Expertly designed trip plans for 3, 5, and 7 days. From luxury resort escapes to budget local island adventures, these itineraries balance relaxation, activities, and authentic Maldivian experiences.
Planning a Maldives trip involves a fundamental choice: luxury resort or local island guesthouse? Both offer incredible experiences but differ dramatically in vibe, cost, and activities.
Resort islands are private, all-inclusive paradises with overwater villas, pristine beaches, world-class diving, and premium service. You'll never leave the island unless you want to. Budget: USD 300-2,000+ per night.
Local islands like Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, and Dhiffushi offer guesthouses at USD 30-150 per night, authentic Maldivian culture, equally beautiful snorkeling, and the chance to island-hop. Trade-offs: no alcohol, modest dress codes in villages, and shared beaches.
These itineraries cater to both styles. Mix and match based on your clients' budgets and preferences.
Perfect for quick getaways and first-time visitors
Luxury / RelaxationMost international flights arrive early morning. Clear immigration quickly with visa-on-arrival. Resort representative meets you at arrivals hall with name board.
Speedboat transfer (30-90 minutes) for closer resorts. Seaplane transfer (20-45 minutes) for distant atolls - scenic views of coral atolls and turquoise lagoons. Seaplanes operate daylight hours only.
Traditional Maldivian welcome with chilled coconut or tropical juice. Brief resort orientation covering dining options, activities desk, spa, and house reef location. Early check-in usually available.
Buffet lunch at main restaurant. Explore your villa - unpack, test the outdoor shower, admire the ocean views. Most resorts provide snorkeling gear in rooms.
Relax on powdery white sand beaches. Swim in infinity pools. Wade in the lagoon. No rush - this is what you came for. Reading a book in a hammock counts as an activity.
Head to the beach bar for sunset viewing. Maldivian sunsets are legendary - impossible to take a bad photo. Order a signature cocktail (USD 15-25) and watch the sky turn orange and pink.
Most resorts offer multiple restaurants - Asian fusion, Italian, seafood grills. Book specialty restaurants in advance. Buffet dinners are generous with fresh seafood, international dishes, and tropical desserts.
Wake early for a quiet beach stroll before other guests emerge. The light is magical, and you'll have the island virtually to yourself. Spot crabs, seabirds, and maybe dolphins offshore.
Leisurely breakfast buffet with fresh tropical fruits, eggs cooked to order, pastries, and strong coffee. Some resorts offer floating breakfast in your villa pool (arrange previous day).
Most resort islands have excellent house reefs accessible from beach. Snorkel among coral gardens teeming with reef fish, rays, small sharks, and turtles. Free activity with provided equipment. 1-2 hours.
Light lunch followed by afternoon rest in your air-conditioned villa. Midday heat makes outdoor activities less pleasant. Perfect time for a nap or book reading.
Book a couples massage or solo treatment at overwater spa. Expect to pay USD 150-300 for 60-90 minute treatments. Balinese massage, coconut body scrubs, and facials are popular. Pure indulgence.
Join the resort's sunset cruise (USD 60-120 per person). Sail on a traditional dhoni boat searching for spinner dolphins. High success rate in Maldives. Champagne served as sun sets. 2 hours.
Upgrade to private beach dinner setup (USD 200-500 depending on resort). Table for two on the beach, tiki torches, dedicated server, multi-course menu. Perfect for honeymooners and anniversaries.
Many resorts offer complimentary sunrise yoga on the beach. Gentle stretching as the sun rises over the Indian Ocean. Peaceful way to start your final day.
Introductory dive (USD 100-150) if you've never tried scuba. Or choose from kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing (USD 50-150 depending on activity). Non-motorized sports often free at resorts.
Enjoy last meal overlooking the lagoon. Check out by 12 noon (international standard). Late checkout available for fee or if flying out evening. Store luggage with reception while you continue using facilities.
Final beach time until your transfer. Capture those last photos of paradise. Many guests regret not taking enough photos of their resort - this is your chance.
Speedboat or seaplane transfer back to Male. Arrive at airport 3 hours before international flight. Duty-free shopping available. Reflect on perfect tropical escape.
Authentic Maldivian experience at backpacker prices
Budget / CulturalBase: Maafushi Island (most developed local island, 30 minutes by speedboat from Male)
Public ferry departs Male at 3:00 PM daily (USD 2, 90 minutes). Private speedboat USD 25-30 per person (30 minutes, flexible timing). Guesthouse arranges pickup from ferry terminal.
Budget guesthouses USD 30-80 per night with AC, WiFi, breakfast. Mid-range options USD 80-150 with better rooms and beach access. All are clean and friendly.
Walk the island in 20 minutes. Visit local shops, mosques (exterior only for non-Muslims), harbor with fishing boats. Dress modestly in village - shoulders and knees covered. Locals are welcoming and speak English.
Designated "bikini beach" where tourists can wear swimsuits and sunbathe. Separate from local beach where modest dress is required. Beautiful sunset spot. No alcohol anywhere on local islands.
Fresh fish curry, tuna riha, chapati, and rice for USD 5-10. Restaurants serve Maldivian, Sri Lankan, and Indian cuisine. Portions are generous. Fresh juice USD 2-3.
