Maldives 10 Days Itinerary 2025: Best Island Hopping Guide with Costs, Tips & Activities

Are you planning to go to the Maldives for island hopping? If yes, this Maldives 10-day itinerary is just for you. This comprehensive itinerary takes you on a venture to the local islands to experience the Maldivian culture at its best. Whether it is diving with manta rays or visiting the old-fashioned fishing villages, this Maldives island-hopping guide ticks all the boxes to help you make your trip a memorable experience.

Key Takeaways

• Island hopping costs: Budget Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 2,50,000 for 10 days, including accommodation, meals, and activities
• Best islands to visit: Maafushi, Himmafushi, Fulidhoo, Rasdhoo, and Thoddoo offer diverse experiences from diving to agriculture
• Transportation: Speedboat transfers between islands cost Rs. 800 to Rs. 2,500 per trip; book through guesthouses for better rates
• Optimal timing: Visit during dry season (December-April) for best weather, or monsoon season (May-November) for lower prices
• Essential booking: Reserve guesthouse accommodation and diving activities 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season.

Best Time to Visit the Maldives 

Dry Season (December-April): 

The dry season is the ideal time to visit the Maldives. The season is characterised by minimal rainfall and calm seas.

Monsoon Season (May-November): 

May in the Maldives is the shoulder season and marks the beginning of the Monsoon season. The season is characterised by occasional showers. Yet it is an ideal balance of budget travel and experience.

How to Travel Between Islands in Maldives

Speedboat transfers are the primary mode of transportation in the Maldives. The best resorts in the Maldives serve as your helping hand, as they also arrange transfers for the visitors.

Maldives Island Hopping Budget Breakdown (10 Days Cost Guide)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost
Accommodation (guesthouses)	Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 90,000
Inter-island transfers	Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 25,000
Meals	Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 50,000
Activities & diving	Rs. 40,000 – Rs. 70,000
Total (per person)	Rs. 1,50,000 – Rs. 2,60,000

10-Day Maldives Itinerary: Day-by-Day Island Hopping Guide

Day 1–3: Maafushi Island – Scuba Diving, Water Sports & Local Culture

Day 1: Arrival and Local Immersion

This inhabited island is on the South Male atoll, and it is the best introduction to Maldivian local island life.

Activities:

• Visit the Bikini Beach for swimming and sunbathing
• Taste traditional Maldivian cuisine like mas huni (tuna and coconut breakfast) and garudhiya (fish soup)

Accommodation Options:

• Budget Guesthouses: Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 12,000 per night
• Mid-range: Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 10,000
• Premium: Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 15,000

Day 2: Underwater Adventures

Maafushi features some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling sites in the Maldives.

Activities:

• Kuda Giri Wreck: A shipwreck that has been covered with colourful corals.
• Cocoa Corner: Explore the underwater caves.

Day 3: Water Sports and Relaxation

The water sports centre of Maafushi has a wide range of activities for all skill levels.

Activities:

• Jet skiing: Rs. 3,000 per person for 30 minutes 
• Parasailing: Rs. 4,000 per person
• Windsurfing: Rs. 2,000 per hour
• Dolphin watching sunset cruise: Rs. 2,500 per person

Day 4: Himmafushi Island – Surfing Paradise & Local Traditions

Surfing in Himmafushi Island is one of the best things to do in the Maldives. The regular waves along the island attract surfers of every skill level.

Key Attractions:

• Jailbreak surf break: Consistent waves suitable for surfers of intermediate to advanced levels.
• Traditional dhoni boat building: Watch local carpenters craft these iconic vessels.
• Fishing culture: Witness the traditional tuna fishing methods.

Accommodation: Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 10,000 per night

Days 5–6: Fulidhoo Island – Serenity, Night Diving & Culture

Fulidhoo is a small resort island with limited tourist facilities. The destination is an ideal escape for travellers who wish to experience the authentic Maldivian lifestyle.

Day 5: Cultural Immersion

Island Exploration:

• Pay a visit to the historic Masjid Al Athar mosque.
• Explore coral gardens through guided snorkelling tours

Accommodation: Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 12,000 per night.

Day 6: Night Diving Adventure

Alimatha Night Dive: You can swim with nurse sharks under the moonlight for Rs. 6,000 per dive.

