Mahibadhoo, 17th August 2024
When planning your trip to the Maldives, it’s essential to understand the different transfer options from MLE Airport or Malé to the islands. Here’s a quick overview of the choices:
- Scheduled Speedboat Transfer
- Private Charter Speedboat Transfer
- Public Ferry Transfer
- Seaplane Transfer
- Domestic flight to a nearby airport + Short speedboat ride (to a resort or local island)
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these transfer options, focusing on the differences between the slower public ferry and the faster speedboat to the Local Islands in Maldives. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons to help you decide why a speedboat transfer will be the best option for your island journey.
1. Travel Time: Speedboat vs. Public Ferry
One of the biggest advantages of taking a speedboat transfer in the Maldives is the much shorter travel time. Public ferries, known for their slow pace and multiple stops, can turn a short journey into a lengthy trip. For example:
- Malé to Gulhi Island:
- Public Ferry: Departs Malé at 3:00 PM and reaches Gulhi around 4:15 PM at the earliest, taking 75-90 minutes if there are no delays. The ferry makes several stops along the way, including at Maafushi and Guraidhoo, and often runs late.
- Speedboat: Direct to Gulhi in just 18-20 minutes, with no stops.
- MLE Airport to Thoddoo Island:
- Public Ferry: Takes a minimum of 7 hours and 20 minutes, departing Malé at 9:00 AM and arriving at Thoddoo at 4:20 PM, with stops at Rasdhoo and Ukulhas. With delays, it can take even longer — my own experience to Thoddoo one time was nearly 9 hours, a total nightmare journey, turning it into a whole day lost.
- Speedboat: Direct from MLE Airport to Thoddoo in just 60 minutes.
While the public ferry is cheaper, it can take up a full day, which isn’t ideal if you’re on a short vacation in the Maldives. Speedboats are modern and fast, whereas public ferries are older, slower, and not recommended for anyone with limited time in Maldives. So, we highly suggest choosing a speedboat transfer over the public ferry.
2. Frequency and Availability: Speedboat vs. Public Ferry
Public ferries in the Maldives generally run only once a day, making them inconvenient for travelers on tight schedules. If your flight arrives after the ferry’s departure or you’re planning to visit multiple islands, the limited schedule can cause delays. Public ferries also don’t operate on Fridays, the weekly off day in the Maldives, further reducing your options. In contrast, speedboats run several times a day, with up to eight daily departures on some routes, giving you more flexibility to plan trips without missing out on island experiences.
For example:
- Male to Mahibadhoo:
- Public Ferry: Operates only once per day and only three days a week (Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday) to Mahibadhoo island.
- Speedboat: Runs twice daily, every day of the week.
- Male to Maafushi:
- Public Ferry: Runs twice a day, but not on Fridays.
- Speedboat: Operates over eight times daily, every day of the week, including nighttime.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Nighttime Schedule Public ferries don’t operate at night, but many speedboats offer nighttime schedules, especially on weekends. This is very convenient if your flight arrives late; you can head straight to your island without needing to spend $60 to $70 on a night in a small hotel in Male or Hulhumale. Choosing a nighttime speedboat saves you time and money, allowing you to start your vacation right away.
- No public ferries operate on Fridays, but speedboats are available seven days a week, including Fridays.
- Public ferries only depart from Male, not directly from the airport. Travelers need to take a taxi or an airport ferry to the Male ferry terminal.
Ultimately, trying to save a few dollars by choosing the public ferry could cost you two valuable days—one for traveling to your island and one for returning. Booking a speedboat is the better option, especially if you’re on a limited schedule. Enjoy your vacation without the hassle!
3. Reliability in All Weather Conditions: Speedboat vs. Public Ferry
The Maldives’ tropical weather became unpredictable nowadays and can change suddenly, often disrupting public ferries. Public ferries are easily canceled in bad weather, leaving travelers stranded with no other options. Speedboats, however, are built for tougher conditions and usually continue operating, even in stormy weather. This reliability is a big advantage, especially if you have limited time to explore.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Public ferries are often canceled due to bad weather. Speedboats, however, run on time—even in stormy weather. Many travelers trying to save money on the ferry end up losing a full day when ferries are canceled and don’t have a speedboat booked in advance, and got stuck in the crazy capital city Male for one day.
- Speedboats usually operate on time, even in bad weather.
For a smooth, dependable journey, especially if time is tight, choosing a speedboat is the better option.
View from our Speedboat in the middle of Ocean
4. Booking Ease and Onboard Comfort: Public Ferry vs. Speedboat
Traveling by public ferry in the Maldives can be quite basic and inconvenient compared to speedboats. Here’s a quick comparison:
Public Ferry:
- Tickets are only available in person at the ferry terminal and must be paid for with cash only. No online booking system until now for Public ferries in the Maldives.
- No amenities are provided—no WiFi, no complimentary water, and seating is often uncomfortable.
- Ferries are usually crowded especially with locals, with only basic seating and limited hygiene conditions.
Speedboat:
- Offers advance online booking for easy planning on sites like hala Maldif, covering more than 56 local islands and more than 200 daily departures.
