How to Travel in Maldives? Island Hopping & Public Ferry
Anyone who believes the Maldives is only for luxury holidays has never tried island hopping on the local islands.
Exploring the best local islands in the Maldives lets you enjoy the country in a budget friendly and adventurous way. Public ferries cost just $1 to $10,while speedboats range from $20 to $80. Here,you’ll find the updated public ferry schedule and speedboat schedule with prices.
Although traveling by public ferry can feel challenging,with the right planning and this guide,you can enjoy an amazing trip to the Maldives without breaking the bank.
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Why Choose Island Hopping in the Maldives?
1. A Unique, Authentic & Budget-Friendly Adventure
Island hopping in the Maldives is the perfect way to enjoy an adventurous and authentic experience while staying on a budget. It lets you connect with locals and learn about their daily lives.
2. Discover the Diversity of the Maldives
The Maldives is made up of 1,200 islands spread across 26 atolls. Even if the islands in the same atoll sit close together,each one has its own charm,its own vibe,and a completely different experience waiting for you.
Island hopping is the best way to make the most of your time and experience the true beauty of the Maldives. It gives you a fresh break from the usual resort-style trips and lets you see the islands the way locals do.
How to Travel Around the Maldives
After you land at Velana International Airport in Male,you’ll need to arrange transportation to reach your final accommodation. You can choose from ferries,speedboats or even domestic flights. Each option depends on your budget and how fast you want to reach your island.
Your options and prices will vary by destination and budget,so check the details before picking an island or booking a place to stay.
Available transportation options in the Maldives include:
- Public ferries
- Scheduled speedboats
- Seaplanes
- Internal flights
For a budget-friendly island-hopping trip,you can choose the slower but very affordable public ferries,where you’ll travel with locals and get a feel for daily life,or go for the faster and more reliable scheduled speedboats.
Personal experience: A practical strategy is to take speedboats when moving between atolls, while using public ferries is ideal for traveling between islands within a single atoll.
Transportation Options in the Maldives
We’ll cover five transportation options, highlighting the more budget-friendly choices: ferries and speedboats.
Public Ferries in the Maldives
For budget travel in the Maldives, public ferries, which cost around $1–10 per trip, are the most economical choice. They provide an affordable way to enjoy stunning views and connect with locals, though the trips can be slow and less comfortable.
Journeys to distant atolls and islands can take an entire day, often with multiple stops along the route. Traveling between islands within the same atoll is fairly simple, but crossing between different atolls can be more complicated.
Flexibility is key for two main reasons:
1. These services typically operate once a day, about 2–6 times per week, and don’t run on Fridays. Schedules may change unexpectedly, but the MTCC website usually provides the most current timetable.
2. Ferry timetables can be influenced by weather, and delays or cancellations might mean switching to speedboats or staying an extra 1–2 nights.
Tips for Using Public Ferries in the Maldives
- Upon arriving at Velana International Airport in Malé, you can catch the airport ferry for $1 to reach the ferry terminal, the main departure point for most public ferries.
- If a ferry isn’t available on the day you arrive, it’s a good idea to spend a night in Malé and take the ferry the next day.
- If a morning ferry is canceled, passengers are usually notified about an hour before departure. In that case, head back to the airport to check for speedboat availability or ask your accommodation for help.
- Stick to a single atoll. For budget travel, concentrate on visiting several islands within the same atoll, which saves time and makes using public ferries simpler.
- Reserve guesthouses and homestays ahead of time. This lets you ask your accommodation to confirm ferry schedules, and if you’re uncertain, choose options with free cancellation.
- Bring cash. Credit cards are not accepted on ferries.
Scheduled Speedboats in the Maldives
Scheduled speedboat transfers run from Velana International Airport to different atolls, islands, and resorts, costing between $30 and $80 per trip.
Speedboats are faster and more comfortable than ferries. For example, a trip that took 3.5 hours by ferry only took 1 hour by speedboat.
On most popular local islands in the Maldives, there are typically two daily speedboats—one in the morning and another in the afternoon.
Be sure to reserve your seat in advance online via 12Go, or ask your homestay to book it for you.
Scheduled speedboats can also act as a backup if your ferry is canceled. You can take the airport ferry from the public ferry jetty to the speedboat jetty and check for available seats. This is what we did when our ferry was canceled at the last minute.
Private Ferries in the Maldives
Private ferries are available from Malé to nearby islands. They run depending on weather and typically depart once they are full.
There’s no online information about private ferries, so you’ll need to go to the pier and inquire in person—not the most convenient option, in our opinion.
Seaplanes in the Maldives
The most thrilling way to travel is by seaplane from Velana International Airport. The flight is short but offers stunning views, with prices usually between $300 and $500 depending on the distance.
Seaplane flights are typically arranged by resorts or travel agencies, though you can also book directly on the airline’s website.
Domestic Flights in the Maldives
Domestic flights also depart from Velana International Airport. You can book them through Trip.com or let your resort or travel agency arrange it. This is a good option for reaching islands that are far from Malé.
Arriving at Malé International Airport
From Velana International Airport, you can reach your destination using domestic flights, seaplanes, or scheduled speedboats at the airport jetty.
If you spend the night in Malé, you can get around by taxi, bus, or our preferred option: a quick $1, 5-minute ferry ride from the airport jetty to the main ferry jetty. The best choice depends on where your hotel is located.
If you’re using public ferries, take the 5-minute, $1 ferry to the main terminal, where most ferries depart.
Can I choose which transport option to take?
It depends on the islands you plan to visit. For budget travel, choose islands accessible by local ferry or speedboat.
Can you travel directly between local islands in the Maldives?
It depends. Islands within the same atoll can usually be reached directly, but for islands in different atolls, you’ll often need to return to Malé or book a private transfer, which can be costly.
That’s why we suggest staying within a single atoll to explore multiple islands, rather than moving between atolls for each transfer. It saves time and money. You can see our 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-week itineraries for ideas!
Which local islands in the Maldives are the best?
Picking a Maldivian island can be challenging with hundreds to choose from, many of which may seem alike at first. Yet, each island has its own distinct charm.
We highly recommend South and North Ari Atoll, where many are located close to each other for an incredible island-hopping experience.
