Prices in the Maldives - how much does a holiday on the islands cost

Cost of flights, hotels, transfers, food and entertainment in the Maldives.

The Maldives can be completely different: inexpensive and authentic on local islands, or luxurious on fashionable resorts. In many ways, the cost of your vacation will be determined by the season. But, in addition to the time of year, Maldivian prices depend on the type of accommodation, activities, excursions, air travel.

A budget trip to the Maldives will cost from $1,200 for two, a vacation in good hotels - up to $5,000, and a luxury vacation in elite hotels - $10,000 and up. Let's take a closer look at each expense item.

Holidays in Maldives | Canareef Resort Maldives

Cost of Maldives: Budget, Mid-Range and Luxury

The cost of a single room is usually higher than a double room, family room or villa. You can travel to the Maldives alone, but for most, it is an experience best shared with your significant other or the whole family.

• Budget: $1200 - $2500 per week will cover the cost of inexpensive guest houses and local cafes.
• Average level: $3000 - $4500 per week, enough for a vacation in mid-level resorts and a few excursions.
• Suite: $5,000 to $10,000 for a night at a luxury resort with private dining, world-class water activities and all-inclusive vacations.

Resort Hotel in Maldives | LUX* North Male Atoll

Cost of Maldives: High Season and Off-Season

The peak season runs from December to March, and the shoulder season runs from April to November.

During the high season, you can enjoy sunny days and perfect weather for exploring marine life. But prices go up during this period. Traveling in the off-season offers lower prices and fewer tourists. But you will have to deal with rain from time to time, and the ocean may not be as pleasing with its crystal clearness.

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Cost of flights to Maldives

The most "changeable" item of expenses for a Maldivian vacation is the cost of the flight. You can catch a cheap flight, especially if you book in time or if there are promotions. Or you can overpay more than a thousand dollars for a trip for two if you fly in the high season. Prices "bite" especially closer to the New Year holidays. Also, the cost of the flight depends on whether you fly a direct flight or make a transfer in one of the hubs.

Among the hubs where you should look for a connecting flight, you can note:

• Qatar (Doha, DOH): Qatar Airways.
• Dubai (DXB): Emirates, Flydubai.
• Abu Dhabi (AUH): Etihad Airways.
• Istanbul (IST): Turkish Airlines.
• Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Malaysia Airlines.
• Singapore (SIN): Singapore Airlines.
• Paris (CDG).

Examples of flight prices to Male

Europe - from Paris, London :

• Low season (April-May, September-October): from 700 euros round trip.
• High season (November-March): from 1200 euros round trip.

Turkish Airlines, Flydubai:

• Low season (April-May, September-October): from 480 euros round trip.
• High season (November-March): from 880 euros round trip.

USA - from New York (JFK) :

Emirates:

• Low season (April-May, September-October): from $950 round trip.
• High season (November-March): from $1,500 round trip.

Qatar Airways:

• Low season (April-May, September-October): from $900 round trip.
• High season (November-March): from $1,450 roundtrip.

From the Middle East - Dubai (DXB) :

Emirates:

• Low season (April-May, September-October): from $250 round trip.
• High season (November-March): from $450 round trip.

Flydubai:

• Low season (April-May, September-October): from $200 round trip.
• High season (November-March): from $400 round trip.

From Abu Dhabi (AUH) :

Etihad Airways:

• Low season (April-May, September-October): from $280 round trip.
• High season (November-March): from $480 round trip.

Asad Photo Maldives

Transfer to resorts

Most international flights land in Male. However, you will most likely need to travel to another island, as tourist hotels are located outside the capital of the Maldives. Depending on the distance, transfer to your hotel can be by ferry, speedboat, yacht, seaplane and domestic airlines.

• Seaplanes: Around $500 roundtrip. This type of transfer is only used for private islands and remote areas of the Maldives.
• Speedboats: $25 to $500 depending on distance.
• Ferries: These only operate between local islands. Prices usually range from $1 to $10, so they are a great budget option. However, the journey takes a long time, although for those islands near Male, they are a convenient choice.

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Accommodation prices in the Maldives

It is generally accepted that the Maldives is a very expensive destination, accessible only to wealthy tourists. Previously, vacations on paradise islands were offered only by fashionable resorts. However, the situation began to change when local residents of local islands were allowed to open guesthouses.

