UPDATED FEB 2020. Just saying ‘the Maldives’ conjures up images of cocktails served in pineapples, turquoise ocean water, and palm trees swaying in a tropical breeze. It’s no surprise that it is a dream destination for many of us, though, it’s generally one of those dream destinations that seems unattainable. Like one of those places that only Beyonce goes to. I’ve got a little secret to share though, it’s not for the super-rich. Sure, it’s expensive and you’ll have to save up for it. But if you set it up the way I did, mixing a little luxury with a little local, then it’s certainly achievable. Here’s my guide on how to plan a trip to the Maldives if you’re not super-rich with everything you need to know to prepare for your visit as well as my tips to reduce the cost.
How To Plan A Trip To The Maldives If You’re Not Mega Rich
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
Where to stay in the Maldives
It’s fair to say that the Maldives is an expensive place to visit, but you don’t need to be super-rich to make it happen.
One of my dreams was to stay in an overwater villa so I booked 2 nights in a Sangu Water Villa at the luxury resort of Kuredu Island Resort and Spa. It was INCREDIBLE!
Two nights was enough to experience it and enjoy the luxury without going broke. They also had a lot of other room options if you want the resort experience without the water villa price tag.
I also booked 4 nights at the Boutique Beach All Inclusive Diving Hotel which was a third of the cost and located on a less touristy island.
I have to say splitting the stay between resort-style and guesthouse style not only saved a lot of money, but it was a fantastic way to experience the different sides of the Maldives. I’ll be referencing both these islands in this post.
In terms of how to plan a trip to the Maldives, splitting it between luxury and guesthouse gives a well-rounded experience
How to get to the Maldives
When booking your flights, you’ll arrive at the Male International Airport.
I flew with Emirates which is my favorite airline for long haul flights.
Taking a domestic flight to Kuredu
How to arrange transfers to the islands
Domestic flights and speedboats are the two main ways to transfer between the islands. You can also use the local ferry between islands which is the slowest method but can save money. I did a mix of all three during my visit.
Once you get through customs you will come to the transfer area. This is a series of booths that will arrange your transfer to whichever island you are staying on.
When you book your hotel stay, they will help you arrange your transfer and give you the information about which booth to go to. They are all clearly marked so it’s an easy process to find where you need to go.
You can get between the islands by flight, speedboat, or local ferry
What is the currency
Maldivian Rufiyaa is the currency used in the Maldives.
It’s a good idea to get a little cash out before you leave the airport – there’s an ATM near the transfer booths. This comes in handy for tips and souvenirs.
Anything at resorts can be charged to your room so you don’t need a lot of cash. I think we only took out $100 USD and used it for souvenirs.
Do you need a visa?
In most cases, you don’t need a visa to enter the Maldives as a tourist for stays of 30 days or less.
Check with your government’s travel department to get information specific to you.
When they stamp your passport as you enter through customs, they will give you a slip of paper which you keep for the duration of your stay and return it when you leave.
Do you need to rent a car?
There’s no need to rent a car because the islands are small enough to walk around.
When I landed on Kuredu, we walked directly onto the resort and were given a golf cart shuttle to the Sangu Water Villa section.
On Dhigurah island there was a car waiting for us when we arrived. The rest of the time it was easy to walk around to see different beaches.
It’s very easy to walk around the islands
Is there a dress code?
On the resorts, you can dress as you please. The only exception is some dress codes at the restaurants which weren’t super strict but didn’t allow things like tank tops for example.
When you visit Dhigurah and for your transit between islands though, it’s respectful to observe a modest dress code, covering shoulders to knees for both males and females.
When it comes to swimming, Boutique Beach has sunbeds on the roof of the hotel for tanning and a beach directly in front where bikinis are allowed. You can also wear a bikini on the diving tours after the boat has left the dock. The crew will let you know when you need to cover up so just ask if you’re unsure.
Pack long flowy dresses with sleeves, or light jackets or scarves to wear over dresses without sleeves.
Remember to cover up when you visit a local island
Can you drink alcohol in the Maldives?
You cannot bring any alcohol into the Maldives. If you buy duty-free alcohol on your way there it will be held at the airport until your departure.
Most big resorts have alcohol that you can purchase. If you get the all-inclusive plus package at Kuredu it includes a huge variety of drinks and even minibar and cocktails which saves a lot of money.
On Dhigurah, there is no alcohol on the island at all.
The non-alcoholic drinks served with meals at Boutique Beach were delicious though and so refreshing after all the time spent in the sun each day.
The fresh juices at Boutique Beach were so refreshing
Is the water safe to drink?
It’s best to avoid the tap water in the Maldives.
Bottled water was available and complimentary at both the Kuredu Resort and Boutique Beach.
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What type of food can you expect?
Kuredu offered buffet-style meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner which were all included, as well as afternoon tea snacks, in the all-inclusive plus package.
There was always a great deal of delicious food and lots of variety.
At Boutique Beach, you also have three meals a day included, though it is made to order instead of buffet style.
In my opinion, the food at Boutique Beach was much better because you get to try more authentic food.
The buffet at Kuredu was still amazing, but very westernized. At Boutique Beach I was able to try authentic Maldivian food which I had never tried before.
Picture perfect food at Boutique Beach on Dhigurah
What wildlife can you expect to see?
If you love nature and wildlife then you’re going to love the Maldives.
The Sangu Water Villas are situated over an area of water that is a nursery to baby stingrays and reef sharks.
It was so cool to look over the private balcony and watch them swim around. The island is also known for having a lot of turtles that can even be seen on the beach in the main area of the resort in the evenings.
Dhigurah is one of the best places in the world for year-round whale shark sightings and it’s also home to manta rays.
Boutique Beach offers both snorkeling and scuba diving tours to see both of these gentle giants of the sea. On my snorkel excursions, I also swam with eagle rays, reef sharks, moray eels, turtles, and so many beautiful fish.
Other posts to help you plan your visit
Where To Stay In The Maldives For An Authentic Diving Experience
Dhigurah Island, Maldives – 7 Interesting Things To Know Before You Visit
What To Wear In Conservative Countries If You Are A Female Traveler
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Thanks for doing the leg work..looks stunning. I always love your photography. Great idea to go up market then budget accomdstion (which looked great), both have their pluses and you get a better feel for the place.
Thank you so much <3 It was such a nice way to get an all round feel for the Maldives so hopefully others can experience the same!
The Maldives is an amazing destination for people who love the beach life.
I have been there once, and wish to be back.
Your guide was impressive and photos are mind-blowing.
Thank you so much, I wish to be back there too!