THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE MALDIVES
Depending on the kind of trip you’re after, the Maldives has something for everyone- and yes, you can enjoy it on a budget! With over 1,000 coral islands across 26 atolls, each island has its own charm. Staying on a local island offers a true taste of Maldivian life, with cosy guesthouses that are much more affordable than private resorts.
A few things to keep in mind: the Maldives is a Muslim country, so local beaches have rules- bikinis and revealing swimwear aren’t allowed. Some beaches are now designated for tourists, where you can relax more freely. Even with these restrictions, a stay on a local island is a wonderfully authentic experience.
In this guide, I’ll share some of my favourite local islands and hidden gems, and show how we ended our trip in a luxury resort. After all, part of the Maldives’ magic is balancing genuine local experiences with a touch of indulgence.
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HOW TO GET AROUND MALDIVES AND ITS ATOLS
Travelling between islands in the Maldives can be a little tricky and requires some planning ahead. Since the Maldives is made up of over 1,000 islands across 26 atolls, there’s no road network connecting them- boats and sea planes are essential. The local islands only opened up for tourism in 2008, so transport is still limited. Fewer boats are available, and while there are more speedboats now, they come at a higher price.
Local Ferry: The cheapest option, though also the hardest to find information about online. These boats are slow and follow an irregular schedule, which I’ll outline below. They typically cost around $1–$4 per person and only service the inhabited islands.
“Local” Speedboat: Usually running once or twice per day between inhabited islands, this is a great backup if you miss the local ferry or your route isn’t available that day. They are faster than the ferry and typically cost around $35 per person.
Private Speedboat: You can hire a speedboat to travel on your own schedule, which you can share with your group. Hotels can often arrange this for you. Prices usually start around $150, depending on the route and distance.
Seaplane: The most expensive mode of transport and often the only way to reach some of the private resorts on remote islands. If you’re planning to stay at a high-end resort, make sure to factor in how you’ll get there. Seaplane transfers can cost upwards of $500 per person round trip.
The Maldives is made up of 26 atolls, each containing multiple islands. When planning your trip, it’s helpful to know how the islands are grouped, especially if you’re traveling by public ferry.
How Atolls Affect Travel:
Islands are typically grouped by atoll for ferry routes. This means you can easily travel between islands within the same atoll, but traveling to a different atoll usually requires a stop in Malé, the capital.
Knowing which islands belong to which atoll helps you plan multi-island trips efficiently and avoid backtracking.
Some atolls are more accessible than others; South Malé Atoll is closest to the capital, while remote atolls like Vaavu or North Ari require longer journeys.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE MALDIVES
The best time to visit the Maldives is generally from December to April, during the dry season, when the weather is sunny and the seas are calm. However, this is also the peak season, with higher prices and larger crowds. For budget-conscious travellers, the shoulder months of November and April offer a good balance of pleasant weather and better value. The wet season, from May to October, is the cheapest time to visit but comes with more rain and humidity. Despite this, it’s an excellent time for surfing and spotting marine life such as manta rays and whale sharks.
DO YOU NEED A VISA IN THE MALDIVES?
For most travellers, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance. The Maldives offers a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival for citizens of most countries.
For more information, you can check the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://foreign.gov.mv
INTERNET, WIFI AND DATA IN MALDIVES
For a physical SIM, Dhiraagu is recommended due to its high market share and near 100% coverage on inhabited islands. We bought our SIM card in Malé, but you can also get one at the airport upon arrival. While airport SIMs are usually a bit more expensive, they are far more convenient-especially if you’re not staying overnight in Malé and are heading straight to a local island or resort.
MALDIVES ITINERARY
GULHI
Transport: Public boat from Malé (~22 MVR per person)
Why visit: Gulhi is a small, island with a modest bikini beach, clear turquoise waters, and excellent snorkelling. It’s perfect for easing into island life and enjoying relaxing day trips.
Where to stay: Sandy Heaven
Tip: Its proximity to Malé makes Gulhi ideal for a short stay or for first-time visitors.
guhli
guhli
Omadhoo
Transport: From Gulhi, you’ll need to return to Malé to catch a speedboat to Omadhoo (~35 USD per person). While it adds a bit of travel time, the journey is worth it.
Why visit: Omadhoo is one of the most tranquil and beautiful local islands we visited. Its pristine beaches, calm waters, and peaceful atmosphere make it feel like a true hidden gem. We loved it so much that we ended up extending our stay-it was impossible to leave. Staying here gives you an authentic experience of Maldivian island life, away from the crowds.
Where to stay: Green Leaf Hotel – a cosy and welcoming guesthouse that feels like a home away from home.
Tip: Head to the Pier in the evening- locals often discard food scraps from a specific wooden pier, which attracts numerous stingrays and nurse sharks.
omadhoo
omadhoo
Dhigurah
Transport: Public route: Omadhoo → Mahibadhoo (~22 MVR) → Dhigurah (~22 MVR)
Why visit: Dhigurah is home to one of the longest sandbanks in the Maldives and is famous for swimming with whale sharks. The diving and snorkelling here are exceptional, making it a dream destination and another one of my favourite local islands in the Maldives. Most guesthouses organise excursions, so ask what kind of excursion you’re looking for and they can arrange it for you.
Where to stay: Sunny Stay Hotel
DHIGURAH
DHIGURAH
Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa – Luxury Finale
Transport: Seaplane from Dhigurah
Why visit: End your journey in style at Machchafushi, a serene overwater resort. From gourmet dining to tranquil surroundings, it offers the ultimate Maldives indulgence. Some of the best snorkelling is right off your water bungalow.
Tip: This is the perfect place to relax and reflect on your island-hopping adventure. If you’re looking to splurge, Machchafushi is the ultimate choice.
MACHCHAFUSHI RESORT
