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Considering that the Maldives is an island nation covering vast areas of the Indian Ocean, travel by boat is evident during your tropical vacation.
However, Maldivians are known for going out of their way to create an atmosphere that helps make every holiday extraordinary.
With boat travel, visitors find several kinds of transport options available. Whether a luxury or budget traveler, there is something for everyone, from the unpredictable and cheap MMTC ferries to private speedboats that zip you away to an island of choice upon landing at Malé Airport.
Boat travel is the most popular way to transfer from one place to another in the Maldives. Therefore, it is essential to know more about its intricacies, so you can eventually save on time and money.
Dhoni – The boat of the masses in the Maldives
Different types of boats in the Maldives
Slow or fast, cost-saving or luxurious, you get to choose how to travel by boat within the archipelago.
Additionally, be aware that not all islands are reachable by sea vessels. Some distant ones are too far away, requiring a combination of a seaplane and a boat ride.
Dhoni
Dhoni is the traditional Maldivian boat made using coconut palm timber and operated by locals as a mode of transport, fishing, and tourism. Initially, a dhoni was a sailing vessel, but the modern versions have motors for ease of movement. A dhoni cruise is a must for all tourists when in the Maldives.
Speedboats
Motorized and fast, speedboats get you from one island to another relatively quickly. They are also the only alternative for many resorts near the airport since you can’t get to them by seaplane or ferry.
When booking a speedboat, remember that you must reserve your seat in advance no matter which of the following is your preference.
Resort boats
When booking a resort in the Maldives, the staff will eventually enquire about your transfer. Most island retreats are happy to send their private boats for pickup from the airport. An expensive choice, transfer costs depend on how far your resort is.
When traveling by resort speedboat, you might have to wait if they are picking someone else arriving by a different flight. It is nevertheless convenient as once you report to the hotel desk at the airport, the staff takes care of everything.
Shared speedboats
Looking at the rising costs of speedboat transfers, several locals have started offering a shared speedboat service for travelers. These boats leave the airport jetty on a fixed schedule. Since several passengers share the cost, it doesn’t pinch the pocket. You should book a shared speedboat online before arriving in the Maldives.
Private speedboats
If the thought of waiting or sharing a speedboat doesn’t interest you, rent a private one. Used mostly by celebrities or large groups, you can easily travel in style with around 20 of your friends and family when you have a whole boat to yourself.
Local ferry in the Maldives
Ferries
The most budget-friendly way to travel by boat in the Maldives is through the local ferry network. Moreover, while speedboats typically go to island resorts (and a few popular inhabited islands), ferries only sail to the inhabited islands.
If planning to take a ferry in the Maldives, make sure you have enough time on your hands since these boats are slow and often make several stops. Ferries carry around 50 people, most of whom can sit while some prefer to stand.
An advantage of taking the ferry is that it allows you to interact with the locals. Additionally, the transfer cost is dirt cheap, saving you money for other attractions.
Lastly, unlike speedboats, you cannot book a ferry in advance. Once you arrive at the airport, take a ferry first to Malé harbor and then connect to the island where you’ve booked a hotel or a guesthouse.
When planning to take a ferry, check their schedules beforehand. Unlike speedboats or seaplanes, ferries leave at different times, with some even sailing overnight. The ferry from Malé Airport to the city runs 24-hours a day at regular intervals on all days.
The frequency of ferries also differs. Some islands have daily connections, while others have limited boats during the week. For islands where no ferries go, you can take a boat to a nearby stop and then hitch a ride to your final destination.
Liveaboard
An exclusive adventure in the ocean, liveaboards in the Maldives are perfect for explorers who prefer to be surrounded by water 24×7. Once you book an all-inclusive stay on a boat, everything you need is taken care of. From pickup at the airport to your diving needs, a liveaboard is a chance to visit some of the hard-to-reach islands of the archipelago.
Cargo boats
Slightly unconventional, there is the possibility to reach some inhabited islands via cargo boats. These vessels carry everyday essentials once to two times a week and are happy to accommodate a few tourists.
A private speedboat transfer in the Maldives
Packing essential for Maldives boat travel
Boat travel doesn’t require exclusive or complicated packing but try and carry the following essentials in your handbag.
Jewelry bag
A speedboat ride can sometimes get bumpy. Therefore, avoid wearing any loose items. If you have costly jewelry, take it off and keep it in your backpack.
Seasickness tablets
Even if you do not get seasick, carry some seasickness pills with you. Pop one in if you feel even a little uneasy. Moreover, sitting outside in the fresh air, looking at the horizon, and deep breathing further helps keep any issues at bay.
