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How much does it cost to go to the Maldives in 2024?
Traveling to the Maldives in 2024 can cost between $100 and $150 USD per day if you keep your trip budget-friendly, covering expenses like accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. The average cost for a one-person, seven-day stay in the Maldives is estimated to be around $8,600, including accommodation, flights, food, activities, and transportation.
Also read: Where is the Maldives located?
1. Flight
The cost of flights from the United States to the Maldives can vary depending on factors like the departure city, airline, and time of booking. The average price for a round-trip ticket from the US to the Maldives is around $700 to $900, with the cheapest ticket found in the last 72 hours being $416 for a one-way flight.
Most flights from the US to the Maldives have at least one layover stop, with common stopover cities including Doha, Dubai, Moscow, London, Istanbul, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and Zurich. The average flight duration from the US to the Maldives is approximately 26 hours, covering a distance of 9303 miles. It’s advisable to book flights in advance and consider mid-week departures for potentially lower prices. Additionally, US citizens visiting the Maldives require a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the departure date, a return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds, but a visa is not required for stays up to 30 days.
2. Accommodation
Accommodation costs in the Maldives vary depending on the type of lodging and location. In Male, the capital city, the average monthly rent for a small apartment is around 12,625 Rf ($817) in the center or 8,714 Rf ($564) outside the center. For a large apartment, the cost is approximately 26,222 Rf ($1,697) in the center or 20,250 Rf ($1,311) outside the center.
In Hulhumale, another administrative division, the average monthly rent for a small apartment is 13,666 Rf ($884) in the center or 10,000 Rf ($647) outside the center. Large apartments in Hulhumale cost around 30,000 Rf ($1,942) in the center or 28,000 Rf ($1,812) outside the center. Additionally, internet costs are around 1,677 Rf ($108) in Male and 42 Rf ($108) in Hulhumale. These prices provide an overview of accommodation expenses in the Maldives, with variations based on the type of property and location within the country.
Also read: 15 Most Expensive Resorts in the Maldives
3. Food and Dining
In the Maldives, dining offers a rich culinary experience influenced by various cultures, with seafood, especially tuna, being a staple due to the country’s abundant marine resources. The cost of dining out in the Maldives can vary depending on the type of restaurant and location. On average, an individual can expect to spend around $31 (MVR 482) per person for a meal at a restaurant. Prices for meals in the Maldives range from $9 to $20 at local spots, while dining in resorts can cost between $30 and $40 for dinner.
Meal prices are similar for both Maldivian and Western cuisine within resorts, but Maldivian cuisine is typically more affordable outside of resorts. It’s worth noting that meal plans or all-inclusive packages offered by resorts can help save on dining expenses. Additionally, the Maldives offers a variety of dining experiences, from traditional Maldivian dishes like Garudhiya (fish soup) and Mas Huni (shredded smoked tuna) to international cuisines available at resort restaurants. Overall, dining in the Maldives caters to a range of tastes and budgets, with options for both local flavors and international dishes.
4. Activities
The Maldives offers a variety of activities for travelers, ranging from underwater adventures to cultural experiences. Popular activities include scuba diving, catamaran sailing, jet skiing, kayaking, banana boating, fishing tours, glass-bottom boat rides, underwater walking, and more. The costs for these activities vary, with scuba diving typically priced around $100 per dive plus additional fees like equipment rental and boat fees.
Catamaran sailing can cost between $50 and $80 per person for an hour-long tour. Jet skiing is around $70 to $100 for half an hour, while kayaking can range from $10 to $50 per person. Fishing tours may cost around $80 to $100 per person per hour. Additionally, there are cultural experiences like local island-hopping trips, snorkeling excursions, and sunset cruises available at different prices. These activities cater to a range of interests and budgets, providing travelers in the Maldives with a diverse array of experiences to enjoy the beauty of the islands and the surrounding waters.
5. Transportation
Transportation in the Maldives offers a variety of options for travelers to explore the islands efficiently. The primary mode of reaching the Maldives is by air, with the country being easily accessible from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The main airport, Velana International Airport, serves as a hub for international flights and connects to various domestic airports within the Maldives. Domestic flights operated by Maldivian and FlyMe airlines provide connectivity between different regions of the country, with scenic aerial views during the journey. Within the Maldives, transportation modes include:
- Speedboats: Ideal for inter-island travel, speedboats are fast but relatively expensive, with costs starting at around $75 and varying based on the distance traveled. Many resorts use speedboats to transfer guests from the airport to their accommodations.
