Travel Itinerary for Maldives: 1 or 2 Week Guide

Are you dreaming of a getaway to the Maldives but unsure about the best route to take? This article will provide you with a practical one- and two-week itinerary to explore these breathtaking islands independently, ensuring you make the most of your tropical escape.

Having traveled to the Maldives independently on two occasions, we can assure you that the paradise experience doesn’t have to be confined to luxury resorts. There are plenty of affordable alternatives that are both accessible and enjoyable. Traveling around the Maldives independently is simpler and more budget-friendly than you might think.

Important considerations for your Maldives trip

The itinerary we suggest focuses on local islands. So, what exactly are local islands? As the term suggests, these are inhabited by locals. The Maldives is home to over a thousand islands, many of which are uninhabited or occupied solely by resorts, leaving only a few islands accessible to visitors who want to experience authentic Maldivian life.

In our two-week itinerary, we will visit five local islands: Maafushi, Gulhi, Huraa, Dhiffushi, and Malé. Each of these islands is relatively easy to reach, either via public ferry or speedboat, without requiring excessive travel time. Of course, there are many more remote islands or resort islands that may involve taking a seaplane, which can significantly increase your costs.

Now, let’s dive into the proposed itineraries for a trip to the Maldives (for one and two weeks):

One-week itinerary in the Maldives – Maafushi, Gulhi, and Malé

Upon arriving at Malé airport, you can catch a speedboat to Maafushi for about $20. In under an hour, you’ll find yourself in your new "home," the perfect base for an unforgettable week in the Maldives.

→ Here’s how to get to Maafushi from the airport

While Maafushi may not be the most picturesque island—sure, it has a couple of decent beaches, but they’re not the postcard-perfect shores you might envision when thinking of the Maldives—there’s a compelling reason to visit: excursions.

Maafushi offers some of the most affordable and exciting excursions in the Maldives, ranging from snorkeling in coral gardens or with turtles to swimming with the legendary whale shark, visiting idyllic sandbanks, or spending a day at a resort. You’ll never run out of things to do!

Another significant advantage of choosing Maafushi as your base for a one-week Maldives itinerary is its unbeatable hotel and restaurant options.

→ Find all the details in our Maafushi travel guide

Here’s the plan we suggest:

• Stay for 4 nights in Maafushi, taking advantage of one excursion each day. (Accommodation in Maafushi).
• Spend 2 nights on the nearby island of Gulhi, which boasts one of the prettiest beaches in the area. You can also visit this island on a day trip from Maafushi, either independently or as part of a tour. (Accommodation in Gulhi).
• Finally, spend your last night in Malé to explore its center, mosques, and local fish market, gaining insight into the real life of the capital. Check out what to see and do in Malé. (Accommodation in Malé).

Alternative option: On our first trip to the Maldives, we spent a week in Dhangethi, a lesser-known but beautiful island. When we visited, we were the only foreigners, and while it may be a bit more recognized now, we bet it still has a very relaxed atmosphere.

Two-week itinerary in the Maldives – Maafushi, Gulhi, Huraa, Dhiffushi, and Malé

If you have two weeks in the Maldives, you’re in for a treat! Alongside the Maafushi, Gulhi, and Malé itinerary, we’ll add visits to two more islands. This time, we’ll head north of Malé (with the last day reserved for visiting the capital, if that’s your preference) to explore Huraa and Dhiffushi.

We particularly enjoyed Dhiffushi, where we spent five days of pure relaxation in a beachfront hotel, snorkeling, soaking up the sun, and enjoying plenty of tuna! This small, tranquil island has several fantastic beaches, and you can also partake in various excursions in the area (including trips to a nearby resort). However, be prepared for slightly higher excursion prices compared to Maafushi.

→ For all the details, check out our Dhiffushi travel guide

Huraa was a bit of a mixed bag for us; it was still charming, but we enjoyed some spectacular sunsets from a terrace overlooking the sea. And let’s be honest, its beach isn’t too shabby either! However, if you’re short on time or prefer not to switch islands too often, you can skip Huraa in this two-week itinerary.

→ Read about our experience on Huraa

Here’s how we propose to structure your trip:

• Start with 4 nights in Maafushi, making the most of your excursions. (Accommodation in Maafushi).
• Spend 2 nights on the island of Gulhi, close to Maafushi, with its spectacular beach. (Accommodation in Gulhi).
• Hop on a ferry to Huraa, where you’ll spend another 2 nights. You’ll have to transfer via Maafushi and Malé. (Accommodation in Huraa).
• Next, head to our beloved Dhiffushi, where you’ll spend 5 days. (If you skip Huraa, consider extending your stay here!). (Accommodation in Dhiffushi).
• Finally, return to Malé for your last night before heading back home. (Accommodation in Malé).

How to get around the islands

To execute either of the itineraries we’ve suggested, you have two transport options: the local ferry or slow boat, which is super cheap but takes longer, or the speedboat, which is faster and slightly more expensive but still affordable.

We only booked the speedboat from the airport to Maafushi in advance ($20 per person) and arranged the rest of our transfers (both slow and speedboats) directly on the islands. For example, in Maafushi, we organized the transfer to Huraa, in Huraa the boat to Dhiffushi, and in Dhiffushi the transfer back to Malé.

Note: Local ferries do not operate every day!

How to purchase tickets? If you choose the speedboat, the hotels can manage the tickets for you, or you can contact the companies directly. For local boats, you’ll need to check the ferry schedules, arrive a bit early, and buy your ticket just before departure. They are extremely cheap.

→ You can check all local ferry routes on this website.

Here are some companies where you can book speedboats in the Maldives:

• Icom Tours
• Maafushi Tours
• Anax Maldives
• Mee Express Altec
• Sea Shine

How much does it cost to travel to the Maldives?

The million-dollar question! To answer it, we’ve put together a detailed post breaking down the cost of traveling to the Maldives.

Map of the best travel itinerary for the Maldives

Here’s a map featuring our two proposed itineraries: one week and two weeks:

Are you clearer about your route through the Maldives? Do you know which islands you want to visit? We hope our one- and two-week Maldives travel itineraries help you plan your vacation in this paradise!

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