10 BEST BUDGET ISLANDS IN MALDIVES – 2024


best budget islands in Maldives
The best budget islands in Maldives

Wondering which are the best budget islands in Maldives?

Looking for cheap local islands in Maldives for your next holiday?

 Are you trying to decide which cheap islands in Maldives to visit?

This is your complete guide to the best cheap islands in Maldives!

 

ByKristie Murray, our Australian Indulge Maldives Founder & Maldives Travel Specialist who has lived in Maldives on the local island of Thulusdhoo for the past 9 years and has visited over 30 local islands. Kristie shares with you her pick of the best budget islands in Maldives. Whilst most resorts in the Maldives are located on their own private islands, budget islands in Maldives (where Maldivian locals live) are where travellers will find cheap Maldives holiday accommodation, usually in the form of guesthouses, hotels and surf camps. These below cheap locals islands in Maldives offer affordable holiday experiences including water sports, surfing, scuba-diving, snorkelling and sandbank island excursions. Kristie’s Best Budget Maldives Tip: Stay on one of the best cheap islands in Maldives and take a resort day trip. This cheap Maldives holiday hack allows you to experience all that Maldives has to offer (both budget & lux!) for a fraction of the price of actually staying at an expensive Maldives resort.

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Marie and Jake Maldives

READ MARIE & JAKE’S (1.1MIL) MALDIVES LOCAL ISLAND ITINERARY

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BEST CHEAP ISLANDS IN MALDIVES:

#1 THULUSDHOO ISLAND

best budget islands in Maldives

Thulusdhoo Island  (Th-oo-la-st-oo) is one of the best budget islands in Maldives if you are looking for sun, salt, surf, relaxation and local culture. Thulusdhoo is located in North Malé Atoll, 25km or 30 minutes from Velana International Airport via speedboat. Being close to the airport makes it one of the best cheap islands in Maldives to visit. Snorkel, dive, swim or stand up paddleboard directly off the island’s two ‘Bikini Beaches,’ or laze in a beachside hammock under canopies of palm trees or take a trip to a secluded sandbank island. Thulusdhoo is one of the best cheap islands in Maldives, as it is situated close to a number of luxury Maldives resorts which offer resort day passes. Thulusdhoo Island boasts two of Maldives’ best surf breaks, ‘Cokes’ (a fast hollow right) and ‘Chickens’ (a long barrelling left). Thulusdhoo is one of the budget islands in Maldives popular with couples, honeymooners, solo travellers, families and of course divers and surfers.

HOW TO GET TO THULUSDHOO ISLAND:

Thulusdhoo Island Speedboat Transfers

Boat names: River Speed or Refcool Express

Departs: Malé & Airport (Malé – outside Bank of Maldives / Bank of Ceylon) at 9:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 4:30pm, 5pm & 10pm. (Fridays – 9:30am, 4:30pm & 10:25pm).

Returns: Departs Thulusdhoo at 8am, 10:30am, 2:30pm, 6pm & 7:30pm (Fridays 8am, 3pm & 7:30pm).

Cost: US$30pp one-way / US$270 private boat.

Duration: 30 minutes one-way.

Indulge Maldives can book Thulusdhoo Island speedboat transfers for you, if you book your budget islands in Maldives through us.

WHERE TO STAY AT THULUSDHOO ISLAND

Maldives holiday packages and deals for Thulusdhoo Island – since we are based at Thulusdhoo Island, we received exclusive prices you won’t find anywhere else online.

Season Paradise – largest hotel on island – beachfront location, rooftop pool, gym, spa & restaurant.

Reef Edge – most affordable modern beachfront rooms on island.

Canopus Retreats – beachfront location & restaurant

Met House – boutique, sustainable small beachfront hotel ideal for honeymooners

Samura Maldives – boutique, sustainable small beachfront hotel ideal for honeymooners

Akiri Surf Retreat – Maldivian owned, wonderful local hospitality & cultural insight, affordable excursions

Keylaa Inn – Maldivian owned affordable accommodation in village

WHERE TO EAT AT THULUSDHOO ISLAND
@indulge.thulusdhoo – our tropical cafe at Thulusdhoo Island!

5% DISCOUNT FOR OUR INDULGE MALDIVES CLIENTS

 

THULUSDHOO ISLAND PACKAGES

4N: MALDIVES ADVENTURE US$399p.p.

