Trying to decide between Jamaica and the Maldives? There are plenty of things to love about each of these tropical destinations, so choosing might be tougher than you think.
We’re here to help with our comparison of Jamaica vs. Maldives.
Jamaica vs. Maldives Quick Picks
- Jamaica vs. Maldives Beaches: Maldives
- Jamaica vs. Maldives Cost: Jamaica
- Jamaica vs. Maldives Safety: Maldives
- Jamaica vs. Maldives Activities: Jamaica
Jamaica Overview
Jamaica is a single island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. This laidback island offers beautiful beaches, calm and clear water, warm weather year-round, tons of activities including watersports as well as adventure sports in its mountainous interior, a rich culture, historic sites, multiple towns to visit, an active nightlife scene, and delicious local cuisine.
The different regions of Jamaica have something for everyone. If you’re looking for miles of white-sand beach, Negril is ideal. If you want to hop off your plane and be on the beach in 30 minutes, consider Montego Bay. If you plan to have a destination wedding and honeymoon in the same place, consider Ocho Rios.
Jamaica offers a diverse range of accommodations from inexpensive hotels to luxury all-inclusive resorts with overwater bungalows. It is considered one of the least expensive islands to visit in the Caribbean, and there are frequent flights here from most major cities in the U.S.
Maldives Overview
Maldives is an archipelago, or group of islands, located in southern Asia in the Indian Ocean. Many of the islands feature private resorts along bright white sand beaches and deep blue water. The Maldives is famous for amazing overwater bungalows as well as excellent scuba diving and snorkeling.
It has a special desert island feel and is a perfect choice for travelers who value privacy. If you choose the Maldives you will experience some of the best marine life viewings, both above and below the water. Weather is warm all year here as well.
The islands are popular for snorkeling and diving due to the warm water, high visibility, and diverse marine life, including manta rays and spotted whale sharks. If you love water sports, this is a great place for you! Swimming, surfing, sea kayaking, jet-skiing, stand-up paddleboarding… the list goes on. There’s even a good chance you’ll spot some active pods of dolphins!
Jamaica vs Maldives: Location
When it comes to choosing between Jamaica and the Maldives, the biggest difference is location. Jamaica is very close to the U.S. compared to the Maldives. Even if you are coming from Europe you can usually get to Jamaica quicker than getting to the Maldives, although the difference is usually just a few hours.
As we noted above, Jamaica is located in the Caribbean, while Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean. Flights to Maldives from the U.S. can take 20 hours or more, compared to around 5 hours for Jamaica.
Jamaica vs. Maldives: Beaches
Both Jamaica and the Maldives are home to some beautiful beaches. However, the beaches in Maldives may have the edge here because they are so spectacular. Jamaica’s beaches tend to be more developed than Maldives, which can have a “desert island” feel.
Jamaica Beaches
Jamaica offers some beautiful and iconic beaches, such as Frenchman’s Cove, Doctor’s Cove Beach, and Seven Mile Beach (often considered the most beautiful beach in all of Jamaica). These beaches are very tourist friendly and offer tons of amenities, so you can stay all day. They are also often crowded.
The famous Seven Mile Beach is a long stretch of white sand that is lined with some of the most luxurious resorts on the island. It offers plenty of beachside dining and tons of watersports, so you’ll never be bored.
Maldives Beaches
Maldives is known for its incredible beaches. In fact, many travelers go to the Maldives just to experience them in person. Not only are the beaches impeccable with white sand and crystal clear, vibrantly colored water, they are everywhere. And so are coral reefs, which makes for excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities.
Every resort island in the Maldives has at least one breathtaking beach waiting with lounge chairs. Because most islands just have one resort, they tend to be uncrowded and pristine. There are even a handful of sandbanks that you can visit, which are small beaches out in the ocean. They offer incredible views, great snorkeling, and a nice bit of seclusion.
Jamaica vs. Maldives: Cost
When it comes to Jamaica and the Maldives, there’s quite a difference in overall cost.
The cost of a trip to Jamaica can vary greatly, from inexpensive to exorbitant depending on where you stay, what you do, and when you visit. You can spend anywhere from $1200-$4000+ per person or more to stay at an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica for a week. In addition to that, the cost of flights and activities needs to be considered as well.
