Save Time and Hassle: A Guide to Maldives Transportation

Every time we travel, we spend hours online reading countless articles and browsing various websites to find the cheapest and most accurate transportation options. We hope this guide will save you time and trouble.

Resort Islands 🏖️
(Speedboat, Yacht, Seaplane, Domestic Flight)
Most resorts have their transportation services. Upon reservation, the hotel will ask for your international flight details and arrange for an airport representative to greet you at the airport arrival hall. The resort will monitor flight schedules and pick you up accordingly.

The airport representative will hold a signboard with the hotel name and escort you to the transportation, no matter it’s a speedboat, seaplane, or domestic flight.

Whether you book directly through the hotel’s website or via a travel agency, the process will remain the same, ensuring a seamless experience. However, if you book through online platforms, transportation costs are usually not included, and you’ll need to contact the resort directly to inquire about options and fees.

Besides, most resorts do not allow self-arranged transportation, and there is no public transport to these islands. You may save time by informing the hotel or your travel agency your arrival flight detail.

Important Note: Seaplanes only operate during daylight hours. If your international flight arrives after 3pm, you may need to stay on the Capital Island Male for one night. Inform the resort of the name of the transit hotel, and they will coordinate the transfer for the next day. Seaplane schedules will be confirmed the evening before travel, so patience is key. 🛫

Local Islands 🏝️
(Speedboat, Public Ferry, Domestic Flight)
Each local island has different boat operators for transfers to and from the airport. Since these services are privately operated by the locals, schedules often change slightly each day. Information about transportation to local islands is rarely available online. Long-distance transfers can take 4–6 hours by speedboat, while domestic flights (30–90 minutes) are often available. For more remote islands, boat transfers are arranged to the nearest domestic airport.

Tips for Booking Local Islands:

• Avoid booking accommodations on remote local islands online without contacting the host. If you can’t reach them, transportation and activities may be impossible to arrange.

• Consider booking through a local travel agency for better rates and smoother communication with the property.

For speedboat and domestic flights, prices are fixed for tourists and vary only by distance, not by the operator or property. Some guesthouses include transportation costs in their rates, so make sure to confirm in advance.

Inter-Island Travel 🗺️

Many travellers are curious about island hopping. In most cases, there is no direct transportation between islands. Typically, you’ll need to return to the airport or Malé (the main island) before heading to your next destination.

Private boat charters are an option but can be expensive. Even a short 20-minute ride from one resort to another can cost at least USD 500. For greater distances, returning to the airport is usually the fastest and most convenient option. 🌼