MALDIVES ON A BUDGET

At Say Yes Adventures, we believe that paradise should be accessible to everyone.

Our budget-friendly group trips include accommodation, activities, and authentic local experiences-so you can enjoy island paradise without the planning hassle.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY

Answering all your frequently asked questions here!

SEE MORE

Available Tours

Ready for paradise? Secure your place before it’s gone!

Whats included?

Three Local Islands

We visit 3 beautiful local islands on our tour. 

- Thulusdhoo : famous for surfing, beautiful beaches & great local food

- Dhiffushi : famous for watersport activities, stunning sandbanks and bright blue water

- Dhigurah : famous for spotting whale sharks & manta rays all year round.

All Accommodation

All accommodation on the tour is included and you’ll be staying in beautiful beachfront hotels handpicked by our team. Rooms are shared between 2–4 Say Yes guests, depending on the island and hotel layout.

We choose places that are clean, comfortable and right by the ocean. All hotels offer everything you need for a relaxed island stay.

Each hotel is no longer than a 5 minute walk from a Bikini Beach!

*Please note that unless you upgrade you will need to share rooms during this trip!*

All Internal Transport

All internal transport during the trip has been sorted! Including:

  • Airport Pickup and drop off with a Say Yes representative meeting you in Male Airport
  • High quality speed boats to transfer between locations
  • Shuttle services from ferry ports so you don’t need to carry your bags!
  • A team member is available to help with your bags throughout the trip.

12 Included Meals

  • Breakfast Included everyday
  • Introduction meal for our first day
  • Goodbye meal for our last day
  • Sunset BBQ on the beach
  • Local snacks and sweets to try

You will be able to make the most out of the local restaurants and cafes for the rest of your time there! Meals average around $5-$15 per person and offer a range of local/ western cuisines.

Daily Bucket-list Activities

Your bucketlist trip to the Maldives includes a wide range of exciting activities! Such as:

  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding
  • Sand Bank Visit
  • Sea Turtle Snorkel
  • Reef Shark Snorkel
  • Snorkelling with Manta Rays
  • Free Bike Hire to Explore the Islands
  • Dolphin Spotting
  • Snorkelling with Sting Rays
  • Fishing trip with local Maldivian Fishing Methods
  • Welcome Dinner
  • Farewell Dinner
  • Visit a Traditional Maldivian Household for a Coconut oil making demonstration
  • Sunset BBQ on the Beach
  • Beach bonfire under the stars
  • Sunset on sandbanks
  • Tasting local food
  • Nightime Marine Spotting

Snorkels, masks and fins are included for all water activities.

Our team is also available to help you book additional add ons too! Such as:

  • Day pass to an all inclusive resort
  • Snorkelling with Whale Sharks
  • Scuba Diving for both qualified and unqualified divers
  • Spa treatments
  • Jet Skiing

& more!

Say Yes Guide

A dedicated Say Yes guide handles all the logistics, planning and daily coordination so you can switch off, relax and enjoy every moment of your holiday.

A Group Chat

To get to know your fellow travellers before departure!

Important Things To Know

SOCIAL

This is the perfect opportunity to be social, meet new people and make genuine connections! At Say Yes we strive to ensure trips are as social, fun and action packed as possible. 

ACCOMMODATION

Due to the ‘budget friendly’ nature of the trip rooms with be shared between 2-3 Say Yes Guests! Where possible - twin rooms will be provided. When double rooms are the only option guests will be assigned beds on a portable pull out bed within the double room. 

LOCAL ISLAND CUSTOMS

The local islands in the Maldives follow Islamic law, which means there are a few simple guidelines to keep in mind while you’re here. You’ll need to dress modestly when walking around local communities (no swimwear on show), and there’s no alcohol allowed on local islands. You’ll also notice daily prayer times, when some shops and services may pause for a little while.

Your guide will go through everything in more detail on Day 1, so you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to respect local customs while still enjoying your trip.

What’s Not Included?

Flights

Flights aren’t included to allow guests from all around the world to join the trip. 

If you’d like help finding the best routes or prices, just get in touch - we’re always happy to assist.

All guests will need to meet the group at Malé International Airport (Velana) for the start of the tour.

Please make yourself familiar with the airport transfer times to make sure the timings are suitable before booking.

