Visiting the Maldives is one of the top travel destinations but I never had it on my radar, because I thought it was too expensive. Happy to tell you, you can travel to the Maldives ON. A. BUDGET. Did you know that you can stay on a local island for a sliver of what you would spend for a private resort? This guide is going to help you plan your dream vacation while still being able to experience all that the Maldives has to offer.
Things to know:
Muslim Country
Currency is Maldivian rufiyaa but widely excepts USD under the following conditions: must be crisp with no rips or tears.
Should dress modestly while out in public
Has designated bikini beaches
No alcohol allowed on local islands
Which Island to Stay on:
There are close to 1200 islands spread across 26 atolls in the Maldives. There are both local islands (boutique hotels) or private islands (over-water bungalows). As much as one would like to stay at a private all-inclusive resort, many can not afford it. The local islands offer boutique hotels that can range between $65-150 a night. What island to stay on is going to depend on what you would like to experience or what excursion you would like to do. Time permitting, I would recommend island hopping to experience 2-3 different islands.
Island Recommendations:
Video of the Top 5 local Maldivian Islands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20xyj1DnM7c&t=405s
Arriving and departing Male airport: I didn't know this until I had arrived but you will need to complete an online Travel Declaration, which can be done within 96 hours of arrival/departure.
How to get to your accommodation from Male airport:
Speedboat transfer (popular option) - This is a shared transfer and can be arranged by your hotel. Setting up the transfer through your hotel will be more affordable (Trust me, I've looked).There are only two departures daily, so plan accordingly.
Male to Maafushi:
Cost: $25 USD each way (based on hotel quote)
Duration: 30 min
Male to Dhigurah:
Cost: $56 USD each way (based on hotel quote)
Duration: 2 hours
Local Ferry - This is going to be the more affordable option but it will also be the option that takes the longest. Literally, at a snails pace. Local ferries do not operate on Fridays.
Seaplane - This is going to be the more expensive option and you may still have to transfer to a speedboat depending on which island you're visiting. Cost: $300-$400 USD
Helpful tip: If traveling to your destination by boat, take a Dramamine (sea sickness medicine).
Where to Stay Your Last Night in the Maldives:
I would recommend staying on Male or Hulhumale the night before your departure. Water conditions can be unpredictable and this will assure you get to the airport on time. At my time of visit, there was no air conditioning at the airport, so wear breathable clothing. You will also be allowed to bring bottled water through security, so no need to throw it out. They are currently in the process of completing their international terminal, so hopefully airport conditions will be better by the time you visit.
Helpful tip: If your hotel provides airport transfer, go to the information booth near the waiting area at the airport and they will contact your hotel for them to pick you up.
My stay on Maafushi
Many people visit Maafushi for their affordable excursions. I would recommend staying no more than 1-2 days here. After you have arrived, you will pass by several excursion stands on the way to your accommodation. I would suggest checking prices with your hotel first. They tend to be more affordable and they often partner with some of these vendors anyway.
Where I stayed: Arena Hotel (I would stay here again)
Cost: $234 USD for 2 nights (breakfast included)
Where I ate:
Mr. Octopus - I came for the octopus but they didn't have any, so I opted for the tuna steak.
Hiyala Mariyaadhu Cafe -
Moonlight - This restaurant was my fave and is a total vibe.
Excursions:
Cost: $55 USD for Half Day + $10 USD for equipment (snorkel and fins) and optional $15 USD for any drone shots and photos, which I recommend you do.
Included: Dolphin watching (not guaranteed), shark snorkeling, sting ray encounter on Fulidhoo, and lunch on a sandbank
My Stay on Dhigurah
Dhigurah, the long island, is known for it's pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. If you would like to snorkel with the whale sharks, then this is the place. You can do whale shark excursions from other islands but it's more affordable to do it here since this is where they live.
Where I stayed: TME Retreats (I would stay here again) I chose this hotel due to it's close proximity to the bikini beach.
Cost: $507.00 for 4 nights (breakfast included)
Hotel recommendations:
Where I ate:
Dune Cafe
Cost: $-$$
Cost: $$-$$$
Visiting the Sandbar
How to get to the sandbar:
40min walk
Hire a bike - $8 USD full day
Have your hotel drive you - $6 USD each way
I chose to hire a bike, which was great going but after some time soaking up the rays, it was a trek to get back. Trust me, it's not worth the trouble to bike. At low tide, it is possible to walk all the way across but it is advised against it since there is a private island at the other end.
Whale Shark Snorkeling
Cost: $55 USD (The hotel partnered with Island Divers)
I did some of the best snorkeling on this trip. I literally saw every Maldivian fish on the poster. I ended up doing this excursion twice since on the first attempt we didn't see any whale sharks. On the second go, the crew was determined to find us some whale sharks. They went well outside of our sailing zone and with a little luck, we came across three whale sharks. However, I had a rough go of it though with my snorkel gear. On the first jump, I lost my fin. Second jump, my mask started to take in water but the third was successful.
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