Getting Around Maldives
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use ferries and speedboats for Male and nearby atolls. Remote Islands: Rent a boat or seaplane for resort access. Local: Bikes and dhoni boats. For convenience, book airport transfers from Male to your atoll.
Ferry Travel
Public Ferries
Reliable and affordable inter-island ferry network connecting Male to local islands with scheduled services.
Cost: Male to Maafushi $3-5, journeys 1-3 hours depending on atoll.
Tickets: Buy at Male ferry terminal, online via MTCC website, or app. Schedules vary by day.
Peak Times: Avoid weekends and holidays for less crowding and reliable timings.
Island Passes
Maldives Ferry Pass offers unlimited rides on public ferries for $50 (7 days) or $80 (14 days) for locals and tourists.
Best For: Island-hopping over multiple days, savings for 4+ islands visited.
Where to Buy: Ferry terminals in Male, MTCC website, or official app with digital activation.
Speedboat Options
Private speedboats connect resorts to Male and nearby atolls, operated by resort shuttles.
Booking: Reserve through resorts or agents days in advance, discounts for groups up to 30%.
Main Hubs: Velana Airport jetty for departures, with connections to South and North Male Atolls.
Boat Rental & Navigation
Renting a Boat
Essential for exploring atolls and snorkeling spots. Compare boat rentals from $100-200/day at Male or resort marinas.
Requirements: Valid boating license or hire with captain, deposit via credit card, minimum age 21.
Insurance: Full coverage advised for marine risks, verify inclusions for equipment and fuel.
Navigation Rules
Boats navigate atolls carefully, speed limits: 10 knots near islands, 20 knots open waters.
Tolls: No road tolls, but marine park fees $10-15/entry for protected areas.Priority: Yield to larger vessels and dive boats, follow no-wake zones near resorts.
Mooring: Use designated buoys at snorkel sites, resort docking $5-10/night.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel available at Male and resort fuel docks at $1.20-1.50/liter for diesel, $1.30-1.60 for petrol.
Apps: Navionics or Maldives Marine for charts, GPS essential for atoll navigation.
Weather: Monsoon season (May-Nov) brings rough seas, check forecasts daily.
Urban Transport
Male Walking & Ferries
Compact Male island is walkable, local ferries to Villingili $1, short hops under 10 minutes.
Validation: Pay on board for ferries, no tickets needed for walking paths.
Apps: Maldives Transport app for ferry schedules, real-time updates, and routes.
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing on local islands like Maafushi, $5-10/day with stations at guesthouses.
Routes: Flat island paths ideal for cycling, especially around inhabited atolls.
Tours: Guided bike tours on resort islands, combining beach views with light exercise.
Local Services & Dhonis
Traditional dhoni boats for short island transfers, plus golf carts on resort islands.
Tickets: $2-5 per ride, pay cash or via resort apps for convenience.
Atoll Dhonis: Daily services between islands, $3-7 based on distance, scenic rides.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Choose atolls based on activities, North Male for easy access, remote for seclusion.
- Booking Timing: Book 3-6 months ahead for dry season (Dec-Apr) and holidays like Ramadan.
- Cancellation: Opt for flexible policies due to weather-dependent seaplane transfers.
- Amenities: Confirm WiFi, meal plans, and transfer services before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for service quality and atoll conditions.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G/5G in Male and resorts, 3G/4G on most inhabited islands, spotty in remote atolls.
eSIM Options: Instant data via Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, ideal for no-SIM phones.
Activation: Download before arrival, activate at airport, coverage starts immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Ooredoo and Dhiraagu provide prepaid SIMs from $10-20 with island-wide coverage.
Where to Buy: Velana Airport, shops in Male, passport needed for registration.
Data Plans: 5GB for $15, 10GB for $25, unlimited for $35/month available.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi standard in resorts, guesthouses, and Male cafes, limited on public ferries.
Public Hotspots: Available at airport, ferry terminals, and tourist islands.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in populated areas, sufficient for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Maldives Time (MVT), UTC+5, no daylight saving observed year-round.
- Airport Transfers: Velana Airport (MLE) on Male, speedboat to resorts $50-150 (20-60 min), or book private transfer for $100-300 including seaplane.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airport ($5-10/day) and resort reception areas.
- Accessibility: Ferries and speedboats wheelchair-friendly in major hubs, resorts vary in accommodations.
- Pet Travel: Restricted on ferries and flights, check resort policies for rare allowances.
- Bike Transport: Bikes free on ferries if space allows, electric bikes popular on islands.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Maldives
Velana International Airport (MLE) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for best deals from worldwide hubs.
Main Airports
Velana International (MLE): Primary hub on Male Island, direct international flights with seaplane jetties.
Gan International (GAN): Southern domestic airport 460km from Male, flights to Addu Atoll $50-100 (1.5 hours).
Domestic Airports: Small strips like Maafaru (MVU) for northern atolls, served by Maldivian airlines.
Booking Tips
Book 2-4 months ahead for dry season (Dec-Apr) to save 20-40% on international fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) often cheaper than peak weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly via Dubai or Colombo hubs for connections, then domestic to atolls.
Domestic Airlines
Maldivian, FlyMe, and Villa Air offer seaplane and flight services to resorts and islands.
Important: Include baggage and transfer fees in totals, weather can delay seaplanes.
Check-in: Online 24 hours prior, airport lounges available for long waits.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Common in Male and resorts, fees $2-5, use resort ATMs to avoid high tourist charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted at resorts, cash preferred on local islands.
- Contactless Payment: Growing in Male, Apple Pay/Google Pay in larger hotels.
- Cash: USD widely used alongside MVR, carry $100-200 in small bills for ferries and tips.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated, 10% at resorts or $1-2 for dhoni captains.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport kiosks with unfavorable exchanges.