Step off a twenty-minute speedboat into one of North Malé's richest house reefs, meet the baby reef sharks that gather at the jetty at dusk, and dive forty sites with a certified team.
4-Star Resort Speedboat 15 min 4 Restaurants
Atoll
North Male
Villas
220
Transfer
Speedboat
Transfer Cost
~$94 pp RT
Packages From
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Meal Plans
BB / HB / FB / AI
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More inclusions than direct
Opened1972Renovated2004
The Maldives' second-ever resort — opened October 1972, months after Kurumba. What keeps it full today is infrastructure: the Indian Ocean's only resort-based decompression chamber sits on site, and the $94 pp RT transfer is among the cheapest in the atolls. 4-star rates on infrastructure that skews closer to 5.
220 rooms across eight categories — from compact beachfront rooms to overwater pool villas. Most guests choose the mid-range Superior or Beach Villa for reef access and space. The 2022-2023 refurbishment added new pool villa categories. All beach-category villas have direct sand access.
RoomNo pool
Beachfront Rooms
From
$264
47-53 sqm ·61% smaller than avg
Standard Beachfront Room47 sqmNo pool$264
Deluxe Beachfront Room53 sqmNo pool$330
GardenNo pool
Garden Villas
From
$298
55 sqm ·57% smaller than avg
Garden Villa55 sqmNo pool$298
Beach1 of 3
Beach Villas
From
$368
89-90 sqm ·30% smaller than avg
Superior Villa90 sqmNo pool$368
Beach Villa90 sqmNo pool$410
Premium Beach Villa89 sqmNo pool$456
PoolAll pool
Pool Villas
From
$800
89-116 sqm ·20% smaller than avg
Beach Pool Villa89 sqmPool$800
Sunset Water Villa with Pool116 sqmPool$840
Not sure which villa is right? We'll match you based on your group size, budget and priorities.
Prices shown are indicative low-season per night. See the season guide in the sidebar for how rates vary by time of year. We'll confirm exact pricing for your dates.
Dining
4 Restaurants & 3 Bars
Bandos keeps dining straightforward: a main buffet, an overwater casual venue, a grill restaurant, and a teppanyaki counter — all accessible under the all-inclusive plan. Three bars cover the social spectrum from poolside swims to sunset cocktails to late-night entertainment.
Gallery
International
Main buffet restaurant with themed dinner nights and live cooking stations. International spread with Maldivian, Asian, and Western options. The hub for breakfast and the default dinner venue on half board.
SettingIndoor · All meals
Our tipThemed dinner nights rotate weekly — check the schedule on arrival
Sea Breeze
Casual Dining
Overwater casual dining venue with open-air seating above the lagoon. Grills, salads, sandwiches, and fresh seafood in a relaxed barefoot setting. Popular for long lunches with reef views.
SettingOverwater · All-day
Our tipRequest a table on the outer edge for the best reef views below
Grill Bar
Seafood & Grills
Charcoal-grilled seafood, prime cuts, and lobster on the beachfront. Formerly Koon Thai, now refocused on ocean-to-grill cooking. The strongest a la carte option on the island.
SettingBeachfront · Dinner only
Our tipThe fresh catch of the day is usually the best choice
Umi Yaki
Japanese
Teppanyaki counter restaurant with live cooking performances. Japanese-inspired menu featuring fresh seafood, wagyu, and vegetable sets cooked tableside by trained chefs.
SettingIndoor · Dinner only
Our tipSit at the teppanyaki counter for the full theatrical experience
Sand Bar
Cocktails
The nightlife hub — live bands, DJ sets, and themed party nights on the beach. Cocktails, beers, and spirits in a high-energy setting. The liveliest venue on Bandos after dark.
SettingBeachfront · Live music & entertainment
Our tipCheck the weekly entertainment schedule for live band nights
Huvan
Cocktails
Sunset cocktail bar on the western side of the island. Signature cocktails, wines, and light snacks with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views. The quieter alternative to the Sand Bar scene.
SettingWestern tip · Sunset-facing
Our tipArrive 30 minutes before sunset for the best seats
Pool Bar
Pool Bar
Swim-up pool bar serving tropical cocktails, fresh juices, beers, and light snacks without leaving the water. Central location by the main pool makes it the daytime social hub.
SettingSwim-up · Main pool area
Our tipOrder the fresh coconut — served straight from the shell
Meal Plans
Dining Inclusions
Four meal plans from bed-and-breakfast to all-inclusive. The AI covers all four restaurants and house drinks at the bars. Half board and full board use Gallery as the primary venue with supplements at specialty restaurants.
