MALDIVES: TRANSFER BETWEEN ISLANDS
How to Get Around the Maldives: Complete Transportation Guide
Traveling between islands in the Maldives may seem complicated at first since there are no roads or land transport connecting them. However, once you understand the available options, getting around this paradise is easier than it looks. In this guide, we explain in detail how the different types of transport in the Maldives work: speedboats, public ferries, domestic flights and the iconic seaplanes.
Find out which option is best based on your budget, destination, and available time, along with practical tips on how to book each type of transport. Keep reading and get ready to explore the Maldives hassle-free!
⇲ SEAPLANE
SPEEDBOATS IN THE MALDIVES:
THE MOST COMMON AND FLEXIBLE OPTION
Speedboats are one of the most commonly used ways to travel between islands in the Maldives, especially for routes between Malé and nearby islands. They are fast, relatively affordable and offer great schedule flexibility compared to public ferries.
When to use a speedboat?
✅ If your hotel or local island is less than 2 hours by boat from Malé.
✅ If you're looking for more affordable transportation than a seaplane.
✅ If you prefer to avoid long waits at the airport.
Types of Speedboats and How to Book
There are two main ways to travel by speedboat:
➡️ Shared Speedboats
- Primarily used to connect Malé with local islands and some resorts.
- Operated by private companies with fixed schedules.
- Can be booked through local agencies, directly with the hotel, or even at Malé Airport; we recommend booking well in advance, especially during high season, to secure your spot.
- Price: between 25 and 60 USD per trip, depending on the distance.
➡️ Private Speedboats
- A more comfortable and flexible option, ideal if you're traveling in a group or during hours when shared services are unavailable.
- Can be booked directly with the hotel or maritime transport companies.
- Price: from 250 USD onwards, depending on the destination and boat size.
Speedboat Journey Times (examples from popular routes)
- Malé – Maafushi: 30-40 minutes
- Malé – Dhigurah: 1h 30 min – 2h
- Malé – Thoddoo: 1h 20 min – 1h 45 min
- Malé – Gulhi: 25-30 minutes
Useful Tips for Traveling by Speedboat
🚤 Book in advance during high season to secure your spot.
🚤 Schedules may be affected by weather, especially during monsoon season.
🚤 If you're arriving on a late flight, there may be no speedboats available, so consider staying overnight in Malé or booking a private boat.
🚤 Speedboats have space for luggage, but if you're carrying a lot, confirm with the company before traveling.
PUBLIC FERRIES IN THE MALDIVES:
THE MOST AFFORDABLE OPTION
If you're looking for the cheapest way to travel between islands in the Maldives, public ferries are your best choice. Operated by the state-owned MTCC (Maldives Transport and Contracting Company), these boats connect Malé with several local islands at very affordable prices. However, they have limited schedules, and the journeys can be long, so it’s important to plan your trip well.
When to use a public ferry?
✅ If you're traveling on a budget and don’t mind spending more time on the journey.
✅ If you're going to a local island with ferry service (resorts do not have access to public ferries).
✅ If you're not in a rush and can adapt to fixed schedules.
❌ If you're in a rush, as cancellations are very common in case of bad weather.
Main Routes and Schedules
Public ferries do not operate on Fridays, as it’s a public holiday in the Maldives. The frequency varies depending on the route, but most services run once or twice a day.
Some popular routes:
- Malé – Maafushi: 1h 30 min – 2h (approx. 2 USD per trip).
- Malé – Thulusdhoo: 1h 30 min – 2h 30 min (approx. 3 USD).
- Malé – Ukulhas: 4h – 5h (approx. 5-6 USD).
- Malé – Dhigurah: No direct ferry; a stopover at Mahibadhoo is required.
Schedules may change, so it’s recommended to check the MTCC website or ask at the Malé port.
Where and How to Buy Tickets
🎟️ Tickets are purchased directly at the Malé port (Villingili Ferry Terminal) or at the departure island. There are no online reservations, so it's best to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance.
🎟️ Payment is usually in cash (Maldivian Rufiyaa – MVR), although some routes accept US dollars.
Tips for Traveling by Public Ferry
🚢 Bring water and snacks, as the ferry usually doesn't sell food.
🚢 Be patient: the journeys are long, and the ferries make several stops at other islands.
🚢 Double-check the schedules, as some routes only operate on certain days of the week.
