in Maldives
Bandos Maldives
Updated 1 July 2026
- Baby
- Toddler
- Kid
- Teen
Bandos is the sensible, friendly, no-fuss family island, and it is astonishingly close to the airport at just eight minutes by speedboat. The Kokko Kids Club is free and open all day, there are two dedicated children's pools, and kids under twelve stay for free, which softens the famous Maldives price tag. It is not the newest or the flashiest island, but it is relaxed, green and genuinely built around families. For a first Maldives on a sensible budget, it is hard to beat.
Our verdict
The value champion for families: a tiny transfer, a free kids club and two children's pools, with under-twelves staying free.
The rooms
Bandos is one of the best-value family islands, with everything from simple Standard Rooms to Family Rooms and beachfront residences. Family Rooms sleep four and sit a short walk from the two children's pools, and children under twelve stay free when sharing with parents. Cots are provided free, and ground-floor beach rooms mean no stairs with a pushchair.
At a glance
- Transfer
- 8-min speedboat, any time
- Kids club
- Free Kokko Club, ages 3 to 11
- Under-12s
- Stay free sharing with parents
- Pools
- Two children's pools on site
How the KidProof Score works
Every hotel is rated on eight things families actually care about, then weighted by how much each one drives your choice. Room setup counts the most. The little touches break the ties.
Sleeps how many? Connecting rooms, family suites, a real extra bed?
Clean travel cot, high chair, bottle warmer, changing table, kit to borrow.
Shallow pool or paddling area, playground, kids club (free or paid).
Quick breakfast, kids menus, allergy options, snacks on hand.
Secured windows, protected corners, watched pool, well kept grounds.
Laundry, in-room fridge, stroller access, parking, reliable Wi-Fi.
Close to family attractions, easy transport, park tickets or access.
Welcome gift for the child, staff who talk to kids, themed rooms.
Why families love it
- Eight-minute speedboat from the airport
- Free Kokko Kids Club, ages 3 to 11
- Two dedicated children's pools
- Under-twelves stay free with parents
🗓️A day here with kids
- 8:00
Beach breakfast
Fuel up early before the sun gets high.
- 9:30
House reef snorkel
The reef is calmest and clearest first thing.
- 11:00
Kids club and pool
Drop the kids at Kokko while you claim a lounger.
- 16:00
Sandbank picnic
Boat out for shallow water and a family swim.
Family things to do nearby
House reef snorkelling
Bandos has one of the closest, healthiest house reefs in North Male, right off the beach.
Kids club crafts
Arts, cooking lessons and treasure hunts fill the free daily programme.
Family sandbank trip
A short boat ride to a bare sandbank for a picnic and shallow paddling.
Is it right for your kids?
Baby
0 to 1 yr
The eight-minute transfer and free cots make arrival painless, and the beach shelves gently for first paddles.
Toddler
1 to 3 yrs
Two children's pools and a calm lagoon are ideal, and the flat, leafy island is easy with a pushchair.
Kid
4 to 11 yrs
The free club, the house reef and daily treasure hunts keep this age busy from morning to night.
Teen
12 yrs and up
A well-known dive centre and a nearby surf break give older teens a reason to get in the water.
Plan your stay
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Live prices & availability
Stays near Bandos Maldives, Bandos Island, North Male Atoll, Maldives
We compare Booking, Expedia, Hotels.com and more so you book at the best price. Prices update in real time.
Parents also ask
Do children really stay free?
Children under twelve stay free sharing their parents' room, though meal plans and transfers may still be charged, so confirm at booking.
Is the kids club free?
Yes, the Kokko Kids Club is free for ages 3 to 11 and runs from morning to late afternoon.
Is Bandos too close to the airport to feel like the Maldives?
It is close, but the house reef, white sand and turquoise lagoon are the real thing, and the short transfer is a genuine gift with young kids.
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