When you think of Maldives, what comes to your mind? As a very expensive country to travel right? Well, the good news is it has changed over the years. Now in the Maldives, the tourism Industry offers different classes of stay, where everyone can afford to travel to the Maldives and experience to its fullest. As there are several guesthouses all around the Maldives.
Resort
- With Breakfast
- Luxury Villas
- Alcohol Available
- Air Taxi and Speed Boat Transfer
Local Guesthouse
- With Breakfast
- Decent Stay
- No Alcohol
- Local Ferry Transfer
In a resort, it will cost you a room for $300 and above with breakfast per night, however in guesthouses, you will get rooms from $50 to $150 per night with breakfast.
Indeed, guesthouses have become the new norm of the Maldives, and very soon Home Stay is to be introduced to us.
As for the transfer from the airport to the local islands from a scheduled speed boat, it will cost you $50 per Adult and for children $25 each way and transfer with a local ferry will cost you $10 each way.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO THE MALDIVES?
The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April. Also from December to March it is the high season. Therefore, if you are planning to travel during this period, make sure your bookings are done ahead.
Throughout the year the weather is mostly 28 to 32 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season is quite unpredictable from May onwards. It can be sunny one day and the next day it can be rainy, the weather is always changing, therefore before you travel do check the weather forecast.
ACTIVITIES THAT YOU CAN DO HERE IN THE MALDIVES
SNORKELING
Most of the guesthouses offer free snorkel masks and fins to snorkel around the reef of the island. On some islands, you will have to swim a bit further from the beach to have the most wonderful time swimming and wandering around the beautiful corals.
MANTA RAYS
This is the most extraordinary activity you could experience in the Maldives. The Manta Rays are huge and super friendly, though it is recommended not to touch them or swim too close to them.
HOW MUCH DOES IS COST?
Swimming with Manta Rays will be charged according to the number of people in the group. The cost varies from $45 to $65.
WHALE SHARK
Catching Whale shark is quite a challenge, especially swimming with them. As they are fast and you will be exhausted trying to catch up with them and its impossible. Therefore, once the Whale shark swims further from you, you need to go up on the boat and then the boat drops you again next to the whale shark, where you can swim and watch this beautiful massive sea creature. Also, it is recommended not to touch them or swim too close to them.
HOW MUCH DOES IS COST?
Swimming with whale Shark will cost you according to the number of people in the group. The cost varies from $90 to $150.
Swimming with Nurse Sharks
Swimming with the nurse sharks is a very different experience at first. It is completely normal if you are scared at first. However, swimming with a bunch of nurse sharks is entirely safe; they won’t bite. You may swim for hours and have no idea how time flies; you’ll feel as if you’re in another world. In my opinion, this is an event that should be had at least once in a lifetime.Â
HOW MUCH DOES IS COST?
Swimming with Nurse Shark will cost you according to the number of people in the group. The cost varies from $30 to $35.
MORNING/ NIGHT FISHING
Fishing is a huge part of the Maldives economy and if you are fond of fishing, in the Maldives you will have a thrilling experience.
HOW MUCH DOES IS COST?
Morning fishing will cost you roughly $45 to $65 and Night fishing $50.
SANDBANKS
Exploring the sandbanks is significant, when you are visiting to the Maldives to see the endless crystal clear water. You can enjoy the sandbank by walking around and by having a lunch in a sandbank.
However, most of the sandbank excursions are done along with other activities. Therefore, sandbank stops are made for lunchtime to relax from all the sea activities and to have a picnic.
HOW MUCH DOES IS COST?
Sandbank excursions will cost you $75 including lunch.
EXPLORING LOCAL ISLANDS / ISLAND HOPPING
The Maldives is not just about the white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. This country is also rich in culture and history.
To understand the culture and the history one have to explore the local islands. When visiting the local islands, you will experience the culture, living style of the Maldivians, cultural dress code, ancient history, formation of all the different islands, and the underwater beauty.
As the Maldives is a Muslim country, there are rules to be followed, such as it is not allowed to wear a bikini in public, only in the beaches or areas which are allowed and it is forbidden to bring alcohol into the country, you could be fined and the bottles be taken away by the custom.
Every Island gives you a whole different vibe and the beauty of every island is incomparable. For example, some islands have the ancient history of the Maldives, such as HA.Utheemu, HA.Baarah, Sh. Maroshi and many more. Also, some islands do have natural ponds (Kulhi) in the middle of the island. To understand the uniqueness of each island, they must be explored individually.
STAR GAZING
If you are someone fond of the universe, you can view millions of stars and catch a countless number of shooting stars on one clear night. Hence, the local islands are less light-polluted. This will be an incredible experience and a night to remember đŸ˜‰
DIVING
Diving is a must here in the Maldives, you will explore so much more of the underwater beauty and different kinds of sea creatures. The feeling of getting lost into this beauty must be at least once a life time experience. Even if you have never dived before or are a beginner, the dive instructors guide you well.
HOW MUCH DOES IS COST?
The Diving will cost you around $65 to $100.
DOLPHIN SAFARI
Dolphin safaris are usually done when the sea is calm in the early morning, where you will just relax and enjoy the ride, out of the blue the most friendly sea creatures shows up and swims along with the boat.Â
HOW MUCH DOES IS COST?
The Dolphin safari will cost you from $6o to $90.
WATER SPORTS
You can do various water sports, for example, flyboarding, Jet skiing, Kayaking, banana boat ride and many more. The prices vary from each activity.
SUNRISE/ SUNSET
Catching sunrise and sunset is the most amazing part of being in the Maldives. You will never get tired of these mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, every time it’s different and sometimes even better <3
FOOD
The dishes that must try; Traditional Maldivian Breakfast- Mashuni with Huni Roshi, Garudhiya (Fish Soup), BBQ Reef Fish, Bondibai ( Maldivian traditional dessert made with rice and coconut milk).
HOW MUCH DOES IS COST?
You can have a decent meal in the Maldives for $10 to $20 per person.
