The perfect 6-day Maldives Itinerary on a budget

Introduction

Hey everyone! At the end of March 2024, we traveled to the Maldives on a last-minute trip to Sri Lanka. We didn’t plan much in advance or dive deep into research—and that turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

We explored two public islands: Dhigurah and Maafushi, as part of our Maldives itinerary. Instead of splurging on overwater bungalows or luxury resorts, we chose a more authentic and cheap holiday to the Maldives by staying on public islands and skipping the expensive private resorts.

Both islands were very different, and during our stay, we picked up lots of tips. That’s why this Maldives itinerary isn’t exactly what we did—but what we would recommend doing after experiencing it all firsthand.

If you’re looking to enjoy an affordable Maldives holiday on a budget while still soaking in its stunning beaches, marine life, and laid-back charm, this guide is for you. Let’s dive into the perfect 6-day itinerary to experience the real Maldives without breaking the bank.

Read: Cost to Travel in the Maldives, Our 2024 Budget breakdown

Getting there

Getting to the Maldives is quite straightforward. The main international gateway is Velana International Airport (MLE), located on Hulhulé Island, just next to the capital Malé.

Most travelers arrive in the Maldives by air, and there are plenty of international flights coming from major cities across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Some of the most common connections are through:

• Doha (Qatar Airways)
• Dubai (Emirates, FlyDubai)
• Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)
• Colombo (SriLankan Airlines)
• Singapore (Singapore Airlines, Scoot)
• India (Go First, Indigo, SriLankan Airlines)

You can often find competitive fares if you book in advance or travel during the shoulder seasons.

Moving Around

Once you land at Velana International Airport, you’ll need to transfer to your chosen island. Depending on the location of your island, you have a few options:

• Speedboat Transfer – The most common and affordable way to reach nearby islands like Maafushi. Organized by your accommodation and takes 30–90 minutes, depending on the island. Price ranges from 25 to 60 USD per person.
• Domestic Flight + Speedboat – If you’re heading to islands like Dhigurah, you can take a short 20-minute flight to Maamigili, followed by a 15-minute boat. Costs are higher—about 175 USD one-way per person.
• Seaplane – The most scenic and luxurious option. Mostly used for high-end resorts and some remote islands. Seaplanes can cost 250 USD or more per person, per way.

Taking a speedboat will allow an affordable maldives holiday.

When to Visit

The Maldives is a year-round destination, blessed with hot and sunny weather throughout the year. Temperatures stay fairly consistent, with highs between 28°C and 32°C and lows rarely dipping below 24°C.

The country experiences two main seasons:

• Dry Season (November to April): This is the peak travel season, especially from January to April, which is also the driest time of the year. Conditions are ideal for a perfect Maldives getaway—clear skies, calm seas, and sunshine almost every day.
• Wet Season (May to October): During this time, there’s a higher chance of rain, especially in June. However, downpours are often short and followed by sunshine. The islands are lush and green, and it’s also a quieter, more affordable time to visit.

Overall, the best time to visit the Maldives, to do this Maldives itinerary, and have an affordable Maldives holiday is between January and April, when the weather is at its most reliable. We traveled at the end of March and had mostly beautiful weather—just one cloudy day and a few light showers during the early morning or at night.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Maldives Itinerary Overview

If you’re looking for a Maldives itinerary that balances budget, beauty, and adventure—this is it! We spent 6 days exploring the best of two local islands, Maafushi and Dhigurah, and here’s the Maldives itinerary we’d recommend after being there:

• Maldives itinerary Day 1: Arrive at Male International Airport and take a speedboat to Maafushi, and then explore Maafushi.
• Maldives itinerary Day 2: Full day trip to see Nurse Sharks, Stingrays, eat on a sandban,k and snorkel.
• Maldives itinerary Day 3: Day trip to see Mantas and Whale Sharks and transfer to Dhigurah
• Maldives itinerary Day 4: Chill on the beaches of Dhigurah, snorkel,and explore the island
• Maldives itinerary Day 5: Visit the tip of Dhigurah, brunch, and then head to the beach
• Maldives itinerary Day 6: Last swim in the Maldivian water and transfer to Male Airport.

If you have a bit more time for your Maldives itinerary, you could:

• Add a night in Maafushi to join another day tour, like a visit to a luxury private island.
• Or better yet, stay longer in Dhigurah to slow down, unwind, and soak up the peaceful, uncrowded paradise.

