The Maldives may cost a bit more than the average destination, but every penny is worth it. After all, it’s one of the most breathtaking places on earth, with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. We traveled all the way from Brazil to the Maldives to get married at the stunning Hard Rock Maldives, and it was an absolutely wonderful and unforgettable experience. In this article, we’ll share the costs of our trip based on our own experience, to help you plan your dream getaway to this paradise.
Transportation Costs
Airfare
Flights to the Maldives currently range between USD 1,800 and USD 2,000 (economy class ticket). Prices vary depending on stopover duration, class type, airline, and season — naturally, high season tickets are more expensive.
The best routes are usually through the Middle East, via Dubai or Qatar, although connections in Europe are also possible.
We flew with Qatar Airways, departing from Guarulhos and connecting in Doha.
Transfers from the Airport to the Islands: Seaplane vs. Speedboat
The Maldives has more than 1,000 islands. Depending on where you’re staying, you may need to take a seaplane or a speedboat from Malé’s main airport to your resort, which can significantly increase the cost of your trip.
Seaplane
When we priced our trip in March 2024, seaplane transfers cost around USD 500 per person round trip, though prices may vary by island. Another option is to take a domestic flight between islands and then a speedboat, which can be cheaper than a seaplane. Some hotels, depending on the length of your stay, even include seaplane transfers as a courtesy.
Speedboat
Islands near Malé, like Maafushi, are accessible by speedboat, with fares around USD 25 per person.
If you are staying at a hotel near Malé, ask them directly about transfer costs. They usually arrange shared boats for guests arriving on the same flight. In our case, we stayed at the Hard Rock Maldives and paid USD 89 per person each way.
For private boats, reservations are required in advance, with rates ranging from USD 150 to USD 180 per trip.
Shared speedboats are the most affordable, but schedules are limited — usually three per day. So, always check departure times with your hotel to avoid long waits at the airport or even missing your flight.
During our trip, we stayed at two hotels close to Malé: Hard Rock Maldives and Kaani Palm Beach in Maafushi.
Our Transportation Costs
- Malé Airport to Hard Rock Maldives : Shared speedboat, USD 89 per person per leg.
- Hard Rock Maldives to Kaani Palm Beach in Maafushi: Private boat, USD 180 per boat per leg, about USD 90 per person.
- Kaani Palm Beach in Maafushi to Malé Airport: Shared speedboat, USD 25 per person per leg.
Total transportation cost: USD 204 per person.
Best Time: High vs. Low Season
From January to April, the Maldives experience high season. Sunny weather means higher prices. Low season brings discounts but also the risk of monsoons from May to October.
We chose to go during high season, paying a bit more but enjoying guaranteed sunshine every day.
Price Differences: Resorts vs. Local Islands
Private island resorts are usually more expensive, but they offer a unique experience of luxury and seclusion. Staying on a local island, on the other hand, is far more budget-friendly and gives you a glimpse of authentic Maldivian culture.
We decided to experience both: 4 nights at the luxury Hard Rock Maldives (5 stars) in an overwater villa with pool, and 3 nights on the local island of Maafushi at Kaani Palm Beach Hotel (4 stars).
Hard Rock Maldives Price
We chose Hard Rock Maldives because we held our wedding there, and based on our research, this hotel provided the most information about wedding packages (Find out how much it costs to get married in the Maldives here: How to Plan a Dream Wedding in the Maldives: Our Complete Guide)
The rate we paid at the Hard Rock Maldives (5 stars), in an overwater villa with a private pool, was USD 900 per night including taxes, breakfast only (not all-inclusive). Total cost: USD 3,600 for 4 nights for the couple. Of course, this can change depending on the time of year.
Keep in mind that this was one of the hotel’s top rooms, and we went during high season, which explains the higher price.
Kaani Palm Beach Hotel in Maafushi Price
We chose Maafushi because we wanted to dive with sharks and rays. On local islands, there are many tour options with better value for money compared to resorts. Since we spent entire days out on excursions, it didn’t make sense to pay high resort prices for facilities we wouldn’t use.
The cost at Kaani Palm Beach Hotel (4 stars) in Maafushi, for a sea-view balcony room, was USD 206 per night with taxes. Total: USD 618 for 3 nights for the couple.
Advantages of Resorts in the Maldives
- Privacy and convenience
- Personalized service
- Beautiful and less crowded beaches
- Entertainment such as pool dance classes, spa, live shows, etc.