However, there are plenty of budget to moderate hotels, resorts, and rentals in Jamaica that cost less, and if you eat at local restaurants and avoid high-priced excursions, you can enjoy an affordable trip here. Traveling during shoulder or low seasons will also help you save money.
The Maldives is teeming with luxury resorts and opulence, and a vacation there can come with quite a hefty price tag. Prices for a week-long stay here can start at $2500 and quickly increase depending on other costs. Activities and transportation here can be quite pricey as well. A major difference in cost from the U.S. is going to be the flights, which will be much more expensive than flying to Jamaica.
However, it is possible to find less expensive accommodations in moderately priced resorts as well as local guesthouses. If you’re traveling to Maldives from a closer location, a trip here doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
Jamaica vs. Maldives: Weather
Both Jamaica and the Maldives have great weather nearly year-round.
Jamaica Weather
Jamaica is a popular “anytime” destination. The weather is warm year-round, but there are definitely better times to visit. The best time to visit is the island’s dry season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April and offers tons of sun.
Jamaica’s rainy season is between May and November. If you don’t mind some frequent rain showers, then this isn’t a bad time to visit either. In fact, the island is at its greenest during these months, so it’s a great time to experience another side of Jamaica.
You do have to consider hurricane season when booking your travels. While hurricanes in Jamaica are rare, they do still occur. August, September, and October are when Jamaica is at its highest threat of hurricane-developing storms, so if you are visiting then, stay aware of changing weather conditions and get travel insurance.
Maldives Weather
Maldives has a similar dry and rainy season. The dry season here falls between December and March. The wet monsoon season occurs between May and November, bringing tropical rains and high levels of humidity. Similar to Jamaica, most of the rain showers do not last all day unless a monsoon is in the area.
If you’re looking for a good deal in the Maldives, the best time to find one is during the shoulder season of May through to August, outside of the peak season which falls between the end of December and February.
Jamaica vs. Maldives: Resorts
Both island nations are known for incredible and luxurious resorts, but also offer lower-priced options.
Jamaica Resorts
Sandals Resorts
There are 7 adults-only all-inclusive Sandals resorts in Jamaica: Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Negril, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals South Coast, and Sandals Ochi.
Each of these luxurious resorts is set on a stunning beach and thoughtfully designed for the ultimate in romantic honeymoons or couples’ escapes. They feature a huge variety of complimentary watersports including snorkeling and scuba diving; land activities such as tennis and golf; multiple amazing pools; a fitness center and a spa; and a wide range of restaurants and bars.
You’ll also find an extraordinary array of amazing accommodations, many of which feature upscale amenities like oversized soaking tubs for two, private plunge pools, and butler service. Honeymooners love the dreamy overwater bungalows. To help you choose the best one, check out our article on the best Sandals resorts in Jamaica.
Half Moon Resort
This elegant resort near Jamaica’s famous Montego Bay hosts celebrities, royalty, and everyone else on its breathtaking stretch of the Caribbean. A family-run hotel, Half Moon Resort features something for everyone, especially couples.
Foodies will love the fresh, locally sourced ingredients, used to create traditional Jamaican food and other delicious offerings at 4 restaurants. The romantic Sugar Mill Restaurant is one of the top restaurants on the island.
Choose from rooms, suites, or large villas with private pools and butler service. Enjoy 5 bars, multiple pools, watersports, golf, tennis, horseback riding, a fitness center, a playground, and a spa.
Maldives Resorts
Although there are some more affordable options, the majority of places to stay in the Maldives are opulent and luxurious. With an abundance of overwater villas and five-star resorts, there are plenty of gorgeous options here if you’re looking to splash out on your dream getaway.
Cocoa Island Resort
Located in Makunufushi, Cocoa Island Resort ranks high among the best accommodations for a honeymoon due to its exclusivity. There are only 36 rooms in this resort, and 33 of them are huge overwater villas. The resort also has a house reef, a restaurant, and spa facilities. Online prices range from $900 – $1100 a night.