#2 THODDOO ISLAND

best cheap islands in Maldives

Thoddoo Island is one of the best budget islands in Maldives! Situated in North Ari Atoll, 68km from Velana International Airport, Thoddoo offers a cheap Maldives holiday with airport transfers costing $35pp one-way for a 1.5hrs speedboat journey. Famous for watermelons, papayas and palm tree-lined roads, Thoddoo Island is known as the ‘Agricultural Island’ of the Maldives. With sparkling turquoise waters, overwater swings, beautiful sunsets, manta rays, bioluminescence and two bikini beaches, it’s one of the must-see budget islands in Maldives. Thoddoo Island surely has to be considered when deciding on the best cheap islands in Maldives to visit. There are no beachfront guesthouses at Thoddoo as all accommodation lies within the centre of the island, in the local village. Tourists can enjoy riding bicycles around the island and it’s a 15 minute walk from the local village to reach Thoddoo bikini beaches. Neighbours Rasdhoo & Ukulhas – other cheap local islands in Maldives.

HOW TO GET TO THODDOO ISLAND

Thoddoo Island Speedboat Transfer

Boat name: Nasru or Ramzu Express

Departs: Airport & Malé (outside Bank of Maldives / Bank of Ceylon), daily at 11am and 4pm (in high season), except Friday’s.

Returns: Departs Thoddoo daily at 7am & 1pm (in high season), except Friday’s 9:30am.

Cost: US$35p.p. one-way.

Duration: 1 – 1.5hrs one-way weather depending.

Indulge Maldives can book Thoddoo speedboat transfers for you, if you book your budget islands in Maldives through us.

WHERE TO STAY AT THODDOO ISLAND

Maldives holiday packages and deals for Thoddoo Island:

Coco Villa – Thoddoo – interior designer owner, small boutique hotel, wonderful meals.

THODDOO ISLAND PACKAGES

4N: POSTCARD PERFECTION – THODDOO ISLAND ESCAPE – US$440p.p.

#3 DHIGURAH ISLAND

best budget islands in Maldives

Dhigurah Island is certainly one of the best budget islands in Maldives and is widely known for its natural beauty. Known as ‘Long Island’ by locals, Dhigurah stretches 3km in length and is just 250m wide, with palm trees covering the entire island and a sandbank at the tip of the island – perfect for watching beautiful sunsets. Dhigurah is renowned for its abundance of sea life – swim with whale sharks year round, snorkel or dive with manta rays, turtles and large corals. It is one of the last islands of South Ari Atoll, 2 hours south of Malé Airport via speedboat, with an extremely limited once daily service, however domestic flights available. Dhigurah Island is slightly more expensive than other budget islands in Maldives but is well worth the journey and is a favourite island for many.

HOW TO GET TO DHIGURAH ISLAND

Dhigurah Island Speedboat Service

Name: Faza Express / Endheri Express

Departs: Airport 4pm daily.

Returns: Departs Dhigurah at 6:00am daily.

Cost: $55p.p. one way.

Duration: 2hr one-way. Indulge Maldives can book Dhigurah Island speedboat transfers for you, if you book your budget islands in Maldives through us.

Dhigurah Island Domestic Flight

Via Fly Me Domestic airline in Maldives. 20 minute domestic flight to Maamigili Airport & 15min speedboat on to Dhigurah. Indulge Maldives can book your domestic flight to Maamingili tickets at $145p.p. per way. Multiple flight schedules daily from 6:30am to 11pm.

WHERE TO STAY AT DHIGURAH ISLAND

Maldives holiday packages and deals to Dhigurah Island:

White Sand Dhigurah hotel & dive school owned by four Maldivian brothers, wonderful location nestled between two beaches, fantastic meals & restaurants. Great Maldivian hospitality.

Bliss Dhigurah– premium boutique hotel in beachfront location, rooftop jacuzzis, balcony hammocks, fantastic Hermits restaurant & coffee shop.

DHIGURAH ISLAND PACKAGES

3N: WHALE SHARK & MANTA PACKAGE – US$450p.p.

#4 DHIFFUSHI ISLAND

cheap islands in Maldives

Another contender for one of the best budget islands in Maldives is Dhiffushi Island, situated in North Male Atoll, 41km / 45 minutes north of the Velana International Airport – making it one of the more accessible and cheap local islands in Maldives. A small island, measuring just 1.2km in length and 200m wide, it’s possible to see ocean to ocean when standing in the middle of the island. Dhiffushi Island is the most eastern inhabited island, meaning it’s the first of all cheap local islands in Maldives to see the sunrise each morning. Dhiffushi Island is surrounded by a series of lagoons, house reefs, sand bank islands and has 3 bikini beaches, making it one of the best cheap islands in Maldives to visit. 

HOW TO GET TO DHIFFUSHI ISLAND

Dhiffushi Island Speedboat Service:

Name: Mee Express Altec

Departs: Malé / Airport daily (except Fridays) at 11:30am & 4:30pm Jetty number 7 in Male

Returns: Departs Dhiffushi Island 7:30am daily, except Fridays.

Cost: US$35p.p. one-way.

Duration: 45 minutes one-way.

