A dream trip to The Maldives doesn’t have to break the bank. Most people think of luxurious resorts and overwater villas when they fantasize about a Maldives vacation, but the truth is that you can visit the Maldives on a budget – and have an amazing time!
When we planned our budget trip to the Maldives, we visited local islands across the country. Local islands in the Maldives have guesthouses and little inns offering exceptional service, stunning excursions and delicious food. It’s not as luxurious, of course, but you’ll love the local experience and the natural beauty of the Maldives.
Plus, your entire budget trip to the Maldives will cost a fraction of the money you might spend at a resort. This is my complete guide to planning your own budget trip to the Maldives – based on my own experiences!
How to Plan Your Maldives on a Budget Trip
One of the most challenging parts about visiting the Maldives on a budget is the lack of information. When I first planned my Maldives budget trip, I was shocked to find there was so little information out there about transit, hotels, excursions… you name it!
My complete guide to planning your own budget trip to the Maldives includes all of my learning lessons and best tips – so you can experience this beautiful country yourself!
What to Expect: Maldives on a Budget
Visiting the Maldives on a budget and visiting a resort in the Maldives is a completely different experience. Before planning your budget trip to the Maldives, consider if this is the right trip for you.
For example, on your budget trip to the Maldives, you’ll likely have more modest rooms and more modest meals – but you’ll still be able to experience the pristine nature that makes the Maldives so special. If you’re seeking out that luxury experience, though, and you truly dream about overwater villas, visiting the Maldives on a budget is not for you.
One important factor to keep in mind: The Maldives is an Islamic state operating under sharia law. Every citizen in the Maldives is Muslim. Furthermore, when you enter the country, you’ll 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.”
It doesn’t just impact imports, though. On local islands, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees when walking around in public to respect the locals. The degree of strictness will vary depending on the island.
Additionally, in the Maldives, the “weekend” is Friday and Saturday. On Friday, in particular, Maldivians rest and spend time with family. That means on Fridays, most restaurants are closed – and ferries do not operate. This is important because transport in the Maldives – particularly budget transport – is really tough. Let me explain.
Another critical note if you’re planning to visit the Maldives on a budget: most hotels will take card payments (double check with yours prior to arriving!), but if you plan on visiting local shops or restaurants, you will more than likely have to pay in cash.
Normally, I’d recommend withdrawing money from the ATM at the airport. However, after having been scammed there (the ATM took out money without giving me any in return!), I’d now recommend bringing some cash to exchange at one of the desks. You won’t need much – maybe a couple hundred to cover food, unless you plan to eat at your guesthouse.
Guesthouses will take credit cars, but they also charge 3% to 4% for the transaction. In addition, you may need to cover taxes and fees in cash.
Transport in the Maldives
Transport in the Maldives is a long, extensive topic – and I’ve covered it in depth in a different blog post which you can read here.
When traveling the Maldives on a budget, you’ll be looking at three primary options. First, local ferries (which operate within an atoll, or group of islands). Second, local speedboats (which operate between atolls). Third, local flights (which fly to the capital of each atoll).
When you’re visiting local islands in the Maldives, you’ll have the option to take a local ferry or a local speedboat.
A local ferry operates within the atoll, or group of islands, and often costs $1 USD to $2 USD, depending on the boat and the distance. Budget travellers, this is perhaps your best option to keep costs as low as possible.
These local ferries are traditional boats and run extremely slow. However, as I learned during my trips to the Maldives, local ferries within the atoll are not always reliable. Oftentimes, in our experience, they were cancelled or moved to different dates, especially outside of the Northern Male Atoll (where the airport is located).
Alternatively, local speed boats operate in the Maldives. Local speed boats are the most affordable way to get between atolls, and you’ll often be riding with locals alone.
The price tag for these is much higher – usually $40 USD if you’re going a longer distance – and they operate on a regular, reliable and consistent schedule. Speedboats, as the name implies, get you to your destination much faster. For example: from the airport to Baa Atoll’s capital island, Dharavandhoo, is two hours by boat.
However, speedboats can be tricky because schedules aren’t really posted and schedules may change, depending on the location. I’d recommend speaking with your accommodations about your options when arriving and departing. The guesthouses often have the most up-to-date information.
Alternatively, you can take local flights between the islands. This is one of the more pricier options, but many people who get seasick will opt to spend a little more to save the pain.
If you’re visiting one of the local islands in the atoll, flying into the local airport can cut down on transport times and costs, even if you’ll need to take a local ferry or speedboat after.
Popular regional airlines include Maldivian Airlines and Manta Air. These local flights will be significantly cheaper than seaplane flights, with an average cost of between $150 to $550, depending on your destination.
Where to Stay in the Maldives on a Budget
One of the most prohibitive costs for most people looking to visit the Maldives? The high price tag for overwater villas and beach bungalows. Spending thousands and thousands of dollars on premium rooms in the Maldives isn’t realistic for many people.
Enter: the local Maldives islands (you can find a full list of my favorites here).
