Planning to travel to the Maldives while keeping your costs down? Well, we have found out the cheapest month to visit the Maldives!
The stunning Indian Ocean archipelago of Maldives has built a reputation as a luxury destination. It offers such an incredible combination of dazzling beaches, cerulean waters and fantastic diving that its opening up to travellers without limitless financial resources is definitely a cause for celebration.
Maldives is cheapest during the southwest monsoon, that is from May to October, handily coinciding with the Northern Hemisphere summer with the rainiest time of year. These months can be overcast and wet, but you’ll never need to worry about being cold thanks to the year-round warmth of the equatorial air.
The cheapest month to travel to the Maldives is typically October. This period often falls in the transitional period between rainy season and the dry season, offering a good balance between affordability and reasonably good weather!
For Indian travellers, we can conclude that September to October are the cheapest months to visit the Maldives.
Keep in mind that the weather conditions may vary but in this month, you may find lower prices for accommodation and flights compared to the peak season, which is generally from December to April.
The following are some simple tips for keeping your costs down with some careful planning for your trip to Maldives:
1. Book Your Flights In Advance
The islands’ remoteness means flying to Male is never going to be cheap, though the average fare has happily ticked downward in recent years. Indian low-cost airline Go First now offers direct flights from Mumbai and Delhi. A stopover (or two) may reduce your airfare costs significantly.
2. Choose Local Guesthouses
Instead of luxury resorts, finding the right guesthouse will represent the biggest single savings you can make on a trip to Maldives, as even the fanciest guesthouse will cost significantly less than the cheapest resort! These are often more budget-friendly and provide a more authentic experience.
3. Travel Like A Local And Take The Ferry
MTCC ferries, the state-run public transport system, is a superb (if not particularly rapid) way to get around, with tickets costing almost nothing! On an often crowded but very sociable dhoni (the multipurpose Maldivian sailing vessel), you’ll have plenty of time to sun yourself on the roof while looking out for dolphins as the boat wends its way slowly to your island. At only a few dollars per ride, you’ll save a fortune compared to the expensive speedboat or seaplane transfers most resorts require.
4. Choose An Island Popular With Backpackers
The further you go from the crowds in Maldives, the more you’ll pay to get and stay there. Busier islands with well-established guesthouse scenes are where competition for the tourist dollar is stiffest! As a result, you’ll find the widest choice of restaurants and activities, as well as (in most cases) better public-transport links to Male and its airport.
The most popular Maldivian island for budget travelers is Maafushi, though the growing number of visitors has arguably eaten away at its charm. Other popular islands full of guesthouses worth considering are Dhigurah, Fulidhoo, Thulusdhoo, Huraa, Ukulhas and Rasdhoo.
5. Island-Hop By Local Ferries or Stay On One Island
Moving around in Maldives either takes days or costs a fortune! Explore multiple islands on a budget by using local ferries or domestic flights. This allows you to experience different parts of the Maldives without breaking the bank!
6. Book Your Diving Package In Advance
If diving is your main reason for traveling here, hunt around for the best diving package deal in advance of your trip, then work backward to organise the rest of your trip around that! Many guesthouses catering to divers will offer generous discounts for buying packages in advance, as this allows them to manage their dive schedules and maximize use of the dhonis.
7. Bring Your Own Snorkelling Gear
Many guesthouses offer masks, snorkels, fins and other water-sports equipment to guests at no extra charge. Still, it’s a good idea to make sure that’s the case at your lodging before you depart. If your guesthouse is not stocked, you’ll save a significant amount by bringing your own gear on the plane with you.
8. Try To Pack All The Essentials You'll Need During Your Stay
It’s hard to exaggerate just how little is available in shops in Maldives. Finding even the most basic items on local islands can be a challenge! The national capital and the only real city in the country, Male has the best selection of goods in its shops. But you’ll save both time and money by bringing everything you need with you in your own bags. Avoid importing alcohol, however, as authorities will confiscate it when you enter the country.
9. Avoid High Taxes On Alcohol
Unless you’re staying in a resort, any holiday in devoutly Muslim Maldives is going to be alcohol-free, which can be a dealbreaker for some. The only way to get a drink if you’re staying in a guesthouse is to arrange an excursion to a nearby resort or liveaboard diving boat for the evening.
Popular islands such as Maafushi have a dive boat semi-permanently anchored next to the island, making getting a sundowner relatively easy. But you may find your bill from a night of drinking fairly sobering, as huge taxes are levied on alcohol here.
10. Pick Up A SIM Card At The Airport
Since roaming costs can become significant if you use the internet on your phone outside of Wi-Fi hotspots, you’ll save money by picking up a local pay-as-you-go SIM card at the airport upon arrival. For as little as INR 800, these cards normally include plenty of data, more than enough for a couple of weeks. Top up in the atolls should you run out.
11. Currency Exchange
Exchange some currency before arriving in the Maldives for convenience, but also use ATMs on local islands to get the best exchange rates.
While you can save money by visiting Maldives from September to October, it's essential to respect the local culture and environment.
Have you visited Maldives before? Let us know about your experience below!
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