After You Land: A Quick Guide to the Maldives on a Budget

Dreamy overwater villas and crystal-clear water dancing around your head? That's the side of the Maldives that most people think of before they visit the country.

Not that isn't accurate; it's definitely a massive drawcard for honeymooners and once-in-a-lifetime trippers. They'll save up a wad of cash and splash it all on a celebration trip where they can hang out by the pool, be waited on hand and foot, and soak up the sunshine. 

But there's more to the Maldives than just that. We've collated the best of our Navigators' tips to help you plan your visit. 

Choosing where to go

Malé

The capital of the Maldives, it's seen as a transit city for most people arriving into the country. Not many people stick around in the capital itself, but there are a couple of things worth seeing—the National Museum of the Maldives is there, plus you can visit some of the country's biggest mosques. 

Here you'll also find all the ferries, seaplanes, and speedboats you'll need to go to any other island you'd like to visit. 

Addu Atoll

Filled with world-class diving sites, this heart-shaped atoll is something of a paradise—especially for manta ray lovers. And luckily for you, here there's a chance to make some underwater friends all year round. Fancy adding some green to your sea blues? This time of year, the Addu Nature Park's lush greenery is a tree hugger's haven. It's also a great time to go for a quick canoe through its mangrove forest.

Visiting Fuvahmulah: As the Maldives' only volcanic island, this place has so much to shout about but is often overlooked. An hour's ferry ride away from Addu, you'll find yourself on Thundi beach. Stroll through the tiny white pebbles, roll out your beach towel, and sip on some of the island's best fresh fruit juices. Once you've seen Addu's manta rays, you might have your eye on some snappier species, too. Thanks to its resident tiger sharks, Fuvahmulah has become a popular spot recently for diving and snorkelling. Oh, and maybe give Koda Kilhi a visit while you're there. Only if you don't mind getting dirty, of course :-)

Ari Atoll - North & South Ari Atoll 

Ari Atoll is one of the largest Atolls in the country, known for luxury resorts and hammerhead and whale shark spotting. Even if you're not staying in the 5-star resorts, islands like Dhigurah are publicly accessible and absolutely beautiful. 

Baa Atoll

Some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving areas of the country, as there is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve here. 

Budget-friendly tips

In terms of accommodation, swapping the dreamy overwater bungalows for a simple guest house can literally save you thousands! Pick your favourite atoll, head to your usual booking site, add a couple of price and amenities filters, and there you have it—plenty of accommodation options under €50 a night.

Transport between islands can be incredibly cheap (like under €7 kinda cheap!) as long as you stick with the local ferries and resist the temptation of the speedboats and seaplanes.

Finally, activities. You'll get the best price on excursions when you book through guest houses. But don't be afraid to shop around! Walk into a few to get an idea of the average price — you shouldn't pay more than €25-€90 per day, including food — and try your hand at a little negotiating :-)