How to Plan a Trip to the Maldives: Costs, Transfers, Tips & More
Why Visit the Maldives?
There’s a certain magic about the Maldives that’s hard to describe until you experience it for yourself. Think postcard-perfect islands, turquoise lagoons so clear you can spot reef sharks swimming below, and sunsets that look like they’ve been photoshopped—except they’re real. It’s a place where time slows down, shoes become optional, and luxury is more about nature and the sheer beauty of your surroundings.
The Maldives isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. But that experience can come with a bit of logistical confusion, especially if it’s your first time visiting. So let’s break it all down and make planning this trip as straightforward as lounging in a hammock with a coconut in hand.
How Do You Actually Get to the Maldives?
The Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. The main international gateway is Velana International Airport (MLE), located on a small island next to the capital city, Malé.
From Europe, there are both direct and one-stop flight options. Most travelers fly via Middle Eastern hubs like Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines). Depending on your layover and connections, you’re looking at around 10–14 hours of travel time.
Now here’s where it gets a bit tricky...
Getting From Malé to Your Island
Most people think that once you land in Malé, you’re on vacation. Not quite. Unless your hotel is near Malé, you’ll need a second leg of transport to reach your island—either by seaplane, speedboat, or a domestic flight plus speedboat. Which one you choose has big implications for your experience and your budget.
Option 1: Seaplane Transfer
- Scenic but Expensive -
For resorts in remote atolls, a seaplane might be your only option. These tiny planes fly low over the atolls, offering mind-blowing views of the islands from above.
✅ Pros: Unforgettable views, direct to resort
❌Cons: Expensive, luggage restrictions, no night flights
💰 Cost: $300–$600 round trip per person
Option 2: Speedboat Transfer
- Most Affordable Option -
If your resort or guesthouse is located in North or South Malé Atoll, this is your easiest option. You’ll be met at the airport and taken by boat straight to your island. Transfers usually take between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the location.
✅ Pros: No need to change terminals or wait long
❌ Cons: Limited to nearby islands
💰Cost: Around $100–$200 round trip per person (sometimes included in the hotel rate)
Option 3: Domestic Flight + Speedboat
Some distant atolls are accessible via a short domestic flight (20–60 mins) followed by a speedboat. This option can be slightly cheaper than a seaplane, and flights operate later into the evening (unlike seaplanes).
✅ Pros: Often more budget-friendly than seaplanes
❌ Cons: Still involves two steps, slightly longer travel time
💰Cost: Domestic flight ($150–$300) + speedboat ($50–$100)
Where Should You Stay?
Resort vs. Local Island
Here's one of the biggest decisions you'll make.
Resorts
When most people think of the Maldives, they’re picturing the private resort islands with overwater villas, turquoise lagoons, and absolute seclusion—and that’s exactly what you get.
Resorts in the Maldives range from luxury to ultra-luxury, often occupying their own islands and offering a fully curated experience. Everything is arranged for you: meals, transfers, activities, and spa treatments. The privacy and service are next-level, but so are the prices—expect to pay anywhere from $300 to well over $2,000 per night.
That said, you don’t need to spend your entire trip in an overwater bungalow (which is usually pricier). A smart way to manage the cost is to split your stay: a few nights in a beach villa (still stunning, and more affordable), followed by a night or two in an overwater room for the full Maldives experience.
If it’s your first time visiting the Maldives, staying at a resort is absolutely worth it—it’s the iconic, picture-perfect experience most people dream of, and it truly lives up to the expectations.
Local Islands
For those travelling on a tighter budget—or looking to experience the Maldives beyond the resort bubble—local islands offer an excellent alternative. These are inhabited islands where Maldivians live, and many now have guesthouses and boutique hotels, especially on islands like Maafushi and Thulusdhoo. Prices are much lower, usually around $50 to $150 per night.
Staying on a local island gives you a more authentic, cultural perspective, but there are a few trade-offs. Alcohol isn’t permitted, modest dress is expected outside designated bikini beaches, and amenities are simpler. You may also need to organize tours and transfers independently.
Still, for the right traveller, it’s a genuinely rewarding and much more affordable way to experience the Maldives.