Additional Activities

We are always here to help organise any add-on activities you like! Such as:

- Visiting an all inclusive luxury resort for the day

- Snorkelling with Whale Sharks

- Scuba Diving

- Jet Ski/ Water sports

- Souvenir Painting 

- Surfing

& MORE!

Travel Insurance

All guests are required to prove adequate travel insurance to join the tour. See below for more details.

Additional Accommodation

Want to spend longer in the Maldives? We can help you extend your stay in our beautiful hotels.

We highly recommend this as it allows you to spend more time in paradise before/ after the trip!

Please feel free to get in touch to book.

Private Room Upgrades

Due to the budget friendly nature of the tour our rooms are shared between 2-4 Say Yes guests! 

If you are travelling as a group and would like to ensure that you are allocated together throughout the tour, an additional ‘private room guarantee’ is available.

Private room upgrades can sometimes be offered on specific tours (depending on room allocations) at an additional fee. Please get in touch to discuss this. (Subject to Availability).

Visas And Vaccinations

The Maldives is an easy travel destination for most travellers. But it’s important to check the exact requirements for your passport and nationality as it varies and can change.

Most visitors are eligible for a free Visa on Arrival (VOA) for up to 30 days when entering the Maldives. This applies to many nationalities and makes the arrival process simple and stress-free.

Before landing, all travellers must complete a Traveller Declaration Form. This can be done online before arrival or on arrival at Malé Airport (Velana International Airport). Completing it in advance is recommended to save time. Your guide will remind you about this in your group chat!

Please note:

You must check your visa eligibility as we are not visa experts. The information above is general in nature and may not apply to all nationalities.

JUST £1299 PER PERSON

Private Room Guarantee – £199 per couple

Want your own space? Add a private room for just £199 (min. 2 people per booking). Perfect for couples or friends!

The Secret to Our Budget-Friendly Maldives Tours

We get asked all the time: “How is it so affordable?” And it’s a fair question - Maldives is known for its luxury resorts and private islands, right? Well, we’ve cracked the code on making this paradise accessible without cutting corners on experience. Here’s how we do it:

Local Islands

Forget the overwater bungalows! Our trips focus on exploring the real Maldives- three stunning local islands where you'll soak up island life, meet friendly locals, and enjoy white sand beaches without the resort price tag. It’s not just more budget-friendly, it’s a way more authentic experience.

Smart Stays

There aren't any hostels in the Maldives, so we’ve created our own version of shared accommodation. Guests share rooms with 2–4 fellow Say Yes travellers. The spots we stay in are handpicked budget hotels with beautiful views, amazing vibes, and great locations. It keeps costs low, and the social energy high.

Luxury is Optional

Want to tick off that bucket list resort experience? You still can. We offer an optional resort day add-on during the tour. So you can sip that cocktail in an infinity pool without paying resort prices every night. It’s your call- flexible, affordable, and still fabulous.

Reviews from Previous ’SAY YES’ Guests:

  • April 2025

    “I just wanted to thank you both so much for the opportunity, it’s been amazing I wouldn’t have changed anything. I’m still so mind blown I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Maldives and not spend thousands and thousands. Thank you so much 🥰”

  • March 2025

    “I want to thank Tasha and Kara again for their hard work and research leading to the best trip l've ever been on.
    Ticking off a list of amazing animals, doing it with lovely people of all ages from around the world 🌎

    I have loved every minute.
    I will be telling many people to Say YES [&] I will keep an eye on future trips.”

  • April 2025

    “I'm sitting in the airport thinking back on the trip, I had the most amazing time on the trip. I wanted to thank you as well cause this trip is the start of my solo backpacking trip around south east Asia.
    I'm headed to Sri Lanka now and you gave me that little push to go, so l am forever grateful. The Maldives is absolutely beautiful and I honestly never thought l'd be able to go or afford it. But everything about it was unreal, so thank you again“

  • March 2025

    “Just a quick message to say thank you so much to Kara and Tasha for this beautiful experience and amazing itinerary! I am so glad I said yes to this adventure and I hope to do so more in the future! Thank you to amazing people for making this such a wonderful experience, these memories will last a lifetime 🥰”

  • March 2025

    “Just my infinite thanks for this amazing experience. This trip brought me back to life and I’m so thankful I got to be a part of it.”

