The Maldives, which consists of a number of islands, is a popular dream vacation spot for tourists, particularly those seeking a unique honeymoon destination. The Maldives’ high cost frequently turns visitors away, despite the promise of its clear waters and white beaches.
What is the cost of realizing this dream? The costs for this trip to the Maldives Islands are listed here if you want to learn more about this paradise in the Indian Ocean.
What Are The Costs Of Airline Tickets To The Maldives?
Not exactly the simplest place to reach, the Maldives. The main airport (Velana International Airport) is located in Malacute;, and numerous airlines offer flights there. Due to the fact that there are no direct flights from North America to the Maldives, plan on spending more time in the air during your vacation.
If you are traveling from North America, flights to Mala will run you about $1,000 USD. Additionally, just to get to the Maldives, you’ll need to make at least one (sometimes two) layover. Of course, there are expectations; some months are more affordable than others, and you might find a sale, but $1,000 is a reasonable amount to budget for airfare. Flights ought to be a bit less expensive if you’re flying out of Asia.
Though it is always warm and sunny in the Maldives, keep in mind that May through October is the monsoon season when making travel arrangements.
How Much Does A Night In A Maldives Resort Or Hotel Cost?
The Maldives is renowned for being a luxurious vacation spot and for having resorts and over-the-water bungalows and villas.
Since every one of the opulent resorts in the Maldives is essentially on its own island, if you want to switch hotels, you will need to switch islands. You can decide whether to change or not, but for this itinerary, I’ve planned a couple of nights in an over-the-water bungalow because that’s one of the best experiences you can have in the Maldives, and the rest of the time in a regular room at another resort.
Unsurprisingly, the most expensive type of lodging in the Maldives is an overwater bungalow, with rates starting at over $700 per night. Additionally, they daily assess some absurd resort fees. However, they are an experience in and of themselves. If you have your heart set on staying in this type of accommodation, make your reservations far in advance (like a year in advance). A few top-rated options include:
There is a wide variety of resorts available. If you are switching islands, be sure to pick ones that are close to one another so the trip won’t take too long (or cost too much; more on that later). Resorts will continue to cost $500 or more per night. Some more popular properties include:
- Adaaran Prestige Water Villas – Premium All Inclusive
- Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives
- OBLU SELECT at Sangeli- All Inclusive
There are numerous resorts from which to choose. If you are switching islands, be sure to pick ones that are close to one another so the trip won’t take too long (or cost too much; more on that later). Resorts will continue to cost $500 or more per night. Some more popular properties include:
- Summer Island Maldives Resort
- Kandima Maldives
- Sun Island Resort and Spa
In the Maldives, lodging can be found for less money. Additional nearby islands offer lodging options like hotels, inns, and Airbnb rentals. There are more affordable options on islands like the Maldives. The local islands, while still beautiful, differ from the islands you see in the media. The resorts are where you should go if you want a more secluded getaway experience.
Keep in mind that there is a 22% tax and service charge added to almost everything in the Maldives, so don’t forget to include that in your prices!
You can significantly reduce your hotel costs if you use the right credit card. Americans should strongly consider the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card since you can earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points and $300 back at U.S. restaurants as a welcome bonus.
Canadians should consider the Marriott Bonvoy American Express which gives you up to 55,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. That many points will get you a few free nights at some hotels, which could easily be worth more than $500.
How Much Does It Cost To Travel Within The Maldives?
Depending on which islands you visit, you may have different options for getting from one to another in the Maldives. Among the options are:
- Ferry
- Speedboat
- National flights
Ferry is the Maldives’ public transportation is the cheapest way to get around, but not all islands can be reached by ferry, and some locations are so far apart that it might not be worthwhile. Depending on the distance between the islands, the cost of the ferry boat can range from US$0.65 to US$5 per trip. On the MTCC website, you can find the precise price for each route.
The speedboats are usually offered by private island resorts, or by private companies. Again, the price is based on how far apart the islands are from one another. Up to $1,000 can be spent on a private speedboat trip roundtrip. With the ability to carry up to 30 people but traveling in a lot less time, speedboats are also available on routes similar to those served by ferries. For instance, a trip from Male to Maafushi costs roughly $30 per person, and one to Rasdhoo or Dhigurah costs roughly $35.
The third option to move around in the Maldives, normally used when the resorts are too far from Male, is the seaplane. Prices vary by route, as they do in every other situation, but as we’ve already mentioned, you can expect to pay around $500 for this trip.
The recommendation for choosing islands closer to the capital Male and using a ferry or speedboat in the Maldives is to save as much money as you can.
The Cost Of Food, Local Transportation, And Guided Tours
If you have a limited budget, you probably have concerns about the cost of living in the Maldives. Everything is dependent on the kind of spender you are. In the Maldives, for example, you should budget about $60 per day, according to other travelers.
Although meal costs vary, it appears that you should budget between $15 and $30 per day for food. Remember that breakfast meals are slightly less expensive than lunches and dinners, and that, as you might expect, street food costs less than meals at sit-down establishments.
If you don’t intend to spend every day lounging on the beach and indulging in delectable foods, add local transportation to the list of expenses and budget about $7 per day. Multi-day tours are a great way to see the main attractions of the islands in addition to the many activities available in the Maldives, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sunbathing, swimming, and other outdoor fun pursuits.
You must be prepared to spend between $100 and $ 150+ per day on these tours if you want to take advantage of the incredible fun and the chance to see amazing areas of the Maldives.
The Maldives Are Best Visited Between When?
The Maldives guarantees you warm, sunny weather year-round with average temperatures between 23 and 31 degrees Celsius, no matter when you decide to visit. But between November and April, when the dry season welcomes you, is the best time to visit the Maldives.
The best time to visit this charming location on a budget is between April and June. The high season is from December to March. Even though there may be rain and the weather won’t be as great as it is in the dry season, prices are still much more reasonable than they are in the busy season.
When Should I Make Travel Plans To The Maldives?
Many people will make plans years in advance because the Maldives is a popular dream vacation spot. However, the majority of people will make their travel arrangements about 8 to 12 months before their departure date. It can be beneficial to look into flights early because you might find a discount. Early reservations for
lodging will increase your chances of getting a room at the resort you want.