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Maldives Island Hopping
The Maldives, a destination where even the transfers become an unforgettable part of your Maldives holidays, has got to be one of the only countries in the world where your hotel and island transfers might actually be among the highlights of your trip. Forget long schleps on a coach or being stuck in traffic, here, you will most likely travel by thrilling seaplane or speedboat if your destination is a resort island. Meanwhile, the inhabited islands are connected with each other by local ferry.
In collaboration with
Rough Guides
Getting to your resort
By airplane
There are a grand total of 14 airports in the Maldives, including five international ones.
Scheduled domestic flights from Malé International Airport (MLE) on Hulhule island, just over a mile from Malé, and Gan International Airport (GAN), serving Addu Atoll, are operated by Maldivian and FlyMe. Flights fill up fast and you can expect to pay £300–£400 for a return unless the cost is part of your package.
Domestic flights will likely be the way you travel to resorts that are further away, or if your international flight arrives too late for a seaplane journey to be viable. Domestic flights take off day and night, so there's no worries about catching the daylight. It’s very much the standard flying experience and if you’re a nervous flyer, may be a better option than the more exposed feeling of a seaplane ride.
By seaplane
Flying low over these stunning islands, a transfer to your resort by seaplane is a unique experience, and an incredible introduction to the country. If you’re staying in resorts that are too far for transfer by speedboat, and as long as your international flight has landed by 3.30pm, this is probably how you’ll get to where you’re going.
Most transfers will be included with your resort package and they cost a flat fee of US $450 (£350 approximately) – in general, that is, as some uber-luxury resorts may charge more. Flights are operated by Trans Maldivian Airways, Maldivian Air or the new kid on the block, Manta Air.
The seaplanes are 18-seater Twin Otter aircraft, which have been specially converted with floats, instead of wheels, and they land only on the sea. At many resorts the landing area is marked by a buoy and the resort’s dhoni transfers passengers to and from the plane. Other resorts have pontoons as an arrival and departure platform. They don’t have air-conditioning and can be noisy, so be prepared.
By speedboat
If your resort destination isn’t that far from Malé (generally in the North and South Malé Atolls, or within two hours travel time), you may transfer by the glamorous mode of speedboat (great unless you get seasick). Prices start at about £50 unless they’re included in your holiday package.
Speedboats operate on both a scheduled service and private transfer basis, but either way, they need to be booked in advance.
Island-hopping
By ferry
It's absolutely possible to island-hop in the Maldives, travelling independently by local ferry. The main thing to be aware of is that ferries only connect the inhabited islands, so if you also want to go to a resort, you'll need to book one of the pricier transfer options, such as a scheduled or private speedboat. It's also likely that you'll need to get yourself back to Malé to make your connection to your chosen resort, as most departures are from the capital.
Should you be especially committed to exploring the Maldives by public ferry, you can check out timings and routes at Atoll Transfer. Fares are very low – we’re talking a few pounds.
Conversely, you can travel to local islands from your resort by private ferry transfer, but these trips will be organised through the resort.
By dhoni
Traditional – but motor-powered – Maldivian fishing boats, dhoni still ply the seas here and can be chartered privately for travel to other islands or just cruising. Costs depend somewhat on your bargaining skills or set prices at the resorts. You can arrange this travel at your resort, guest house (if you’re staying on an inhabited island) or in Malé by the airport ferry jetty.
Costs for a day’s hire from an inhabited island might be £50–£100, but more like £300–£600 from a resort.
Safari boats
Arguably the very best way to see the Maldives is to charter a vessel to cruise the seas, known as a safari boat or a liveaboard. If you’re a keen diver or marine life spotter, or just swoon over the idea of sailing the sparkling blue seas on your own boat, this may be the dream holiday for you.
Passenger capacity ranges from six to 30 and the cost includes taxes and all meals, with drinks and diving extra. There will be a captain and at least two crew members, together- with a cook and a dive crew (with diving equipment carried on a separate dhoni), since most people charter a safari boat for diving expeditions rather than solely to cruise around the atolls. The boat’s operators will put together a group of individuals to fill the boat, or it can be chartered in its entirety by a group of friends.
Safari boats usually operate on a regular, pre-arranged schedule because the skipper knows the best dive sites and which picnic and village islands can be visited without hassle. The boats anchor at night, sometimes near an amenable resort, allowing passengers to go ashore for a meal or drink.
Essential preparation
One key fact to be aware of is that you need to have your onward travel arrangements pre-booked before you land in the Maldives if you’re going to a resort. If you’ve booked a resort, it’s likely that your transfers are included, but always check! This also goes for multi-resort breaks. Your transfers should be included (and they may involve returning to Malé and then outward again) but anyone planning independent travel needs to factor this in – and the costs will stack up!
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