How to travel in Maldives on a budget? Can you travel for $39 per day? How much exactly do things cost? We found the best budget local island in the Maldives with a superb beach, delicious food, friendly locals, and it doesn’t take longer than 3 hours by public ferry to get there!

We travelled to Maldives in October 2022; believe us or not, Maldives can be easily travelled for as little as $39 per day including your return flight! We were honestly shocked at how affordable the Maldives can be, as most of us probably imagine the overpriced resorts and luxury life far away from adventurous and authentic experiences. Little did we know, the Maldives are a very backpackers-friendly destination where you always get more than you expect. And Dhiffushi island is the best example.

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Why should you go to Dhiffushi 

Dhiffushi is a local island in North Male Atoll, where dogs and cars are banned, and the sandy streets of a 1 km long and 200 m wide island are browsed by motorbikes and golf cars. However, walking is the easiest and most comfortable way to get around. When you stand on one side of the island, you see the beach on the other side. That’s how small the island is. 

It is the most authentic island we visited in the Maldives, and you should come if you’re interested in seeing the Maldivian way of life. You can expect beautiful beaches, fish, and sometimes sharks and sting rays coming closer to shore. However, this island is different from Fulidhoo island, where seeing wildlife is guaranteed. The big advantage is that this island has one of the cheapest hotel scenes. We stayed in Nirilli Vila for $30 per night with delicious local breakfast and dinner included! Unbelievable deal. We will tell you more about budget hotels below. 

Don’t come if you want to see the crazy rich sea wildlife, neither night life scene nor luxury stays. 

Tip: Search for cheap flights to the Maldives from Abu Dhabi that WizzAir offers. Our return ticket cost only $200! 

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How to get to Dhiffushi Island 

There are 2 options to reach Dhiffushi from Malé. Speed boat that takes one hour but is more pricey. It usually costs between $25-$50. You can get your ticket via Odi app or contact them via WhatsApp (+960 9920022), you need to call them to get instructions on how to send the payment, as the ticket needs to be paid in advance ($16-$25). It seemed this way, it only works for locals as no one is keen on helping you to get cheap tickets. Also, the app didn’t work on our phones. Or, you can use any company that resells the ticket as Atoll Transfer (WhatsApp +960 7643901). But bear in mind their prices are much higher. ($40-$50 per person). Another option is to contact your accommodation, who will book tickets for you. 

The most budget option is to take a public ferry. That’s what we did, and it was an incredible adventure. The ticket price is only 22 MVR ($1.5), and it takes 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach Dhiffushi. The ferry stop along the way on three other islands – Himmafushi, Huraa and Thulusdhoo.

The public ferry leaves from Hulhumalé Ferry Terminal in Malé every day except Fridays at 2:30pm. Be careful, as there are more ferry terminals in Malé. This one is next to the King Salman Mosque, and it is the same one from where you can get a ferry to the airport. All the ferries we took in the Maldives were on time. 

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Where to go from Dhiffushi 

The public ferry from Dhiffushi to Malé leaves every morning, except on Fridays, at 6:30am. You can visit islands along the way, such as Thulusdhoo or Huraa. 

We made it back to Malé, where we arrived at 9.05am and then caught the 10am public ferry (Tue, Thr, Sun) to another island Fulidhoo, where tens of sting rays and sharks swim along the coast.

Read more: Visit Fulidhoo island: The natural paradise in the Maldives.

Once you get to Malé, the capital and transportation hub of Maldives, from there, you can go to any other island.

The most popular is Maafushi if you search for nightlife. You can read our full report about travelling to Maafushi here.(coming soon) Optionally, go to Gulhi island, which is right next to Maafushi and is less busy. The connection between those two islands and Malé is frequent, so it is also an excellent spot for your last/first night in the Maldives before your flight.

If you’re short on time and don’t have enough time to go to other islands before your flight, head to Hulhumalé, which is 15 minutes bus ride or boat ride from Malé.

