The Maldives It may not be the cheapest vacation destination in the world, but it's possible to reduce what you spend with smart planning and a little compromise.
For example, staying in an overwater villa (seriously overrated, by the way!) will cost more than a beach villa, and if you're drinking alcohol, consider saving a few 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$300-2,000+ per night on a bed and breakfast basis (opting for all-inclusive packages will typically result in a minimum rate increase of around 30%).
- One way by seaplane from Male: US$250 to US$400
- Regular return flight from Malé with a national airline: US$150 to US$550
- Glass of wine (if not included in the package) on a resort island: US$10+
- Scuba diving with a tank in a resort: 100 to 200 US$
- 4-day PADI Basic Scuba Diving Qualification: US$400-700
- Rate per night for a guesthouse on a local island: US$30 to US$60
- Dining out on a local island: US$7 to US$20
Fly via the Middle East or India
Most visitors to the Maldives prefer to take a direct flight to Male, which means that the few airlines that offer direct long-haul flights can afford to charge exorbitant airfares (you'll be lucky to get direct round-trip flights from North America for less than $1 US$500). One way to reduce costs is to fly via transportation hubs such as those of Middle East. Airlines flying to Male include Etihad, Emirates And Qatar Airwayspassing through Abu Dhabi, Dubai Or Doha. A growing number of Indian airlines also operate routes between Male and cities such as Bombay And Delhiso it is also worth considering transiting through India and continuing to Male with an Indian airline such as Vistara Or Indigo.
Traveling out of season
Visit the Maldives during off-peak monsoon season, between May and November, can mean serious savings. While there isn't really a bad time to visit the Maldives, keen divers and snorkelers should note that the seas can be slightly rougher and cloudier during the monsoon season. However, diving is possible here all year round, and these months also prove to be the best times for surf sessions – several resorts, including Laamu of the Six Sensesnow have surf schools.
Swap the seaplane for a speedboat
There are many variations in the cost of seaplane flights, but a one-way ticket generally costs a minimum of $250, with prices reaching up to $400. However, many beach resorts can be reached within a few minutes by boat from Male Airport. Free boat transfers – usually on yacht-style vessels with comfortable seating and fridges stocked with cold drinks – will always be included in the price.
If your resort is not accessible by speedboat, find out if there is a domestic airport nearby. The Maldives has 13 domestic airports, so even if you're staying at one of the country's more isolated properties, you'll likely be able to access it with a combination of scheduled flights (which are much cheaper than seaplane travel) and short flights. free speedboat rides.
Opt for a larger island with more accommodation choices
In the Maldives, bigger is often better, especially in terms of value for money. Smaller resorts with only 15 or 20 overwater villas will book up much earlier, and their perceived exclusivity will often result in higher prices. Choose a larger resort, like World Siyamwhich is one of the largest, with over 472 villas and 21 accommodation categories, and you'll have a greater choice of accommodation, from decadent overwater villas to more affordable one-bedroom beach cottages.
Choose a beach villa instead of an overwater villa
The Maldives are famous for their overwater villas, but the huge demand for this type of accommodation means they are priced high. Additionally, there are downsides to these villas, which are often found on stilt promenades, 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 at a much lower price: you'll be just a few meters from the sand and will almost certainly be closer to restaurants and facilities such as diving schools. You might also consider villas that are neither on 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 pools in back.
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 $30 and $60 for a night at one of these cheap and pleasant establishments, and between $5 and $15 for the ride on the public ferry (most of which depart from Male, although there are also inter-island ferries). ). The most popular local islands offering guesthouse accommodation include Gulhi, Maafushi And Dhigurahall of which are easily accessible from Male.
Book activities in advance
Whether you want to get a scuba diving diploma or want to take a trip to a nearby island, always book your activities in advance. Many resorts offer deals to their customers, including “early bird” discounts (often between 10-25% off!). These deals vary, but are most likely to apply to guests who book at least one month in advance of their visit. If you're a qualified diver, check to see if your resort offers discounts to guests who book a certain number of dives. For example, if you book five dives with a single tank, one will often be free. It's also easy to underestimate how quickly excursions are booked in advance, which is another reason to sign up as early as possible.
There is a high import tax on alcohol
You'll be surprised how much money non-drinkers can save. The Maldives has the highest alcohol import taxes in the world (largely because it is an entirely Muslim country where alcohol is illegal outside its resorts), and the All inclusive packages including alcohol are very expensive. If you opt for a non-alcoholic package but decide to treat yourself to a glass of wine, expect to pay a minimum of US$10 per glass.
And don't even forget to bring your own alcohol: visitors caught importing alcohol into the Maldives will be fined up to US$500 and face a short prison sentence.
