The Maldives is at the top of many traveler’s’ bucket lists – and for good reason. With more than 1,200 coral islands forming 25 different atolls, this slice of paradise in the Indian Ocean is perhaps one of the most beautiful places in the world. However, due to the country’s remote layout, it can often be difficult traveling around within the Maldives. Getting around the Maldives can be tricky to navigate, but ultimately so rewarding. Whether you’re planning a trip to the Maldives exploring different local islands or visiting resorts, here’s how to get around the Maldives like an expert, no matter if you want to take local ferries, inter-atoll speedboats, local flights or seaplanes.
How to Get Around the Maldives
Regardless of whether you’re visiting a local island or a resort, you’ll need to get from Male Airport in the Maldives to your final destination.
In the Maldives, there are so many different ways to get around – and some of them can be tricky. Not to mention, it’s difficult to pack for the trip, too. Let me break it down.
How to Get Around the Maldives By Sea
The Maldives has more than 1,000 islands, so oftentimes, the best way to get around the Maldives is by sea.
Many resorts close to Male will offer guests the option to take a private speedboat to the hotel in addition to air transit; if the resort is within a certain distance, speedboat transit will be the only option.
If you’re visiting one of the local islands, there’s a good chance a local speedboat or local ferry will be the only way to reach your accommodations. Seaplanes, for example, do not fly to local islands.
However, there are a couple situations where you might not be able to travel by sea. If your hotel, local island or resort is too far, you may need to take air transit instead, as speedboats will not travel that far. Secondly, if there’s bad weather, speedboats may be cancelled or delayed.
Local Ferries vs. Local Speedboats
When you’re visiting local islands in the Maldives, you’ll have the option to take a local ferry or a local speedboat.
A local ferry operates within the atoll, or group of islands, and often costs $1 USD to $2 USD, depending on the boat and the distance. These local ferries are traditional boats and run extremely slow. However, as I learned during my trips to the Maldives, local ferries within the atoll are not always reliable – oftentimes, in our experience, they were cancelled or moved to different dates, especially outside of the Northern Male Atoll (where the airport is located).
Alternatively, local speed boats operate in the Maldives. The price tag for these is much higher – usually $40 USD if you’re going a longer distance – and they operate on a regular, reliable and consistent schedule. Speedboats, as the name implies, get you to your destination much faster (for example: from the airport to Baa Atoll’s capital island, Dharavandhoo, is two hours by boat).
However, speedboats can be tricky because schedules aren’t really posted and the schedules may change, depending on the location. I’d recommend speaking with your accommodations about your options when arriving and departing, as they often have the most up-to-date information.
Private Speedboat Transfers in the Maldives
Private speed boats for hire can be a solution to your transit woes in the Maldives. If local ferries and local speedboats do not offer enough flexibility, consider hiring your own speedboat. Prices will vary depending on your location and your destination, but they will operate when you need them to operate.
Additionally, each resort will have their own private speedboat transfers for offer, as well.
It’s important to note that if you’re staying at a local island and want to then visit a resort, you will not be able to hire your own private speedboat; most resorts will require their boats to come to get you as they do not allow foreign boats in their docks. A resort’s private speedboat can be costly.
Inter-Atoll Transit
If you’re looking to transit between atolls (collections of islands) in the Maldives, there are unfortunately few options.
Transit between atolls in the Maldives can be costly, making it difficult to get around the Maldives.
However, there are options.
First, you can rent a private speedboat to travel between atolls in the Maldives. It’s expensive, but it’s also the most convenient way.
Second, you can take one of the local speed boats that operate between atolls. These often are fast, efficient and somewhat budget-friendly.
How to Get Around the Maldives By Air
Air transit is one of the best ways to get around the Maldives – and one of the most efficient. Depending on whether you’re visiting a resort in the Maldives or a local island, there are several different options for air transit.