- Alcoholic drinks available
- Bicycles available 24/7 (at Hard Rock)
- Transportation with driver or golf carts within the resort complex (at Hard Rock)
Disadvantages of Resorts in the Maldives
- High prices
- Less variety of food
- Fewer excursion options, often at higher prices
Advantages of Local Islands in the Maldives
- Affordable prices
- Plenty of excursion options with agencies along the main street, and no need to book far in advance (one day ahead is fine).
- Excursions with the option of drone and GoPro photos/videos for an affordable extra cost.
- Day-use passes at luxury resorts available, with open bar from USD 140.
- Variety of restaurants with international and local food options.
- Shops and local markets
- Experience authentic Maldivian culture
- Good hotels with great value
👉 Garanta o seu passei: Maafushi com tubarões-enfermeiros, arraias, bancos de areia e golfinhos
Disadvantages of Local Islands in the Maldives
- Bikinis are only allowed at designated tourist beaches called “Bikini Beach.”
- Alcohol is banned on local islands. You can only drink if you buy a day-use pass at a resort or go to a Floating Bar — a boat anchored offshore that only opens at night.
- Less privacy, busier areas. The town centers where hotels are located are often basic and crowded.
Is All-Inclusive Worth It?
For travelers who just want to switch off and relax, an all-inclusive plan is very convenient. However, be prepared: paradise does come at a price. Evaluate extra costs such as excursions and premium drinks, which are sometimes not included.
We chose the standard package, not all-inclusive, because in most hotels the drinks included in the plan aren’t the ones we enjoy. Usually, there are no pure malt beer options, and the spirits may be unfamiliar brands or lower quality. Another reason is that we didn’t want to overeat or drink all day; when everything is included, it’s easy to overdo it. In the end, what we spent on food and drinks was less than the all-inclusive package.
At the resort, our average spend was about USD 70 per meal per person (USD 140 per person per day). Meanwhile, the all-inclusive package typically adds around USD 200 per person per day.
Beach Room in the Maldives or Overwater Bungalow?
Overwater bungalows are icons of the Maldives—the classic postcard image. But they are also the most expensive. Beach rooms, on the other hand, can offer excellent value and still provide easy access to that turquoise sea.
A smart approach is to split your stay between both options. This way, you experience each style in a single trip. Just pay attention to hotel rules.
Some hotels offer free transfers for stays of five nights or more. If you split the booking into two reservations—say, three nights in an overwater bungalow and two nights in a beach room—they may not count it as a five-night stay, and you could lose the benefit. Therefore, read all booking details carefully.
Day Use at Maldives Resorts
If you won’t be staying at a luxury resort but still want to experience one, several properties offer day-use passes with access to facilities for the day. It’s a great way to save money while enjoying a few hours of luxury.
If you’re staying on a local island, a day-use pass is also a way to consume alcoholic drinks, since alcohol is not allowed on local islands but is available at resorts.
In Maafushi, we saw packages for around USD 140 per person, including the boat transfer, resort entry, lunch, and open bar. Departure was at 7:45 a.m. and return at 6 p.m.
Watch Out for Taxes in the Maldives
The Maldives has a tax system that mainly includes the Goods and Services Tax (GST). There are also Import Duties, a Service Charge at hotels, and the Green Tax.
When booking your hotel, check the tax amounts. On Booking.com, the room price is shown with taxes detailed below. This information is crucial when traveling to the Maldives, as taxes can significantly increase the total cost.
These are the taxes we paid:
- Green Tax: USD 6 per person per day
- Hotel Service Charge: 10%
- GST: 16%
Summary of Costs
All costs below are in USD per person for a one-week trip. Prices could be lower, as both hotels were excellent and we ate everything we wanted. Our main goal was our wedding, so we chose one of the best room categories; we could have spent less.
Flights: USD 1,800 per person
Luxury Hotel Hard Rock Maldives (5 stars): Total of USD 1,800 for 4 nights per person
Hotel in Maafushi Kaani Palm Beach Hotel (4 stars): Total of USD 309 for 3 nights per person
Boat transfers between islands: USD 204 per person
Food for one week: USD 700 per person
All amounts include taxes.
Total: USD 4,813 per person for one week
In the end, the cost of a trip to the Maldives varies a lot depending on your preferred style and comfort level. Plan, research, and compare to find the best option for you and your budget. Have an amazing trip! 🌴🐠
For more tips about the Maldives, read also:
Maldives Travel Guide: Tips, Best Time to Visit and How to Get There
How to Plan a Dream Wedding in the Maldives: Our Complete Guide
Watch our Maldives trip video on YouTube.
If you want more tips like these, follow us on Instagram @beradatravel.
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