Maldives is a dream destination for many, but undeniably the most popular among couples and honeymooners. Ironically, I first visited the Maldives solo and then returned to the Maldives with kids.
While Maldives is a fantastic place for family holidays, it’s important to plan things carefully. It can be a tricky destination as there are so many islands and variables to include can make or break your holidays – or your budget.
Traveling to the Maldives with Kids: What to Consider
First and foremost: is it worth going to the Maldives with a toddler?
Many people thought we were insane when we went to the Maldives with two little kids (Dylan was 3.5 and Holden was 19 months), claiming we could just go to the Bahamas, but having been to both I can honestly say that it’s so different than visiting the Caribbean.
You will need to factor in a long flight to get there so be ready when you’re flying with a baby or toddler, but I promise you – you won’t regret it.
Which Islands or Resorts in the Maldives to Visit with Kids?
Picking a place to stay in the Maldives isn’t easy, especially with kids. It takes more planning than just picking a nice resort on Booking.com. The islands are a chain of 26 atolls with multiple islands per atol and every island offers different forms of transportation and have a different set of rules.
Not every island is child friendly as well and even if they welcome children, some might not be very child friendly after all. You need to find out if they have a kids club and if so for what ages, kids pool, babysitters, and most importantly – whether your child might be allowed to stay in certain villas.
Most people tend to island hop every few days and visit 2-3 resorts, but you might not want to do this with small children.
Overwater Villas with Kids in the Maldives: Good or Bad Idea?
Many parents automatically disregard the possibility of staying in an overwater villa with a toddler as they’re worried about safety. I’ll tell you the truth: we stayed in multiple overwater bungalows in the Maldives and French Polynesia and it’s just as safe as anywhere else. How?
You probably wouldn’t leave a toddler or baby alone on the balcony of a hotel or a beach villa near the water anyway, am I right? The same goes for overwater villas. Some villas will have decks with fences, others can install a fence for a family.
We set clear rules about not running on the deck and not going out without a parent (there are child locks on terrace doors, so don’t worry – you can go to the toilet or sleep without stressing). We’ve never had an issue or even come close to having an issue. Both kids found the ledge of the terrace scary enough that they didn’t even want to go to the ledge on their own.
Both kids and I loved driving on the jetty to get to our villa and watching fish and other sea creatures everywhere. It was also convenient to have a shallow pool on our deck, so the kids played safely while we enjoyed the surroundings.
Factor ALL the Costs of Your Trip
The biggest and most costly mistake people make when traveling to the Maldives is not accounting for ALL the costs. For example, you might feel like you’re getting an awesome deal if you can travel hack and get a hotel stay on points, but…
1. Food is Expensive at Resorts
This isn’t unique to the Maldives and applies to any islands around the world. Food has to be important and therefore will cost you. I highly recommend going at least half-board for the Maldives, because you won’t be able to buy snacks.
2. Factor the Transport Cost: Boat or Seaplane
No point redemption will ever get you a free seaplane or boat ride. It’s something you need to factor into the costs and depending on how far and where you’re heading, it might be a LOT of money (up to $1200 per person).
I heard people recommending staying close to Male so you can take a boat to your resort, but depending on the place it might not necessarily be cheaper AND it might be easier to actually take a seaplane with kids.
I’ve taken a boat out of Male and then inter-island and it can be a bumpy ride that I still have nightmares of and wouldn’t want to do it with small children. The seaplane was easier as you get transferred to a waiting lounge (with play areas for the kids) vs you waiting on a little bench outside of the airport for your boat.
Not to mention, the seaplane was a big part of the adventure and the kids loved landing on the water. When we booked, various resorts were running a promo for half-price seaplane which ended up being $200 for adult and $120 per person, while we would pay over $100pp for a bumpy board ride. However, keep in mind that average cost of a seaplane to Baa Atol resorts (the most beautiful one) are about $600-1200 per person.
These days, various resorts are offering smaller plane flights to a nearby bigger island airport scheduled once a day. It’s significantly cheaper so make sure to check with your resort about that possibility.
3. If you need childcare, pick a good kids club
You’re going to want a break. Every resort provides some sort of babysitting or childcare, but ultimately only the kids club is free and kids club comes with an age requirement.
Most kids club allow children 4 and over to stay unaccompanied at the kids club. Younger children can still come but with a parent or babysitter.
It’s a bit of a bummer, because there are no exceptions even if the child is mature and capable. The mistake we made was to assume that one babysitter can take care of both of our under 4 years old children at the kids club, but the rules state that it’s 1 babysitter per child. So instead of $25 an hour we had to pay $50 per hour for someone to follow our children around.
Best Resorts for Families in the Maldives
If you have the money, there’s no denying that Soneva Jani is the best option with a family. I visited it years ago and it only improved since then (and their kids’ club called Den is to die for!). The Den is huge, with its own little water park, outdoor cinemas, Lego room, other themed playrooms, and loads of games, toys and activities.
Niyama Private Island – one of a kind resort with kids club allowing children from just 3 years, an underwater restaurant, a surfing area, and feeling small enough yet big to spread out.
Anantara Kihavah – we ended up staying there recently due to their promo and it was truly a wonderful place, although small. Their staff was incredible with our kids and it was a truly personalized stay.
(note that kids need to be 4 years old to stay at the kids club for free)
Kandima – a fantastic option for families with a giant kids club, family-friendly overwater and beach villas and kids meals for free under the age of 6.
(note that kids need to be 4 years old AND entirely potty trained to stay at the kids club for free)
Kinan Resort – a bit of a different option, because Kinan is located on a local island so while there’s only one bikini beach and no alcohol is sold, it’s a fantastic family-friendly budget option.
What to Do in the Maldives with Kids
Ultimately, Maldives is a beach vacation and kids don’t need much to entertain them. Different resorts will offer different activities and if the resort welcomes children most likely they can join you in all activities.
We ended up doing a spectacular dolphin cruise. Who wouldn’t be impressed by the dolphins swimming right next to the boat?!
Kids were absolutely mesmerized by the stargazing using a giant telescope during a special dining event. Even the little one was very interested in seeing the moon, despite not being able to fully comprehend what is it just yet.
Our hotel had an underwater restaurant where we were welcome as well and the kids had a blast seeing fish swimming around them.
What to Pack for the Maldives with Kids
If your child still uses diapers and drinks formula, bring more than you think you’ll need. I’m always a fan of buying everything at the destination, but you’ll be staying on a remote island with no shops anywhere so pack accordingly.
Fancier resorts might provide you with some, but not for the entire stay. When we went our younger was basically done with daytime potty training and only some diapers for the night, but I hadn’t brought enough when we went to Bora Bora before and had to pay a hefty price for a small package of Pampers imported from another island for me.
Otherwise, most people pack way too many clothes. Most of the time you and your kids will be in a swimwear, so you can easily do a carry-on for a week’s long vacation.
