Islands Like Maldives: Best Alternatives Compared

Dreaming of the Maldives but wondering if another island could give you the same turquoise water, soft white sand and barefoot luxury for less? Here are the destinations worth knowing before you book.

Contents

What makes the Maldives so special?The best islands like the Maldives 1. Seychelles – the closest luxury alternative 2. Mauritius – a paradise with personality 3. Zanzibar – the spicy alternative 4. Palawan, Philippines – for the wild-at-heart 5. Boracay, Philippines – for beautiful beaches and energy So what are the better ‘cheaper alternatives to Maldives’?Which island is most like the Maldives?What about the beaches?What are you looking for in your island getaway?Final Thoughts FAQ

What if you don’t actually have to go to the Maldives to experience your dream holiday on an island?

Imagine walking onto a beach where the sand is soft underfoot, the water is impossibly blue and the only real problem of the day is whether or not you should go snorkelling or if you should have another cold drink. Sounds familiar? This is the kind of getaway that tourists would typically envision when they think of the Maldives.

But paradise has more than one address.

Aside from the turquoise lagoons of the Indian Ocean, there are numerous islands like Maldives available for powdery beaches, colourful coral reefs, luxury accommodation, incredible sunsets and unforgettable island adventures.

The best part? Every place has its own character. Some give a more budget-friendly tropical vacation while some include some of the most stunning beaches as well as cultural and wild life attractions, local food, and much more.

So, if you’re a fan of the Maldives but you want to check out a different location, it’s time to get off that overwater villa wagon. These amazing islands may make up your next piece of paradise.

What makes the Maldives so special?

The first step before deciding to go with an alternative is to know what you are replacing.

The Maldives is more than just a nation of stunning beaches. It is successful because of the interaction of its geographical and touring aspects. The feeling of being all surrounded by the Indian Ocean is created by tiny islands and shallow lagoons, bright coral reefs and private resorts.

But the country is more than its iconic overwater villas as well. The official tourism information about Maldives focuses on the resorts, hotels, guest houses and liveaboards, offering travellers the opportunity to experience the Maldives in various ways and budget levels.

Many visitors to the Maldives come to find it to be:

Powder-soft beaches
Crystal-clear lagoons
Snorkelling straight from the shore
Diving and marine life
Private villas and romantic vacation
Beautiful sunsets
Island-hopping
A peaceful, slow pace

This equates to a great checklist for the best alternatives.

But if you still think to yourself, “Why is the Maldives so expensive?” then our guide to Why Is the Maldives So Expensive is there for you.

The best islands like the Maldives

Not every alternative is a perfect copy of the Maldives. In fact, I would not recommend looking for an exact copy.

Instead, choose a destination based on what you loved about the idea of the Maldives.

1. Seychelles – the closest luxury alternative

Woman in an elegant dress on a tropical beach, showcasing the beauty of islands like Maldives

If paradise means dramatic scenery, huge granite boulders, lush greenery and stunning beaches, Seychelles should be at the top of your list.

Seychelles consists of 115 islands of which the primary inhabited ones are Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

The difference is noticeable at a glance.

The Maldives appears to be an archipelago of miniature coral islands floating in an endless expanse of blue. Seychelles is a more wild and dramatic place. There are giant granite boulders, white sand, green hills behind the beaches and more landscape for the islands. When comparing Maldives vs Seychelles, both destinations offer world-class beaches but distinct topologies.

If you prefer beaches, visit Anse Lazio (Praslin) or Anse Source d’Argent (La Digue). The official Seychelles tourism website offers beaches for Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, Curieuse and other Seychelles islands.

Best for: Honeymoons, luxury, beaches, nature and island-hopping.

My opinion: Seychelles might offer more variety if you’re looking for Maldives style romance, but you are also looking to drive around, hike and discover other islands.

Maldives vs Seychelles: which is cheaper?

One of the most common questions travelers have is, which is cheaper Maldives or Seychelles?

There is no one answer, as flight prices are subject to change based on the season, hotel type, and length of stay.

Seychelles, however, can offer more flexibility as guests can stay in guesthouses, self catering accommodation or smaller hotels and travel around by themselves. It is also possible to go to the Maldives, it can get expensive, especially when you go on a private-island resort, but if you go on the local ones it can be done on a budget.

