Budget Island Hopping in the Maldives: Discover 7 Local Islands from MLE Airport to Gulhi!

maldives on budget

Friday, November 1st 2024

The Maldives is not just about luxury resorts and overwater villas. It’s also a fantastic destination for budget travelers looking to explore stunning local islands. With speedboats and public ferries, you can hop between islands, experience the local culture, and save money.

Here’s a detailed guide to explore six beautiful islands, starting and ending with convenient speedboat transfers.

Itinerary for 7 Local Islands on a Budget

  1. Start from MLE Airport to Rakedhoo: Take a direct speedboat to Rakeedhoo. I recommend spending 2 to 3 nights here.

  2. Rakeedhoo to Keyodhoo: Take a public ferry to Keyodhoo, the nearest island to the famous shipwreck in Vaavu Atoll. Stay in Keyodhoo for 2 nights.

  3. Keyodhoo to Felidhoo: Take a public ferry to Felidhoo and spend 2 nights. It’s a peaceful island worth visiting.

  4. Felidhoo to Thinadhoo: Travel by public ferry to Thinadhoo, famous for nurse sharks. These sharks will swim and play near you as you sit by the water’s edge (search on YouTube!). Spend 2 nights here.

  5. Thinadhoo to Fulidhoo: Take a public ferry to Fulidhoo, the highlight of this trip. Fulidhoo is famous for stingrays, and you can swim with them. I suggest staying for 3 to 4 nights in this paradise.

  6. Fulidhoo to Maafushi: From Fulidhoo, take a public ferry to Maafushi in Male Atoll. Spend just 1 night here. Maafushi is a bit crowded with tourists and more commercial, so it’s not very quiet or relaxing.

  7. Maafushi to Gulhi: Spend in Gulhi at least 3 days in this small beautiful paradise.
  8. Gulhi to MLE Airport: Finally, take a speedboat back to the airport.

Important Notes for Travelers

 

  • Public Ferries: Affordable ($2-$4), but they don’t operate on Fridays.
  • Speedboat Transfers: Highly recommended for airport transfers and to save time.
  • Ferry Timetables: Always check the updated schedules [here].
  • Book Speedboats: Reserve speedboat tickets to over 60 local islands [here].

Why Choose This Itinerary?

  • Experience local life and culture on 6-7 beautiful islands.
  • Save money with a mix of speedboats and public ferries.
  • Enjoy a hassle-free start and end with speedboat transfers from MLE Airport.

Ready to explore the Maldives on a budget? Plan your trip with us, and don’t forget to book your stay at our Guesthouse in Gulhi for a truly local experience.

2 thoughts on “Budget Island Hopping in the Maldives: Discover 7 Local Islands from MLE Airport to Gulhi!”

  1. Pingback: Thai Hotels Service Charge 10.22 อัพเดท เซอร์วิสชาร์จ/ตุลาคม

  2. Pingback: Service Charge in Maldives : Top Resorts, October 2022

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error: Content is protected !!
Open Chat
1
Maldives on a Budget ? Yes, It's Possible ! Contact us and we will make your Dream Trip happen :)
Share via
Copy link