Located on the Indian Ocean and consisting of 1,000 coral islands known for its crystal clear waters, colorful marine life, and coral reefs, the Maldives is a well-known, exclusive, and affluent romantic getaway.
Of course, as with any vacation destination, the time you travel, how many are in your party, and how you plan your trip will have much to do with your overall cost.
However, even without going through a resort and combining costs into an all-inclusive trip, you can plan your own getaway to the Maldives with a little research. To help you out, we’ve compiled a breakdown of the typical costs associated with a trip to this tropical paradise.
Through this helpful information, you will see how you can save money when visiting this area as well as consider issues that you might want to know before leaving for your trip.
You will also learn what some of the most popular activities are to enjoy when visiting and learn some answers to frequently asked questions about this destination.
To ensure all the figures work, and we are in fact helping you to compare apples to apples, we will base all figures on the cost of one person to travel and stay in the Maldives for a duration of seven days.
Let’s dive in!
Average Trip to the Maldives Cost in 2024
These numbers are based on the average of the costs you can expect to pay for a one-person, seven-day stay in the Maldives:
- Average Accommodation Costs: $5,800
- Average Flight Cost: $1,360
- Food, Drink, and Activities: $1,020
- Transportation: $420
- Total Cost: $8,600
Maldives Trip Cost: Average by Item
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Accommodation Costs
As you might expect, your lodging or accommodation costs will vary greatly based on the luxuriousness of a location and when you travel. The higher-end the destination or resort, the more you can expect to pay.
Many of the hotels and resorts are designed to offer guests a luxurious and exclusive experience, which does end up being costly. However, if you are trying to visit the Maldives on a budget, the best way to save money is to stay with hotels on local islands or in guesthouses instead of more exclusive resorts.
Obviously, your accommodation costs will be based greatly on the types of amenities you choose. Prices can run as low as $200 USD per night for a room at the lower end of the spectrum and range all the way up to $2,000 per night at one of the most exclusive resorts.
In addition, the time of year you visit, on season or off, how long you stay and more can all impact your overall accommodation costs. In addition, many of the hotels and resorts in the Maldives offer promotions, coupons, or packages to help reduce the overall cost.
It’s important to know the more expensive times of the year to visit the Maldives. While you can visit any time of year as it is a pleasant 80 degrees year-round, prices do vary based on seasons as previously mentioned.
The most costly times to visit the area are between December and March.
The wet season is from May to October, which is the most affordable time to visit. November through April are the dry season and are cheaper than the most costly time but not as affordable as the wet season.
Flight Costs
Your flight costs to the Maldives will vary greatly based on where you are flying from and what time of year you are flying. Ideally, it’s a good idea to book flights as early as possible and to shop around with multiple airlines for the best deal.
Keep in mind that flight cost estimation does not include the fees associated with baggage. It’s also worth noting that though the Maldives are a beautiful destination, part of what makes them such an ideal locale is their isolation.
Therefore, be prepared for a flight that is most of the day long and includes at least one stop to change planes. However, the journey is worth the effort thanks to the beauty that awaits you on the other end of your flight.
A quick look at flights shows a range anywhere from $1,000 for a roundtrip up to $1,900 for a typical, economy flight. This is figured from Chicago to Male, Maldives.
If you have travel points or additional ways to make this more affordable, using them on your flight can be a really easy way to get to do more once you are at your destination. Also, some resorts and hotels offer inclusive packages that can help you get more affordable flight costs as well.
Food, Drink & Activity Costs
When it comes to dining options in the Maldives, most hotels and resorts will offer a range of options, including seafood, local dishes, and even international cuisines. Overall, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100 per meal.
This will vary based on the luxuriousness of the restaurant and the options. In addition, some resorts offer packages that include dining.
If you are trying to save some money on food, you can opt for food vendors found on the street or even visit local eateries that are a bit more affordable. At these, you can find options for between $5 to $15 per person, per meal.
When it comes to activities in the Maldives, your options are as plentiful as the deep blue sea. We will just consider a few of the most popular. First, you can snorkel for between $30 and $100 a person.
Sunset cruises to see the beautiful Maldives sunset are also popular and typically range from $50 to $200 per person. Island hopping between Maldive islands is also a great way to spend your time when visiting.
This is an ideal way to visit local Maldive communities and be exposed to local culture. Often, you can island hop via a tour designed to show you everything there is to see in the Maldives. Costs run typically between $50 and $150 per person.
The estimated cost of dining and activities includes seven days of meals, three meals a day, and an average cost of all the popular activities outlined.
Keep in mind, this is far from the only activities you can enjoy in the Maldives. This is just to give you an idea of what kind of activity costs you can expect while on vacation.
