To the Maldives on your own: island, ticket and hotel (budget option)
You do not need a tour operator for the Maldives: the trip is easy to put together yourself in a few steps. Here is the order we recommend, with what to check at each step and where the details are.
Step 1. Choose the island
- Decide first between a resort on its own island and a guesthouse on a local island. A local island is usually the budget route and the transfer is a boat from the airport. Which atoll is best
- Thoddoo is a local island 1 hour 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé airport. We are an adults-only 3-star guesthouse with 14 rooms.
Step 2. Book accommodation
- We take bookings through Booking.com: Relax Residence on Booking.com. Choose the dates and the room, then write to us if you have questions.
- Check what the rate includes (meals, taxes) and the cancellation terms before you pay. How much a trip costs
- On payment from Russia see Paying for a hotel from Russia.
Step 3. Flights and documents
- Search for flights on aggregators and compare the full price, including baggage. Aeroflot flies nonstop from Moscow. Flight from Moscow
- Russian citizens enter without a visa for up to 90 days. You need a passport valid for at least one month with a machine-readable zone and the free IMUGA traveller declaration, filled in up to 96 hours before arrival. Do Russians need a visa Documents for the trip
Step 4. Plan the transfer to the island
- Speedboat from Malé airport: 16:00 daily except Friday, about 1 hour 15 minutes, USD 35 per person each way. Back from Thoddoo at 07:00.
- Seaplane on Thursday and Saturday, USD 90 one way. Public ferry: see the timetable. Ferry timetable
- Send us your flight number and we will help you pick the right boat. We meet you at the Thoddoo pier and the transfer to the guesthouse is free; check-in is from 14:00. How to get to Thoddoo from Malé
Step 5. Pack
- Passport, printed or saved booking, dollars in small notes, light modest clothes, sun protection. Vapes are banned at entry. What to take
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a tour operator for the Maldives?
No. You can book accommodation, flights and the transfer yourself.
How do I book Relax Residence?
Through Booking.com; the link is in step 2.
How do I get from the airport to Thoddoo?
By speedboat at 16:00 daily except Friday for USD 35, or by seaplane on Thursday and Saturday.
Do Russians need a visa?
No visa for up to 90 days; you need the free IMUGA declaration 96 hours before arrival.
Who meets me on the island?
We meet you at the Thoddoo pier, and the transfer to the guesthouse is free.
Reviewed by the Relax Residence team in October 2026.