Full-day trip USD 25-40 per person. Small boat visits pristine sandbank (tiny desert island), snorkeling spots, and sometimes dolphin watching. Brings 10-15 tourists. Book through guesthouse.
Guide takes you to protected reef areas teeming with fish, rays, small sharks, and turtles. Snorkeling gear provided. Water clarity is incredible. Spend 1-2 hours exploring underwater wonderland.
BBQ lunch on the sandbank - grilled fish, chicken, rice, salad, and fruits. Hammock time on pristine white sand surrounded by turquoise water. This is the postcard Maldives experience for budget travelers.
Second snorkel stop at different reef or shipwreck. Or just swim in crystal-clear lagoon. Guides are knowledgeable about marine life and happy to point out interesting creatures.
Boat ride back to island as sun begins setting. You'll be tired, sunburned (hopefully wore sunscreen), and happy. Shower and rest at guesthouse.
Try different restaurant tonight. Seafood is incredibly fresh - caught that morning. Evening stroll through lit streets, chat with other travelers, plan tomorrow's activities.
Introductory dive USD 60-80 (resort prices are USD 100-150). Full-day 2-tank dive for certified divers USD 80-100. Multiple dive centers on Maafushi offer PADI courses and fun dives. Manta ray and shark dives available.
Island hopping tour USD 30-50 visits 2-3 local islands or resort islands for photos. See different communities, browse handicraft shops, experience varied landscapes. Half-day trip returning by lunch.
Last swim at bikini beach. Shop for souvenirs - sarongs, shell jewelry, coconut crafts, locally made products. Prices are negotiable. Pack and check out.
Private speedboat back to Male airport area (30 minutes, USD 25-30). Or public ferry if timing works (3:00 PM departure, arrives 4:30 PM). Most evening flights depart 8-11 PM, giving plenty of time.
Ultimate romantic escape with overwater villas and couples activities
Luxury / RomanceThis itinerary assumes you're staying at a premium resort with overwater villas, multiple restaurants, and comprehensive spa facilities.
For certified divers seeking world-class underwater experiences
Adventure / DivingMaldives offers some of the world's best diving: manta rays, whale sharks, hammerheads, drift dives through channels, pinnacles covered in soft corals, and crystal-clear visibility averaging 20-30 meters.
Stay at dive-focused resort (cheaper than luxury resorts) or join a liveaboard (sleep on boat, dive 3-4 times daily). Liveaboards access more remote sites but resorts offer comfort and variety.
Mix of resort luxury and local island culture
ComprehensiveThis hybrid itinerary splits time between a luxury resort and local islands, offering the best of both worlds.
Follow the 3-Day Resort Escape itinerary above. Focus on relaxation, water sports, spa treatments, and fine dining. Book overwater villa for ultimate experience.
Activities: Snorkeling, diving, dolphin cruise, spa, beach relaxation, resort hopping tour to see other properties, sunset fishing
Morning: Check out from resort, speedboat transfer to Male (USD 25-50)
11 AM: Quick Male city tour - visit old Friday Mosque, fish market, local market. Grab lunch at local cafe (USD 5-8)
2 PM: Speedboat to Maafushi (USD 25, 30 minutes) or public ferry (USD 2, 90 minutes)
Afternoon: Check into guesthouse, explore village, meet locals, cultural orientation
Evening: Dinner at local restaurant, evening beach walk, interact with other budget travelers
Morning: Traditional Maldivian cooking class (USD 30-50) - learn to make mas huni, garudhiya fish soup, roshi flatbread
Afternoon: Sandbank and snorkeling excursion (USD 35-45)
Evening: Sunset fishing with locals, learn traditional hand-line fishing techniques (USD 20-30)
Option A: Return to original resort for final relaxation before departure
Option B: Domestic flight to different atoll (Baa Atoll for UNESCO biosphere, Addu Atoll for unique culture) and experience different resort
Focus: Final water activities, last-minute diving, souvenir shopping, sunset appreciation, farewell dinner
| Duration | Budget (Local Islands) | Mid-Range (3-4 Star Resort) | Luxury (5 Star Resort) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | USD 300-500 | USD 900-1,500 | USD 2,500-6,000 |
| 5-Day Trip | USD 500-800 | USD 1,500-2,500 | USD 4,000-10,000 |
| 7-Day Trip | USD 700-1,200 | USD 2,100-3,500 | USD 5,500-15,000 |
Budget includes: Accommodation, meals, basic excursions, and inter-island transfers. Does NOT include international flights, alcohol (resort only), premium spa treatments, or diving.
Dry season (November-April): best weather, calm seas, manta rays. Rainy season (May-October): cheaper rates, fewer tourists, whale sharks (August-November). Maldives is year-round destination - rain comes in short bursts.
North/South Male Atoll: closest to airport, cheaper transfers. Ari Atoll: great diving, whale sharks. Baa Atoll: UNESCO site, mantas. Addu Atoll: different culture, WWII history. Consider transfer costs and time when choosing.
Book all-inclusive at resorts (drinks are expensive). Stay on local islands (10x cheaper). Avoid peak season (December-January, July-August). Book direct with resorts for deals. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (USD 30+ in Maldives).
Download: Google Maps (offline), currency converter (USD used everywhere), tide charts (for snorkeling). Buy SIM card at airport (USD 10-30 with data). WiFi available at all resorts and most guesthouses (free).
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