- Ferries: A more cost-effective option for inter-island travel, public ferries operated by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company connect inhabited islands. While slower than speedboats, ferries offer an affordable means of transportation, especially for budget-conscious travelers, with fares ranging from $5 to $30 depending on the journey.
- Seaplanes: Seaplanes provide a unique way to travel around the Maldives, offering breathtaking aerial views of the islands. These planes operate between inhabited islands and resorts, providing quick transfers and memorable sightseeing experiences. Seaplane tickets typically cost upwards of $300, with luggage weight restrictions on most flights.
- Maldivian Dhoni: Traditional Maldivian wooden boats, known as dhonis, are used for excursions, fishing trips, and transportation between islands. Many resorts offer dhoni charters for guests to explore neighboring islands or enjoy sunset cruises, with costs ranging from $70 upwards based on the chosen excursion.
- Yachts: For those seeking a luxurious and exclusive experience, yachts can be chartered for comfortable travel around the Maldives. Yacht charters offer access to isolated reefs and remote islands, with rates varying based on the size of the yacht and included facilities.
These transportation options cater to different preferences and budgets, allowing travelers to navigate the Maldives efficiently while enjoying the scenic beauty of the archipelago.
6. Visas and Fees
The Maldives offers a convenient visa policy for tourists. Here is a summary of the visa requirements and fees for visiting the Maldives:
- Visa Type: Tourist Visa
- Duration: Initially granted for up to 30 days
- Extension: Possible for an additional 60 days, totaling 90 days
- Cost: The Maldives tourist visa on arrival is free of charge for all travelers.
- Requirements:
- Possession of a passport valid for at least 1 month with a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ).
- Proof of onward or return airline tickets, prepaid confirmed hotel bookings, or proof of financial subsistence for the duration of the stay.
- Completion of the Imuga form within 96 hours of the flight.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers from specific countries.
- Extension Fee: Rufiyaa 750 for a 60-day extension, making the total stay duration 90 days.
Overall, the Maldives’ visa policy allows tourists of all nationalities to obtain a 30-day visa on arrival, extendable for an additional 60 days, providing a hassle-free process for visitors to enjoy the stunning beauty of the Maldives.
7. Souvenirs and Extras
Some popular souvenirs and extras to consider when visiting the Maldives:
- Feyli Sarongs: A traditional Maldivian garment with a black body, white stripes at the bottom, and gold accents at the border, perfect for special occasions.
- Miniature Dhonis: Handcrafted miniature dhonis, traditional Maldivian sailboats, available with intricate details and fully painted, making for unique decorative items.
- Coconut Souvenirs: Handmade coconut products like masks, baskets, lampshades, statues, and kitchen utensils, showcasing the versatility of the coconut tree in Maldivian craftsmanship.
- Processed Fish: Various fish products, like smoked fish, traditional fish pickles, and dried fish, are ideal for bringing a taste of Maldivian cuisine back home.
- Lacquerware: Handcrafted products like boxes, plates, bowls, vases, toys, and pens feature intricate designs and a durable lacquer finish, making them suitable as gifts or home decorations.
- Thundu Kunaa Mats: Traditional Maldivian mats made of natural fibers, used for sitting, sleeping, or praying, are often trimmed with gold lacework, reflecting local craftsmanship and culture.
- Handmade Jewelry: unique jewelry pieces made from stones, coconut shells, seashells, seeds, ceramic, and pearls, offering a range of colorful and distinctive designs.
These souvenirs capture the essence of Maldivian culture and craftsmanship, providing visitors with a variety of options to bring home as mementos of their time in this tropical paradise. For more information, Visit Maldives
How much does it cost to go to the Maldives for a week?
To go to the Maldives for a week in 2024, the average cost per person is approximately $8,600. This cost breakdown typically includes:
- Accommodation Costs: Around $5,800
- Flight Cost: Approximately $1,360
- Food, Drink, and Activities: Estimated at $1,020
- Transportation: Around $420
These figures are based on the average expenses for a one-person, seven-day stay in the Maldives, encompassing various aspects like lodging, flights, meals, activities, and local transportation.