Therefore, when comparing luxury resort to luxury resort, it doesn’t mean that either is cheap. To work out whether the Maldives or Seychelles is cheaper for your trip, compare full packages rather than room rates alone.

Seychelles can be easier to work around if you’re the type of person that values flexibility and self-sufficiency in your travel plans.

2. Mauritius – a paradise with personality

Mauritius is for the traveller who says to himself when he sees the Maldives:

Beautiful, but I want more to do.

This island country offers beaches and lagoons, mountains, villages, food, culture and outdoor adventures. Mauritius has over 150 km of coastline with beaches from the bustling resort areas to quiet coves.

Flic en Flac is famous for its long beach, and gorgeous sunsets. Belle Mare is an authentic luxury beach. Blue Bay is great for marine activities, and Grand Baie offers restaurants, shopping and nightlife.

Then, the food!

There’s a lot of interesting Indian, African, Chinese, French and British influences, which make for a fascinating food scene in Mauritius.

Ideal for: families, couples, foodies, sightseeing and beach holidays with lots of activities.

For me, Mauritius is an alternative to the Maldives that does not try to copy it. You still get turquoise lagoons and beautiful beaches, but you also have an entire island to explore.

3. Zanzibar – the spicy alternative

If you want your tropical escape with a little more flavour, look towards Zanzibar.

The Zanzibar Archipelago boasts white sandy shores, warm turquoise waters, coral reefs and fantastic snorkelling and diving opportunities.

However the Maldives can’t boast the same thing as Zanzibar: a strong cultural heartbeat.

Take a few days to explore Stone Town and its historic streets, try Swahili cuisine and visit the spice farm before you reach for the beaches.

Nungwi and Kendwa are great places to go for a traditional beach holiday, whereas the south-east coast around Jambiani is more relaxed.

You can also take a boat to Changuu Island for swimming and snorkelling.

Ideal for: Couples, culture lovers, beaches, foodies and value-seekers.

My opinion: One of my favourite, more affordable alternatives to the Maldives when you want a place to explore off resort and beaches.

4. Palawan, Philippines – for the wild-at-heart

Let’s take a break to hear something else.

It’s the kind of paradise that travellers would want to experience that’s adventurous that I would recommend Palawan.

Picture the limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, turquoise waters, and distant islands and boat rides, all of which are the subject of another postcard.

The Bacuit Bay in El Nido is one of the most stunning, while island hopping offers access to lagoons, beaches and spectacular rock formations. Coron offers magnificent lakes, limestone scenery and famous diving. The remote Balabac Islands are also a highlight of the Philippines tourism board, offering pink-sand beaches, coral reefs and a host of small islands.

While Palawan is not as much about being in a luxury resort as the Maldives, it is more about staying on the island.

It’s all about being out on the water.

Ideal for: Adventurers, photographers, snorkellers, divers & travellers preferring island hopping.

My verdict: If the ideal Maldives vacation is all about stunning waters and secret islands, then Palawan may be able to give you a surprise.

5. Boracay, Philippines – for beautiful beaches and energy

If the beach is the main attraction of your holiday, then Boracay is yet another great place to visit.

White Beach stretches for around four kilometres, with fine white sand, shallow clear water and beautiful sunsets.

However, Boracay has more energy than the Maldives.

Restaurants, water sports, nightlife, island-hopping and so much more are available right on the beach. A comprehensive rehabilitation programme was also implemented on the island, along with stricter rules for the environment to safeguard the beaches and waters.

Ideal for: Friends, couples and families and travellers seeking beach time with entertainment.

My verdict: If you’re looking for a tropical beach holiday that you can kick off the morning and get into the night, then Boracay’s the place to be.

Maldives alternatives compared

Destination	Best for	Beach beauty	Activities	Budget-friendly
Maldives	Romance & luxury	Outstanding	Very good	Low
Seychelles	Luxury & nature	Outstanding	Outstanding	Moderate
Mauritius	All-round holiday	Excellent	Outstanding	Good
Zanzibar	Beaches & culture	Excellent	Outstanding	Good
Palawan	Adventure & island-hopping	Outstanding	Outstanding	Good
Boracay	Beaches & nightlife	Outstanding	Very good	Good

These are relative travel-planning comparisons rather than fixed prices. Your final cost will depend on flights, dates, accommodation, transfers, meals and activities.

So what are the better ‘cheaper alternatives to Maldives’?

