How to Plan Budget Trip to Maldives

When most people hear “Maldives”, they picture private water villas, champagne breakfasts, and Instagram-perfect floating breakfasts that cost more than your rent.

But here’s the secret: you don’t need a trust fund to enjoy the Maldives.

 I planned a 5-day trip with my friend Laura and spent roughly £53 (~$65-70) per day—yes, including food, accommodation, and local travel. It was magical, not manicured luxury—but authentic, beautiful, and surprisingly affordable.

So, here’s my full guide—facts, figures, funny blunders, and all—on how you can plan your own budget-friendly Maldivian getaway.

Step 1: Choose the Right Island (It Makes or Breaks Your Budget)

When planning a trip to the Maldives, the first question shouldn’t be “how much will it cost?”—it should be “which island are we staying on?”

Local Islands vs. Resort Islands

The Maldives has two types of islands:

• Resort islands, where each island = one resort = one big dent in your wallet.
  
• Local islands, where locals live, eat, and operate guesthouses.
  

We chose Gulhi, a small local island just 30 minutes from Malé by speedboat. It was perfect—affordable hotels, cute cafés, turquoise beaches, and friendly locals who didn’t care that I looked like a sunburned lobster by day two.

 Fact Check: Staying on a local island can cost 70% less than a resort stay.
While resorts easily start at $300–$1000 per night, local guesthouses range from $40–$80 per night, often with breakfast included.

👉 Compare affordable guesthouses on Booking.com or Trip.com.

Step 2: Accommodation – Cozy Overwater Dreams on a Budget

Let’s clear this up—you can find charming places to stay without maxing your credit card.

We booked a twin room with breakfast for around £40/night on Gulhi. The room had air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a short walk to the beach (okay, technically everything was a short walk—it’s a tiny island).

In Malé, we spent a night at Marukab Plaza, which cost around £117, plus a surprise £30 in local taxes. Yes, taxes pop up like uninvited guests at a party, so always check for “environmental fees” and “tourist taxes” when booking.

 Pro Tip: Even if you prepay online, there’s often an extra US$3–$6 per person per night in environmental fees.

So, plan for it, and keep a little buffer for these small—but certain—add-ons.

You can also compare options on Booking.com Deals Page or Skyscanner Hotels.

Step 3: Food & Drinks – Eat Like a Local, Save Like a Pro

If you’ve ever bought a $25 smoothie at a resort, you’ll love this part.
On local islands, food is delicious, hearty, and cheap.

We ate grilled fish, Maldivian curries, and local snacks called “hedhikaa” (think spicy mini donuts of joy). At local cafés, a full meal plus drink cost £7–8 per person.

In Malé, a shawarma + drink combo was under £5, while fancy Thai food could go up to £20+. So, you can easily balance comfort with savings.

And hydration? A bottle of water was under £1, and fresh coconuts were £3.50—which felt like a fair trade for drinking straight from nature’s bottle.

My Tip: Bring reusable water bottles and refill them where you can. The Maldives takes sustainability seriously, and avoiding plastic bottles keeps both your wallet and the environment happy.

🚤 For transfers and flights, check Trip.com Airport Transfers and Trip.com Flights.

Trip.com flight widget:

Step 4: Getting Around – Ferries, Speedboats, and Island Hopping on a Budget

Transport is where your budget can sink—or float.

We used speedboats between Malé and Gulhi, paying around $25 per person (one way). It took just 20 minutes, fast and scenic—think ocean breeze meets hair disaster.

But here’s what I learned later: Government ferries cost barely $2–$5, though they run on strict schedules (and forget about them on Fridays—it’s their rest day).

 Pro Tip: Always check ferry timings before booking your flight. Missing the last ferry of the day means an unplanned night in Malé—which isn’t cheap.

✈️ Compare flight prices on Skyscanner or Kiwi.com.

Skyscanner flight search widget:

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Step 5: Budget Smart – Currency, Cash, and Hidden Fees

The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the official currency, but US Dollars are widely accepted—especially at hotels and tourist shops.

However, local cafés, ferries, and corner stores often prefer Rufiyaa. So it’s smart to exchange a small amount at the airport or in Malé.

 ATMs exist, but fees can be high, and sometimes they just… don’t work (trust me, watching the “transaction failed” screen while sweating at 35°C is not fun).

And remember those extra fees: environmental, service charge, and tax. Together, they can add up to 12–18% of your hotel bill—so always read the fine print.

👉 Related: Maldives for First-Time Visitors: Everything You Need to Know

👉 See also: How to Find Cheap Flights to the Maldives: Travel Hacks for 2025

Step 6: My Daily Budget Breakdown (Real Numbers)

Here’s how much I actually spent, based on a 5-day trip (2 people sharing):

Average Daily Total: ~ £53 (~$65–70) per person

If you stick to ferries and avoid multiple islands, you could get it down to £40/day, but comfort might take a small dip.

Step 7: 5-Day Sample Itinerary (Budget-Friendly)

Day 1: Arrive in Malé, rest, explore the city’s local market and waterfront.
Day 2: Take a ferry/speedboat to Gulhi. Chill at the beach, swim, eat local.
Day 3: Snorkeling day! Rent gear or take a local trip (~$20–30).
Day 4: Relax, try local food, maybe buy souvenirs.
Day 5: Ferry back to Malé, catch your flight home.

You’ll have sun, saltwater, serenity—and still money left for a decent post-trip dinner back home.

🎟️ Book local ferry and bus tickets via Omio.

Bonus Tips to Save More

• Travel Off-Season: May to October sees lower prices (though occasional rain).
  
• Book Early: Guesthouses fill up fast; early bookings can save 20–30%.
  
• Avoid Alcohol: On local islands, it’s not allowed. Resorts are your only option, and drinks are pricey.
  
• Pack Essentials: Sunscreen, snorkel mask, and beachwear are expensive locally.
  
• Limit Island Hopping: Each transfer adds cost and eats into your beach time.
  

Final Thoughts: The Real Beauty of a Budget Trip

Here’s the thing: the Maldives isn’t just for honeymooners and influencers.
It’s for dreamers who want to dip their toes in turquoise water and still have money for breakfast next week.

Traveling the Maldives on a budget doesn’t mean missing out—it means getting closer to its real charm: friendly locals, quiet beaches, and the rhythm of island life.

So go ahead—start planning, book that guesthouse, and take that ferry ride across the bluest water you’ll ever see.

Trust me, you’ll return richer—in memories, not expenses.Sure! Here are 5 detailed FAQs for your blog “How to Plan a Budget Trip to the Maldives” — written in the same conversational, friendly tone, with useful facts and figures 👇