  • March 2025

    “Had the most amazing time and will talk about it to anyone that wants to listen and even those that don’t! Well done girls you’ve built a fantastic trip and you should be very proud of yourselves for making peoples dreams come true ❤️”

  • March 2025

    “Honestly had the best time everything was so well thought and planned out to suit everyone and their interests- genuinely the trip of a lifetime!”

  • March 2025

    “Honestly had the best time with you all and thank you so much to Kara and Tasha for making it so magical 🩵💙
    Only problem now is I'll constantly be comparing every holiday I go on to the Maldives😅🥰”

  • March 2025

    “Thank you so much for my first experience as a group trip!! It's been amazing. Don't think anything can beat that. We've been so lucky seeing all the wildlife.”

  • March 2025

    “Thank you so much guys. It's Just been the most magical experience. We've all been so so lucky. I'll remember this trip, the beautiful souls I met, and the connections I made for the rest of my life.
    Thank you for the best memories✨ XXX”

  • March 2025

    “It has been the most amazing holiday with the most amazing group of people.
    Thankyou for being a part of the best holiday I have ever had.
    I will treasure these memories for ever💖”

★Trustpilot★

Read all our Trustpilot reviews..

…HERE

FAQs

How do I book my flights?

Where should I fly to?

Our trip starts and finishes at Malé International Airport (MLE) in the Maldives.

You’ll need to organise your own flights to and from Malé, but once you land, we take over transfers, hotels, and activities are all covered from there.

When should I arrive?

You can either arrive a few days early to soak up some extra sun, or on DAY 1 of the tour. 

If you’re flying long-haul, you’ll most likely need to depart the day before the official start date of the tour to arrive on time.

We run airport transfers from Malé at:

  • 09:30
  • 12:30 (no 12:30 transfer on Fridays)
  • 16:30


Try to book a flight that lands at least 1–2 hours before one of these transfer times so you’re not rushed.

When should I book my flight home?

On the last day (day 10), we run speedboat transfers back to Malé Airport at:

  • 07:00
  • 13:00


The journey takes around 2 hours, so please make sure your departure flight is from 11:00 onwards. This gives you enough time to get off the boat, check in, and go through security without stress.

Which airline should I fly with?

From the UK, you have several options:

Direct flights:

  • Virgin Atlantic
  • British Airways

One-stop (often cheaper) flights:

  • Emirates
  • Etihad
  • Qatar Airways
  • Gulf Air

We’re always here to help!

If you’d like help choosing flights, feel free to email us or send us a message on Instagram. We’re always happy to help.

Can I arrive early/ depart later?

Absolutely! In fact, we highly recommend arriving a day or two early. It gives you time to recharge, settle in, and enjoy some “me time” before the tour kicks off. Trust us - the tour feels even better when you’re not battling jet lag on Day 1.

If you’d like to extend your stay either before or after the trip, we can help you book extra nights in our lovely partner hotels. Just check out our “Extend Your Stay” page or send us an email and we’ll sort the details for you!

Is travel insurance needed?

Travel insurance is one of those things you’ll be very glad to have if you ever need it - and it’s an important part of getting ready for your trip. It keeps you protected, and it gives the people who care about you some extra reassurance while you’re off having an amazing time.

We do require everyone to show proof of insurance at the start of the tour. All we need to check is your name, the region you’re covered for, and the dates your policy is valid.

Just make sure your plan includes the activities you want to do - especially snorkelling, scuba diving, and other water-based adventures. It’s worth organising your insurance early so you’re fully covered from the moment you book.

What do I pack?

Once your final balance is paid, we’ll send you a full, detailed packing list to help you get completely prepared for your trip.

It’s totally up to you whether you bring a suitcase or a backpack - whatever you’re most comfortable with. You won’t need to carry it much anyway, as our team will help with your luggage from the moment you land. 

Just focus on bringing the essentials and getting excited for your adventure.

Local Customs - Islamic Law

The local islands in the Maldives follow Islamic law, which means there are a few simple guidelines to keep in mind while you’re here. You’ll need to dress modestly when walking around local communities (shoulders and knees covered), and there’s no alcohol allowed on local islands. You’ll also notice daily prayer times, when some shops and services may pause for a little while.

