What does diving in the Maldives cost?
Diving in the Maldives is more accessible than you think, even for divers with smaller pockets. It is important to consider the different price ranges of resorts and liveaboard boats when planning your diving vacation. In fact, the luxury of the accommodation can make a big difference in the price of your diving vacation. There are also price differences when it comes to liveaboard boats. In short, there are good opportunities to still go on a diving vacation to the Maldives, regardless of your budget. So diving in the Maldives does not have to be expensive at all!
In this article, we will take a closer look at the costs that may accompany a diving vacation to the Maldives, such as flights, marine park fees, service charge, drinks, diving insurance and personal expenses. It is important to be well informed about all additional costs before booking your diving vacation to the Maldives, so there are no surprises.
Cost of a dive resort in the Maldives
If you plan to dive in the Maldives, it is important to consider the cost of accommodation. In fact, the luxury of the accommodation can make a big difference in the price of your diving vacation. One option for an affordable stay is the cozy Shamar Guesthouse on Maamigili. Here you can stay as little as 11 days from €1825 per person, including 15 boat dives. This is a good choice for divers looking for an economical option without compromising on quality. For those who prefer to stay at a more luxurious resort, Vilamendhoo is a good choice. Located on a private island, this resort offers an exclusive diving experience. The price for 11 days’ stay and 10 shore dives here starts from €2649 per person. This is a higher price range, but the luxury and exclusivity of Vilamendhoo make it well worth it for divers looking for a special experience. In short, the cost of a dive resort in the Maldives varies depending on the accommodation and type of diving experience you seek. It is important to compare well and choose an option that fits your needs and budget.
Cost of a liveaboard in the Maldives
If you decide to book a liveaboard in the Maldives, there are several costs to consider. First of all, meals and drinks on board are often not included in the price of the trip. This means setting aside extra money for food and drink during your stay on the boat. There are also fuel costs for the boat that are included in the total price of the liveaboard. There are also price differences when it comes to liveaboard boats. With EWDR you can choose inexpensive but good quality boats such as the Princess Dhonkamana, where you can board for as little as €1525. On the other hand, there are more luxurious boats such as the White Pearl, where the price starts around €2699. In short, you can make it as crazy as you want when planning your diving adventure in the Maldives. Another aspect to consider are the surcharges for special dive sites. Some dive sites in the Maldives are exclusive and require an additional fee to dive. These surcharges may vary depending on location and season. Finally, it is also customary to tip the staff aboard the liveaboard. This could include dive instructors, cooks and crew. Tipping is a way of showing your appreciation for the good service they provide during your diving adventure in the Maldives.
Cost of flights to the Maldives
The cost of flights to the Maldives can vary greatly depending on several factors. First, airlines and departure airports play a major role in pricing. Several airlines offer flights to the Maldives, including Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Turkish Airlines and Austrian Airlines. It is wise to book early to get the best deals on flights to this beautiful island paradise. In addition, season and demand affect the cost of flights. During busy vacation periods, prices may be higher than during quieter periods. The average price for a ticket to the Maldives is often around €800, but this can sometimes be several hundred euros higher. Favorable airports to fly from include Dusseldorf and sometimes Amsterdam. Brussels can also be an economical option, but flight times may not always be favorable. So all in all, it is important to compare well and book on time to get the best price for your flight to the Maldives.
Cost of marine park fees / green tax in the Maldives
The cost of diving in the Maldives can be quite high due to marine park fees and green tax levied. Specific regions, such as Fuvahmulah in the south where you can dive with tiger sharks, charge an extra fee to dive specifically there. These additional charges may vary depending on the location and length of stay. In addition, a green tax of between US$3 and US$6 applies across the Maldives for tourists staying in accommodation. At EWDR, we always clearly state in our price list which costs are inclusive and exclusive. Some vendors already include marine park fees and green tax in the price, while others ask that these be settled on site. It is important to take this into account when planning your diving vacation in the Maldives. Make sure you are well informed about the additional costs that may come with diving in these beautiful islands.
What about the service charge?
In the Maldives, the cost of diving often includes a service charge. This 10% fee is calculated on the price of the liveaboard and is not a tip, but a mandatory surcharge. It is important to note that this service charge is sometimes payable on board and sometimes already included in the price. EWDR unfortunately cannot control how the liveaboards handle this, but we always make sure our clients are clearly informed in advance of any additional costs. It is therefore wise to be well aware of the service charge and how it is settled when booking a diving vacation in the Maldives.
Other costs to consider
There are some other costs to consider when diving in the Maldives. Thus, you may not bring your own diving equipment and may have to rent it on site. Rental of diving equipment may incur additional costs. There are also opportunities to take additional diving courses or specializations, which can also cost additional money. Also remember that diving accident insurance is mandatory when diving in the Maldives. Personal expenses such as drinks (soft drinks and alcoholic beverages) and any souvenirs should also be included in your budget. Fortunately, meals are often included at dive resorts in the Maldives because of the remote locations and limited alternatives in the area. It is important to factor all of these costs into your overall budget when planning a diving vacation in the Maldives.
