2026 Price Guide
How much does a private boat charter cost in the Maldives?
An honest, transparent breakdown of what you'll actually pay — by boat type, by experience and by season — with no hidden fees and no sales spin.
An honest, transparent breakdown of what you'll actually pay — by boat type, by experience and by season — with no hidden fees and no sales spin.
Private boat charter prices in the Maldives vary more than most people expect — from a couple of hundred dollars for a short speedboat hire to tens of thousands for a superyacht day. This guide gives you real 2026 ranges so you can budget with confidence, understand what drives the price, and know exactly what should be included before you pay.
The single most important thing to understand: private charters are priced per boat, not per person. Whether you're a couple or a group of twelve, the charter costs the same. This makes a private charter surprisingly good value for families and groups — often cheaper per head than booking individual resort excursions.
Here's the fast answer. All prices are in USD, per charter (not per person), for 2026:
Speedboat: $800 – $2,000
Luxury motor yacht: $1,500 – $4,000 (superyachts $5,000 – $15,000+)
Catamaran: $2,000 – $5,000
Hourly: $150 – $300 per hour
Half day (4–5 hrs): $500 – $1,000
Full day (7–8 hrs): $800 – $2,000
Speedboats are the most affordable way to have a private, crewed boat to yourself. They're fast, flexible and ideal for covering multiple stops in a day.
Hourly hire: $150–$300 per hour. Best for a quick sandbank run, a reef snorkel or a sunset dolphin cruise. Most operators have a one-hour minimum.
Half day: $500–$1,000. Enough time for two or three stops — a reef, a sandbank and a swim.
Full day: $800–$2,000. The complete experience — sandbanks, reefs, dolphins, lunch and sunset. The price depends on the size and quality of the boat, distance covered, and fuel.
The range within each tier comes down to the boat itself: a basic transfer speedboat sits at the lower end, while a premium air-conditioned speedboat with a sun deck and refreshments sits higher. See our speedboat charters →
Motor yachts offer more space, comfort and presence — the classic Maldives day charter experience.
Mid-size yacht (40–60 ft): $1,500–$4,000 per day. Sun decks, lounging areas, indoor salon, crew. Comfortable for families and groups up to 10–20 guests.
Superyacht (60 ft+): $5,000–$15,000+ per day. The ultimate experience — multiple decks, luxurious interiors, larger crew, sometimes a jacuzzi and water toys. For those who want no compromise.
Yacht pricing reflects the vessel's size, age, luxury level and crew. A well-maintained modern yacht with a full crew and premium finishes commands the higher end. Browse yacht options →
$2,000–$5,000 per day. Catamarans sit between speedboats and large yachts in price, offering exceptional stability and deck space. Their twin hulls mean almost no rolling — ideal for families, groups and anyone prone to seasickness. The shallow draft lets them anchor close to reefs and sandbanks.
Half-day catamaran charters run $1,200–$2,500. The price depends on the catamaran's size, age and luxury level. See catamaran charters →
Different experiences carry different typical price points:
$400–$4,000 depending on boat and duration. A quick speedboat sandbank visit starts around $400; a full-day yacht charter centred on a sandbank runs to $4,000. Details →
$300–$2,500. A speedboat sunset cruise starts around $300; a luxury yacht cruise with canapés and drinks runs to $2,500. Details →
$800–$3,000 plus a $20 per person conservation fee for Hanifaru Bay. Half-day whale shark trips from South Ari start around $800; full-day charters run to $3,000. Details →
$1,000–$5,000+. A speedboat sunset proposal with Champagne starts around $1,000; a full-day luxury proposal with photographer, flowers and dining runs to $5,000+. Details →
$1,000–$5,000+. From an intimate sunset cruise to a full day aboard a luxury catamaran with every romantic touch. Details →
$1,000–$6,000+. Scales with group size and the setup you want — from a quiet couple's cruise to a large yacht celebration with dining and decorations. Details →
A standard private charter should include:
Included as standard: the private vessel, captain and crew, fuel (for the planned route), snorkelling gear, towels, drinking water and light refreshments (soft drinks).
Typically extra: Champagne and alcohol, full meals or gourmet dining, a private chef, photography or videography, floral arrangements and decorations, resort restaurant reservations, park or conservation fees (e.g. the $20 Hanifaru manta fee), and any special setups for proposals or celebrations.
Always ask for an all-in quote. A reputable operator will tell you exactly what's included and itemise any extras before you pay a deposit. If a quote seems vague, ask specifically about fuel, gear, refreshments and any fees. There should be no surprises on the day.
Boat type and size. The biggest factor. Speedboats are cheapest, superyachts most expensive.
Duration. Hourly, half day or full day. Longer charters cost more but offer better value per hour.
Distance. Charters covering long distances (e.g. reaching South Ari for whale sharks from Malé) use more fuel and time, raising the price.
Season. Peak season (December–April) sees higher demand and firmer prices. The quieter months can offer better rates.
Inclusions. Dining, Champagne, photography and special setups all add to the base price.
Group size. Doesn't change the charter price directly (it's per boat), but a larger group may need a bigger, pricier vessel.
Travel as a group. Since charters are priced per boat, splitting the cost among more people dramatically lowers the per-person price. A $2,000 yacht split among eight guests is $250 each — often cheaper than a resort excursion.
Choose the right boat. Don't pay for a superyacht if a speedboat does everything you need. Tell the operator your priorities and let them match the most cost-effective vessel.
Consider the shoulder season. May and November often bring good conditions at lower prices, with the bonus of whale shark and manta activity.
Combine experiences. A single full-day charter covering a sandbank, snorkelling, lunch and sunset is far better value than booking separate half-day trips.
Book direct. Booking directly with a local operator avoids the commission that booking platforms and resort concierges add — often 15–30%.
Tell us your dates, group size and what you'd like to do. We'll send a clear, all-in price with no hidden fees — usually within hours.
Request a QuoteA full-day speedboat is $800–$2,000, a luxury yacht $1,500–$4,000, and a catamaran $2,000–$5,000. All per charter, not per person, including vessel, crew, fuel and gear.
Per boat. Whether you bring two guests or twelve, the charter price is the same — which makes larger groups excellent value per head.
The vessel, captain, crew, fuel, snorkelling gear, towels and light refreshments. Champagne, dining, photography and special setups are extra and quoted separately.
A reputable operator gives an all-in quote before booking. Possible extras: conservation fees (e.g. $20 Hanifaru manta fee), long-distance fuel surcharges, and any add-ons you request. Always confirm before paying.
Travel as a group (cost is per boat), choose the right-sized vessel, consider shoulder season, combine experiences into one full day, and book direct to avoid platform commissions.
Tell us your date, group size and what you have in mind. We reply with the right options and a transparent price — no obligation.