and canoeing, you must pay extra for jet skiing, catamaran sailing, and scuba diving. However, some resorts offer additional deals on activities like dolphin cruises, snorkeling, etc., if you choose to extend your stay by an extra night.

How To Reach Maldives?

The only way to reach the Maldives from India is by air. There are multiple flights from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad, and other major cities. Kochi is the closest city, with flights costing less than INR 6000. Some airlines operating flights to Maldives include Air India, IndiGo, and Spice Jet. You can also book tickets on international airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Sri Lankan Airlines.

Best Time to Visit Maldives

The ideal time to visit the Maldives would be from December to April when there’s little rain and low humidity. But a lot depends on what you’re expecting from the vacation.

• If you’re looking for the cheapest time to visit Maldives, look for Maldives tour packages during the wet season, i.e., from May to October. This is when hotel rates are substantially low, and even throw in great deals like free transfers, room upgrades, and free nights.
• If you’re interested in scuba diving, sign up for a vacation package during the dry season.
• If swimming with manta rays and whale sharks is on your bucket list in the Maldives, the best time to spot them would be August to November.

Why Book Maldives Tour Packages with GT Holidays

• Transparent pricing across all platforms. No confusion or hidden costs
• All-inclusive packages. No surprise expenses during the tour
• Guide and driver included in the tour price
• Comfortable AC coaches
• Best-quality hotels with high ratings on Google and other social review sites
• Guaranteed hassle-free experience
• Extra care to ensure you have access to delicious Indian meals
• Tours to match every budget, age group, and lifestyle

Maldives is an Islamic country, and tourists are requested to respect local laws that are followed strictly. For more information, we suggest you visit the official website of the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives .

View All Maldives Packages

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Luxury Escape at Cocoon Maldives

Maldives Blissful Family Getaway

Maldives Coastal Adventure Retreat

Meeru Island Resort Escape

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Paradise Island Resort Blissful Escapade

Seaside Bliss at Dhigufaru Resort

Seaside Serenity at Male Resort

Siyam World Maldives Resort Bliss

South Palm Resort Escape

Sun-kissed Retreat at Tulhagiri Resort

Tranquil Escape to Thulhagiri Island Resort

Tropical Beach Retreat

Tropical escape with coral reefs.

Tropical Haven at South Palm Resort

Tropical island escape bliss.

Vaadhoo Island Blissful Escapade

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Maldives Tour Packages from India (Maldives Trip Cost in Indian Rupees & Itinerary)

Snowy white beaches surrounded with turquoise lagoons and blue water of Indian Ocean along with a touch of greenery by the presence of palm trees make Maldives nothing less than a paradise.

If you are a traveller from India, thinking of taking a respite from the daily hustle bustle or searching for a place to visit this vacation, Maldivian Islands stand beautifully, welcoming to their unusual charm and breathtaking natural beauty.

Shimmering white beaches along the side of crystal clear water of Indian Ocean creates a soothing atmosphere to spend your holidays.

No matter what is the purpose of your trip, Maldives will pamper you in the best way possible. However, in order to enjoy and get the maximum of your trip choose from our all inclusive Maldives Tour Packages from India .

Maldives has become a favourite destination for travellers from all over the world, especially from India for its tranquil beaches. We at Maldives Tourism from Holidays DNA help you in planning and customizing your Maldives Package from India and make your trip a memorable one.

Why do Indians love Maldives for vacation?

Maldives presents a perfect holidaying option for Indian travellers of all age groups and interests. From a honeymoon trip to a beach or underwater wedding, from a family vacation to an adventure trip with your friends, Maldivian Islands have something for each and everyone.

Is Maldives located in India? Many tourists often think so. However, Maldives is an independent country located in the Indian ocean to the south west of India and Sri Lanka. Maldives is a cluster of more than 2000 small islands with almost 200 available for human delight.

These islands are further grouped in almost 26 atolls. The place has a unique charm and refreshing environment that is sure to rejuvenate the Indian vacationers in the best way possible. The presence of turquoise lagoons and coral reefs around the beaches with lush palm trees present a breathtaking setting to relax and enjoy your time.

The rich and exquisite marine life in the Indian Ocean make water sports all the more interesting. Excursions like sunset dolphin cruise and island hopping tours provide you with some beautiful private moments that will be like a boon for honeymooners and couples .

Even the restaurants and bars at Maldives pamper you with unique settings blending perfectly with nature outside and offer mouth watering delicacies as well as exotic drinks.

