How Much Does a Trip to the Maldives Cost?

Key Takeaways:

Maldives trip costs for a couple vary widely: Expect a week-long trip to range from $1,700 – $3,000 USD for budget travelers (local islands) to $7,000 – $15,000+ USD for luxury experiences (5-star resorts).

Key expenses include flights, accommodation, and transfers: International flights can range from $350 to $1,900+ USD, with nightly accommodation costs from $50 (guesthouses) to over $6,000 USD (ultra-luxury resorts), plus significant inter-island transport fees.

Seasonality greatly impacts pricing and experience: Peak dry season (December-March) offers ideal weather but higher costs, while the wet season (May-November) provides better value and unique marine encounters despite occasional showers.

Optimize Your Budget: All-Inclusive vs. Hidden Fees: While all-inclusive packages simplify costs, remember to budget for additional taxes (26-28%), alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and certain activity charges.

Embark on a journey to the Maldives, an ultimate tropical escape for many. Known for its ethereal beauty, the Maldives offers adventure, serenity, and luxury. This guide helps you understand various costs for a trip to this coveted island haven in 2024-2025, ensuring your ideal vacation is both extraordinary and within reach.

The Flight: How Much Does It Cost to Go to the Maldives?

Your adventure begins with booking your flight to Velana International Airport (MLE). Airfare varies significantly by location and booking time. Typical round-trip economy prices are:

From the US: $1,000 to $1,900.
From the UK: $700 to $1,500.
From India: $350 to $550.
From Australia: $900 to $1,500.

To save, book well in advance (6-12 months for peak season), be flexible with dates, and use flight comparison tools. Consider off-peak travel (May-November) for better deals.

The Transportation: Exploring the Islands

Inter-island travel is key to your Maldives experience. Costs vary by budget, destination, and adventure level:

Speedboats: For closer resorts, shared transfers are typically $120 to $280 per person, round-trip. Private options cost more.
Ferries: Budget-friendly, costing less than $15 per trip for local islands, but slower and on fixed schedules (no Fridays).
Seaplanes: Scenic but pricier for resorts further from Malé, ranging from $250 to $600 per person for a one-way trip (often $500-$1000 round-trip). Resorts usually arrange these.

The Food: Eating in the Maldives

Maldives offers diverse dining, from local eateries to gourmet restaurants. Costs depend on your accommodation (local island vs. private resort) and meal plan:

Fine Dining (Resorts): Over $90-$150 per person per meal.
Mid-range Dining (Resorts/Larger Local Islands): $30 to $90 per person per meal.
Local Cuisine (Local Islands): Authentic meals for under $15 per person at small eateries (Hotaas).

Meal plans (half-board, full-board, all-inclusive) significantly impact your food budget. All-inclusive often offers the best value, covering most dining and beverages upfront.

The Accommodation: Dream Lodging in the Maldives

Accommodations cater to various budgets, from guesthouses to ultra-luxury. Here’s what to expect per night in 2024-2025:

Budget (Local Guesthouses): $50 to $150 per night on inhabited islands for an authentic cultural experience.
Mid-range Hotels/Resorts: Comfortable stays, often beachfront, for $150 to $600 per night.
Luxury Resorts: Overwater villas and exclusive five-star amenities from $600 to $1,500 per night.
Ultra-luxury Resorts: Pinnacle of opulence, with expansive private villas and bespoke services, can exceed $1,500 to $6,000+ per night.

Prices fluctuate with seasonality, with peak dry season (December-March) being most expensive.

The Total Package: How Much Is A Trip To The Maldives For A Week?

So, what’s the expected cost for a Maldives trip in 2024-2025 for a week? It varies significantly by travel style for a couple:

Budget Traveler (local islands, basic meals): $1,700 – $3,000.
Mid-Range Traveler (mid-range resort, some excursions): $4,000 – $7,000.
Luxury Traveler (5-star resort, fine dining, seaplane): $7,000 – $15,000+.

These estimates typically include airfare, accommodation, meals, and essential transportation. They balance comfort and experience, ensuring you enjoy the Maldives fully.

All-inclusive resorts like Oaga Art Resort simplify your budget by handling every detail. Opting for anall-inclusive Maldives resort package offers convenience, eliminates expense tracking, and provides luxury—perfect for special occasions like honeymoons or milestone celebrations.

The Extras: Activities, Excursions, and Souvenirs

The Maldives isn’t just relaxation—it’s adventure. While many all-inclusive resorts include entertainment, consider these extra costs:

Water Sports: Guided snorkeling or diving (with equipment) ranges from $60 to $220. Jet skiing, parasailing, cost more.
Island Hopping: Tours exploring neighboring islands start around $120-$260.
Cultural Experiences: Local island visits are often under $60, or free via public ferry.
Spa Treatments: Luxurious resort massages start from $80.

Factor in an extra $60 to $350 for souvenirs, professional photography, or additional services. Always check what’s included in your package (e.g., complimentary kayaking).

Hidden Costs to Consider

Be aware of these potential additional expenses:

Taxes and Service Charges: Often not included in initial prices: 10% service charge, 16% GST, plus $6 per person/night Green Tax (totaling 26-28% additional).
Alcohol: Heavily taxed and only available on resorts/safari boats. Expect high prices ($15-$30+ per drink).
Wi-Fi/Connectivity: Some resorts charge; a local SIM offers budget connectivity on local islands.
Excursion Upcharges: “Included” excursions might have hidden fees for premium experiences.
Late Checkout Fees: Expect charges if extending your room beyond standard checkout time.

The Final Takeaway: Maldives Vacation Cost

A trip to the Maldives is about crafting an experience of a lifetime. Whether seeking luxury, adventure, or romance, this versatile island nation caters to all budgets and preferences.

Begin your journey at Oaga Art Resort, where Maldivian allure is encapsulated in an all-inclusive experience. It’s not just about luxury and ease; it’s about immersing yourself where nature, culture, and comfort intertwine to create magic. The islands beckon, ready to unveil their splendor and serenity, promising an escape that’s both rejuvenating and remarkable.

Discover accommodation and experiences today and save money with our all-inclusive package.

For more planning tips, visit our guide on when you should visit Maldives in 2025.