Budget-Friendly 8-Day Maldives Island Hopping Itinerary from 28 April to 6 May 2025

Day 1: Arrival in Malé

Malé, Maldives on April 28, 2025

12:00PM

Arrive at Malé International Airport

Reach Maldives and get settled after immigration. Prepare for your island adventures ahead.
0, 1 hour

1:00PM

Check-In at Cheap Hotel

Stay at budget-friendly Hotel Octave or similar, near the ferry terminal to keep transport costs low.
USD50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Malé Local Sites

Visit Islamic Centre, Malé Fish Market, and local markets to dive into Maldivian culture.
0, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Symphony Restaurant

Relish affordable local dishes such as Garudhiya and Mas Huni in a local eatery with good reviews.
USD12, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Maafushi Island Experience

Maafushi, Maldives on April 29, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a simple, included breakfast before leaving for Maafushi.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Maafushi

Hop on a local ferry to Maafushi, a budget-friendly island with excellent beaches and activities.
USD2, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Relax at Bikini Beach

Enjoy sunbathing and swimming at the popular Bikini Beach, a tourist favorite.
0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Arena Beach Restaurant

Savor inexpensive local and international dishes with a sea view.
USD10, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Affordably Guided Snorkeling

Join a budget snorkeling tour exploring vibrant reefs and marine life around the island.
USD15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Malé by Ferry

Return back to the capital city for your night's stay.
USD2, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Sea House

Eat affordable, tasty Maldivian meals in a cozy and friendly spot.
USD15, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Gulhi Island Relaxation

Gulhi, Maldives on April 30, 2025

8:00AM

Basic Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with hotel breakfast.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Take Ferry to Gulhi

Travel to peaceful Gulhi Island, a quiet local island with pristine beaches.
USD2, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Beach Time on Gulhi

Relax on white sandy beaches and enjoy crystal clear waters.
0, 4 hours

2:00PM

Budget Lunch at Gulhi Cafe

Try affordable Maldivian and seafood dishes by the beach.
USD10, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Local Handicrafts

Buy affordable souvenirs and appreciate local craftwork in small shops.
0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Return to Malé by Ferry

Head back to Malé for dinner and rest.
USD2, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at Shell Beans Cafe

Enjoy affordable, tasty treats in this highly-regarded local spot.
USD12, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore Guraidhoo Island

Guraidhoo, Maldives on May 1, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for the day with a simple meal included with your hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Catch the Ferry to Guraidhoo

Take a ferry to Guraidhoo, an island known for its coral reefs and local lifestyle.
USD2, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Walking Tour of the Island

See local life, schools, and community spots while soaking in island culture.
0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Island Café

Eat inexpensive local favorites such as Garudhiya and fresh fish curry.
USD6, 1 hour

2:00PM

Snorkeling Adventure

Go on a guided budget snorkeling adventure to explore colorful coral reefs.
USD15, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Malé by Ferry

Evening ferry back to Malé.
USD2, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at Symphony Restaurant

Enjoy affordable dinner options that offer a variety of local tastes.
USD12, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Surf and Chill in Thulusdhoo

Thulusdhoo, Maldives on May 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your morning meal before the day's activities.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Thulusdhoo Island

Travel to Thulusdhoo to experience great surfing spots and island charm.
USD2, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Surfing at Coke's Surf Point

Rent affordable surfing gear and enjoy riding famous waves or take beginner lessons.
USD20, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Coral View Beach Restaurant

Taste local dishes with good ocean views and affordable prices.
USD10, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Free Beach Time

Relax or swim on the beautiful beaches in the afternoon.
0, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Blue Tribe Surf Cafe

Casual outdoor dining with affordable local and international dishes.
USD15, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Discover Dhigurah Island

Dhigurah, Maldives on May 3, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with hotel breakfast to energize for travel and exploring.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry Ride to Dhigurah

Travel by ferry to Dhigurah, a quiet island with amazing beaches and marine life.
USD3, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Beach Relaxation

Spend your morning on the white sandy beaches enjoying the calm waters.
0, 4 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Dhigurah Inn

Sample local dishes and fresh seafood at budget-friendly prices.
USD10, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Island and Local Village

Walk around the island to experience local life and beautiful nature.
0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Sea View Restaurant

Affordable dinners with amazing sea views and fresh catches of the day.
USD15, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Marine Life and Leisure in Maamigili

Maamigili, Maldives on May 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your breakfast before heading out for marine adventures.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Maamigili

Visit Maamigili, known for excellent snorkeling and turtle spotting.
USD2, 1 hour

10:00AM

Snorkeling Tour with Turtles

Join a budget-friendly snorkeling tour to see turtles and vibrant coral reefs.
USD20, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Island Coconut Restaurant

Enjoy a budget meal in a relaxed beach environment.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax on Beach

Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun and resting on idyllic beaches.
0, 3 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Maamigili Restaurant

Have your final island dinner with affordable local and international dishes.
USD15, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure Preparation in Malé

Malé, Maldives on May 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Maldives before heading home.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check-Out and Travel to Airport

Check out from hotel and take a taxi or shuttle to Malé International Airport.
USD10, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Flight Departure

Board your flight home with great memories of Maldives island hopping.
0, N/A
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