🌴 Budget-Friendly Maldives: Top Local Island Picks!

(💰 Live like a local, pay like a backpacker! 🎒) 🏝️ Island Guide (Ferry Routes 306 & 309) 1️⃣ Gulhi Island ⭐ Rating: 4/5 📍 Location: S. Male Atoll (21km from Male) 🚤 Transport: Ferry 309: 22 MVR, 1h15min Speedboat: $25, 25min ✨ Why Go? ✔ Pristine bikini beach 🏖️ ✔ Eagle rays, reef sharks 🦈 ✔ Authentic Maldivian life 2️⃣ Maafushi (Overrated?) ⭐ Rating: 2/5 📍 Location: S. Male Atoll (26km from Male) 🚤 Transport: Ferry 306: 53 MVR, 1h35min Ferry 309: 22 MVR, 1h40min ⚠️ Skip if: You hate crowds! Touristy, pricier, but good for a quick stop. 3️⃣ Guraidhoo (Hidden Gem!) ⭐ Rating: 5/5 📍 Location: S. Male Atoll (31km from Male) 🚤 Transport: Ferry 309: 22 MVR, 2hrs Speedboat: $25, 45min ✨ Why Go? ✔ Quiet fishing village vibe 🎣 ✔ Cheap eats + affordable tours (haggle for deals!) ✔ Great snorkeling (coral + fish galore!) 🐠 4️⃣ Fulidhoo (Best for Wildlife!) ⭐ Rating: 5/5 📍 Location: Vaavu Atoll (56km from Male) 🚤 Transport: Ferry 306: 53 MVR, 3.5hrs Speedboat: $40, 1.5hrs ✨ Why Go? ✔ Stingrays at the shore! 🌊 ✔ Nurse shark snorkeling 🦈 ✔ Secret "bikini beach" paradise 👙 💡 Pro Tips Ferries > Speedboats (Save $$$, enjoy the ride!) Book tours locally – Half the price of resorts! Pack snacks – Island groceries are limited! #MaldivesOnABudget #LocalIslands #TravelLikeALocal 🏝️