On the local Maldives islands, you can stay at a guesthouse or inn for a fraction of the price. Most guesthouses will range from $20 to $70 a night and offer comfortable beds, mid-sized rooms and modest breakfasts. Some local islands even have affordable luxury concepts with higher-end amenities and rooms.
So how do you find these hotels? And how do you pick what islands to visit?
First, consider how much time you have. Getting around in the Maldives takes time, so if you only have one week, consider sticking to one or two islands in the same atoll to minimize time spent commuting. Most people who are budget travelling the Maldives will stick to the Northern Male Atoll if they have less time – which is fine, and will reduce transport costs.
However, the Maldives has so much to offer – and some of the other atolls will provide so much rich marine life.
However, if you have two weeks or more, think about going further out to see more of the Maldives. I personally love Baa Atoll or Alif Alif Atoll, both of which are roughly 2 hours by boat. However, both of these areas are famous for spotting whale sharks and manta rays. In my opinion, taking the time to visit areas further from the airport really, truly pays off.
How to Find Budget Accommodations
I’d recommend picking an atoll to visit, researching the local islands on the atoll, and zooming into Google Maps to find the guesthouses – and going from there. This gives you a good idea of location and size of the island. In my experience, this was the best way to find local islands in the Maldives. It also helped orient me and understand what it would take to move around the Maldives.
In addition, I also did a lot of research on Instagram to figure out how each guest house looked and what they offered. This helps give you better perspective on how each island looks, too.
There were so many places we adored on our Maldives on a budget trip. We absolutely loved our stay at Dhoani Maldives Guesthouse on Kendhoo in Baa Atoll. Biosphere Inn on Dharavandhoo is amazing, as well. You can find a list of my favorite budget accommodations in the Maldives here.
What to Do in the Maldives (For Cheap!)
Traveling the Maldives on a budget has one big perk: you save so much money on accommodations, you’re able to experience the beauty of the Maldives with excursions!
The best things to do in the Maldives on a budget will depend on your own personal budget and where you are staying. For example, in Baa Atoll, big game fishing is one of the best things to do. However, it can be an expensive excursion compared to others. In most cases, your hotel will have a list of excursions upon arrival.
In general, I’d recommend the following excursions in the Maldives:
- Visiting a sandbank
- Snorkeling at the local reefs
- Heading out to spot manta rays or whale sharks, if it’s an option
- Dolphin cruise (there are SO MANY dolphins!)
- Fishing
See what your guesthouse or hotel offers, and pick what sounds best to you!
Understanding Maldivian Taxes
If you’re traveling to the Maldives, chances are you’ll be faced with (sometimes surprising) Maldivian taxes. No matter if you’re visiting a resort or a local guesthouse, you’ll be faced with the following taxes:
- As of 2025, the Green Tax (a daily fee) will be USD$12 and USD$6 for resorts with less than 50 rooms.
- Goods and Services tax (T-GST) is 17% starting in 2025
- As of 2024, departure taxes for the Maldives are rising – but these are included in your airfare.
Oftentimes, these taxes add up to an additional 20% or more on your trip!
However, there’s good news: many guesthouses will include taxes in the price nowadays to avoid unpleasant surprises. For example, at all our guesthouses, excursion costs included taxes. That’s why I recommend bringing some extra cash to cover these costs (USD or local currency both work).
Packing for the Maldives on a Budget
With year-round warm weather and stunning snorkeling, the Maldives requires a specific packing list. Because the Maldives is so remote, you’ll need to bring everything you need with you.
There are very few stores with a wide variety of sunscreens or conditioners if you end up forgetting yours, unfortunately. There’s even fewer stores with clothing essentials, too.
That’s why I recommend packing everything you need before you arrive. Find my full packing guide here.
Best Time of Year to Visit the Maldives
The Maldives weather is, for the most part, misunderstood by tourists when they visit. Find my full blog post explaining the seasons here.
Traditionally, the best time of year to visit the Maldives is December to April, during their “summertime,” or dry season. During these months, expect eight plus hours of pure sunshine, temperatures north of 30 C (86 F) and stunning, crystal-clear waters. During this time, guesthouses may be 20% more expensive due to peak season and high demand.
However, during our recent trip to the Maldives in December, three of our eight days were stormy. When we asked Maldivian locals about this, they said that in recent years, due to climate change, there are now fewer and fewer months with no rainfall.
In the past, traveling to the Maldives between December and April all but guaranteed you uninterrupted sunshine. However, these days, it’s more than likely that visitors during this peak season will see at least one day of rainfall – or more.
If you’re looking for a budget trip to the Maldives, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (November or April) or the off season (May, June or July) for cheaper airfare and lower guesthouses costs.
No matter what time of year you pick for your trip, rest assured: it will be hot. The Maldives is hot year-round!
Samantha Tatro is a Czech-American third culture kid who grew up living and traveling abroad. Many years later, after living in California and working as a journalist, she decided to take the leap and move abroad again…this time to Prague, Czech Republic. Samantha started Undiscovered Path Home to help couples and solo female travelers find the courage to visit countries – and locations – off the beaten path. Her work has appeared in Bon Appetit, NBC News, The Adecco Group, and more.