Plan
Restaurants
Alcohol
Minibar
~pp/day
Bed & Breakfast
Gallery (breakfast)
--
--
Included
Half Board
Gallery (B+D)
--
--
+$40
Full Board
Gallery (B+L+D)
--
--
+$70
All-Inclusive
All 4 restaurants & bars
House
--
+$120
Bed & BreakfastIncluded
Gallery (breakfast)
Alcohol --Minibar --
Half Board+$40 pp/day
Gallery (B+D)
Alcohol --Minibar --
Full Board+$70 pp/day
Gallery (B+L+D)
Alcohol --Minibar --
All-Inclusive+$120 pp/day
All 4 restaurants & bars
Alcohol HouseMinibar --
Experiences & Activities
Your Days on the Island
North Male Atoll's award-winning dive infrastructure — 40+ dive sites, a PADI 5-Star centre, and the only on-island decompression chamber in the Maldives — anchors the activity offering. Above water, a kids club, spa, and active sports programme fill the days.
On-island decompression chamberOnly resort-based hyperbaric facility in the Indian Ocean
40+ North Male Atoll dive sitesBanana Reef, HP Reef, Lankan Manta Point, Nassimo Thila
House reef snorkelingOne of North Male's best - blacktip reef sharks regular visitors
Nitrox diving available
Kayaking & stand-up paddleboarding
Windsurfing & catamaran sailing
Jet ski & motorized water sports
Glass-bottom boat tours
Dive Bandos. Dive Bandos is a PADI 5-Star centre and one of the longest-running dive operations in the Maldives. The island has its own decompression chamber — the only one on a resort island in the Indian Ocean — which underscores the seriousness of the dive programme. Over 40 sites within boat range include Banana Reef, HP Reef, Lankan Manta Point, and Nassimo Thila. The house reef is among North Male's best, with blacktip reef sharks as regular residents.
Excursions & Cruises
North Male day trips - Male city tours - dolphin watching
Dolphin watching sunset cruiseSpinner dolphins - frequent sightings in North Male channel
Male city tourFriday Mosque, fish market - easy day trip given 15-min transfer
Local island visitNorth Male inhabited islands - markets, culture, local food
Orchid SpaPrivate treatment villas in tropical garden setting
Balinese, Thai & Swedish massages
Body wraps & scrubs
Facials & beauty treatments
Junior SpaAge-appropriate treatments for children
Manicure & pedicure
GymWell-equipped fitness centre - cardio & weights
Yoga classes
Orchid Spa. The Orchid Spa features private treatment villas set among tropical gardens. The full menu covers Balinese, Thai, and Swedish massages alongside body wraps, scrubs, and facials. A Junior Spa programme offers age-appropriate treatments for younger guests. The fitness centre is well-equipped for cardio and weights.
Sports & Recreation
Tennis - beach volleyball - table tennis - pool activities
Swimming poolMain pool plus two dedicated children's pools
Floodlit tennis court
Beach volleyball
Badminton court
Table tennis
Billiards & board games
Nightly entertainment programmeLive bands, DJ sets, themed party nights at Sand Bar
1,330 solar panelsGreen Globe certified resort - active sustainability programme
Kids & Family
Kokko Kids Club - ages 3-12 - two children's pools - free
Two children's poolsDedicated shallow pools separate from main pool
Junior Spa treatmentsAge-appropriate spa experiences for younger guests
Babysitting on request$18 per hour
Kokko Kids Club. The Kokko Kids Club runs 8am-5pm daily for ages 3-12, free of charge. Activities include arts and crafts, cooking lessons, treasure hunts, storytelling, beach games, and pool activities. Two dedicated children's pools and a Junior Spa programme with age-appropriate treatments make Bandos genuinely family-oriented at this price point.
Family & Kids
Family-Friendly Features
Kokko Kids Club covers ages 3-12 with arts and crafts, cooking lessons, treasure hunts, and beach games. Two dedicated children's pools and a Junior Spa programme with age-appropriate treatments make Bandos genuinely family-oriented. The 15-minute speedboat transfer removes seaplane complexity, and four meal plan options from BB to AI keep families in control of costs.
Kokko Kids Club
Ages 3-12 · 8am-5pm · Free
Under 12 Stay Free
Under 6 eat free
Babysitting
$18/hr
Shallow Lagoon
Calm, shallow water safe for young children
Highlights for Kids
Two children's poolsTreasure huntsJunior spa treatmentsCooking lessons
Family Villa Options
Superior VillaBeach Villa
Snorkeling & Marine Life
House Reef & Underwater
7.2
Very Good House Reef
Lux Atolls Reef Score · top 25% of Maldives resorts
Shore entry - multiple access points around the island
Blacktip reef sharks regular - 40+ dive sites within boat range - on-island decompression chamber
One of the strongest house reefs in North Male Atoll. Blacktip reef sharks are regular visitors to the lagoon, and the coral coverage has recovered well from past bleaching events. Shore entry is straightforward with multiple access points. The real differentiator is proximity: 40+ world-class dive sites sit within a short boat ride, and the on-island decompression chamber makes Bandos the most dive-committed resort in the atoll.
