10 Best Budget Islands In Maldives for Indian Travelers

In this article, I discuss Best Budget Island Trip Destinations in the Maldives from India. These would be excellent options for travelers in search of paradise, without spending too much.

Many people think of the Maldives as only luxurious resorts, but the gorgeous local islands, Maafushi, Thulusdhoo and Dhigurah offer stunning beaches and challenging water sports. They also provide budget accommodation attractive to Indian travelers.

Key Points & Best Budget Island Trip Destinations in the Maldives from India

Island	Key Highlights
Maafushi	Popular for budget guesthouses, water sports, and easy access from Male
Thulusdhoo	Surfing hotspot with affordable stays and vibrant local culture
Dhigurah	Whale shark diving, long sandbanks, and eco-friendly guesthouses
Guraidhoo	Quiet local vibe, dolphin excursions, and budget accommodations
Fulidhoo	Known for marine life, cultural shows, and peaceful beaches
Ukulhas	Clean island, great snorkeling, and eco-tourism focus
Rasdhoo	Diving with hammerhead sharks, scenic beaches, and affordable stays
Himmafushi	Close to Male, surfing, and local crafts
Biyadhoo	Budget resort island with house reef snorkeling and diving
Feridhoo	Remote charm, coral reefs, and authentic Maldivian experience

10 Best Budget Island Trip Destinations in the Maldives from India

1. Maafushi

Maafushi is another one of the budget-friendly Maldives islands. Located only 27 km away from Malé, it is reachable for Indian travelers looking for a budget tropical getaway.

Maafushi can be reached in half an hour by speedboat. Maafushi is known for its many guest houses, local cafés, and reasonable priced thrilling water sport activities like snorkeling, kayaking and diving.

The Maafushi Bikini Beach is the only beach in the Maldives where you can swim and sunbathe freely.

Other activities like dolphin excursions and sandbank trips are also offered. Maafushi is budget-friendly that does not compromise on the Maldivian experience.

Famous For	Highlights
Bikini Beach	The most popular public beach for tourists to relax and sunbathe freely
Water Sports	Jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing, and snorkeling tours
Sandbank Excursions	Trips to nearby sandbanks for swimming and photography
Dolphin Watching	Affordable boat trips to see playful dolphins
Local Cafés	Budget-friendly eateries serving Maldivian and Indian cuisines

2. Thulusdhoo

Thulusdhoo is perfect for surf enthusiasts, budget travelers, and surfers as well. This island is famous for its “Cokes” surf break and attracts surfers without resort prices.

Indian travelers can reach it in 30 minutes, by speedboat, from Malé. The island has hospitable guesthouses as well as affordable ones that provide authentic Maldivian experiences.

Some activities and Thulusdhoo excursions are quite popular. Thulusdhoo is also known for hospitable citizens and marvelous seafood.

Thulusdhoo vibe is stress-free, and its beaches are pure which makes it a perfect peaceful, economically, Maldivian holiday.

Famous For	Highlights
“Cokes” Surf Break	One of the best surf spots in the Maldives
Local Art & Culture	Visit workshops that make traditional crafts and drums
Snorkeling Spots	Colorful coral reefs near the island
Friendly Locals	Warm community atmosphere
Seafood Cuisine	Fresh fish dishes and Maldivian curries

3. Dhigurah

 Dhigurah is one of the best budget islands in the Maldives for travelers as well as travelers who wish to enjoy adventures in the sea.

This island and guesthouses are best known for the inexpensive whale shark excursions and diving.

The island’s extensive and idyllic beaches of Dhigurah stretch for several kilometers which offer spectacular sunset views.

Affordable guesthouses and local restaurants provide a stay that is authentic and economical.

The island’s proximity to key diving locations makes it perfect for India underwater enthusiasts as well as those who are looking for adventure and a bargain.

Famous For	Highlights
Whale Shark Watching	One of the best spots in Maldives to see whale sharks
Long Beach	Nearly 3 km of white sandy shoreline
Diving Excursions	Budget-friendly dives in South Ari Atoll
Sunset Views	Ideal for romantic walks and photography
Local Guesthouses	Affordable stays with local charm

4. Guraidhoo

Guraidhoo is a budget friendly destination perfect for those wanting to have some adventure and learn about the local culture.

Located in South Male Atoll and a quick, 35 minute boat ride from Male is the island. Guraidhoo is a budget island meaning that instead of resort accommodations

There are guesthouses and local cafés providing island hospitality. Diving, snorkeling and manta ray watching are island activities and there are boat tours to the neighboring sandbank.

The calm island environment is enhanced by the traditional Maldivian customs that still exist, providing a unique experience for the traveler.

Guraidhoo is a unqiue destination for Indian visitors simply for the affordability, beauty and genuine experiences the island offers.

Famous For	Highlights
Manta Ray Snorkeling	Seasonal sightings of manta rays
Local Culture	Authentic Maldivian village experience
Sandbank Trips	Excursions to nearby private sandbanks
Diving Sites	Great coral reefs nearby
Handicraft Shops	Locally made souvenirs and crafts

5. Fulidhoo

Fulidhoo, in the Vaavu Atoll, is a small island which is also a budget destination. It still is an amazing island because it is very peaceful. It is a very affordable destination.

It is only a 1 1/2 hour boat ride from Male and is very peaceful with beautiful waters and soft, white sand and is perfect for anyone that enjoys scuba diving or snorkeling.

There is also very little costumary here. Budget guesthouses and homestays provide comfortable stays without straining your wallet.