In general, airport transport in the Maldives is more expensive than most expect as there are fewer airlines operating and planes tend to be smaller (most planes carry a max of 70 people, though seaplanes carry maybe 15 people).
Domestic Flights in the Maldives
The Maldives has a number of domestic airports (13, and counting) which offer inter-atoll flights. For the island nation, these inter-island flights service remote areas; they’re a lifeline to allow tourists and locals to reach resorts and local islands alike that may not be accessible by speedboat.
For resorts, flying into the closest local airport can be an easy (and cheaper) way to reach your final destination. From there, you’ll likely need to take a private charter from your resort to reach your final destination.
Alternatively, if you’re visiting one of the local islands in the atoll, flying into the local airport can cut down on transport times and costs, even if you’ll need to take a local ferry or speedboat after.
Popular regional airlines include Maldivian Airlines and Manta Air. These local flights will be significantly cheaper than seaplane flights, with an average cost of between $150 to $550, depending on your destination.
Seaplane Flights in the Maldives
If you’re traveling to a resort in the Maldives, you’ll more than likely need to take a seaplane. Seaplanes are chartered flights to resorts in the Maldives and often fly to resorts situated in atolls further from the airport.
Generally speaking, unless your resort has its own seaplane, you’ll share a seaplane with other guests on a route. Here’s how it works.
When you check in with your resort on arrival, they will walk you over to the seaplane area in the terminal to check you in. This involves weighing luggage and checking your passport. Then, your resort will transport you to the seaplane terminal. There, the staff will handle your seaplane transfer. Generally speaking, upon check-in, the seaplane staff will coordinate your transfer depending on a number of factors, including:
- How many people are traveling to your resort in your general time frame
- Who may be heading to a resort nearby
- Your time of check-in and other expected guests who may be coming soon after
Most of the time, you’ll be put on a plane with other people heading to resorts nearby and your seaplane may make multiple stops.
Some resorts, like the Four Seasons, have their own seaplane to expedite transfers for guests.
Seaplane transfers offer some of the most beautiful views in the Maldives, but they can be costly and you may find yourself waiting for a while before they put you on a route.
How to Book Transfers in the Maldives
In my experience, the best way to get around the Maldives is by speaking directly with your guesthouse or resort. Most of the time, your resort will offer a number of different options for arrival.
For example, when visiting Constance Moofushi, we were offered either a private speedboat transfer or a seaplane. Alternatively, when visiting our favorite Dhoani Maldives Guesthouse on Kendhoo (in Baa Atoll), the team there helped arrange our transit to the island and helped us figure out how to find the speedboat and explained the directions in advance.
Long story short: start by reaching out to your guesthouse or resort, and they will explain the options to get around the Maldives.
Accessible Travel in the Maldives
Unfortunately, accessible travel in the Maldives still has a long way to go. In the Maldives, guide dogs are banned, as is private ownership of dogs throughout the country.
At the airport, there are only a couple air bridges – and most of the time, you’ll need to disembark via stairs. However, there is special assistance at Male Airport; contact your airline in advance to request it.
However, there is good news on the horizon: the Maldives is close to completing construction on a new airport with all-new features and air bridges, which should bring greater accessibility for guests.
Unfortunately, accessibility in the Maldives is also tough transiting between islands. Public ferries and speedboats have no staff capable of helping those who might need an extra hand and there are no ramps for wheelchair users.
If you’re visiting a resort, contact them in advance to make them aware of your needs. However, keep in mind, the Maldives is a tiny island nation, and there are almost no roads or paved footpaths, so it’s a tricky destination for people using wheelchairs.
Samantha Tatro is a Czech-American third culture kid who grew up living and traveling abroad. Many years later, after living in California and working as a journalist, she decided to take the leap and move abroad again…this time to Prague, Czech Republic. Samantha started Undiscovered Path Home to help couples and solo female travelers find the courage to visit countries – and locations – off the beaten path. Her work has appeared in Bon Appetit, NBC News, The Adecco Group, and more.