This Maldives itinerary is perfect for a cheap holiday to the Maldives—no luxury resort needed, just real experiences and stunning nature.

Maldives Itinerary day by day

Day 1 – Arrival in the Maldives & Explore Maafushi

Let’s start this Maldives itinerary by arriving at Malé International Airport and head straight to the speedboat counter—your accommodation should have already shared the details. From there, take a 30- to 60-minute speedboat ride to Maafushi, one of the most accessible and budget-friendly islands in the Maldives.

Once you’ve checked into your hotel, drop your bags and organize your nurse shark and stingray tour for the next day—these are among the best and most affordable experiences on the island.

Now it’s time to slip into your swimsuits and start exploring! Maafushi is a compact island, making it perfect for discovering on foot. Wander through its sandy streets and head to the famous bikini beach, where you can enjoy your first dip in the warm, turquoise Maldivian waters. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a baby blacktip reef shark cruising nearby.

As the sun sets over the ocean, settle in for dinner at one of the many local restaurants and toast to the start of your Maldives itinerary.

Where to stay in Maafushi:

• (€) Island Ambience
• (€€) Island Ambience

Read: 11 Best things to do in Maafushi, Maldives, in 3 days 

Day 2 – Full-Day Tour: Nurse Sharks, Stingrays & More

Get ready for a big adventure! After breakfast, head out to meet your tour crew and hop on a speedboat for one of the most exciting experiences of your Maldives itinerary.

Your first stop, about 45 minutes away, is the famous nurse shark snorkeling spot. As the boat crew toss food into the water, the sharks will gather just behind the boat. Once they’re around, it’s your turn to jump in, swim alongside them, and snap a few incredible photos.

Keep your eyes peeled on the way to the next stop—you might spot dolphins leaping through the waves.

Then it’s on to a shipwreck, a fun and photogenic place to snorkel. While the wreck draws a crowd, don’t miss the nearby coral reef. It’s quieter, and chances are, you’ll have it all to yourself.

For lunch, you’ll stop on a pristine sandbank in the middle of the ocean. It’s a surreal experience, but remember—the tide rises quickly, so don’t be surprised if the sand starts to disappear beneath your feet!

The final stop is the peaceful island of Fulidhoo. This was our favorite part of the tour. Here, you’ll get the rare chance to see and interact with stingrays in shallow waters—they’re incredibly friendly. You might even spot a turtle gliding by to join the fun.

Once back in Maafushi, unwind with a dip in your hotel’s pool, enjoy a well-deserved shower, and then head out for a laid-back dinner at one of the island’s many restaurants. To end your day, take a relaxing night walk along the beach.

Where to stay in Maafushi:

• (€) Island Ambience
• (€€) Island Ambience

Read: Epic Nurse Sharks & Stingray Tour from Maafushi: 2025 Guide

Day 3 – Mantas, Whale Sharks & Transfer to Dhigurah

After breakfast, pack your things and get ready for the next part of your Maldives trip itinerary. You’ll hop on a speedboat for a 1.5 to 2-hour journey toward the waters surrounding Dhigurah island, known as one of the best spots in the country for marine wildlife encounters.

Your first snorkeling stop is Manta Point. Once there, slip into the water and keep an eye out for these graceful giants. If you’re lucky, you’ll swim beside a majestic manta ray—dive gently to get a closer look and create unforgettable memories. But as always with wildlife, sightings are never guaranteed.

A short ride later, it’s time for the highlight of the day: snorkeling with the whale sharks. These gentle giants are one of the most incredible species you can see in the Maldives. Glide alongside them in crystal-clear waters—it’s one of those bucket-list experiences you won’t forget.

After the tour, your boat will drop you off directly at Dhigurah island, where you’ll spend the rest of your budget Maldives adventure. Check into your accommodation, relax a bit, and get ready to explore this peaceful paradise.

Grab a bike from your hotel (most places offer them for free), and ride across the narrow, jungle-lined island all the way to its remote tip. It’s the perfect way to unwind after an epic day on the water.

In the evening, stop for dinner at a local restaurant or enjoy a home-style meal at your hotel.