🚢 If you're arriving on a late flight, ferries won't be an option, as most only operate during the day.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS IN THE MALDIVES:
THE FAST OPTION FOR LONG DISTANCES
Domestic flights in the Maldives are the best choice when you need to cover long distances between atolls without spending as much as you would on a seaplane. Operated by local airlines, these flights connect Malé with airports located on several inhabited islands, from where you can continue the journey by speedboat to your final destination.
When to use a domestic flight?
✅ If your destination is far from Malé and the speedboat journey would take more than 3-4 hours.
✅ If you're looking for a more affordable alternative to a seaplane to reach private islands or remote resorts.
✅ If your resort includes a domestic flight transfer followed by a speedboat.
Airlines and Main Routes
The airlines that operate domestic flights in the Maldives are:
✈️ Maldivian Airlines (the largest and with the most routes)
✈️ Manta Air (offers specific routes)
Some common routes include:
-
Malé – Maamigili (South Ari Atoll) → For resorts like Sun Island Resort.
-
Malé – Dharavandhoo (Baa Atoll) → For local islands like Dharavandhoo or Maalhos.
-
Malé – Kooddoo (Gaafu Alifu Atoll) → For resorts in the southern Maldives.
-
Malé – Fuvahmulah → A unique island without an atoll, famous for shark diving.
Where and How to Buy Tickets
🎟️ Flights can be booked online through the airlines' websites or via local agencies.
🎟️ If you're traveling to a resort, it’s common for the hotel to manage the ticket for you.
🎟️ Prices vary depending on the distance but generally range from 100 to 300 USD per trip.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Domestic Flights
✅ Faster than speedboats for long distances.
✅ Operate during both day and night, unlike seaplanes.
✅ Cheaper than seaplanes, especially for remote atolls.
❌ Often require an additional speedboat transfer from the local airport to your destination.
❌ Delays may occur in case of bad weather.
Tips for Flying within the Maldives
✈️ Check the baggage allowance carefully: they can have stricter restrictions than other airlines.
✈️ If you're flying at night, domestic flights are the best option since seaplanes only operate during the day.
✈️ Bring a jacket, as the planes tend to have strong air conditioning.
SEAPLANES IN THE MALDIVES:
THE MOST EXCLUSIVE OPTION
Seaplanes are the most spectacular way to travel through the Maldives. These small aircraft take off and land on water, offering breathtaking aerial views of the atolls and turquoise sea. Although they are more expensive than domestic flights or speedboats, many exclusive resorts are only accessible by seaplane, making them a must-have option for certain travelers.
When to use a seaplane?
✅ If your resort does not have access by speedboat and only offers seaplane transfers.
✅ If you want a unique experience with panoramic views of the Maldives.
✅ If you prefer to reduce the transfer time to remote atolls.
Airlines and Main Routes
Seaplanes in the Maldives are operated by:
🚁 Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) → The world’s largest seaplane airline.
🚁 Manta Air → Operates premium services with fewer passengers on board.
Seaplanes do not follow fixed routes, as they operate on demand for resort guests. Upon arrival in Malé, you will be taken to an exclusive seaplane terminal where you will wait for your flight to be ready.
Where and How to Buy Tickets
🎟️ You cannot purchase tickets on your own; seaplane transfers are reserved through the resort when booking your accommodation.
🎟️ Prices vary depending on distance, but generally range from 250 to 700 USD per person, one way.
🎟️ Seaplanes operate only during the day (approximately from 06:00 to 16:00). If your international flight arrives later, you will need to spend the night in Malé.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Seaplanes
✅ Spectacular views: the experience is almost as incredible as the destination.
✅ Faster than a speedboat to distant atolls.
✅ Ideal for remote resorts without nearby airports.
❌ Expensive compared to other options.
❌ Operate only during the day, so if you arrive late, you’ll have to wait until the next day.
❌ Luggage is limited (usually about 20 kg in total, including carry-on luggage).
Tips for Traveling by Seaplane
🚁 Keep your camera or phone ready because the views are stunning.
🚁 Be patient at the seaplane terminal, as flights do not always depart at fixed times and may experience delays.
🚁 Ask your resort about cheaper alternatives, such as domestic flights + speedboat, if you want to reduce costs.
🚁 If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, confirm the restrictions as large bags may be transported on a separate flight.
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