Get 5% of discount using the code
MYESIMNOW5
Buy my eSIM
Trustpilot

How much does a Maldives vacation cost in 2025? Budget guide

Discover the full breakdown of your Maldives vacation cost, including flights, accommodation, meals, and activities. Find essential tips for your dream trip!

Katarina M Arsic

Updated: November 13, 2024

The Maldives is usually perceived as this luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime destination, but in reality, it caters to many types of travelers. Whether you are a budget-conscious backpacker or want to indulge in the Maldives luxury or anything in between, you can adjust the Maldives vacation cost to suit your budget and enjoy this paradise.

With a little bit of planning, you can make your dream trip a reality. In this article, we break down the Maldives vacation cost for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers. We’ll also cover practical tips on accommodation, dining, activities, and transportation so you can plan your perfect trip.

The cost of traveling to the Maldives is made up of several factors, and essentially, everything is an additional dollar. We’ll divide expenses into the most crucial categories, with approximate prices and rates. The more amenities you want included, the higher the price, and depending on the time of year.

4.6 /5 Trustpilot star
Highly rated Based on 47.000 customer reviews on Trustpilot
Reviews avatar Reviews avatar Reviews avatar +1M
Trusted worldwide Over 1 million travelers across the globe have trusted Holafly
Unlimited data Unlimited data Limitless data plans in more than 170 destinations
Save money

With Holafly, you save +30% compared to roaming fees

Buy my eSIM

How much does a Maldives vacation cost in 2025?

A one-week trip to the Maldives typically costs between $1,200 and $5,000. However, luxury vacations can cost $10,000 or more, depending on your preferences.

That said, the cost of traveling to the Maldives depends on several factors, such as the time of year, the type of accommodation, and your planned activities and excursions. 

Maldives cost: budget, mid-range, and luxury

Here’s what you can expect to pay for different levels of comfort and luxury.

  • Budget: $1,200 – $2,500 weekly will cover affordable guest houses and local eateries.
  • Mid-Range: $3,000 – $4,500 weekly is enough for mid-range resorts and occasional guided activities or tours.
  • Luxury: $5,000- $10,000+ a week will pay for staying in one of the overwater bungalows or villas, enjoying private dining, premium water sports, and an all-inclusive resort experience.

Maldives cost: solo travelers, couples, and families

You may go on a Maldives trip alone, but for most people, island paradise is an experience best shared with a significant other or the entire family. Here is the average Maldives 1-week trip cost in dollars per person and for a couple or a family of four.

Budget typeCost per person Cost per couple Cost per family of 4 
Basic$1,200 – $2,500$2,400 – $5,000$4,800 – $10,000
Mid-Range$3,000 – $4,500$6,000 – $9,000$12,000 – $18,000
Luxury$5,000 – $10,000+$10,000 – $20,000+$20,000 – $40,000+

Maldives cost: Peak season vs. shoulder season

The peak season is from December to March, and the shoulder season is between April and November. Understanding the cost differences between them is a pillar of budget planning. 

During the peak season, you’ll enjoy fewer rain showers and the perfect weather to explore marine life. However, this also means higher prices and more tourists. In contrast, traveling during the shoulder season offers lower prices and fewer crowds, but these commodities come with occasional rain showers and fewer options to explore the ocean.

We’ve provided some insights in the table below to give you an idea of the overall costs and comparison between peak and shoulder season per night. Additionally, consider the pros and cons of traveling to the Maldives during each season:

Peak seasonShoulder season
Flights$1,000 – $1,500$800 – $1,200
Accommodation$200 – $1,500$150 – $1,000
Food and entertainment$70 – $150$50 – $100

Flight ticket costs to the Maldives

Flight expenses can be hefty for travelers from the US, UK, and Australia. Prices vary depending on the time of year and how early you book your tickets. For economy round-trip flights, this is what you can expect to pay per flight ticket, depending on your point of departure:

  • US: $1,000 – $1,900
  • UK: $700 – $1,500
  • Australia: $1,000 – $1,500

Remember that plane tickets during the shoulder season can be a few hundred dollars less for a round trip than during the peak season.