Choosing the Right Atoll: Geography Meets Budget
Because the Maldives is made up of 26 atolls (groups of coral islands), where you choose to stay is mostly dictated by how far you're willing to travel from Malé—and how much you're prepared to spend getting there. Some atolls are easily accessible by speedboat, while others require domestic flights or scenic (but costly) seaplanes. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main ones to consider:
North and South Malé Atolls (Kaafu Atoll)
These are the most accessible from the international airport and perfect for speedboat transfers. You’ll find everything from budget guesthouses to mid-range and luxury resorts. Islands like Maafushi, Gulhi, and Thulusdhoo are popular for budget travel and offer plenty of excursions without the hefty transfer fees.
Ari Atoll (Alif Atoll)
Split into North and South Ari (Alif Alif and Alif Dhaal), this atoll is a favourite for divers and snorkelers. It’s famous for sightings of whale sharks and manta rays, and accessible either by seaplane or a domestic flight from Malé followed by a short speedboat ride.
Baa Atoll
A designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll is one of the best places in the world to swim with manta rays, especially around Hanifaru Bay. Most resorts here are luxury-level and reached via seaplane from Malé.
Raa, Lhaviyani, and Noonu Atolls
These northern atolls are home to some of the Maldives’ newest and most luxurious resorts. They’re less crowded and feel more remote, but that remoteness often comes with a higher transfer cost—usually via seaplane or a domestic flight followed by a boat ride.
Local Islands (within Kaafu and other nearby atolls)
If you're travelling on a tighter budget, staying on an inhabited island like Maafushi (Kaafu Atoll), Thoddoo (Alif Alif Atoll), or Dhigurah (Alif Dhaal Atoll) is your best bet. These islands are reachable by public ferry or affordable speedboat and offer a more grounded, cultural experience—perfect for travellers who want to explore the Maldives without the resort price tag.
Can You Travel Between Atolls in the Maldives?
This is one of the most common questions people ask when planning a trip to the Maldives—and the answer is: yes, you can travel between atolls, but it’s not always simple or practical.
Unlike places where you can hop on a ferry or rent a car to explore nearby towns, the Maldives doesn’t really work like that. Each resort typically sits on its own private island, and most don’t offer inter-island transfers unless you're staying within the same resort chain. So if you're booked at one resort and want to visit another, getting between them could involve returning to Malé and arranging a new transfer altogether—which can be expensive and time-consuming.
If you're staying on local islands, there’s more flexibility. Some atolls are connected by public ferries or scheduled speedboats, which are more affordable, though they can be slow and infrequent.
There are also domestic flights between key islands, especially to and from regional airports like Dharavandhoo (Baa Atoll), Maamigili (Ari Atoll), and Ifuru (Raa Atoll), which connect back to Malé or other atolls. From there, you’d take a speedboat to your final destination.
Unless you’re travelling for a longer period and keen to explore multiple islands, most people stick to one atoll and one base. Transfers can eat into your time and budget, so it’s usually more enjoyable—and much less stressful—to just pick a spot and settle in.
If you're set on seeing more than one place, your best bet is to either split your stay between a local island and a nearby resort within the same atoll, or look for a resort group that offers multi-island stays with organised transfers between their properties.
When’s the Best Time to Go?
The Maldives enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round, but there are two distinct seasons that can really shape your experience: the dry season and the wet season.
The dry season ☀️, which runs from December to April, is considered the peak travel period. During these months, you can expect long, sunny days, calm seas, and near-perfect beach weather. Naturally, this is also when prices are at their highest, and resorts tend to book out far in advance.
The wet season 🌦️, from May to November, brings more humidity and the chance of rain—but it’s not as dramatic as it sounds. Rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts that pass quickly, often lasting just 20–30 minutes before the sun reappears. It’s rare for it to rain all day, and there are still plenty of bright, sunny spells throughout the week. That said, June to August tends to see the most unsettled weather.
If you're looking to strike a balance between good weather and better prices, consider travelling during the shoulder months of April or November. These months often offer the best of both worlds: fewer crowds, more manageable rates, and relatively stable weather.
How Long Should You Stay?