Dining Options:

• Cafe De Orzo: Local food and fresh seafood.
• Dream Hut Fulidhoo: Traditional Maldivian breakfast and dinner.

Days 7–8: Rasdhoo Island – Manta Rays, Diving & Beach Vibes

Rasdhoo is a blend of world-class diving and relaxation, especially renowned in terms of manta ray sightseeing.

Day 7: Island Relaxation

Beach Activities:

• Relax on the white sandy beach of Rasdhoo Bikini Beach
• Visit local cafes like the Cafe Ole, Lily Taste, Shadow Palm and Lemon Drop
• Evening cruise to enjoy the sunset, and dolphin watching

Day 8: Manta Ray Diving

North Channel is one of the most popular diving spots in the Maldives. This place is a manta cleaning station where mantas and other fish gather from November to April.

Dive Details:

• Early mornings are best to enjoy manta ray encounters.
• Cost around Rs. 7,000 per dive.
• Other marine animals such as grey reef sharks, eagle rays and jackfish are also spotted.

Seasonal Considerations: Manta rays are most active during the northeast monsoon (December-April).

Days 9–10: Thoddoo Island – Agriculture, Snorkelling & Relaxation

Thoddoo, with its vast agricultural area, is a counterpoint to the private island destinations in the Maldives.

Day 9: Agricultural Tour

Island Characteristics:

• One-third of the island is covered in fruit plantations
• A walk through the vegetable farms.

Cultural Experiences:

• Learn traditional farming techniques from local farmers
• Experience the coconut harvesting practices.

Day 10: Final Day Relaxation

Farewell Activities:

• Photography sessions during the golden hour
• Snorkelling at the house reef 
• Fresh coconut drinks 
• Sunset viewing from the island’s highest point

Essential Travel Tips for a Maldives Trip

• Speedboat transfers through guesthouses
• Carry cash, as many islands have limited ATM access
• Weather can affect boat schedules; build flexibility into your itinerary
• Respect local customs on inhabited islands
• Alcohol can only be served at the resort islands and licensed bars
• Dress modestly when not on designated bikini beaches
• Use reef-safe sunscreen 
• Pack light, quick-dry clothing

Bottom Line: Is a 10-Day Maldives Island Hopping Trip Worth It?

The Maldives’ 10-day itinerary is an island-hopping adventure that presents an amazing opportunity to discover the authentic cultural experiences in contrast to a focused resort stay. The itinerary equally balances adventure and rejuvenation, thereby allowing you to experience the Maldives beyond postcard-perfect resort images. Be it whale shark diving or discovering the traditional methods of farming, this Maldives island-hopping guide unveils new things in this beautiful piece of heaven. Check our Maldives Holiday Packages or Maldives Honeymoon Packages for a more customised travel itinerary. Our experienced travel professionals will guide and assist you every step of the way to create a memorable experience.

FAQs About Maldives 10-Day Itinerary & Island Hopping

How much does a 10-day island hopping trip to the Maldives cost?

Budget ₹1,50,000-₹2,60,000 per person, including accommodation, meals, activities, and inter-island transfers. Costs vary significantly based on season, accommodation choices, and activity selection. Monsoon season (May-November) offers 30-40% savings compared to dry season rates.

What’s the best way to travel between islands in the Maldives?

Speedboat transfers are the most reliable option for island hopping. Book through your guesthouse for better rates (₹800-₹2,500 per transfer). Avoid public ferry systems as they operate limited schedules and may not serve all tourist islands.

Do I need to book accommodations and activities in advance?

Yes, especially during peak season (December-April). Book guesthouse accommodation 2-3 weeks in advance and diving activities 1-2 weeks prior. Limited infrastructure on local islands means popular places fill up quickly.

Can I drink alcohol during my island-hopping trip?

Alcohol is prohibited on the inhabited islands due to Islamic laws. You can only consume alcohol on resort islands or during boat excursions with licensed operators. Many sunset cruises and diving boats offer alcoholic beverages.

What’s the ideal time of year for a 10-day Maldives itinerary?

December to April offers the best weather with minimal rainfall and calm seas, ideal for diving and water sports. May to November provides significant cost savings (30-40% lower) but includes occasional rainfall and rougher seas that may affect boat transfers.