Mirihi Island Resort
For a slightly less expensive option without sacrificing luxury and exclusivity, consider Mirihi Island Resort in South Ari Atoll. With 30 overwater villas to choose from (price starts at $770) and numerous amenities such as in-house restaurants, bars, and sports facilities, this resort gives you good value for your money.
Veligandu Island Resort
With 76 suites (63 of which are water villas), Veligandu Resort in the North Ari Atoll is a top-rated 4-star accommodation that’s even more budget-friendly. Rates start at around $600 for water villas with a Jacuzzi and full board buffet meals. This resort also offers multiple land and water activities for its guests.
Jamaica vs. the Maldives: Things to Do
While a few days on the beach are always a welcome way to spend your vacation, you might be in the mood for a few other activities. Both Jamaica and the Maldives are full of exciting and fun things to do, but Jamaica offers more of a variety.
Jamaica Activities
There are tons of things to do in Jamaica. Many people spend a lot of their time in Jamaica on the beach, but it’s not all just sunbathing and relaxing. Water sports are very popular due to the clear and calm water.
You can go kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. There are a number of companies that offer parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides. You can also take a glass-bottom boat tour to get a glimpse of the vibrant marine life.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are excellent here. You can snorkel right off the beach in Montego Bay along thriving coral reefs that are just offshore. Or visit the Montego Bay Marine Park, which allows snorkeling and scuba diving in its protected waters that are home to a wide variety of marine life.
You can also go swimming with horses in Jamaica. You can book a tour that takes you first on a horseback trail ride, then to the beach where you’ll enjoy a 15-minute swim in the sea while on your horse.
Jamaica also offers a variety of jungle safari tours that take you deep into the lush rainforests, where you’ll get to see some of the island’s abundant wildlife. You can also go ziplining through the rainforest, or rafting on a river.
There are also historic sites to tour and local towns to explore. In the evening, there is plenty of vibrant nightlife to enjoy, especially in Montego Bay.
Maldives Activities
If you’re looking for somewhere with some of the most incredible beaches you’ve ever laid eyes on, then Maldives may be the perfect destination for you. With stunning white sands and deep blue, crystal-clear water, Maldives is the place to be if you’re a watersports enthusiast.
It can also be a great place to kick back and relax because of its large selection of luxury resorts with opulent spas and outstanding cuisine. That said, there are also some cultural and historical sites to visit, such as the National Museum and the Hukuru Miskiiy Mosque, depending on where you stay.
Maldives has vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life coupled with high underwater visibility, which makes it a world-class diving and snorkeling destination. Many resorts have splendid “house reefs” just offshore. You can also go on a submarine tour or just enjoy paddleboarding or kayaking on the surface. You can even surf in some locations.
Island hopping is another popular activity in Maldives.
Jamaica vs. Maldives: Safety
While we still consider Jamaica a safe place to travel to, it is less safe than Maldives.
Recently there has been an increase in violent crime across Jamaica. And although it rarely happens to tourists, this has caused the U.S. State Department to issue a Level 3 “reconsider travel” alert for Jamaica. However, thousands of people visit here every year without issue. For more information, check out our article “Is Jamaica Safe?”.
Maldives is generally considered a safe travel destination, with the biggest risk being petty theft. More recently, however, there has been increased concern due to the risk of terrorist activities, and the State Department has elevated the travel advisory for Maldives to Level 2, “exercise caution.”
Regardless of which destination you choose, be sure to follow general safety precautions.
The Verdict: Which is Better – Jamaica or Maldives?
If you’re looking for a tropical getaway, you really can’t go wrong with either Jamaica or the Maldives. But which is better? The truth is, it depends on what you’re looking for on your vacation. You can enjoy incredible watersports, beautiful beaches, and great weather at either place.
However, Jamaica is easier to get to and will generally cost less than Maldives if you are coming from the U.S. Also, there is a wider range of activities other than watersports available in Jamaica. While both locations offer overwater bungalows, Maldives resorts generally take up an entire island and will deliver much more privacy.
After reading our comparison of Jamaica vs. Maldives, which one do you choose? Let us know in the comments! Either way, we’d be happy to help you plan your trip–just let us know!