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!
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.
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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 type | Cost 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 season | Shoulder 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.
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 type | Price 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.
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.
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.
Activity | Resort price | Guesthouse price |
Live music and performances | Included in room rate | Some public shows are free or low-cost ($5 – $10) |
Movie nights on the beach | Included in room rate | Public beach events may vary ($5 – $15) |
Themed dinners | $50 – $90 per person | Local restaurants or eateries may offer themed meals for $10 – $25 |
Yoga and fitness classes | Free or included | Local yoga sessions can cost $5 – $15, but some guesthouses may offer free lessons |
Kayaking and paddleboarding | Free at most resorts | Some guesthouses provide free access to non-motorized water sports |
Cocktail hours | $10 – $20 per cocktail | Local bars or beach shacks may offer cocktails for $5 – $10 |
Cooking classes | Free or included | Free 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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) | Duration | Accommodation | Meal plan | Activities | |
All-Inclusive romance package | $4,500 per person | 4 nights | Private villa | All-inclusive | Round-trip transfers, private dinner, wellness session, cooking class, professional photography, glass-bottom kayak, personal butler |
Maldives adventure plan | From $2,200 per person | 7 nights | Guesthouse and mid-range resorts | Breakfast and dinner included | Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, Scuba course and 2 dives |
All-inclusive family stay | $6,220 | 4 nights | Water villa | All meals included | Direct 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 person | 5 – 7 nights | Private villa or overwater bungalow | All-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.
Option | Price (USD) | How to get it | Notes |
Hotel and resort WiFi | Free – $30 per day | Provided upon check-in at most resorts and hotels | Varies by property; free at many luxury resorts |
Local SIM card (Dhiraagu/Ooredoo) | $15 – $30 for 5GB – 30GB | Available at Malé International Airport and local shops | Purchase 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 hotel | Ideal for multiple devices; offers unlimited data options |
Holafly eSIM | $50.90 for 6 GB over 15 days | Purchase via app or website before arrival, install digitally | No physical SIM required; download instantly |
Roaming with a home provider | Daily 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 traveling | Contact 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.
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
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.
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.