• Budget accommodation can be found for $30 - $150 per night per room. Prices vary depending on the season, type of accommodation and amenities.
• Mid-Range Resort: $200 - $600 - For this price you can get a beachfront bungalow, pool access, and even meals.
• Luxury resort: $800 - $1500 with private pools and high-end service.
• Ultra-Luxury Resort: $6,000+ Some of the most exclusive resorts in the Maldives, such as Soneva Jani , are located in Baa Atoll. Soneva Fushi in Baa Atoll , for example, offers 24-hour service, villas with retractable roofs, butler service, extraordinary dining experiences and unique activities for an exclusive Maldives vacation.

Soneva Fushi

Cost of food in the Maldives

There is almost no all-inclusive system in the Maldives. Resorts that offer this type of food are usually quite expensive. Alcoholic drinks are usually not included in the package or can be included for an additional fee. On the resort islands, you are limited to the choice of hotel restaurants, so the cost of food and entertainment can make up a significant part of your travel budget. It is more profitable to book a board-type meal plan in advance than to buy everything on site at a restaurant.

Here are the food prices you can expect during your trip to the Maldives:

• Budget options - suitable only for those who have chosen local islands. This is where you can find inexpensive local cafes. Of course, food is sold in supermarkets, but the choice is small, and the cost of products is comparable to prices in local cafes. In guest houses, lunch will cost approximately $ 5 - $ 15. These are also the prices for street food. If this is your choice, do not miss the opportunity to try authentic local dishes.
• Mid-range hotels or restaurants offer meals that average between $30 and $90 for lunch or dinner, depending on the resort. Some hotels may charge $30 for a salad, while others will charge $60 to $70 for a full day of meals. Resorts also often offer a combination of buffet and à la carte options.
• Luxurious menu items at upscale resorts can cost upwards of $90, with gourmet dining and themed dinners available.

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Prices for entertainment in the Maldives

Many resort activities are included in the room rate. Resorts may organize theme dinners and beach movie nights, or rent out water activity equipment for free. And guest houses often organize local cultural events, beach barbecues, or free island tours.

Average prices for entertainment at Maldives resorts :

• Live music and performances. At resorts - included in the room rate, on local islands free or $5 - $10.
• Movie screenings on the beach. On resort islands - included in the room rate, on local islands $5 - $15.
• Yoga and fitness classes. At resorts - free or included. On local islands - $5 - $15, but some guest houses may offer free leisure of this kind.
• Kayaking and paddleboarding are complimentary at most resorts. Guest houses provide complimentary access to non-motorized water sports.
• Sunset cruises cost between $50 and $150 per person.
• Scuba Diving Tours

Kayaking in the Maldives | Lily Beach Resort & Spa

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is available for between $30 and $100 per person, depending on where you book. Guesthouses are cheaper than premium resorts. Premium option: Many resorts offer complimentary snorkel gear and access to house reefs, but organized tours usually cost extra, ranging from $50 to $120 per person for guided excursions.

Budget option: Guest houses often provide free snorkeling masks and fins or excursions for $30 to $60.

You can enjoy dives starting from $50 per dive at local dive centers, or purchase premium packages ranging from $100 to $200 (often including gear).

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Diving

• Premium option: High-end resorts charge $150 to $200 per dive, including equipment. Premium dives, such as full-day dives with a private instructor (from $325), night dives, or manta ray dives, can be pricey.
• Budget option: Guest houses in cooperation with local diving clubs offer dives at a lower price: from $50, including equipment.

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Internet in Maldives

Wi-Fi in hotels and resorts may be free, but may cost $30 per day. Sometimes the resort has internet, but in the room it may not be there or it may cost extra. Local SIM card (Dhiraagu/Ooredu) - $15-$30 for 5-30 GB.

Tips: How to Make a Trip to the Maldives More Budget-Friendly

1. Go to the Maldives in the off-season to cut down on travel costs. This way you can save 30-50% on accommodation and flights.
2. Guesthouses are often five times cheaper than resorts. Plus, local islands offer a more authentic experience. For example, Maafushi or Dhigurah offer many accommodation options and easy access to excursions.
3. Eat out of the resort restaurants as they are much more expensive than local eateries. This can significantly reduce the cost of your Maldives holiday.
4. Choose a resort to your liking if you want a vacation at a paradise resort. Check in advance what is included in the stated price, make sure that you will not have additional payments or that you are aware of all upcoming payments. All the nuances can be clarified in the online chat on Wiotto.

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