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BEST TIME TO VISIT Dhiffushi 

The main season is roughly from November to April. It is the dry season, but the disadvantage is the larger amount of tourists and high prices. Hotels are basically at least double the price. 

We visited the Maldives in October, and most days, we had excellent weather. We experienced only 5 minutes of rain during 6 days stay in Dhiffushi in the rainy season. We recommend coming till October or from May, right before the main season comes/ends. The prices are very affordable, and if it rains, it usually lasts a short time and then it’s sunshine again. 

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Food in Dhiffushi

Restaurants 

Dhiffushi is not as small as some other islands, and its gaining popularity, so it means more and more facilities for tourists/locals are available. There are few restaurants around the main street, where you can get local or western food.

However, it is typical that you can book your hotel with food included, and we recommend you to do so. We had half board, breakfast and dinner included, and it was just fine. We could pick food from the restaurant menu, including drinks which made it variable for the whole 6 days of our stay. 

There is one very local restaurant called Sweet Dreams, where locals gather daily to play chess and eat some homemade food. If you like interactions with local people, make sure you go there.

Grocery stores 

There are around 4 little grocery stores that are closed for a couple of hours a day. It seemed they randomly close and opened as they liked. And it is closed during prayer times. The food selection is surprising – many western things are imported here. 

Surprisingly, don’t expect a lot of fruit. Apples, oranges or melons were usually available but not tropical fruit such as papaya. It is caused by the fancy resort islands that pay more money to get the fruit. Farmers then don’t bother to sell it to smaller islands that much. Our go-to grocery store was Daily Go, which has the most affordable food and suncream if you need it. Whim grocery store has the most extensive selection of western food – it’s by the North beach.

There are also some souvenir shops, where you can buy towels, swimsuits or flip flops if you need them. 

Alcohol 

It is not possible to buy alcohol on Dhiffushi island. Since it’s a local island and Maldivians are Muslims, no alcohol is sold here. If you want to drink alcohol in the Maldives, you must head to the resort islands or go to some luxurious hotel where alcohol is served.

The nearest resort island is the Meeru Island Resort & Spa. It is just opposite the north beach; one could think the island is easily accessible by kayak. But forget about it. Because entering the island is forbidden unless you book a night there or a day tour. Those are the only options for visiting the island. If you decide to go even for a half-day tour – you can expect all you can eat buffet, alcoholic drinks, using the room for half a day and more.

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Best things to do in Dhiffushi 

We came to Dhiffushi mostly to see the authentic Maldivian life without compromising on losing the beautiful Maldivian beaches. Luckily, Dhiffushi offers both. Of course, you can chill on the beach all day or do one of many activities offered as a half-day or day tour. Before you come to Dhiffushi, stop in the capital Malé, where you can buy snorkelling gear if you didn’t bring your own, as we didn’t see any shop selling it in Dhiffushi. We bought ours in Malé, on Chaandhanee Magu street, for $16. Optionally you can rent it from your hotel if you don’t mind. Let’s dive into our favourite things to do in Dhiffushi:

Explore local culture

The best thing to do is just waking around the island barefoot and interact with locals. See locals playing chess by local restaurant Sweet Dreams, visit a mosque or stop by locals on swings to chat. You can also check the harbour as sometimes a lot is going on. Fishermans coming back from their shift or just locals chilling by the coconut stall.

In general, Dhiffushi is a very quiet island. So if you want to experience how Maldivians are and what they do on a daily basis, you need to invest your time and have your eyes wide open.

Relax on the beach or snorkel 

There are two main beaches, one in the north, facing Meeru Island, in the main tourist area surrounded by restaurants, where most hotels are located. The beach is picturesque and very clean. You can snorkel around, but be careful of passing by boats and strong currents behind the ,,boat path”. Most tourists spend their time here. Sunbeds are free to use. 

Another beach is close to Dhiffushi Inn on the island’s opposite side. We spent the first three days there, and we were alone most of the time. It’s a bit windy area, but there are some bushes to hide and sea beds to relax on. We spotted sting rays and reef sharks on this beach.