Private speedboat tickets can be arranged between 9-6pm, at $90p.p. one-way.

Indulge Maldives can book all Dhiffushi Island speedboat transfers for you, if you book your budget islands in Maldives through us.

WHERE TO STAY AT DHIFFUSHI ISLAND

Maldives holiday packages and deals to Dhiffushi Island:

Araamu Holidays & SpaMaldivian owned, largest hotel on the island, sustainably built, wonderful restaurant.

Ohana Maldives – small affordable boutique hotel, clean comfortable rooms & tropical styling.

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#5 DHARAVANDHOO ISLAND

best budget islands in Maldives

If you love snorkelling and diving, you cannot go past the incredible Dharavandhoo Island of the Baa Atoll, it truly is one of the best budget islands in Maldives. During July – November, it is a gateway for ocean-enthusiasts to snorkel with manta rays, whale sharks and eagle rays inside UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Hanifaru Bay, just 10 minutes from Dharavandhoo by speedboat. Dharavandhoo is located in the north of the Maldives, in Baa Atoll, 116km from Malé international airport, so most travellers mostly take a domestic flight, although a speedboat operates a schedule a few times a week.

HOW TO GET TO DHARAVANDHOO ISLAND

Dharavandhoo Island Speedboat Transfer

Departs: Multiple times weekly.

Returns: Multiple times weekly.

Cost: $60p.p. one-way

Duration: 2.5hrs-3hrs one-way

Dharavandhoo Island Domestic Flights

Via Fly Me or Maldivian Aero domestic airlines. A 20 minute domestic flight from Malé to Dharavandhoo Airport at $100p.p. per way. Multiple flight schedules daily.

Indulge Maldives can book Dharavandhoo Island domestic flights & speedboat transfers for you, book your budget islands in Maldives through us.

WHERE TO STAY AT DHARAVANDOO ISLAND

Maldives holiday packages and deals to Dharavandhoo Island:

Kiha Beach – beautiful beachfront hotel, sea view balconies, modern amenities, luxurious bathtubs & fantastic restaurant.

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#6 MAAFUSHI ISLAND

cheap islands in Maldives

Maafushi Island is possibly the best budget island in Maldives as it can cater for travellers on low budgets. Maafushi is the home place of tourism for budget islands in Maldives. It’s no secret that it is the most affordable of all the cheap local islands in Maldives. As Maafushi has many guesthouses and prices are competitive, starting from USD$40per room per night during the low season, making it one of the most popular cheap islands in Maldives to visit. Maafushi has a beautiful bikini beach lined with palm trees and has many water sports on offer, however it can become crowded in peak season. There are many things to do at Maafushi Island and many day trips available, including diving, snorkelling, fishing, surfing excursions, plus resort day trips for those looking to stay on a cheap local islands in Maldives. Maafushi Island is just 25km/ 40km via speedboat from the airport, in South Malé Atoll, making it one of the best cheap islands in Maldives to travel to. 

HOW TO GET TO MAAFUSHI ISLAND

Maafushi Island Speedboat Service

Departs: Via iCom Tours, Velana Hotel Transfers and Kaani Tours. Departs Airport or Malé (outside Bank of Ceylon/ Bank of Maldives). 2hr schedule.

Returns: Departs Maafushi for Airport / Malé. 2hr schedule.

Duration: 40 mins

Cost: US$30p.p. one-way. Indulge Maldives can book Maafushi Island speedboat transfers for you, if you book your budget islands in Maldives through us.

WHERE TO STAY AT MAAFUSHI ISLAND

Maldives holiday packages and deals to Maafushi Island:

Kaani Grand Sea View Hotel – beachfront bikini beach location – great restaurant & affordable excursions.
Kaani Palm Beach – newly opened upmarket sister hotel of Kaani Grand, rooftop pool, spa

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#7 UKULHAS ISLAND

cheap local islands in Maldives

Another on the list of best budget islands in Maldives is Ukulhas Island, situated in North Ari Atoll, 2hrs from the airport via speedboat. It is more on the expensive side of budget islands in Maldives. Best for its friendly locals, natural beauty, long powdery white sand bikini beaches, beachside sun lounges and glowing sunsets. Ukulhas Island is close to a sandbank, diving spots & an uninhabited island, and is most famous for being the leading environmentally-friendly local island in Maldives. Neighbours Rasdhoo & Thoddoo – some of the other fantastic cheap local islands in Maldives. 

HOW TO GET TO UKULHAS ISLAND  

Ukulhas Island Speedboat Transfer

Boat Name: Nevi or Coral Speed

Departs: Airport / Malé 10:30am & 4pm (Outside Bank of Ceylon / Bank of Maldives)

Returns: Departs Ukulhas 7am & 1pm daily

Cost: $55p.p. one-way

Duration: 1.5hrs one-way

Indulge Maldives can book all Ukulhas Island speedboat transfers for you if you book your budget islands in Maldives through us.

