Maldives on a Budget: 6 Ways to Save

Think of a beach vacation and the Maldives is sure to be the first destination that will pop up on anyone’s mind. About two million tourists visited the nation in 2024, and with new resorts opening every year, the numbers keep growing. Indians get a free 30-day visa on arrival.

That said, the Maldives is certainly not cheap for any traveller. From flights to hotels and island activities, holidaying here comes with a hefty price tag. So, how do you cut back on the cost and still enjoy the best?

Read on as we spill the beans on the little secrets that will help you have an affordable Maldives vacay!

1. Opt For An All-Inclusive Package

Maldives is an island and that also means most of the goods used in resorts get shipped or flown in. And that only means bed and breakfast will leave a big hole in your pocket at the time of checkout. An all-inclusive package will be lighter on your pocket, and will also allow you to enjoy bespoke experiences. When you’re booking a hotel or a resort, always pick a package that includes all transfers, meals, activities, and any other unique experience you may wish to have on your itinerary. This will save you big bucks!

2. Look For New Hotels

By default, we tend to check reviews before we book hotels. However, opting for brand new hotels can put you in luck! Wondering how? New hotels often have an impressive range of offers in the first few months of opening. Besides, not all facilities may be open, so you might have to settle in for three restaurants instead of four or enjoy treatments in your room instead of a spa. But, that will also allow you more privacy in the island, letting you enjoy more sand square-footage. Ask your travel planner which resorts have opened in the last year or so: they are the ones most likely to have launch offers.

3. Ditch The Seaplane

Although the Maldives has other options, seaplane is a big deal when you’re here. However, a round-trip to a remote resort can set you back well over US$1,000 per person. The good news is that most of the 200 or so inhabited islands are now reachable by boat: public ferries cost just a few dollars, and shared speedboats from Malé to nearby local islands typically cost about US$25 to 70 per person each way.

Alternatively, you can also hire a speedboat if you’re in a big group. You can then split the cost among all the members of the group. Most hotels will help you organize speed boat services, costing around $150+ depending on the length of the route.

4. Travel Off-Season

November to April is the best time to visit Maldives, but bear in mind that it’s also the most crowded and hence more expensive. The low season runs from about May to October. Try and swap your travel to a lower season when hotels drop their prices almost by half, provide free transfers, allow free room upgrade and even offer a few free island activities. The off-season is also when you will encounter a wider range of marine life, including whale sharks and huge manta rays.

5. Don’t Book Last Minute

We all know that the Maldives is not a last-minute destination. Hotel rates bump up by almost 70% when you book last minute and bagging deals also becomes close to impossible. Instead, plan your trip and book in advance. Pro tip- a travel agent might be able to get you better rates and discounts even in the most luxurious resorts.

6. Book Activities In Advance

In a place as far away as the Maldives, making reservations for activities in advance might make all the difference. This is particularly true for larger resorts, where spots for expert-led tours and activities may sell out in advance. To enjoy a budget-friendly Maldives vacation, discuss with your travel agents or hotels directly over the phone to get the best deals on activities. This will work especially if you plan to go dolphin hunting in the glistening Indian Ocean, dive with unusual marine life, host a picnic on a private sandbank or make a memorable proposal.