Skyscanner flights from the USA to Maldives
Skyscanner flights from the USA to Maldives. Source: Skyscanner

Your international flight will probably bring you to Malé, but that’s not the end of your trip. Don’t forget that the cost of your Maldives trip also includes local transportation to the local islands. This can include airport transfers, seaplanes, and speedboats. The average prices are:

  • Seaplanes: Approximately $500 for a round-trip transfer​. This type of transfer is used only for private islands and distant corners of the Maldives.
  • Speedboats: $25 to $500, depending on the distance​.
  • Ferries: Prices typically range from $1 to $10, so they make a great budget choice. They operate on limited schedules, and the trip may take longer, but with some planning, they are an excellent option.

Accommodation prices in the Maldives

There’s a wide range of lodging options for your trip to Maldives, each catering to different budgets. You can choose from guest houses on local islands to luxurious overwater villas on private islands. Prices vary depending on the season, accommodation type, and amenities included. 

Accommodation typePrice range (USD per night)
Budget guesthouse$50 – $150
Mid-range resort$200 – $600
Luxury resort$800 – $1,500
Ultra-luxury resort$6,000+

Let’s dive deeper into each of these options and see what is offered for that price and some suggestions for different accommodation options.

  • Budget accommodation usually means guesthouses — the prices for this type of lodging start at around $50 to $150 a night. Families usually run these places on local, inhabited islands like Maafushi. Staying in one of these guesthouses will likely be a more authentic experience than staying in a resort. These guesthouses include Alaika Guesthouse on Maafushi Island, White Sand Dhigurah on Dhigurah Island, and more.
  • Mid-range resorts offer accommodations for between $200 and $600 a night. For this price, it’s possible to find beachfront bungalows, access to the pool, and even some meal arrangements. Paradise Island Resort in North Malé Atoll offers different types of accommodation that can fit into mid-range budgets. Another option is the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa on Furanafushi Island.
  • Luxury resorts and overwater villas usually include private pools, personalized services, and breathtaking views. Prices start at $800 – $1,500 per night. Good choices for such resorts include Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa in North Malé Atoll, popular for Maldives honeymoon stay, and the eco-friendly Six Senses Laamu Resort on Laamu Atoll.
  • Ultra-luxury resorts offer an extraordinary experience, sometimes even on a private island. Some of the Maldives’ most exclusive resorts, such as Soneva Jani, offer rooms priced from $6,000+ per night​. Another such option is Soneva Fushi in Baa Atoll. These resorts feature overwater villas with retractable roofs, butler services, extraordinary dining experiences, and unique activities.
Stay at a beautiful bungalow lodge
Stay at a beautiful bungalow lodge. Source: Unsplash

Food and entertainment costs

Depending on where you stay and how long your trip to the Maldives is, food and entertainment costs can be a significant portion of your travel budget. The Maldives offers various dining options, from street food to high-end dining experiences at luxurious resorts. 

The situation is similar when it comes to entertainment. It all revolves around the magnificent beauty of the Indian Ocean and its surroundings. You can have group tours to some gorgeous beaches or premium personal experiences with snorkeling with manta rays. It all depends on your budget and priorities.

Food costs

Here are the meal prices you can expect on your trip to the Maldives:

  • Budget options are meals you can get at local cafes and guesthouses for $5 – $15 per meal. Those are also the street food prices. If this is your choice, don’t miss out on tasting authentic local dishes like the traditional Mas Huni (shredded smoked tuna.)
  • Mid-range resorts or sit down restaurants offer meals that range from $30 – $90 per meal, depending on the location and cuisine. Resorts often provide a combination of buffets and à la carte options​.
  • Luxury meals in resorts can cost over $90 per person for fine dining or themed dinners, with gourmet experiences available. These experiences range from private dining in treehouses to bespoke chef experiences.
@maldivexpert

