The Hidden Costs of a Maldives Trip (And How to Avoid Them)
The Maldives is a bucket-list destination, but beyond the overwater villas and turquoise waters, there are hidden costs that can add thousands to your final bill. From seaplane transfers and meal plans to alcohol taxes and unexpected fees, these expenses can turn what seems like a great deal into a costly surprise.
The good news? A little planning goes a long way. We’ve broken down the most overlooked costs in the Maldives—and how to avoid them while still enjoying a luxury experience.
1. Transfers
The Cost of Getting to Your Resort
Unlike many destinations where “transfers” mean choosing between taxis or a car services, you can’t just hop in a car to your Maldives resort. Most every resort is on its own private island, meaning you need to take a speedboat, seaplane, or domestic flight + boat combination to get there.
Example: Resorts like SAii Lagoon or Hard Rock are speedboat-accessible, saving you money on transfers. Meanwhile, resorts like Soneva Jani require seaplane transfers, which can significantly add to costs.
How to Save:
Booking through a travel advisor can sometimes get you discounted or free transfers as a perk.
Some resorts include transfers in their pricing—check before booking.
If your flight arrives late in the day, a speedboat-accessible resort can save you the cost of an extra night in Malé.
2. Meal Plans
Not All Are Created Equal
Maldives resorts offer breakfast-only, half-board (breakfast + dinner), full-board (all meals), and all-inclusive options—but not all meal plans are created equal.
Example: At Ozen Life Maadhoo, guests staying 4+ nights get one free dinner at their underwater restaurant, while at some resorts, premium restaurants are only accessible with an additional charge even on an all-inclusive plan.
How to Save:
If you drink alcohol, a resort with a premium all-inclusive plan may be more cost-effective than paying à la carte.
Some resorts offer meal plan upgrades as promotions when booking through a travel advisor.
Read the fine print—some plans only cover buffet dining, while others include à la carte restaurants or dining credits for specialty venues.
If flexibility is important, check meal times before booking to avoid restrictive dining windows.
3. Alcohol
Why It’s More Expensive Than You Think
Maldives resorts offer breakfast-only, half-board (breakfast + dinner), full-board (all meals), and all-inclusive options—but not all meal plans are created equal.
Example: Resorts like Emerald Maldives and Ozen Reserve Bolifushi include premium alcohol, full-sized minibar bottles, and Champagne in their all-inclusive plans, while others limit drinks to house brands.
How to Save:
If alcohol is important, choose a resort with a strong all-inclusive package.
Some resorts stock full-size liquor bottles in minibars as part of all-inclusive plans.
4. Excursions & Water Sports
Hidden Fees & Inclusions
Not all resorts include snorkeling trips, water sports, and excursions in their rates.
Example: Resorts like Park Hyatt Maldives and Avani+ Fares Maldives offer great house reefs for free snorkeling, while others require paid boat trips for decent snorkeling. Meanwhile, resorts like Ozen Life Maadhoo offer daily complimentary snorkeling excursions by boat to compensate for a weaker house reef—an excellent added perk. At Pullman Maldives, guests staying seven nights or more receive vouchers for complimentary experiences such as a sunset cruise, jet ski session, or guided snorkeling trip.
How to Save:
Choosing resorts with generous inclusions—such as free excursions, snorkeling trips, or premium all-inclusive plans—can prevent unexpected add-ons.
Staying at a resort with a strong house reef can save on snorkeling and diving trips that require paid boat transfers.
Booking with an expert ensures you choose resorts that maximize inclusions and minimize unexpected fees.
5. Taxes & Service Charge
A Cost You Can’t Avoid
Taxes in the Maldives can significantly impact your final bill, often adding 25%+ to every charge at the resort.
Example: If your villa is priced at $1,000 per night, after taxes and fees, you could be paying closer to $1,300 per night. Similarly, if you’re not on an all-inclusive meal plan, a simple dinner for two—each ordering an appetizer, entrée, and a cocktail—can easily exceed $200–$300 per meal after service charges and VAT. Over a week-long stay, this can add thousands to your total bill.
How to Save:
Some resorts offer tax-inclusive pricing, meaning the listed price already includes VAT and service charges.
Booking through a travel advisor can sometimes secure discounted rates that factor in taxes, reducing sticker shock at checkout.
Some luxury resorts offer free-night promotions to help offset tax-related expenses.
Opting for an all-inclusive package can reduce unexpected meal and beverage costs, especially when factoring in VAT and service charges on à la carte dining.
6. Ancillary Costs
The Small Fees That Add Up
Beyond the big expenses, many resorts charge for unexpected extras that can sneak up on you.
Example: At Pullman Maldives, a premium all-inclusive resort known for its generous inclusions—from a fully stocked minibar to all premium restaurants and an extensive wine list—you’d expect everything to be covered. Yet, they charge $10 per day per person for bike rentals. Given the resort’s large island layout, this can feel like a surprising extra cost, especially for guests who assumed transportation would be included.
How to Save:
Research whether inclusions that you might normally overlook, like bikes and bottled water are complimentary.
Bring essentials like reef-safe sunscreen, personal toiletries, and snacks to avoid resort markups.
Ask about late check-out policies before booking; some resorts offer free lounge access instead.
Booking with an expert ensures you know exactly which costs are included and which can be avoided.
All-Inclusive vs. Pay-As-You-Go
Which One Saves More?
One of the biggest cost considerations in the Maldives is deciding between an all-inclusive resort or a pay-as-you-go model at a luxury resort that charges for every extra.
Let’s compare two similar high-end resorts to see how costs can add up:
Example 1
$1,800 per night, Premium All-Inclusive Resort (all-inclusive, taxes included)
💰 Total Cost for a 5-Night Stay: $1,800 x 5 nights = $9,000 (flat rate, most things covered)
Example 2
$800 per night, Luxury A La Carte Resort (pay-as-you-go, taxes not included)
💰 Subtotal Before Taxes: $10,500
💰 Total Cost for a 5-Night Stay: $13,125+
Sticker Shock
The Real Cost of “Cheaper” Resorts
While an à la carte resort might seem like a bargain upfront, once you add in food, drinks, transfers, excursions, and taxes, the final bill can be far higher than an all-inclusive stay. What looks like a “cheaper” $800-per-night deal can actually cost more in the long run.
Final Verdict
Which One Is Right for You?
Option 1
If you prefer budgeting upfront, want premium inclusions, and enjoy unlimited experiences, an all-inclusive resort can save you thousands.
Option 2
If you don’t drink alcohol, prefer à la carte dining, and don’t plan on many excursions, a pay-as-you-go model may work—but expect surprise expenses.
How to Avoid These Costs
(Without Compromising Luxury)
Planning a Maldives trip is complicated, but knowing where to book can save thousands. We’ve personally visited these resorts and know where to find free transfers, included dining perks, and the best all-inclusive packages.
Want a stress-free Maldives trip with no costly surprises?