The is also culture and is island is known for traditional Bodu Beru drumming performances which is Maldivian.

This destination is perfect for Indian travelers that want peace, marine activities and to experience real island life.

Famous For	Highlights
Bodu Beru Performances	Traditional Maldivian drum dance shows
Diving & Snorkeling	Pristine dive sites in Vaavu Atoll
Peaceful Atmosphere	Calm and quiet compared to other islands
Local Cuisine	Fresh seafood dishes at small cafés
Cultural Interaction	Friendly locals and authentic island life

6. Ukulhas

Located in Alif Alif Atoll, Ukulhas is one of the cleanest and eco-friendly islands in the Maldives.

Ukulhas is known for its environmental initiatives and community-driven tourism, which is why it provides inexpensive accommodations for Indian tourists.

Ukulhas has a bikini beach, a turquoise lagoon, and stunning coral reefs which provide excellent conditions for snorkeling and swimming.

It is a nice plus that the speedboat transfers from Malé take about 70 minutes, providing easy and inexpensive access.

Small but charming, Ukulhas has local eateries, guesthouses, and a friendly atmosphere, and this is why it is great for people on a budget, especially those who love nature.

Famous For	Highlights
Cleanliness & Eco-Tourism	Award-winning sustainable tourism practices
Bikini Beach	Beautiful and well-maintained tourist beach
Coral Reefs	Ideal for snorkeling and exploring marine life
Community Projects	Waste management and eco-initiatives
Local Guesthouses	Affordable and eco-friendly stays

7. Rasdhoo

As the capital of Alif Alif Atoll, Rasdhoo Island is a wonderful budget-friendly diving destination. It is also just an hour away from Malé by speedboat.

Like Ukulhas, it has inexpensive guesthouses and diving companies. It also provides access to some of the best coral reefs in the Maldives.

Visitors can snorkel with turtles, manta rays and reef sharks at a very low price. Like Ukulhas, Rasdhoo has a bikini beach and laid-back cafés, which adds to the friendly atmosphere.

For Indian travelers, Rasdhoo is a great example of budget and easy access among islands, which is why many backpackers and couples have made Rasdhoo one of their top island choices.

Famous For	Highlights
Diving with Sharks	Dive sites featuring reef sharks and manta rays
Bikini Beach	White sand beach with turquoise water
Snorkeling Tours	Access to nearby reefs and lagoons
Café Culture	Cozy local cafés and eateries
Local Hospitality	Welcoming island atmosphere for tourists

8. Himmafushi

Himmafushi is a lively local island in the North Malé Atoll that is famous for its local surf breaks and its proximity to world-class dive sites.

It is also one of the most affordable islands for Indian tourists, only a 20-minute speedboat trip from Malé.

There is a range of budget guesthouses and shops on the island and local restaurants serving delicious seafood.

Himmafushi is an affordable place to stay for people wanting to experience the Maldives, as they can dive, go on a local dolphin watching cruise, and experience local culture.

The spirit of the island is welcoming, and the range of activities to partake in there, as well as its affordability, makes Himmafushi an ideal place to visit.

Famous For	Highlights
Surfing	Close to famous surf spots like Jailbreaks
Diving Sites	Great coral reefs nearby
Dolphin Watching	Short trips to see dolphins at sunrise or sunset
Local Shops	Great place for souvenir shopping
Seafood Restaurants	Affordable and delicious seafood meals

9. Biyadhoo

Biyadhoo Island is a hidden gem of an affordable resort in the Maldives that is located in South Malé Atoll.

It is surrounded by coral reefs and is a paradise for those who enjoy snorkeling and diving.

It is also an idea place for people that enjoy nature, as there are a lot of lush tents on the island and clear lagoons.

Fishing boats are also a popular trip to take from Malé, and for that reason it is also convenient for Indian tourists.

Biyadhoo is a great option to enjoy the tranquility of a resort while sticking to a budget. It is, without a doubt, one of the best budget options in the Maldives.

Famous For	Highlights
Snorkeling & Diving	Surrounded by rich coral gardens
Affordable Resort Stay	Budget-friendly all-inclusive packages
Lush Vegetation	Dense greenery across the island
Lagoon Swimming	Clear, shallow waters ideal for swimming
Tranquil Atmosphere	Peaceful escape from busy tourist zones

10. Feridhoo

Located in Alif Alif Atoll, Feridhoo is another quiet, peaceful, and less touristy island, ideal for you if you’re looking for tranquility on a budget.

It takes around 90 minutes by speedboat to get to Feridhoo, which has budget guesthouses and dining facilities, from Malé.

The island is encircled by vibrant coral reefs, which are fantastic for snorkeling and diving. Feridhoo doesn’t get crowded and is still local and authentic.

The island is a slice of paradise. Engage with the locals and enjoy the gorgeous untouched beaches and freshly caught and prepared fish.

For Indian tourists, Feridhoo is an affordable and calm option to experience untouched Maldivian beauty.

Famous For	Highlights
Pristine Reefs	Great snorkeling and diving conditions
Peaceful Vibe	Calm, uncrowded, and authentic local island
Fresh Seafood	Daily catches prepared in local eateries
Traditional Lifestyle	True Maldivian village experience
Affordable Stays	Cozy and inexpensive guesthouses

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Maldives, even on a budget, is perfect for Indian travelers. Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, and Dhigurah have cheap accommodation, thrilling water activities, and Maldivian culture.

These islands are a perfect tropical paradise for any budget, complete with calm, clear water, bright sea life, and friendly people.

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