Local Islands in the Maldives
The Maldives may be synonymous with super-rich celebrities (Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Lionel Messi, Taylor Swift) and luxurious resort islands, but you don’t need to have a celebrity budget to stay here. There are a growing number of affordable stays on local islands that offer you a taste of Maldivian culture, plus all the luxury amenities you would expect from a resort.
During the low season between May and October you can enjoy the same great weather but at a fraction of high-season prices. This time of year also tends to have less rain so you are more likely to be able to do everything on your cheap hotels in maldives local island itinerary.
In addition to the great value accommodation on local islands, there are a number of cheap hotels in Maldives located in the larger cities of Male and Hulhumale. These are often hostel-style hotels that are a lot cheaper than the average resort hotel in the Maldives, but they will still offer you an authentic experience and allow you to take advantage of the many tours and activities available in the capital cities.
Affordable Stays on Local Islands in the Maldives
The best way to save money in the Maldives is by travelling as part of a group. This will automatically reduce the costs of airfares, transfers, hotels, and even excursions and dining out. Traveling in a group will also make it easier to negotiate and find the best deals on accommodation, tours, and meals.
Unless you are staying at one of the exclusive private island resorts, your Maldives local island stay will be on a shared boat transfer with other guests. The ferries can get quite crowded during the peak times of November to April, so try to travel outside of these months if possible.
Staying on a local island in the Maldives also allows you to experience the Maldivian culture and cuisine at a much lower cost than if you stayed on a resort island. Many local islands have their own restaurants, including seafood restaurants, where you can sample a variety of traditional dishes. The capital city of Male is also a hub for foodies, with a large selection of restaurants catering to all tastes.
If you’re looking for something more unique, take a day trip to the small resort island of Niyama to visit the Subsix underwater restaurant. You can dine 20 feet below the surface of the ocean while observing all of the marine life from your glass-bottomed table.
Another popular destination for travellers wanting to stay on a local island is the island of Maafushi. This small island is home to a turtle rehabilitation center, Coco Palm. This amazing facility caters to injured turtles from around the Maldives, cares for them, and then releases them back into the wild for a second chance at life. The island is also famous for its beautiful beaches.
The beaches on Maafushi are not the “endless” white sand beaches that you’re used to seeing in photos of the Maldives, but they are a gorgeous beach and very relaxing place to hang out for a few days. You can also snorkel in the crystal clear waters and swim with a huge variety of fish.