You have innumerous reasons to visit Maldives. You simply have to find a suitable time in your busy schedule. No you don’t have to plan a trip on the basis of environment, climate and other similar factors of the country as Maldives is an evergreen place in true sense. The sun kissed weather of Maldives is the same all round the year.

With our all inclusive Maldives packages from India, we provide you with multiple resort options to choose from. These resorts in the Maldives provide you with ample of facilities like swimming pool, gym, diving centres, sports centre and children’s activity centre.

Maldives Trip Cost from India

Many more budget, economy & luxury Maldives holiday packages from India are readily available. Simply update us with your requirements and we will call you back. Hurry submit the Enquiry form right away!

Why Book with Us?

There are many aspects of a trip that need to be considered before you set your foot in place of your choice. From the resort or hotel for staying, the activities you want to get involved in to the sightseeing places that you might want to visit, you have to decide each and every aspect well in advance.

We at Maldives Tourism from Holidays DNA provide you with the detailed information on all the aspects of Maldives and let you make an informed decision while designing your custom India to Maldives tour package. 

We suggest the best possible option and customize your Maldives Package from India, based on your budget and preferences. With our genuine and up to date information, you can plan your Maldives trip well in advance. Though the atmosphere is mostly soothing, there are many exciting things to do in the Maldives as well for you to get entertained. 

Maldivian Islands boast of few of the best diving sites in the world. So diving is a must while holidaying in Maldives. Some of the other options we provide with our India to Maldives Holiday Packages are snorkeling, water skiing, sailing trips, fishing trips, excursions and cruises like sunset and sunrise cruises that are exceptionally romantic.

Resort & Hotels options with Maldives Tour Packages from India

If you wish to rediscover yourself in a serene environment, no other place can be better than the Republic of Maldives. If you wish to enjoy the luxuries of life, Maldives offers the best in the world with its amazing over water villas and beach bungalows with Jacuzzi and a private pool.

The kind of hospitality the country offers is unmatchable. Maldives has some of the finest hotels and resorts which certainly are an attraction for the tourists from India. The tourism industry of Maldives is one of the biggest revenue earners of the economy. So you can expect the best services in the country.

If you are looking for the best accommodation options in this country of dreams, you have landed in just the right place. Our Maldives holidays packages from India offer the best accommodation options of the country at the most affordable prices. We offer the packages for both budget travellers and as well as luxury travellers from India.

Looking for something decent and within a budget, Maldives does have budget hotels that promise comfort and relaxation for Indian visitors. However, if you don’t mind shelling out money and would like to have the ultimate luxurious experience, you have luxury over water villas in the Maldives for you.

These luxury resorts and hotels pamper the Indian travellers with the best of facilities and modern amenities that will enhance your Maldives experience for sure. Most of the beach facing bungalows are very spacious, if you are traveling with family or children. If you are on your honeymoon there are resorts offering you the romantic honeymoon suites as well. 

Facilities offered include swimming pools, spas, gyms, yoga centres, water sports centres and diving centres. And some of the room amenities that are offered by most of the hotels include mini bars, espresso machines, ironing facilities, entertainment facilities such as satellite TV and music systems, etc.

Water Sport Activities to do in the Maldives for Indian Tourists

No doubt Maldivian Island offers an amazing holidaying option for tourists of India. However, apart from a soothing environment and beautiful natural settings, what makes holidaying here even more special are the numerous options of water sports in the Maldives .

The island promises excitement and thrill of water sport activities along with a calm and relaxed vacation. You will have umpteen numbers of options of water sports in Maldives to try out and entertain yourself.

The island has a favourable environment and suitable conditions and required facilities for water sport activities. For instance, the water here has high visibility which is very crucial for many of the water sports. The visibility of the water is up to 15 – 40 metres (50 – 130 feet).

The temperature of water is also mostly moderate. It is usually 24°C (75°F) in February and July to 27°C (81°F) in April, May and September. Along with these, most of the resorts and hotels on the island offer excellent facilities like sports centres, expert trainers and guides assisting you throughout the sport.

The exquisite marine life makes sports like snorkelling and scuba diving all the more special and exciting for Indian tourists. There are more than 70 different species of colourful coral reefs and more than 700 species of fishes and other aquatic creatures found in the Ocean.

You can spot marine creatures like Napoleon wrasse, parrotfish, snappers, barracudas, jacks, sweetlips, hammerheads, grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, eagle rays, manta rays, turtles, frogfish, triggerfish, surgeonfish and trevallies.