Your guide will go through everything in more detail on Day 1, so you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to respect local customs while still enjoying your trip.

Will Ramadan affect my trip?

If your tour takes place during Ramadan, there are just a few small things to be aware of - but nothing that will disrupt your experience.

Most hotels and tourist-friendly restaurants will continue to operate as normal. The only difference you might notice is that some places put up simple screens or covers so diners aren’t visible to locals who are fasting. While you’re out and about on the streets, you’ll be expected not to eat or drink in public, but enjoying food and drinks inside hotels and restaurants is absolutely fine.

You may also find that a few shops or cafés have slightly reduced or adjusted hours around prayer times.

We’ve run plenty of tours during Ramadan, so we know exactly how to navigate the changes. Leave it to us - your trip will run smoothly, and most guests barely notice any difference at all.

Are there laundry services?

Yes! You’ll find laundry services available on every island we visit, and there will be a few chances to get your clothes washed during the trip. That said, we always recommend packing enough underwear and everyday essentials to last the full tour - just in case timing doesn’t line up perfectly with your laundry days.

* laundry is an additional cost

How much spending money do I need & how do I manage cash?

When it comes to money on the trip, you’ve got a few options - and there’s absolutely no “right” answer. Just go with whatever feels easiest for you!

USD

USD is super useful for bigger payments like excursions and diving. Because the value is stronger, it often works out cheaper to pay in USD for higher-priced activities.

Just a heads up: you must get USD before you arrive. You can exchange it in the UK, but you won’t be able to get more once you’re in the Maldives.

MVR (Maldivian Rufiyaa)

This is the official local currency and it’s accepted everywhere. It’s the easiest option for small purchases like snacks, food, little shops and souvenirs.

MVR is a closed currency, so you can only get it in the Maldives. You can do that by:

  • Withdrawing from an ATM (around £5 fee per withdrawal; there’s an ATM on every island), or
  • Bringing GBP / EUR / AUD from home and exchanging it for MVR once you land — this usually gives you a great rate.

CARD

You can pay by card with us for all your add-on excursions - so don’t stress if you run out of cash! There’s just a small 2% transaction fee.

Some restaurants and shops also take card, but not all, so it’s good to have a bit of cash on hand too.

It can sound a little confusing at first, but honestly, don’t worry - you’ll be absolutely fine. Between card payments and ATMs, you’ll always have options! 

When will the WhatsApp group be made?

We know you’re excited to meet your fellow travellers - and trust us, the group chats are always buzzing! We usually create the WhatsApp group 30–60 days before the tour. This is for everyone’s safety, as we can only add guests once final balances have been paid.

In the meantime, if you have any questions at all or just want to chat about the trip, feel free to reach out anytime. We’re always here to help!

Whats the age range of the tours?

Our trips are open to anyone 18 and over, and there’s no maximum age at all! In the past, we’ve had travellers from 18 to 65 (and everything in between), and the mix of ages always makes the groups even more fun.

The only thing to keep in mind is that the Maldives is still catching up when it comes to accessibility. Our hotels don’t have lifts, and getting on and off boats can be a bit tricky - so you’ll need to be comfortable with a little movement and adventure.

As long as you’re up for joining the activities, happy to share rooms, and ready for an amazing time, you’re more than welcome to come along!

What are the genders of the tour?

We’re a mixed-gender tour, and everyone is welcome!

When it comes to room allocations, we do our best to keep things comfortable for everyone. That means:

  • Guys share with guys
  • Girls share with girls
  • Couples or friends who have booked a private room guarantee will, of course, room together.

Our goal is to make sure everyone feels relaxed, safe, and happy with their roomies - and hopefully you’ll end up as besties by the end of the trip!

What is the size of the tour?

A sold out ‘say yes’ tour is 22 guests. We pride ourselves on social tours that allows you to make true connections with your fellow travellers.

Can you cater to my dietary requirements?

Yes, we can. We’ll do everything we can to notify every hotel, restaurant and supplier about your dietary needs before you arrive and throughout the trip.

That said, it’s ultimately up to each individual kitchen to prepare dishes correctly, so we always recommend double-checking your meals when they arrive to make sure everything is suitable for you.
If you have any concerns or specific requirements, just let us know - we’re here to help.