Maldives Vacation Cost: A Practical 2025 Guide

If you’re daydreaming about turquoise water, white sand, and over‑water bungalows, the first question that pops up is usually, “How much will it cost?” The answer isn’t a single number – it depends on when you travel, where you stay, and what you want to do. Below is a clear, no‑fluff breakdown of the main expenses you’ll face in 2025, plus simple tricks to keep the price from blowing your budget.

Flights: Getting There Without Breaking the Bank

Round‑trip tickets from major Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore) to Malé typically range between ₹25,000 and ₹45,000, depending on the airline and how early you book. If you’re coming from Europe or the US, expect ₹55,000–₹80,000 for economy class. The cheapest months are May–June and September–November, when airlines run off‑peak sales. Set price alerts on flight apps, be flexible with your travel dates, and consider a stop‑over in the Middle East – it can shave off up to 15%.

Accommodation: From Guesthouses to Luxury Resorts

Where you stay makes the biggest dent in your budget. Budget guesthouses on local islands cost around ₹2,500‑₹5,000 per night and include basic meals. Mid‑range resorts on private islands start at ₹12,000‑₹20,000 per night, often with breakfast and water sports included. Luxury over‑water villas can top ₹40,000 per night, but many resorts hide extra fees for Wi‑Fi, airport transfers, and evening snacks. To save, book a “stay‑and‑play” package that bundles meals and transfers – it usually works out cheaper than paying each item separately.

Don’t forget the hidden cost of island transfers. Speedboat rides from Malé cost roughly ₹2,500‑₹5,000 per person each way, while seaplane jumps can be ₹10,000‑₹15,000. Some resorts include a certain number of transfers in the room rate, so read the fine print before you book.

Food and drinks are another variable. A meal at a local café on a guesthouse island runs about ₹300‑₹600. At a resort, expect ₹2,000‑₹3,500 for a three‑course dinner. Alcohol is heavily taxed – a beer can be ₹300‑₹500, while a cocktail might be ₹800‑₹1,200. To keep costs low, enjoy breakfast at your hotel and explore street food or local eateries for lunch.

Activities such as snorkeling, diving, and island hopping are usually extra. A two‑hour snorkel trip is around ₹2,000‑₹3,500, while a full‑day dive can reach ₹8,000‑₹12,000. If you love water sports, look for combo packages that bundle several activities; they often save 10‑20%.

Here’s a quick example of a 5‑day mid‑range budget:

• Flights: ₹35,000
• Accommodation (mid‑range resort, 4 nights): ₹64,000
• Transfers (speedboat, round‑trip): ₹6,000
• Food (mix of resort meals and local eateries): ₹15,000
• Activities (snorkel + one dive + island tour): ₹12,000
• Miscellaneous (tips, small souvenirs): ₹5,000

Total: ~₹137,000 per person. Adjust up or down by swapping guesthouses for resorts, or cutting an extra dive.

**Budget‑saving tips**

• Travel in the shoulder season (May‑June, Sep‑Nov).
• Book a combined flight‑hotel package early.
• Choose a local island guesthouse for at least one night.
• Use public speedboat services instead of private transfers.
• Eat where the locals eat – the food is cheaper and authentic.

Remember, the Maldives isn’t just for ultra‑luxury travelers. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the same crystal‑clear waters without the sky‑high price tag. Use the numbers above as a starting point, tweak them to match your style, and you’ll have a realistic budget before you even pack your bags.