Maldives on a Budget: Cost Breakdown for Dhigurah & Fulhadhoo (Transport, Tours, Food)

If you are wondering what the Maldives really costs without splurging on luxury resorts, this is for you. We spent two weeks celebrating Luca’s birthday on the local islands of Dhigurah in South Ari Atoll and Fulhadhoo in Baa Atoll. We swam with whale sharks and mantas, found quiet sandbanks, learned to scuba, and ate simple delicious island food. Below is every cost converted to dollars, plus honest tips so you can plan your own Maldives on a budget trip with confidence.

Quick photo snapshot 

Accommodation Costs: Your Island Home Away From Home

When planning a trip to a dream destination like the Maldives, accommodation is often the first thing that comes to mind, and usually the biggest chunk of the budget. Forget the overwater bungalows of private resorts for a moment; local guesthouses offer a fantastic way to experience authentic island life without breaking the bank. These charming stays provide comfortable lodging, a chance to interact with locals, and often come with perks like proximity to stunning beaches or even meals and transfers bundled into the price. We opted for a mix of guesthouses on two different islands, plus a quick overnight in the capital, Malé.

Here's what we actually paid for two people for our entire stay:

• Seascape Dhigurah: Our stay on Dhigurah, the perfect base for whale shark and manta encounters, cost us $1,047.42.

• Three Hearts Guesthouse Fulhadhoo: This secluded paradise in Baa Atoll, where we celebrated Luca's birthday, cost $839.28.

• Malé Hotel (one night): A convenient stopover in the capital set us back $86.59.

• Total Accommodation: $1,973.29

Our Dhigurah guesthouse placed us perfectly for easy access to the famous whale shark channel and the expansive Bikini Beach. Fulhadhoo, on the other hand, offered serene nights, clear starry skies, and delicious dinners right by the water. To keep your accommodation costs down, consider traveling during the shoulder season and look for guesthouses that include breakfast and at least one other meal in their rates.

Transport Costs: Navigating the Atolls

Getting around the Maldives is an adventure in itself! While the iconic image of a seaplane soaring over turquoise waters is captivating, there are various transport options, each with its own price tag. We balanced efficiency with experience, opting for seaplanes for longer distances and speedboats when appropriate. Many guesthouses, especially on local islands, will include speedboat transfers in their package, which can be a significant saving.

Here's a breakdown of our inter-island travel expenses:

• Seaplane Villa Laguna Maldives: $168.27 per person

• Seaplane Maldivian Seaplane Opera: $168.75 per person

Total Paid Transport: $337.02 (for two people)

Our speedboat transfers between Malé and Dhigurah were included in our guesthouse bookings, so we didn't have to pay extra for those. While seaplanes might seem like a splurge, the breathtaking aerial views of the Maldivian atolls, with their vibrant coral reefs and pristine sandbars, are truly unforgettable and worth experiencing at least once. If you're looking to cut down further on travel costs, inquire with your guesthouse about public ferry options, which are much slower but significantly more budget-friendly.

Experiences and Tour Prices: Making Memories Underwater and On Land

The Maldives is synonymous with incredible marine life and idyllic island experiences. This is where you'll want to allocate a good portion of your budget, as these activities are truly the highlight of any trip here. From swimming with the majestic whale sharks and graceful mantas to exploring vibrant coral gardens and even learning to scuba dive, the options are endless. We paid for most of our activities in cash, which we withdrew from ATMs to secure the best rates and avoid credit card fees where possible.

Our total for all experiences was approximately $626.40.

This comprehensive total covered an array of unforgettable moments, including:

• Whale shark and manta tours: Getting up close with these gentle giants is an absolute must-do.

• Turtle and coral garden snorkeling: Discovering the vibrant underwater world and its diverse inhabitants.

• Night snorkeling: A unique perspective of the reef as it comes alive after dark.

• Private sandbank excursions: Enjoying secluded moments of bliss on pristine, uninhabited patches of sand.

• Open water scuba diving certification: Luca embarked on his diving journey, opening up a whole new world of exploration.

• Various other local excursions: Immersing ourselves in the local culture and discovering hidden gems.

To give you a better idea for your own planning, here are the typical prices we encountered per person (unless noted), keeping in mind that these can vary based on the season and specific operator:

• Whale shark and manta snorkel (full day): Around $150

• Turtle and coral garden snorkel: Between $50 to $70

• Night snorkel with guide: $60

• Private sandbank drop-off (for two): Approximately $60 to $100 total

• Open water scuba certification on a local island: Around $350 to $450 per person

• Single tank fun dive: About $50 to $70 (plus equipment rental if needed)

We found that booking tours and experiences directly through our guesthouse was the most convenient and often yielded the best results, offering early starts and smaller group sizes—perfect for a more intimate and less crowded experience.

Food Costs in USD: A Taste of the Islands

Eating in the Maldives on a budget, especially on local islands, is a delightful experience that typically involves fresh seafood and flavorful Maldivian cuisine. While resort islands can charge exorbitant prices for meals, local islands offer a much more authentic and affordable culinary journey. We enjoyed a mix of meals included with our guesthouse stay and ventured out to local restaurants to sample the diverse flavors.

Our estimated total for meals throughout our two-week trip was approximately $810.00.

This figure includes a variety of dining experiences:

• Three Hearts Guesthouse (daily meals in Fulhadhoo): Our stay here often included delicious, home-cooked meals, giving us a true taste of local hospitality.

• Other local restaurants: We explored various local eateries on both Dhigurah and Fulhadhoo, such as Savaa, Palms Retreat, and Coffee Club. These spots offered everything from fresh grilled fish to traditional Maldivian breakfasts like Mas Huni (shredded smoked tuna with coconut, chili, and onion, usually served with flatbread).

Expect to find plenty of tuna and other fresh fish on menus, often prepared with aromatic curries and coconut milk. Local fruit juices are also a refreshing and inexpensive treat. To save money, consider guesthouses that offer half-board or full-board options, and embrace the local restaurants – they provide both delicious food and a glimpse into daily island life.

Travel Insurance: Peace of Mind for Your Paradise Trip

While we all hope for a seamless vacation, travel insurance is a non-negotiable expense, especially when traveling to a remote destination like the Maldives. It provides a crucial safety net for unforeseen circumstances, from medical emergencies to lost luggage or trip cancellations. Think of it as a small investment for significant peace of mind. We always make sure to factor this into our overall travel budget.

Our travel insurance with AXA cost us $86.23.

This covered us for the duration of our two-week trip, ensuring that we could relax and enjoy our time in paradise without worrying about potential financial setbacks. Always read the policy details carefully to understand what is covered and choose a plan that best suits your needs.

Overall Summary: Maldives Budget for Two Weeks on Local Islands

Bringing all these expenses together, here’s a transparent look at our total spending for two people over two incredible weeks in the Maldives:

• Accommodation: $1,973.29

• Transport: $337.02

• Experiences: $626.40

• Meals: $810.00

• Insurance: $86.23

• Grand Total: $3,832.94

This translates to roughly $1,916.47 per person for a two-week Maldives adventure, or about $273.78 per person per day. As you can see, experiencing the magic of the Maldives is absolutely achievable on a budget, especially when you choose to stay on local islands and embrace local transport and dining. It’s a truly enriching experience that offers both stunning natural beauty and cultural immersion, proving that paradise doesn't always come with a sky-high price tag.