Remember that you should respect the culture since Dhiffushi is a local island. Don’t walk around the island half-naked in a swimsuit or tiny dress. You will be reminded by many signs that you should dress properly when walking to the local part of the island. That is basically everywhere away from the main bikini beach (North beach). 

Take one of many tours

You can easily organize a sand bank trip, visit nearby Meeru resort island or go for snorkelling trip. We heard from fellow travellers that they saw a turtle and some colourful fish. Seeing sting rays and reef sharks is also very likely. Tours costs start at $30. Your hotel will help you organize any tour, as they usually have lower prices than the main tour sellers by the North beach. Renting a kayak is a cool activity, as the water is clear to see some fish or other animals swimming around you. You can rent a kayak on the north beach.

Sunset or sunrise watching 

The best spot for watching the sunset is on the southwest beach by Dhiffushi Inn. When low tide, it uncovers the picturesque sandbank. Sit down on one of many free sunbeds or just dive your legs into a white sand and watch the sun going down.

For sunrise, head to the north beach on the tourist side of the island.

Swing yourself 

Walking around the island, you’ll see many swings hanging from the palm trees. Take advantage of that and enjoy yourself being a kid again. It is also really relaxing. 

Make sure you try local food 

Mas Huni for breakfast and Kottu for dinner is a must in Maldives. Mas Huni is a mix of tuna, coconut, lime and onion, served with roti, and it’s absolutely delicious. We were always so excited to wake up and have it for breakfast. Kottu is a mix of roti, tuna, egg, veggies and spices; you need to try it at least once. 

Sting rays feeding

Every evening after sunset, fishermen feed the sting rays on the shore of the north beach. No one knows the exact time, but it is usually around 8pm. Sting rays are already used to this, and they just get to the shore every evening expecting the feast.

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Travel Insurance 

Travel insurance is the most essential part of any travel. And it is not different when coming to Maldives. It is optional to have one when coming to Maldives. However, you need to protect yourself in an emergency, which would be really pricey in the Maldives. We recommend IATI Insurance as they have reasonable prices and great coverage of activities, including water sports. As a reader of Broken Navigation, you get an exclusive 5% discount for any insurance plan with IATI Insurance. 

Get your 5% discount for travel insurance with IATI here.

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Internet

Another big surprise in the Maldives, especially in Dhiffushi, was how fast the wifi was. We could easily watch movies online or work without any issues. All hotels and cafés have wifi available. 

We didn’t need a local sim card. Otherwise, you could get one at the airport, or in Malé or Hulhumalé island. 

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Money & ATM

The currency in Maldives is Maldive Rufiyaa (MVR). The official rate in October 2022 is $1 = 15.4 MVR. 

The best is to exchange money on the black market in Malé in one of the souvenir shops ($1=17 MVR). And also, right after arrival at the airport, exchange money guys approached us. Their rate was 16 MVR for $1. 

As you can see, the best rate is in Malé if you plan on exploring the capital of Maldives, which by the way, you should do, as the fish market and fruit market are like nowhere else in Maldives; you can exchange money there. 

Cash or card? 

Check your hotel reservation carefully to know if they charge your card before arrival. Our hotel did so, so we didn’t have to pay once we arrived. Some places in Dhiffushi accept only cash. You can always pay either in Maldive Rufiyaa or US dollars. But remember that they will usually use the official bank rate, which is not the best for you. The same applies in restaurants and stores.

ATM

There is a new ATM in Dhiffushi, which was just recently made available. As mentioned, Dhiffushi is gaining popularity, so they are trying to make the island attractive to tourists. Luckily, it is still very authentic and far from mass tourism.

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Prices

Dhiffushi is one of the cheapest islands in the Maldives that you can visit. Pubic ferry from Malé costs $1.5, and you can stay in a hotel with half board for $30 per night. Could this be more appealing? Check the price examples below. 