If it is the budget consideration that is your primary concern, I would shortlist Zanzibar, Mauritius and the Philippines first.

However, there is a secret that many travellers don’t know. Don’t only look at the price of the hotel at night!

Take a bird’s-eye view of the whole holiday.

A place could offer a more affordable room rate, but high airfare charges. Another may have cheap housing, and expensive transfers. The resort may seem like a good deal until meals, drinks and excursions are included.

The Maldives is also more budget-friendly than you might think, as it offers local islands and guesthouses, in addition to the traditional private-island resorts. Local-island travel and guesthouse accommodation is a specific tourist product promoted by the official Maldives tourism sources for those who want more flexible and affordable tourism.

I always say to compare the whole holiday and not just the room cost!

Which island is most like the Maldives?

If you are looking for the most similar overall effect:

Seychelles – for romance, luxury and spectacular beaches.
Palawan – where the water is turquoise blue, there are lagoons and island hopping.
Zanzibar – for beaches with culture, food and better opportunities to explore.
Mauritius – for a sophisticated tropical getaway and a lot of action.
Bora Bora – for white sand, clear water and a more vibrant scene.

But when it comes to the traditional private-island setting, there’s no better place than the Maldives.

This isn’t a fault of the other options. It’s just the facts.

The Maldives is a place that has its own magic because of its small islands, lagoons and resort layout. But even within the country, it can be very different from one island to another. If you’re thinking about the destination, before you rule it out, read our article on the best islands in Maldives.

What about the beaches?

This is where it’s really quite an unfair comparison – each destination has its own style.

The Maldives is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and soft white sand with shallow waters that appear to shimmer in the sun.

Seychelles has massive granite outcrops and tropical hills blanketed in jungle.

Mauritius offers long beaches, lagoons, mountain views.

Zanzibar offers plenty of wide beaches, Indian Ocean water and dramatic tides.

Palawan offers you limestone cliffs, secret coves and emerald lagoons.

In Boracay you will get that perfect long stretch of white sand.

Beaches are first priority for you? If so, you should read this article on the Best Beaches in Maldives before you make the final decision.

My ideal choice of travel destination for various individuals

For couples looking for a beach holiday: Seychelles or Maldives.
The ideal blend of beach and sightseeing: Mauritius.
For culture and beaches: ZANZIBAR.
For adventure: Palawan.
For a fun beach getaway: Boracay.
Completely private-island luxury: Maldives.
For a more flexible budget: Zanzibar, Mauritius or the Philippines.
The final answer: don’t seek the post-card

When planning a tropical holiday there is a temptation to look for the next Maldives.But where can we find the better question, perhaps.

What are you looking for in your island getaway?

If it is privacy, overwater luxury and waking up above a lagoon the Maldives still can’t be beaten.

For spectacular beaches and romantic island-hopping, opt for Seychelles. Beaches with mountains, food and culture, Mauritius is calling if you want it all.

Zanzibar offers something uniquely delicious, if you crave spices, Swahili culture and warm Indian Ocean beaches.

Palawan is the place to go if you’re looking for hidden lagoons and adventurous boat trips.

If you’re looking for a gorgeous beach with a little more vibrancy, then Boracay is worth checking out.

There is no one address to Paradise.

It can be a villa that floats on the water in the middle of a blue lagoon. Occasionally it’s a bike ride on a calm road on an island in Seychelles. It can be an evening in Zanzibar with a spice scent or a boat sailing through the limestone islands of Palawan.

After all, that’s the magic of travel.

This is why, dear travelers, before you reserve the very first postcard-perfect island you come across, consider the experience you want to take home with you.

Not all the best islands are necessarily the ones that most closely resemble the Maldives. It’s the one that resonates with you most like your kind of paradise.

If the Maldives is still calling your name, then give our Maldives Travel Guide a read and try out our ‘best islands in Maldives’ to see which side of paradise you fit into best!

Final Thoughts

Paradise can be more than just one place. Whether you’re dreaming of romantic beaches on Seychelles, a lively coast on Zanzibar, a hidden lagoon on Palawan, or the allure of Boracay, there’s an island that’s as perfect as your fantasy. The magic of the Maldives remains but at times the most beautiful journeys lie outside the realm of familiarity.

Therefore, decide on the island your heart desires, pack your sense of adventure and let World Holiday Vibes guide you to your little slice of paradise.