Regularly spotted here (+7)
Reef Sharks
Blacktip reef sharks — regular visitors to the house reef and lagoon
Sea Turtles
Green and hawksbill turtles — regular sightings on the house reef
Stingrays
Stingrays on sandy flats — commonly seen around the island
Several species present in coral formations on the house reef
Dolphins
Spinner dolphins — frequent on sunset cruises in North Male channel
Manta Rays
Lankan Manta Point within boat range — seasonal June-November
Not typical at this reef (−1)
Whale Sharks
Not at the house reef — seasonal excursions to South Ari Atoll possible
PADI dive center on-site. Night snorkeling available. Marine life observations sourced from dive logs and guest reports.
Getting There
Transfer from Malé
Ten to fifteen minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport — one of the shortest and cheapest transfers in the Maldives. No seaplane, no daylight restrictions, and arrivals at any hour. Transfer cost is among the lowest in the atolls at approximately USD 94 per person return.
Speedboat
Only option
Velana Airport -> Bandos Island (10-15 min)
~$94 pp roundtrip
Arrivals at any hour — no daylight restrictions. One of the cheapest resort transfers in the Maldives.
Resort island map — Bandos Maldives
Our Take
Who This Resort is For
Bandos occupies a unique position: heritage credentials (second resort in the Maldives, 1972), the strongest dive infrastructure at any resort in the Indian Ocean (on-island decompression chamber, PADI 5-Star), and one of the best house reefs in North Male — all at one of the lowest price points in the atoll. The 2022-2023 villa refurbishment brought the accommodation up to a modern 4-star standard. If diving and reef access are priorities, and budget matters, Bandos is the logical choice.
Ideal for
Divers — PADI 5-Star centre with on-island decompression chamber, 40+ sites, and Indian Ocean's Leading Dive Resort 2025 award make this one of the strongest dive bases in the atolls
Families on a budget — Kokko Kids Club (3-12, free), two children's pools, Junior Spa, and starting prices under $270/night is hard to beat
Snorkelers — one of North Male's best house reefs with regular blacktip shark sightings directly from shore
First-time Maldives visitors — cheapest transfer in the atolls, no seaplane complexity, and a large resort with four meal plan options makes it a low-risk introduction
Consider elsewhere if
Those wanting ultra-luxury — this is a 4-star resort and the compact room categories reflect the price point
Guests seeking seclusion — 220 rooms on a lively island means shared facilities and a social atmosphere
Foodies wanting dining variety — four restaurants is adequate but limited compared to 5-star neighbours like Kurumba's seven
Season & Pricing Guide
Dec 20 – Jan 10Peak · Highest rates
Jan – AprHigh · +20–30%
May – JunShoulder · +10–15%
Jul – NovLow · Best value
Peak season fills 4+ months ahead. Shoulder season offers the best balance of weather, price and availability.
Why Book Through Lux Atolls
More Than Just a Booking
What you get with us vs. booking direct or through a generic OTA
Book with Lux Atolls
Best rate guarantee on partner resorts — we match or beat what you find elsewhere
Exclusive package inclusions negotiated through our direct resort relationships
Transparent pricing — transfers, taxes, and meal plans quoted upfront, no hidden fees
Personal trip advisor — villa matching, meal plan guidance, and honest recommendations
Maldives-only expertise — we know every reef, transfer route, and seasonal sweet spot
Direct resort contact — if something needs fixing, we call the GM, not a call centre
No booking fees, no hidden charges — the price we quote is the price you pay
Book Through Others
Published rack rate — no negotiated extras
No package inclusions beyond the standard rate
Transfer costs and taxes added at checkout
Generic customer support with no local knowledge
One-size-fits-all recommendations across dozens of destinations
Issues routed through a ticketing system, not a person
Hidden fees and service charges added late in the process
Frequently Asked Questions
Bandos Maldives — FAQ
How long is the transfer to Bandos Maldives?
Ten to fifteen minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. No seaplane required, no daylight restrictions, and arrivals at any hour are straightforward. Return transfer is approximately USD 94 per person — one of the cheapest resort transfers in the Maldives.
Is Bandos Maldives good for snorkeling and diving?
Excellent. The house reef is one of the strongest in North Male Atoll, with blacktip reef sharks as regular visitors. Dive Bandos is a PADI 5-Star centre with access to 40+ dive sites including Banana Reef, HP Reef, and Lankan Manta Point. The island has its own decompression chamber — the only one on a resort island in the Indian Ocean.
Is Bandos Maldives good for families?
Yes. The Kokko Kids Club (ages 3-12, free, 8am-5pm) offers arts and crafts, cooking lessons, and treasure hunts. There are two dedicated children's pools and a Junior Spa with age-appropriate treatments. Babysitting is available at $18 per hour. The short speedboat transfer removes seaplane complexity for families with young children.
What meal plans does Bandos Maldives offer?
Four options: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board, and All-Inclusive. The AI plan covers all four restaurants and house drinks at the three bars. Gallery is the main buffet included in all plans. Umi Yaki (teppanyaki) carries a supplement on non-AI plans.
When was Bandos Maldives built?
Bandos opened in 1972 as the second resort in the Maldives, just months after Kurumba. It was renovated in 2004 and received new villa categories in 2022-2023. The resort has 1,330 solar panels and is Green Globe certified.
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