• Coconut 45-75 MVR (3-5$)
• 1.5L Water 7 MVR ($0.5)
• Food in restaurant 35-100 MVR ($2.5-6.5)
• (35 MVR veggie rice, 60 MVR tuna burger, 100 MVR pizza) 
• Papaya 50 MVR ($3.3)
• Can tuna 18 MVR ($1.2)
• Pack of dates 35 MVR ($2.5)
• Local sweets 20 MVR ($1.3)

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$39 per day, really?

Yes! Really. If we consider you will stay in Nirili Villa off-season with breakfast and dinner & drinks included, you pay $30 for two people.

You can buy some groceries & fruit for lunch in a local store for $5, or get a cheap lunch in a local restaurant, and what else do you need?

Obviously, the more you want, the more it will cost; a snorkelling tour will add you $30 per person, but you can also snorkel by yourself along the coast of Dhiffushi, and you’ll for sure spot some fish and reef sharks and maybe sting rays. If you want to go to the restaurant for lunch, you need to add at least $2,5 per person. However, it is still pretty cheap.

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Our exact price breakdown

This price breakdown is calculated based on all expenses we had in Maldives during our 13 days of travelling. Other islands we visited (Malé, Hulhumalé, Fulidhoo and Maafushi) were slightly more expensive than Dhiffushi, so if you would only stay in Dhiffushi, you can expect to even lower this budget. All prices below are already calculated for two people.

• Return flight from Abu Dhabi: $420
• Total transport: $28
• Food, snacks: $100
• Accommodation:

Hulhumalé 1 night: $50
Dhiffushi 6 nights: $180
Fulidhoo 4 nights: $220
Maafushi 1 night: $40

The total is $1038 for two people and 13 days in the Maldives, which is $39 per person per day! Including all costs, isn’t it crazy?

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Where to stay in Dhiffushi 

The quality of hotels in the Maldives is excellent. Even if you book the cheapest room, it is always clean, and people are super friendly. Dhiffushi has one of the cheapest hotels in the Maldives, and it was almost unbelievable what we got for such a good price. 

We visited the Maldives in October, which is still off-season, and the prices were much lower than in the main season when hotel prices doubled!

Budget I Nirili Villa – you need to stay here. I mean, this place is a gem. Let’s make it clear first. They are not directly on the beach, so if you want to be in the first line and overlook the ocean, this is no place for you. But also you would pay significantly more. Nirili Villa has clean rooms with private outside shower and toilets. There is a TV and wifi is very fast. We recommend you choose half or full board. We had half board – breakfast and dinner included. There is a restaurant on-site, which means you get to choose from the menu; therefore, you get to eat something different every day. The portions are big, and the food is delicious. If we ever come back, we will go to Nirili Villa again. They also help you book tours, and they picked us up and dropped us off at the port by a golf car! How cool is that?! (Anyway, it’s only 300 m away). The price per night for 2 people with the half board was $30 in the off-season. 

Mid Range I Portia Hotel Spa – beautiful room with balcony overlooking the ocean. Portia Hotel is located on the main tourist street, where most restaurants and cafés are. The main beach is just 50 m away. Wifi is fast, and guests like the hotel breakfast. 

Luxury I Crown Beach Villas – we spend the first evening watching the sunset from their front yard. This place is beautiful; you get a room with a balcony facing the ocean on the sunset side. Breakfast is served outside when good weather, and the site has a very romantic vibe. It’s on the other side of the street from the main beach; therefore, it is quiet.

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Things to know 

We didn’t like Dhiffushi’s plastic pollution, which is most visible on the island’s west side. There is no beach for swimming, but the amount of plastic washed up on the shore is crazy. Locals don’t seem to be bothered by that, and life goes on. We don’t want to discourage you because the rest of the beaches are super clean and beautiful. But we feel like we are obligated to tell you. 

Reconstructions are going on in many places around Dhiffushi. A lot of new hotels & houses are being built. However, this shouldn’t be an issue for Dhiffushi as the reconstructions were going on on every island we visited. 

Have you already packed your bag? The Maldives has never been more accessible than now. Hope this article helps you with planning your next budget adventure! Let us know in the comments if you need to know more information.

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