My recommendation would be between 6 and 7 days. Since your arrival and departure days are mostly taken up by travel, this gives you a solid 4 or 5 full days to actually unwind.
Want to do a split stay (e.g., local island + resort)? You’ll need a bit longer, or plan it carefully to avoid losing too much time in transfers.
What Is There to Do in the Maldives?
Surprisingly, a lot! While it's a slow-paced destination, you won’t be bored:
Snorkelling & Diving: Even if you’ve never tried before, the reefs are insanely accessible.
Sunset Cruises: Often on traditional dhoni boats, with the chance to spot dolphins swimming alongside.
Water Sports: Kayaking, paddle boarding, jet-skiing, and kite surfing.
Spa Treatments: Almost every resort has a spa, some even underwater.
Sandbank Picnics & Private Dining: Utterly romantic and Instagrammable.
Island Hopping: From local islands (for culture) to uninhabited ones (for privacy).
How Much Will the Trip Cost?
Prices in the Maldives can vary massively depending on your travel style, but here’s a rough idea for a 6-night stay for two people, not including international flights:
Budget trip (local islands): Around $1,200–$2,000 total. This includes simple guesthouse accommodation, public ferry or low-cost speedboat transfers, and basic meals. Great if you’re happy with fewer frills and want a cultural experience.
Mid-range or split stay: Expect $3,000–$5,000. A combination of beach and overwater villas can give you the best of both worlds. Resorts like LUX South Ari Atoll* are perfect for this—stylish, relaxed, and packed with things to do. Rates usually include full board or all-inclusive, and transfers are by seaplane.
Luxury trip (all-inclusive resort): $5,000–$8,000+, especially for overwater villas at places like Lily Beach Resort & Spa, which is known for its premium all-inclusive package. These stays often include meals, drinks, and even some excursions - seaplane transfers are typically charged separately.
Remember to always double-check what’s included—some resorts look cheaper at first but don’t include transfers or meals, which can significantly increase the final cost.
Don’t forget to factor in:
Transfers: Depending on your island’s location and the type of transfer required, this can add anywhere from $100 to $600 per person to your overall cost.
That said, you won’t need to worry about organising these transfers yourself. Once you’ve booked your stay, the resort will typically handle the seaplane or domestic flight arrangements for you. You’ll just need to provide your international flight details, and they’ll coordinate the rest to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Food & Drinks:
Unless you're staying on a local island or have an all-inclusive plan, meals and drinks at resorts can get expensive fast. A basic lunch can easily cost $30–50 per person, and drinks—especially alcohol—are heavily marked up, with cocktails often around $20–25 each.
In my opinion, going all-inclusive is a no-brainer. It might make the nightly rate look steeper at first, but paying for everything à la carte ends up costing a lot more. With all-inclusive, you can actually relax and enjoy your time without constantly thinking about prices.
Excursions & Activities: Most resorts charge separately for excursions. Prices vary, but as a rough guide:
Snorkelling trips: around $50–$100
Dolphin watching or sunset cruises: $60–$120
Sandbank picnics or private dinners: $100–$200+
Scuba diving: $100–$150 per dive, plus gear if needed
Water sports like jet skiing or parasailing: usually $80–$200 depending on time and equipment
More Travel Tips:
..That Will Save You Time, Money, and Stress
Split your stay: Beach villa + overwater bungalow = same views, smarter budget.
All-inclusive is worth it: Meals and drinks are very expensive otherwise—sometimes a cocktail alone can be $20–$30!
Choose resorts close to Malé if you want to avoid pricey seaplanes.
Shoulder season (April OR Nov) = lower prices with decent weather.
Check for deals: Many resorts offer discounts, free transfers, or upgrades if you book early.
Pack light: Seaplanes have luggage limits. 20kg check-in + 5kg hand luggage is standard.
Final Thoughts
Planning a trip to the Maldives isn’t as straightforward as booking a city break, but once you understand the logistics, it’s totally manageable—and 100% worth it. Whether you’re splurging on luxury or doing it smart on a budget, the Maldives has this incredible ability to feel untouched, luxurious, and personal all at once.
If you’ve ever dreamed of that turquoise water moment, this is your sign to start planning.