The coral gardens too will captivate you with their exceptional beauty. The island offers some of the best dive sites in the world. Some of these are Lion’s Head, Kudu Haa, Girifushi Thila, Middle Point, Nassimo Thila, Okobe Thila, Sunlight Thila, Maldives Victory and Banana Reef.

Surfing is also one of the popular water sports amongst visitors. The island offers few good surf breaks, especially in North Male and South Male atoll. The average size of reef breakers is 4-5 feet and it rises up to 8-10 feet during the surf monsoon. The best time to go surfing is between the months of May and October.

Non-swimmers can go parasailing and have a wonderful view of the island and its striking natural setting. Going for catamaran sailing can also be interesting and relaxing. For relaxed time with family, you can go for dolphin sunset cruise and whale watching tour, while enjoying the serenity of the surrounding and admire few of the most beautiful creations of the water world.

Fishing is also popular among Indian tourists. You can go for morning fishing, big games fishing and night fishing or for fishing trips. Water skiing is also sure to attract you. You will have various speedboats and water skis available for rent making it easier for you to try the sport.

Some of the other sports that you can go for are wake-boarding, knee boarding, banana riding, speed boating, fun tubes, mono skiing, kite surfing, glass bottom boat and jet skiing. You can either include all these water sport activities with your Maldives holiday package from India while you book your package or opt them at the resort after your arrival in the Maldives.

Bollywood & Maldives

Maldivian people have an affinity for the Indian culture. North Indian traditions are liked by most Maldivians. Indian films, music and dance have a great fan following in Maldives.

Bollywood films and songs are something that Maldivians are very fond of. Be it Ranbir Kapoor or the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood stars have a good number of audience spread in different parts of the Maldivian Islands.

Albums of the legendary singers like Mohammad Rafi, Asha Bhonsle and Lata Mangeshkar are on the list of top selling albums of the country. Actually they are the all time favorites.

The love that Bollywood stars get from Maldivians encourages them to visit the place for shooting and show performances. This in turn adds to the tourism of the place. Besides Bollywood, the Maldivian film industry also provides entertainment for the people.

The people of Maldives have a high regard for music. The favorite musical instrument of the people of Maldives is Bulbul. Bulbul is a horizontal accordion which is used while playing devotional songs.

Availability of Indian Cuisine on your India to Maldives Trip

Maldivian culture has a great influence on the cuisine of the country. Maldivian cuisine also contains the influences of Sri Lankan and Indian food and dishes. Cuisine of Maldives reflects the diverse and cosmopolitan nature of the land.

Food of Maldives retains all the tastes and traits of its predominant Muslim identity. Maldives acknowledges the influence of the varied abundance of Indian and global cuisines.

Since a majority of the tourist population in the Maldives includes Indians, many resorts have a dedicated Indian restaurant serving Indian cuisine. There are many food options for Vegetarians as well as Non vegetarians. Some of the famous Indian dishes such as paratha , dosa , poha , naan , biryani , paneer , dal and raita can be easily found in the majority of resorts. 

The taste of various foods in Maldives is a wonderful experience. Although there are a variety of ingredients, traditional Maldives Cuisine is mainly based on three main items: coconuts, fish and rice or other starchy items. Delicious sea foods are the trademark of Maldives.

Seafood cooked in different ways using different ingredients is a nice experience. The most favorite fish in Maldives is skipjack Tuna, either dried or fresh. Other favorite fishes are little tuna, yellowfin tuna, frigate tuna, bigeye scad or ‘mushimas’, wahoo or kuruma and Mahi-mahi or fiyala. These are generally taken in boiled or processed form. These dishes are sold in the beach side food joints or in local eateries.

Rice is another popular food here. Rice and curry are the favorite food of Maldivians. Maldives cuisine’s have an exotic combination of flavours ranging from sweet to hot, spicy and mild dishes. Since Rice is a staple food of Indians as well, a humble rice and curry along with roti will make your lunch and dinner complete.

Desserts containing tropical fruits are also a major attraction of this place. Maldives cuisine also includes local wines and western beverages. In Maldives one can enjoy the perfect delicious cuisine. Maldivian cuisine is one of the significant attractions of this place.

A perfectly planned trip promises a great vacation that is worth cherishing. So what are you waiting for? Just decide your vacation and plan it exactly as you wish it to be. With our Maldives Packages from India by your side it is very much possible to have your dream holiday.

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

Maldivian president muizzu to visit india 'very soon', says spokesperson.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu will visit India soon, as announced by his spokesperson. This comes after two junior ministers resigned for derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Muizzu's relationship with India has been strained since he took office, but recent talks aim to strengthen ties between the two nations.

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