Transportation Costs
As you might expect when visiting an island nation like the Maldives, you will have to account for transportation costs as part of your stay.
There are two main options for getting from one location to the other in the Maldives are the public ferry or speedboats. Many guesthouses and resorts offer speedboat trips free of charge if you are staying there, at least from the airport to the property.
However, if you are paying for a speedboat ride to get from one location to another to do an activity or something else, you can expect to pay between $25 and $200 a person.
The public ferry is for sure the most cost-effective option as it usually costs less than $5 a person for a ride. However, it’s important to note that ferry rides aren’t always fast and this can cause issues with scheduling.
If you plan on using the ferry make sure that you keep that potential delay in mind when planning activities and excursions. The cost breakdown listed above includes an estimated one trip daily for a seven-day duration.
Of course, if you have to travel more often, this cost will be more and if your resort offers cheaper transportation options, then you could save on this cost.
Things to Consider
South Ari Atoll, Dhidhoofinolhu, Maldives – December 15 2015: Hydroplane in the crystal clear turquoise water of the Indian Ocean near tropical islands/Icemanphotos/Shutterstock
- Interestingly enough, not all Maldives islands work off the same time zone. In fact, many resort islands within the country actually have their own time zone. This means you can lose an hour or two when navigating between locations.
- It is illegal to take seashells home with you. This is because the local ecosystem is extremely fragile in the Maldives, and the government has taken steps to protect their land. Consequently, there is a policy against collecting tortoise shells, seashells, and corals.
- It’s important to bring along rehydration salts if your plan is to stay for an extended period of time on the islands as the Maldives has a limited supply of freshwater.
- The official religion in the Maldives is Islam. In fact, 100% of the population are Muslims. Therefore, there are strict rules regarding pork products and alcohol in many areas, including Male. In addition, due to their celebration of Ramadan, between May and June, some Muslims fast and will close shops and restaurants.
- You will likely have to deal with communication and Wi-Fi costs when visiting the Maldives. Of course, if you plan on going off the grid, this might not be an issue. However, if you want to use your own cell phone when visiting, your phone will roam on an international network, which can get expensive. Ask your provider what your best option is for communicating before leaving as you might be better off purchasing a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot to use during your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What language is spoken in the Maldives?
The language of the Maldives is officially Dhivehi or Maldivian. However, throughout the country, English is spoken pretty widely, especially within the hotel and resort areas where tourists frequent.
What currency is used in the Maldives?
The typical currency used in the Maldives is the Maldivian rufiyaa. Keep in mind, though, that US dollars are also universally accepted in the area.
In addition, you can pay with most major credit cards at restaurants, resorts, and shops within Male especially, and throughout some of the other smaller islands as well. However, it is unlikely you can withdraw money from an ATM.
Are the Maldives a family-friendly destination?
While the Maldives are generally considered a romantic destination and frequently chosen as a honeymoon spot, the whole family can enjoy a vacation there.
However, it’s not always easy to find hotels that cater to children or offer kid-friendly options, so that is something to consider. However, they do exist, you just have to purposefully search for places that are more family-friendly.
What voltage and power outlet is used in the Maldives?
Typically, when visiting the Maldives, you will find power outlets of the 220-240 variety, which is the three-pin style typically found in the United Kingdom.
Some resorts will offer adapters or converters for guests to be able to use their shavers and more. However, don’t depend on it and bring your own to ensure you can use the outlets.
What are some important items to pack for the Maldives?
It’s important to understand and respect the fact that the Maldives is a Muslim country. Consequently, you will want to make sure that if you venture outside the resort area or even on Male, which is an inhabited island, it’s wise to bring some sort of cover-up, long sleeves, or a long skirt to cover your body.
Do you need a passport to visit the Maldives?
Yes, according to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, you must have a valid passport at least six months prior to your expected departure date. In addition, tourist visas are required which can be obtained at the airport.
So, What Is the Average Trip Cost to the Maldives?
| 🛎️ Average Accommodation Cost | $5,800 total |
| ✈️ Average Flight Cost | $1,360 (round trip) |
| 🍽️ Food, Drink & Activities | $1,020 total |
| 🚕 Transportation | $420 total |
| 💲 Total Cost | $8,600 |
The Maldives are most certainly an idealistic, once-in-a-lifetime type of destination that is ideal for a romantic getaway or to take the family.
The overall cost is $8,600 per person, which includes accommodation costs, as well as the cost of activities and food when visiting.
You also have to think about the cost of transportation between islands as the area is remote, and you will need some form of boat transportation for most activities. However, even with all the factors you should consider, this tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean is worth the visit.
So, with so much to see and do, what are you waiting for — book your trip today and experience for yourself all that the Maldives have to offer. Happy travels!