Budget-Friendly 8-Day Maldives Island Hopping Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Malé

Malé, Maldives on April 15, 2025

12:00PM

Arrive in Malé International Airport

Welcome to Maldives! After clearing customs, take time to explore the airport or grab a light meal. You can use this time to acclimate.
0, 1 hour

1:00PM

Check-In at a Budget Hotel

Consider staying at Hotel Octave or similar, which offers great pricing and convenient access to the ferry terminal.
USD50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Malé City

Visit the Maldives Islamic Centre, a stunning piece of architecture, and stroll through the local markets for a taste of island life.
0, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ameeru Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Maldivian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Try the Mas Huni, a local dish made of tuna and coconut.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Island Day Trip to Maafushi

Maafushi, Maldives on April 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty Maldivian breakfast at your hotel before heading to Maafushi.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Maafushi

Board a local ferry to Maafushi, one of the most popular local islands known for its beaches and activities.
USD2, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Relax at Bikini Beach

Unwind and sunbathe at Bikini Beach, a designated area for tourists. Enjoy swimming and sunbathing.
0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kaani Village & Spa Restaurant

Savor a delicious seafood meal with fresh catches like grilled fish that reflect local flavors.
USD10, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Snorkeling Trip

Join a budget snorkeling trip to see vibrant coral reefs and various species of fish. Equipment is usually included.
USD15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Malé

Catch the afternoon ferry back to Malé for a relaxing evening.
USD2, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Seagull Cafe House

Head to this popular spot among locals to enjoy a great selection of pizzas and pasta while overlooking the ocean.
USD20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Island Visit to Gulhi

Gulhi, Maldives on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy another morning meal at your hotel before the day's adventures.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Gulhi

Take a scenic ferry ride to Gulhi, known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibe.
USD2, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Beach Day at Gulhi

Spend your day relaxing on the beautiful white sandy beaches and swimming in crystal clear waters.
0, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Gulhi Beach Cafe

Try local delights including fresh seafood and Maldivian curries in a beachfront setting.
USD10, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Local Handicraft Shops

Explore small shops selling handmade crafts and souvenirs unique to the local culture.
0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Ferry back to Malé

Return to Malé for dinner and rest.
USD2, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at the Male Fish Market

Enjoy a unique dining experience with fresh seafood at inexpensive prices, surrounded by local ambiance.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Guraidhoo Island Exploration

Guraidhoo, Maldives on April 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Get fueled up for a day of exploration at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Guraidhoo

Catch a local ferry to Guraidhoo, famous for its vibrant coral reefs.
USD2, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Explore Guraidhoo

Take a walking tour around the island, visiting local schools and community areas.
0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Café

Dine on budget-friendly local dishes, particularly the delicious Garudhiya (soup).
USD5, 1 hour

2:00PM

Afternoon Snorkeling

Join a snorkeling tour to see the rich aquatic life around the island.
USD15, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Malé

Evening ferry back to Malé.
USD2, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at The Royal Garden

Find great value in this family-run restaurant serving international and Maldivian cuisine.
USD10, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Adventure on Thulusdhoo

Thulusdhoo, Maldives on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Before you leave, enjoy your breakfast to prep for the day.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Thulusdhoo

Travel to Thulusdhoo, known for its surf spots and vibrant local culture.
USD2, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Surfing at Coke's Surf Point

Try your hand at surfing or watch surfers at this iconic location. Rentals are available.
USD20 for rental, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Season Paradise

Cool off with a light lunch and refreshing beverages from this beachside venue.
USD10, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Free Time at the Beach

Either continue surfing or just relax on the beach, soaking in the sun.
0, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Riptide

Enjoy local flavors with a relaxed vibe at this popular beachside restaurant.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Journey to Dhigurah

Dhigurah, Maldives on April 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before heading to the next destination.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Dhigurah

Take the ferry to Dhigurah, an island known for its long sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
USD2, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Beach Day at Dhigurah

Relax or swim at the tranquil beaches; the scenery here is simply breathtaking.
0, 4 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at TME Retreats Dhigurah

Sample Maldivian curry or pasta in a friendly atmosphere at this local spot.
USD10, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore the Island

Take a leisurely walk around to see the beautiful environment and local life.
0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Aatama Restaurant

Enjoy reasonably priced meals, especially their seafood options, which are fresh and flavorful.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Relax in Maamigili

Maamigili, Maldives on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a delightful breakfast to prepare for your adventure ahead.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Maamigili

Travel to Maamigili, the main hub for transfers to nearby islands and known for its marine life.
USD2, 1 hour

10:00AM

Snorkeling with Turtles

Join a snorkeling tour where you can see turtles in their natural habitat; a must-do experience.
USD20, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Island Coconut Restaurant

Enjoy refreshing food and drinks after your morning activities, with beach views.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Beach Leisure Time

Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach and soaking up the sun.
0, 3 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Maamigili Restaurant

Complete your day at this local restaurant with a variety of continental and local dishes.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Departure from Malé

Malé, Maldives on April 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in the Maldives, savoring the flavors of the trip.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check-Out from Hotel

Prepare for your journey home, checking out and getting ready to head to the airport.
0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Transfer to Malé International Airport

Take a local taxi or shuttle to the airport for your departure.
USD10, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Departure

Board your flight back home, carrying beautiful memories of the Maldives.
0, N/A
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