Where to stay: Seaside Dhigurah

Read: Epic Whale Sharks Snorkeling Tour in the Maldives: 2025 Guide

Day 4 – Chill, Snorkel & Chase Turtles on Dhigurah

Start your day with your first Maldivian breakfast—and don’t forget to try Mashuni, a delicious local dish made from coconut, tuna, and chili, typically served with fresh roshi (flatbread).

Then, hop on your bike and ride toward Turtle Point. Find a shady spot under a palm tree (but watch out for coconuts overhead!) and soak in the quiet beauty of Dhigurah’s bikini beach. With hardly anyone around, it feels like you have your own private paradise.

Jump into the crystal-clear waters, snorkel around the reef, and see if you can spot a sea turtle lazily swimming nearby.

When hunger strikes, bike to a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, you can ride toward the island’s tip to discover even wider and wilder beaches—or, if you’re like us and determined to meet a turtle, head straight back to Turtle Beach.

This time, with the tide higher, you might find a secluded spot perfect for snorkeling. Mask on, fins ready—and there it is: a beautiful sea turtle, calmly gliding past the reef. Pure magic.

As the sun sets, grab some snacks and drinks from a nearby shop and enjoy a little aperitif back at your hotel. Then wrap up the evening with a rooftop dinner and stargazing vibes.

Where to stay: Seaside Dhigurah

Read: 9 Best things to do in Dhigurah, Maldives, in 3 days

Day 5 – Sandbanks, Sunrise & Slow Living in Dhigurah

Set your alarm and wake up early to catch the sunrise—one of the most peaceful and magical moments in the Maldives.

Hop on your bike and ride to the tip of Dhigurah island, where you’ll find a stunning sandbank stretching out toward the private island of LUX. You can walk all the way to its edge, and if you’re feeling adventurous, continue to the boundary—just remember, entering the LUX island itself isn’t allowed.

Take your first swim of the day in the warm, clear waters and enjoy the serenity of the moment.

Afterward, ride back to your accommodation and enjoy a late breakfast or brunch. Relax with a cup of coffee, soak up the slow island rhythm, and let the morning melt away.

Later, head back out to explore more. Go for a walk along Dhigurah’s endless beach, stopping wherever it feels right to lay down a towel, snorkel, or just sit and watch the ocean. Spot birds, small reef sharks, or maybe even stingrays gliding close to shore.

As the day winds down, return to your hotel for a refreshing shower and enjoy a local dinner to close out a perfect day of island life.

Where to stay: Seaside Dhigurah

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Day 6 – Final Swim & Farewell to Paradise

Sadly, this is your final day in the Maldives—but there’s still time to make the most of it.

Start your morning with one last delicious breakfast, then head straight to the beach for a final dip in those crystal-clear waters. Snorkel a bit more, float in the lagoon, and soak up the peaceful island vibes. This is your moment to truly take it all in.

After your swim, head back to your accommodation, pack your bags, and check out. If you have a bit of time before your boat, grab a light snack or just relax in the shade.

Finally, board your speedboat transfer back to Malé Airport, watching the ocean sparkle one last time as you leave behind your island escape—but with memories that will stay with you forever.

Read: 13 Useful Maldives Travel Tips

Maldives Itinerary Cost Breakdown

Let’s talk about budget—because yes, a trip to the Maldives can be done affordably, even without staying on a luxury resort island. In this 6-day Maldives itinerary, you’ll spend 2 nights in Maafushi and 3 nights in Dhigurah, balancing beautiful experiences with mindful spending.

Here’s how the costs break down for two people:

Maafushi (2 nights) – Approx. 630€

• Accommodation: 172€
• Excursions: 317€ (including Nurse Sharks & Stingrays tour + Whale Shark day trip)
• Food: 65€
• Transportation: 50€ (round-trip speedboat)

Dhigurah (3 nights) – Approx. 862€

• Accommodation: 373€
• Excursions: 0€ (excursion already included from Maafushi)
• Food: 120€
• Transportation: 112€ (one-way speedboat + island transfers)

Grand Total for 2 People: ~1,222€. That’s about 611€ per person for 6 days in the Maldives—including transfers, food, excursions, and amazing beaches. Not bad for a destination often seen as ultra-luxury!

Want to cut costs further? You could stay longer in Maafushi (with cheaper accommodation and tours) and take day trips from there instead of transferring to Dhigurah.

Read: Cost to Travel in the Maldives, Our 2024 Budget breakdown