Most Famous Maldivian Dishes: Mas Huni: The Quintessential Maldivian Breakfast Mas huni is a simple yet profoundly flavorful dish that starts the day in most Maldivian households. This beloved breakfast staple is made from shredded smoked tuna mixed with grated coconut, onions, and chili. The mixture is seasoned with salt and lime juice, creating a harmonious blend of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors. Served with freshly baked roshi (Maldivian flatbread) or chapati. Garudhiya: A Soulful Fish Soup Garudhiya is a traditional Maldivian fish soup that embodies the essence of the islands’ connection to the sea. This clear broth is made by simmering tuna with water, salt, and occasionally, a few slices of onion or curry leaves for added flavor. The result is a light and aromatic soup that is both nourishing and comforting. Garudhiya is typically served with rice, lime, chili, and a side of rihaakuru. Hedhikaa: The Delightful Snack Platter Hedhikaa refers to a variety of traditional Maldivian snacks that are perfect for any time of day. These bite-sized delights are often savory and include items such as bajiya (pastry filled with fish, coconut, and onions), gulha (fish balls with coconut and spices), and samosa. Each snack is a blend of textures and flavors, offering a glimpse into the Maldives’ culinary diversity. Rihaakuru: The Flavorful Fish Paste Rihaakuru is a thick, dark fish paste that is a byproduct of boiling tuna fish in water for several hours and then reducing the broth. It is a concentrated essence of fish and is used as a flavoring agent in many Maldivian dishes. Despite its strong, pungent aroma, rihaakuru is beloved in the Maldives for its rich umami flavor. It can be eaten with rice or bread, added to curries, or used as a dip, adding depth and richness to any meal. The Sweet Conclusion: Sai (Tea) and Sweet Snacks No Maldivian culinary exploration is complete without mentioning the traditional tea, known as sai, which is often enjoyed with sweet snacks. The Maldives offers a variety of traditional sweets such as bondibaiy (sweetened rice pudding) and foni boakiba (rice cake). #maldivenfood #maldive #maldivexpert #maldives

♬ original sound – ✈️ Maldives Resort Deals 🏝️ – ✈️ Maldives Resort Deals 🏝️

Entertainment options and prices in the Maldives

The ocean and natural beauty are at the core of the Maldives’ allure. However, resorts and guesthouses try to provide guests with various entertaining experiences to make their stay more memorable. Resorts include many of these experiences in their room rate, but that doesn’t mean those staying in guesthouses cannot enjoy some great alternatives.

While resorts may organize themed dinners and beach movie nights, guesthouses usually organize local cultural events, beach BBQ nights, or free guided tours of the island.

These are the average costs of resort-based entertainment options in the Maldives.

ActivityResort priceGuesthouse price
Live music and performancesIncluded in room rateSome public shows are free or low-cost ($5 – $10)
Movie nights on the beachIncluded in room ratePublic beach events may vary ($5 – $15)
Themed dinners$50 – $90 per personLocal restaurants or eateries may offer themed meals for $10 – $25
Yoga and fitness classesFree or includedLocal yoga sessions can cost $5 – $15, but some guesthouses may offer free lessons
Kayaking and paddleboardingFree at most resortsSome guesthouses provide free access to non-motorized water sports
Cocktail hours$10 – $20 per cocktailLocal bars or beach shacks may offer cocktails for $5 – $10
Cooking classesFree or includedFree or included

Tours and activities costs in the Maldives

Tours and activities allow you to explore local islands and experience the real charm of the Maldives. While resorts offer luxurious, all-inclusive experiences with higher price tags, guesthouses provide more budget-friendly options without compromising the chance to explore the Maldives. Here are the prices of some of the most popular activities and tours.

Discover the beautiful marine life of the Maldives
Discover the beautiful marine life of the Maldives. Source: Freepik

Snorkeling tours 

Snorkeling tours are available for $30 to $100 per person, depending on whether you are booking through a local guesthouse or a premium resort.