First aid
Most speedboats will have basic medical supplies on board, but there is no harm in carrying a small first aid box with band-aids just in case.
Waterproof bag
Depending on the condition of the sea, there is a slight possibility you might get wet during a boat trip. To save your passport, cameras, or other important items, keep them in a waterproof bag.
Backpack
For a long ferry ride, make it a point to carry a backpack. In it, keep some snacks, water, and other travel essentials like a pillow that can help make the trip more pleasant.
Speed boat – a fast way to travel by sea in the Maldives
Facts and advantages of boat travel in the Maldives
Travel by boat in the Maldives can get confusing, especially for first-time visitors. Here are some facts about boat travel that will help you better understand how the system works.
Booking a boat in Maldives
You can book a boat in the Maldives in a few different ways. The easiest is to ask your resort to arrange for one. When looking to save money, check for seat availability on shared speedboats. The Atoll Transfer website is the go-to spot for all your boat booking needs.
Since advance ferry booking is not possible, check the schedule before heading to the jetty in Malé. Try and reach at least an hour before the ferry’s departure.
Easy transfers
The entire boat industry in the Maldives works seamlessly. Typically, once you check-in at the airport resort desk, they take care of any and all transfer needs. Speedboats take you directly to your hotel, so no more changes are needed once you are on the boat.
Transfer costs
There is a day and night difference in transfer costs and time taken based on your boat choice. For example, a shared speedboat to the island of Maafushi will cost an adult $30 for the 30-minute journey. In comparison, the ferry ride takes roughly 2 hours but costs only $2 one way.
Planning a route
Planning a route to an inhabited island is slightly trickier than booking a speedboat pickup through your island resort. Therefore, it is best to email your guesthouse host asking for the best route to reach the island. Not only will they have the latest information, but they can also be there for you at the harbor when you arrive.
Free dolphin tour
One fascinating aspect of boat travel in the Maldives is the opportunity to see marine life for free. While boats won’t stop to observe dolphins, sharks, or rays along the way, you can still catch a glimpse of them during your ride. Most people do come across dolphins on a ferry trip.
Free seating
When boarding a vessel, be it a ferry or a speedboat, seating is free for all. If you are likely to get sick, sit in the middle. That is also where you’ll be safe from any water splashes.
Pro Tip: To save money on a speedboat transfer, check to see if your resort is near an inhabited island. Although slightly time-consuming, you can then take a cheap ferry ride to the island, followed by a short and quick boat ride to your resort.
Transfer boats at Male Airport
Points to consider before booking a boat
Like any mode of transport, traveling by boat does have a few limitations. Prepare yourself for them in advance, and it’ll be smooth sailing all along the way.
Delays
Delays are common when traveling by boat. Sometimes the crew might wait for other passengers, while at other times, the sea conditions are not suitable for travel.
Untrustworthy ferries
Ferries are the cheapest, no doubt, but they are erratic and thus untrustworthy. Firstly, no ferries sail in the Maldives on Fridays due to religious reasons. In addition to that, schedules change frequently. It is, therefore, an excellent idea to check the latest ferry schedule a day or two before your arrival.
A bumpy ride
Speedboat travel, in particular, gets bumpy. Thrillseekers will enjoy the ride, but for everyone else, make sure you sit and hold tight. Additionally, be prepared to get splashed with water.
Dhoni – a traditional Maldivian wooden boat
Boat safety in the Maldives
Maldivians take boat safety very seriously, and so should you. While the excitement of being in the Maldives will give you a natural high, these simple safeguards will keep you from getting hurt.
Safely get on and off the boat
Patience is key when taking a boat ride. Always wait for the crew to tell you if it is okay to board or leave the boat. Sometimes they need a moment or two to moor the vessel securely. Furthermore, don’t shy away from holding a crew member’s hand for stability when stepping on or off your speedboat.
Life vests
Even if you are comfortable swimming in the ocean, always ask for life vests when boarding a boat. This is all the more necessary in the case of children. If you don’t get one, ask for it, or at least know where they are stored.
Sit and relax
It’s tempting to stand and look around when traveling by boat. Still, for extra safety, keep seated. The water can be unpredictable, and the ride might suddenly turn bumpy, throwing you off balance unexpectedly.
Go barefoot
Start early with the “no shoes, no news” mantra of Maldivian life and go barefoot on any transfer or leisure boat you take during your vacation. If you must wear shoes or slippers, make sure they don’t slip. Heels are especially a no-no whenever you travel by boat in the Maldives.
N.B.:all information is correct as of post publication date, and prices are subjected to change.
