The benchmark: When most people say “the Maldives,” they mean a private‑island resort with water‑villa vibes, glass‑clear lagoons, house‑reef snorkeling, and pricey seaplane transfers.
Think starting rate of ~US$300 for the cheapest overwater villas, higher for luxury, plus US$290–700 per person for mandatory boat or seaplane transfers + taxes/service.
Gorgeous? Absolutely. Affordable? Not for many. So here’s our alternatives (minus the flight from your place to the destination).
Pricing and fee ranges are indicative and fluctuate by season/exchange rate. Always reconfirm with your stay/operator.
Table of Contents
Lakshadweep, India (Agatti · Bangaram · Kadmat)
What to expect
Classic atoll‑ringed lagoons straight out of a Maldives postcard: hero‑blue shallows, powder‑white coral sand, easy snorkel drop‑ins from beach, and low‑key stays instead of mega‑resorts.
Entry permits are mandatory for all visitors. Foreigners are restricted to Agatti, Bangaram, and Kadmat.
How it’s cheaper:
• Stays: Homestays and guesthouses from ~US$60–150 per night; boutique beach stays ~US$120–250.
• Local transfers: Agatti – Bangaram shared boat ∼US$62 round-trip per person; other hops quoted locally.
• Typical extras: Guided reef trips US$15–40, with basic gear rental around US$5–10 per day.
Best time to go
Oct–May (clear seas, settled winds). Monsoon Jun–Sep can disrupt boats and visibility.
Getting there (last‑mile only)
Arrive at Agatti Island and take short jetty or boat hops to Bangaram/Kadmat (typically 30–120 min, operators quote locally).
Need‑to‑know
Permit is mandatory, which you need to apply online. Card access can be patchy, only BSNL/Airtel work on the islands. Carry some rupees.
Derawan–Maratua Atoll, Indonesia (East Kalimantan)
What to expect
A giant atoll lagoon with water‑clear shallows, turtle‑heavy reefs, and Maldives‑like over‑water cottages at a fraction of the price.
Kakaban’s stingless‑jellyfish lake and Sangalaki’s manta cleaning stations are the calling cards.
How it’s cheaper
• Stays: Simple over‑water rooms from ~US$40–80, beach chalets or guesthouses US$25–70; upscale overwater villas on Maratua US$180–300+.
• Boats for day trips: Popular Kakaban – Sangalaki runs are often bundled into multi-day snorkel+dive packages. Check operator pages for current per-day add-ons and lake entry (~US$6 for Kakaban).
• Diving or snorkeling: Fun dives US$35–55, with separate snorkel and gear fees.
Best time
Apr–Nov is driest and clearest. Dec–Mar sees more rain but diving runs year‑round.
Getting there
Boat runs from Tanjung Batu → Derawan (30–45 min), onward Derawan → Maratua (60–90 min) by local boat.
Need‑to‑know
Kakaban lake has no accommodation. Remember to bring reef‑safe sunscreen and cash for island fees.
Koh Lipe, Thailand (Tarutao National Marine Park)
What to expect
Shallow electric‑blue lagoons, palm‑soft beaches (Sunrise/Sunset/Pattaya), and a house‑reef culture where you can literally snorkel from shore.
It’s livelier than the Maldives, but the water‑color payoff is real.
How it’s cheaper
• Stays: Budget bungalows and guesthouses US$40–60 in season; beach resorts US$70–160; polished boutique US$160–300.
• Local transfers: Pak Bara ↔ Koh Lipe speedboat ~US$18–20 one-way.
• Fees: Tarutao National Park fee US$6 per adult, valid 5 days.
Best time
Nov–May (dry, calm seas). Some services scale back in May–Oct.
Getting there
Closest airport to start your trip is Hat Yai, from there it’s just a 2-hour ride to Pak Bara Pier. Take a speedboat to Koh Lipe. There are also seasonal boats from Langkawi.
Need‑to‑know
Keep your park‑fee ticket as rangers may check when you island‑hop.
Mabul, Malaysia (Sabah, Borneo)
What to expect
A reef‑ringed sand cay with over‑water stilt villages and dive lodges. The lagoon is glassy at high tide and the macro diving or snorkeling is world‑class. Sipadan day permits are limited, but Mabul – Kapalai house‑reefs are superb.
How it’s cheaper
• Stays: Diver‑friendly lodges from ~US$45–110 per person per night, often including meals; mid‑range bungalows US$120–200.
• Local transfers: Tawau → Semporna (road) then Semporna → Mabul (boat ~45–60 min) often included with lodges.
• Activities: Snorkel day trips ~US$40–60, fun dives US$35–60.
Best time
Mar–Oct is driest, while Nov–Feb wetter but diveable.
Getting there
Standard lodge transfers: Tawau Airport → Semporna (2–2.5 hrs road) → Mabul (45–60 min boat).
Need‑to‑know
Tourism tax may apply on rooms. Sipadan day-permit fees are substantial and separate from Mabul stays.
Comino – Blue Lagoon, Malta
What to expect
The famed Blue Lagoon between Comino & Cominotto: waist‑deep, crystal‑clear aquamarine that looks airbrushed.
It’s a tiny island with minimal infrastructure. Most people day‑trip and base on Gozo or northern Malta.
How it’s cheaper
• Stays (Gozo/Mellieħa area): Budget hostels ~US$17–29, mid-range guesthouses ~US$99–186
• Boats for day trips: Shared Blue Lagoon cruises ~US$30–50 per person; simple return ferries from Ċirkewwa/Marfa typically ~US$15–23; cruises and cave or lagoon tours usually ~US$29–70+.
• Activities: Snorkel from shore; kayak/SUP rentals often US$10–20 per hour
Best time
May–Oct for swimming clarity. Jul–Aug is peak and crowded, while shoulder months give calmer vibes.
Getting there
Boats from Ċirkewwa/Mellieħa or Mġarr (Gozo) to Comino in 15–25 minutes. Many tours include swims at Crystal Lagoon.
Need‑to‑know
Arrive early or late to dodge midday crowds. There might be limited shade and facilities, so bring water, snacks, and reef‑safe sunscreen.
Ksamil Islets, Albania (Ionian Coast)
What to expect
Four pocket‑islets scattered off Ksamil’s bright‑turquoise shore create Maldives‑like shallows and sandbars. You can literally paddle or take a 5–10‑minute boat hop to glassy coves.
How it’s cheaper
• Stays: Simple rooms and apartments in Ksamil/Sarandë commonly US$50–100 per night; boutique sea‑view stays US$120–180.
• Boats for day hires: Small‑boat taxis ~US$10–20 return to the islets; kayak/SUP rentals ~US$10–15 per hour.
• Extras: Sunbeds with umbrellas usually cost US$10–15 per day
Best time
May–Jun & Sep (clear water, fewer crowds). Jul–Aug is busiest but vibrant.
Getting there
Arrive at Tirana, take a bus or ferry to Ksamil. From Ksamil beachfront, hire a small boat or paddle 5–10 minutes to the islets. There are numerous operators along the promenade.
Need‑to‑know
Bring cash for sunbeds and boats. Mornings have the clearest water and respect marked swim zones for small craft.