  • Premium option: Many resorts offer complimentary snorkeling equipment and access to house reefs, but organized snorkeling tours typically cost extra, ranging from $50 to $100 per person for guided excursions.
  • Budget option: Guesthouses, like Liberty Guest House on Mahibadhoo Island, will often give you snorkeling masks and fins for free or offer guided tours at $30 to $60 per person.

Tip: If your guesthouse doesn’t offer snorkeling tours, local operators like Tuktukdude Maldives offer snorkeling with manta rays for $50 per person.

Snorkeling in Maldives
Snorkeling in Maldives. Source: Canva

Diving trips 

You can enjoy dives starting at $50 per dive through local dive shops or premium packages ranging from $100 to $200, with equipment often included.

  • Premium option: Resorts like Conrad Maldives Rangali Island charge $150 to $200 per dive, including equipment. Premium dives, such as a full day with a private divemaster ($325), night, or manta ray dives, can be expensive.
  • Budget option: Guesthouses, in cooperation with local dive clubs, offer dives at a lower cost. White Coral Rasdhoo GuestHouse works with Drop Dive Maldives to offer dives starting from $50 per dive, with equipment included.

Tip: Pro Dive Hydrotech offers dives for $60 if you book one to four dives. If you book five to ten dives, the price drops to $50 per dive.

Diving in Maldives
Diving in Maldives. Source: Canva

Island hopping packages

Island hopping packages range from $80 to $260 per person, depending on whether meals and transportation are included.

  • Premium option: Full-Day South Malé Local Island Hopping Trip by Samudra Maldives is $260 per adult. You get speedboat transfers, snorkeling equipment, lunch at a local café, and a guide for that price. You’ll see Maafushi and Gulhi, visit boatyards, and snorkel at scenic spots.
  • Budget option: You can get a full-day tour exploring North Malé with snorkeling equipment and a guide, a small lunch, water, and soft drinks. This package starts at $80 with Elysian Maldives.

Tip: You may be tempted to explore renting a boat and doing the tour yourself. However, this will cost you at least $150 for a daily rental of the smallest fishermen’s boat. It makes sense to book a tour for that price, including water, lunch, and a guide who knows all the best places.

Tour boats in a Maldivian harbor
Tour boats in a Maldivian harbor. Source: ID 5296120 © Michael Rosenwirth | Dreamstime.com

Sunset cruises

Sunset cruises cost $50 to $150 per person, with local operators offering more budget-friendly options and resorts providing additional perks such as drinks and snacks.

  • Premium option: Kuredu offers a romantic dinner cruise on wooden yachts with a personal crew for $299.00 per person. That includes a 3-course meal, a bottle of champagne, and two bottles of wine.
  • Budget option: Many resorts offer sunset cruises, including drinks or snacks and dolphin watching for an additional fee. ScubaCaribe works with IU Atoll or RIU Palace Maldives resorts to offer a 90-minute sunset cruise with only water and soft drinks included for $50.

Tip: Walk around the harbor and ask about a sunset tour on a traditional Maldivian boat, a dhoni. Locals commonly use these boats for fishing and transportation. It would be a more immersive experience, and you could negotiate a reasonable price.

Maldivian dhoni boat in the sunset
Maldivian dhoni boat in the sunset. Source: Canva

Travel packages

Purchasing packages can help you save money on otherwise luxurious experiences when traveling to the Maldives. These options generally include accommodation, meals, transportation, activities, and guides and relieve the pressure of planning. 

However, as you’re booking much of your trip in one go, they come with a price.

Price (starting from)DurationAccommodationMeal planActivities
All-Inclusive romance package$4,500 per person4 nightsPrivate villaAll-inclusiveRound-trip transfers, private dinner, wellness session, cooking class, professional photography, glass-bottom kayak, personal butler
Maldives adventure planFrom $2,200 per person7 nightsGuesthouse and mid-range resortsBreakfast and dinner includedScuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, Scuba course and 2 dives
All-inclusive family stay$6,2204 nightsWater villaAll meals includedDirect ocean access, private bathroom, sun deck, minibar, ocean view, free Wi-Fi, free stay for children under 17
Luxury all-inclusive$5,000 – $10,000+ per person5 – 7 nightsPrivate villa or overwater bungalowAll-inclusive
Private dining, spa treatments, premium water sports like diving with whale sharks​

Internet in the Maldives

Staying connected in the Maldives is vital for letting relatives back home know that you’re safe, but best of all, showing them all your adventures on the local islands. Here are the available options for you to stay connected while on your vacation.

