5-Day Maldives Family Adventure on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrival in Male

Male, Maldives

10:00AM

Arrive at Velana International Airport

You will land at the main hub of Maldives, surrounded by stunning blue waters and beautiful islands.
Take a taxi or walk to the ferry terminal.
0, 1 Hour

11:30AM

Ferry to Maafushi

Board a public ferry and enjoy the picturesque ride over crystal-clear waters to Maafushi Island.
Purchase ferry tickets at the harbor.
CURRENCY20, 30 Minutes

12:30PM

Check into Budget Guesthouse

Settle into a family-friendly budget guesthouse and get ready for your island adventures.
Walk to your chosen guesthouse; many are close to the ferry terminal.
CURRENCY100 per night, 1 Hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Kaani Restaurant

Enjoy delicious local Maldivian cuisine with a menu that caters to families.
It's a short walk from the guesthouse.
CURRENCY15 per person, 1 Hour

2:30PM

Beach Time at Maafushi Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beautiful sandy shores, building sandcastles, and swimming.
Maafushi Beach is a 5-minute walk from the restaurant.
0, 2 Hours

4:30PM

Explore the Local Markets

Take a stroll around the local shops, looking for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Just a short walk from the beach.
CURRENCY10, 1 Hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Café Venus

Savor a hearty family dinner with a stunning sunset view over the ocean.
Walk back to the dock.
CURRENCY30 for four people, 1.5 Hours
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Day 2: Island Hopping Adventure

Maafushi, Maldives

7:30AM

Breakfast at Your Guesthouse

Start your day with a traditional Maldivian breakfast, often including fresh fruit and roti.
In-house at the guesthouse.
Included, 1 Hour

8:30AM

Snorkeling Trip

Join a budget-friendly snorkeling excursion to see vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish.
Arranged by your guesthouse.
CURRENCY40 per person, 3 Hours

11:30AM

Return to Maafushi

Come back and rinse off before heading out for lunch.
Boat returns to Maafushi.
0, 30 Minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Family Room Cafe

Grab local dishes that are tasty and budget-friendly.
Walk from the boat to the café.
CURRENCY15 per person, 1 Hour

1:00PM

Visit Local Sandbank

Take a short boat ride to a nearby sandbank for sunbathing and beach games.
Arrange a boat with a local operator.
CURRENCY50 for the family., 3 Hours

4:00PM

Return and Refresh

Head back to the guesthouse and cool off from the sun.
Return to Maafushi.
0, 30 Minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Sunset View Cafe

Have a lovely dinner while catching the stunning sunset views.
Easy walking distance from your guesthouse.
CURRENCY30 for four people, 1.5 Hours
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Day 3: Cultural Insights

Maafushi, Maldives

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Guesthouse

Enjoy another delightful breakfast, with local breads and fruits.
In-house at the guesthouse.
Included, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Visit Maafushi Prison Island

Take a boat trip to see the historical prison and learn about its significance.
Booking through the guesthouse.
CURRENCY10 per person, 2 Hours

11:00AM

Visit the Local Mosque

Experience the local culture by visiting the mosque and learning about traditions.
Walking distance from the harbor.
0, 1 Hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Mr. Coffee

Enjoy a family-friendly menu with budget options.
In the same area as the mosque.
CURRENCY20 for the family, 1 Hour

1:00PM

Beach Activities

Spend the afternoon on the beach, enjoying swimming and beach games.
Maafushi Beach is just a few minutes away.
0, 3 Hours

4:00PM

Visit Local Craft Shops

Browse local handicrafts and maybe pick up a couple of souvenirs.
Short walk from the beach.
CURRENCY10, 1 Hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Lighthouse

Treat your family to a lovely meal with great local dishes.
Back near the guesthouse.
CURRENCY35 for four people, 1.5 Hours
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Day 4: Island Exploration

Gulhi, Maldives

7:30AM

Breakfast at Your Guesthouse

Enjoy a filling breakfast before transferring to Gulhi Island.
In-house at the guesthouse.
Included, 1 Hour

8:30AM

Ferry to Gulhi Island

Travel to Gulhi Island for a day of exploration.
Purchase tickets at the ferry terminal.
CURRENCY20, 30 Minutes

9:00AM

Explore Gulhi Beach

Spend the morning enjoying the more secluded beaches of Gulhi Island.
Walk from the ferry terminal to the beach.
0, 3 Hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Red Wave Restaurant

Try Maldivian curries and seafood dishes that the island is known for.
Short walk from the beach.
CURRENCY20 for the family, 1 Hour

1:00PM

Snorkeling at Gulhi

Join a locally organized snorkeling tour to spot unique marine life.
Arranged through the restaurant or locals.
CURRENCY35 per person, 2 Hours

3:00PM

Relax on the Beach

Unwind on the soft sandy beaches after your snorkeling adventure.
Back to Gulhi Beach.
0, 1.5 Hours

4:30PM

Ferry Back to Maafushi

Return to Maafushi for your final night.
Catch the ferry back to Maafushi.
CURRENCY20, 30 Minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Kaani Restaurant

End your day with a comforting meal at a familiar spot.
Walking distance from your guesthouse.
CURRENCY30 for four people, 1.5 Hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Final Day in Male

Male, Maldives

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Guesthouse

Enjoy your last breakfast, filled with great local flavor.
In-house.
Included, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Male

Travel back to Male and prepare for departure.
Purchase tickets at the ferry terminal in Maafushi.
CURRENCY20, 30 Minutes

10:00AM

Explore Male City

Take a walking tour of Male’s notable sites like the Old Friday Mosque.
Find a local guide or go alone.
0, 2 Hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Seagull Café

Enjoy a delicious farewell lunch at the popular local café.
Close to the mosque and other attractions.
CURRENCY15 per person, 1 Hour

1:00PM

Shopping at Local Souvenir Shops

Pick up last-minute souvenirs and crafts from the local shops.
Walking distance from lunch spot.
CURRENCY20, 1 Hour

2:00PM

Airport Transfer

Get ready for your departure, making sure you have all important documents.
Take a taxi back to Velana International Airport.
CURRENCY10, 30 Minutes
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