WHERE TO STAY AT UKULHAS ISLAND

Maldives holiday packages and deals to Ukulhas Island:

The Ranthari – newly opened, best location on the island, rooftop pool & terrace, spa, fantastic restaurant.

Beach Veli – beachfront guesthouse owned by Ukulhas locals

Trip Villa – affordable clean comfortable guesthouse owned by Maldivian locals situated in village.

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#8 RASDHOO ISLAND

best budget islands in Maldives

Rasdhoo Island, is another of the best budget islands in Maldives. Located 56km west of Male an neighbours Ukulhas and Thoddoo – two other cheap islands in Maldives. It takes 1.5hrs to reach Rasdhoo via speedboat from the airport. Rasdhoo Island is in North Ari Atoll and is a small island, 600m long, by 400m wide. Rasdhoo has a many facilities for a small island including a BML service branch and ATM, a post office, a local phone service shop where travellers can purchase SIM cards plus many souvenir shops. Rasdhoo Island is one of the best cheap islands in Maldives especially for snorkelling and diving as the waters here have an abundance of reef and marine life. A range of fishing excursions are very popular. Cinnamon Ellaidoo Resort and Kuramathi Maldives are close by, offering resort day passes for outside guests staying on cheap local islands in Maldives. 
 
HOW TO GET TO RASDHOO ISLAND  

Rasdhoo Island Speedboat Transfer

Boat Name: Nevi or Coral Speed

Departs: Airport/Malé 10:30am & 4pm (Friday’s 9:30am & 4pm) Outside Bank of Ceylon / Bank of Maldives.

Returns: Departs Rasdhoo 7:20am & 1:20pm (Friday’s – 2:30pm)

Cost: $50 p.p.

Duration: 1.15mins one way

Indulge Maldives can book Rasdhoo Island speedboat transfers for you, if you book your budget islands in Maldives through us.

WHERE TO STAY AT RASDHOO ISLAND

Maldives holiday packages and deals to Rasdhoo Island:

Tranquila Maldives Boutique Hotel – beachfront location, Maldivian owner, experienced dive team & charming rooms

WHERE TO EAT AT RASDHOO ISLAND

Retro Royal – Wonderful Maldivian local food & cafe experience

The Ranthari – fine dining.

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#9 GURAIDHOO ISLAND

best cheap islands in Maldives

Guraidhoo Island is one of the best budget islands in Maldives. It is easily accessible from Malé Airport; a 45 minute speedboat journey, that makes it a great choice when considering which cheap local islands in Maldives to visit. Guraidhoo is a good snorkelling destination, with resident manta-rays. Home to ‘Rip Tides’ & Foxy’s surf breaks. The 5-star luxury Kandooma Resort is just a stones throw across the channel & Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives a neighbouring island resort. Guraidhoo Island has plenty of guesthouses and a secluded bikini beach situated on its own mini-island, perfect for a cheap Maldives holiday. Guraidhoo is located in South Malé Atoll and is one of the best cheap islands in Maldives.

HOW TO GET TO GURAIDHOO ISLAND

Guraidhoo Island Speedboat Service

Departs: Moonspeed

Departs: Malé (outside bank of Ceylon / Bank of Maldives) at 12:30pm, 3:30pm and 10:30pm.

Returns: Departs Guraidhoo at 7:00am, 2:30pm and 9:30pm.

Cost: $30pp one-way.

Duration: 45 minutes one-way.

Indulge Maldives can book your Guraidhoo Island speedboat transfer for you if you book your budget islands in Maldives through us.

WHERE TO STAY AT GURAIDHOO ISLAND

Maldives holiday packages and deals to Guraidhoo Island:

Ocean Retreat & Spa

Marina Bay

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#10 HULHUMALÉ ISLAND

budget islands in Maldives

Hulhumale’ (pronounced who- la – marl – lay) is the transit island and is attached to the airport island Hulhule and is one of the best cheap islands in Maldives. Simply take a taxi 10 mins from the airport to your accommodation. On Hulhumalé Island has a long white sandy beach filled with beachfront accommodation, beginning from as little as USD$40 per night – ideal for a those looking for cheap local islands in Maldives. Indulge Maldives recommends Hulhumale Island for a short stay only. Most travellers on a budget use Hulhumalé Island as a transit island, before heading off to their intended holiday island, especially if arriving in Maldives at night time. For swimming at Hulhumalé Island there is no bikini beach, and it is a legal requirement to swim in t-shirt and shorts – bikini swimwear is illegal. Our property of choice at Hulhumalé is Island Beach House.

best budget islands in Maldives

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