OptionPrice (USD)How to get itNotes
Hotel and resort WiFiFree – $30 per dayProvided upon check-in at most resorts and hotelsVaries by property; free at many luxury resorts
Local SIM card (Dhiraagu/Ooredoo)$15 – $30 for 5GB – 30GBAvailable at Malé International Airport and local shopsPurchase at kiosks upon arrival for immediate connectivity
Pocket WiFi$5 – $10 per day for 10 GB – 30 GB + one-time device purchase or rental fee (around $50 – $100 depending on the provider)Pre-book online and pick up at the airport or your hotelIdeal for multiple devices; offers unlimited data options
Holafly eSIM$50.90 for 6 GB over 15 daysPurchase via app or website before arrival, install digitallyNo physical SIM required; download instantly
Roaming with a home providerDaily pass: $10 – $20 per day on top of your package price.

Pay-as-you-go: Data can cost  $5 to $15 per MB, and calls may cost $1 – $3 per minute
Activate through your home carrier before travelingContact your carrier to enable and check for any additional fees

Yes, free hotel WiFi is great, but what about when you leave the hotel? As for pocket WiFi, expensive rentals, deposits, and damage fees drive up the costs. A physical SIM can work, but watch out for roaming fees when you find your collection point.

Getting an eSIM before your travel means you are connected as soon as you land. No extra device to carry around with you, no SIM card instructions in foreign languages, and no roaming charges. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that you download and install simply by scanning a QR code. It doesn’t interfere with your primary SIM and acts merely as your internet connection.

The Holafly eSIM is the most convenient connectivity option for your Maldives trip. It offers 6 GB of data for 15 days.

Holafly eSIM for the Maldives
Holafly eSIM for the Maldives. Source: Holafly

Essential saving tips for the Maldives

You can save money on this dream destination in several ways and still enjoy everything a trip to the Maldives offers. Maybe you want to pinch in here and there so you can treat yourself to a night in an overwater bungalow or a trip to go diving with the sharks. Here’s what you can do to use your budget in the best possible way.

  • Visit during the shoulder season to reduce your travel costs and grab some of the Maldives offers. It’s possible to save up to 30-50% off accommodations and flights.
  • Consider shared lodging or even staying with a local family. Guesthouses are often five times cheaper than resorts. Additionally, you’ll get a more authentic experience this way.
  • Stay on some of the inhabited islands like Maafushi or Dhigurah, which offer affordable accommodations and easy excursion access. 
  • Dine outside resort restaurants because they are much more expensive than local eateries. This can significantly reduce your Maldives vacation cost. 
  • Look for budget-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, or beach volleyball. You can make some extra savings if you bring your own snorkeling gear.
  • Remember to get travel insurance. Accidents happen, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
  • Get an eSIM to connect to the internet while in the Maldives easily.

With all this information, you’re ready for your next trip to the Maldives. Whether you’re going on a solo trip, a romantic getaway, or with your friends and family, you will create life-long memories. Don’t forget to capture those moments and share them online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money should I take for a trip to the Maldives?

Budget travelers should spend around $50 – $100 per day for meals, tours, and activities in the Maldives. Local meals in the Maldives cost $5 – $30 each, while tours like snorkeling or island hopping range from $40 – $150. Daily activities and excursions can add up to around $100.

Is Maldives worth the money?

The Maldives are worth the money due to their unique beauty and exceptional marine life. They’re a top destination for honeymoons and special occasions. Budget-conscious travelers can also enjoy its charm by staying on local islands and getting their flight tickets during the shoulder season.

Katarina M Arsic

Katarina M Arsic

Senior Writer

With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.

Read full bio