While the Maldives isn’t the most budget-friendly holiday destination, smart planning, and a few compromises can help you save money. For instance, beach villas are more affordable than over-water villas (which are often overrated). If you drink alcohol, consider abstaining during your stay. Here’s our essential guide to enjoying the Maldives on a budget.

The Maldives is famous for its stunning weather, crystal-clear blue oceans, and pristine white sandy beaches. Luxurious resorts and overwater bungalows dominate the scene, often with hefty price tags. At first glance, the Maldives may appear out of reach for budget travelers. However, more and more people are finding ways to explore these beautiful islands without breaking the bank. Take a chill pill in the Maldives with our exclusive Maldives Tour Packages from Dubai. Call +971-4256-2434, and enjoy the trip with your friends.

1. Travel in the off-season

Traveling to the Maldives during the off-peak monsoon season (from May to November) can save you money. While the sea might be rougher and cloudier during this time, diving is still possible year-round. Plus, if you’re into surfing, these months are ideal for catching some waves – some resorts, like Six Senses Laamu, even offer surf schools. when there’s less rain and plenty of sunshine, however, if you want to save money, consider traveling during the off-peak season. From May to September, you’ll find lower prices for flights and accommodations. Although it’s the monsoon season, the consistently warm temperatures make it a pleasant time to visit.

2. Swap the seaplane for a speedboat

Seaplane flights in the Maldives vary in cost, but a one-way ticket usually starts at around US$250 and can go up to US$400. However, many resorts are accessible by a short boat ride from Male airport. These resorts typically include complimentary boat transfers on comfortable yacht-style vessels with plush seating areas and stocked fridges.

If your resort isn’t reachable by speedboat, check if there’s a nearby domestic airport. The Maldives has 13 domestic airports, so even if you’re staying at a remote property, you can likely reach it using a combination of scheduled flights (which are cheaper than seaplane journeys) and short complimentary speedboat rides.

3. CHOOSE A HOTEL OR GUESTHOUSE ON THE LOCAL ISLANDS

When visiting the Maldives, most people book stays at self-contained island resorts. However, even the cheapest resorts can be expensive for budget travelers. To save money, consider staying at a small hotel or guesthouse on one of the local islands. This way, you’ll get an authentic Maldivian experience as you dine, shop, and explore alongside the locals. Popular affordable islands include Maafushi, Dhigurah, Huraa, Rasdhoo, Thulusdhoo, and Ukulhas.

4. Choose a beach villa rather than an over-water one

The Maldives is known for its luxurious over-water villas, but they can be expensive due to high demand. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider booking a beach villa. These are usually closer to the sand and resort facilities. Alternatively, villas in the center of the island are secluded and often have private plunge pools.

5. Book activities in advance

If you’re interested in scuba diving or planning an excursion to a nearby island, make sure to book your activities in advance. Resorts often offer discounts for early bookings (usually between 10% and 25%). These discounts typically apply to guests who book at least a month before their visit. If you’re already a certified scuba diver, inquire whether your resort provides discounts for booking a certain number of dives. For instance, booking five one-tank dives might earn you a complimentary dive. Remember that popular excursions fill up quickly, so it’s best to sign up sooner rather than later.

6. BRING US DOLLARS TO GET BETTER RATES

In the Maldives, you can use the local currency (Maldivian Rufiyaa or MVR) or US Dollars. Some places offer better rates if you pay in USD. Paying in cash is usually cheaper than using a credit card, which often has fees. Keep in mind that ATMs and banks are scarce in resorts and local islands, so bring enough cash or exchange foreign currency at the airport.

Use all these tips to save some extra amount on your Maldives trip also book with our great offers on Maldives Tour Packages. Call +971-4256-2434 and book now.