- Amenities, in most of the speedboats, include free WiFi, a complimentary bottle of water, life jackets, hot fresh towels, and vomit bags for comfort.
- Seats are much more comfortable, with large windows providing scenic views.
Speedboats are ideal if you prefer comfort, amenities, and ease of booking, making them a better choice for most travelers.
** When booking with Halamaldif, you get Live Support for any assistance you need, plus added flexibility with your speedboat ticket. If your flight arrives late or you miss your speedboat, your ticket can be changed for FREE to the next available boat on the same route and day. Public ferries, however, don’t offer these benefits, making speedboats a more reliable and flexible choice for your Maldives journey.
5. Flexibility for Your Itinerary: Public Ferry vs. Speedboat
A big downside of using public ferries is their strict schedule. There’s mostly only one departure each day, which means travelers often have to plan their whole day around it. On Fridays always no Public Ferries. This can be especially annoying if you arrive at the airport right after the ferry has left, making you wait until the next day for the next one.
Speedboats, on the other hand, provide much more flexibility. With several departures throughout the day, you can easily find a speedboat that matches your travel plans, whether you arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
6. Direct Routes and Multiple Stops : Public Ferry vs. Speedboat
As mentioned earlier, public ferries follow a circular route, stopping at several islands before reaching the final destination. This can significantly lengthen your journey and create the hassle of boarding and disembarking passengers at each stop. In contrast, speedboats typically offer direct routes to your chosen island, making your trip faster and more efficient. If you want to reach your destination without unnecessary delays, a speedboat is definitely the better option.
For example : imagine traveling from Male to the famous island of Fenfushi in South Ari Atoll by public ferry. First, you would need to take two ferries: the first one goes from Male to Mahibadhoo, which takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes and operates only three days a week. Then, you would transfer to another ferry from Mahibadhoo to Fenfushi, making four stops along the way—Dhangethi, Dhigurah, Dhidhdhoo, and Mamigili—taking an additional 3 hours and 10 minutes. So total 5 Stops ! This adds up to over 9 hours of travel time, including transfer times. If the ferry schedules don’t align, you might even need to spend a night on one of the local islands before continuing your journey.
On the other hand, a speedboat from Male to Fenfushi is direct, runs every day, and takes only about 2 hours.
While it is true that speedboats are more expensive, they save you a lot of time and stress. It’s not worth trying to save a few dollars only to waste precious vacation days in the Maldives, especially if your time is limited. Just book the speedboat!
So When to Choose the Public Ferry Over a Speedboat ?
- Longer Vacations: As Maldives travel experts with years of experience, we suggest choosing the public ferry only if your trip is long enough—at least 9 days or more. For shorter stays, the faster speedboat is usually a better choice.
- Short Distances Within the Same Atoll: The public ferry is ideal for short trips between nearby local islands within the same atoll, as it’s quick and affordable.
- Example: Omadhoo to Mahibadhoo takes around 15 minutes by public ferry and costs approximately 2 USD.
- Example: Maafushi to Gulhi takes around 20 minutes, also costing about 2 USD.
- Avoid Long Routes from Malé: We generally don’t recommend taking the public ferry from Malé to distant islands, like those in South Ari Atoll or Alif Alif Atoll, as these routes are long and can be quite inconvenient. Public ferries are best suited for travel between close local islands only.
Important Information on Speedboat Pricing in the Maldives
In the Maldives, speedboat transfers to local islands follow a two-tier pricing system: one rate for tourists and a lower rate for Maldivian locals and resident expats. This government-regulated structure is not discriminatory but ensures affordability for residents. Locals and residents must present a valid ID at departure to receive the reduced fare.
For example, the Male to Gulhi speedboat transfer costs 30 USD per person each way for tourists. In contrast, the local and resident rate for Male to Gulhi is only 150 MVR (approximately 10 USD). So, don’t get surprised if the local or expat seated next to you pays less, it’s simply part of the pricing policy. We’re here to ensure transparency and clarity—feel free to reach out if you have any questions about pricing!
Final Thoughts: Choose Speedboat for a Hassle-Free Experience
While the public ferry may seem cheaper and budget friendly, the inconveniences often make it a less attractive option. For travelers who want to enjoy their time in the Maldives, speedboats are the better choice. They offer: Shorter travel times, Greater flexibility, More reliable service in all weather, Guaranteed seating with advance booking, A more comfortable experience.
With multiple daily departures and direct routes to popular local islands, you can explore the Maldives at your own pace and make the most of your visit.
Why You Should Book Your Speedboat in Maldives with HalaMaldif.com
The Hala Maldif Team is mostly local people who know the Maldives inside and out! We’re here to help you 24/7. Unlike some international booking sites that operate from far away, we’re based right here on the islands. While those sites often tell you to “contact the boat operator directly,” we support you every step of the way.
Flexible Booking: HalaMaldif.com is the only platform in the Maldives that allows FREE changes to your speedboat ticket if your flight is delayed. We’ll put you on the next available boat at no extra charge. Some other sites charge high fees for this or even make you buy a new ticket. We believe in keeping things simple and stress-free!
Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees: Our prices are clear and very fair. For example : our MLE Airport-Dhigurah ticket is just $65 one way per person (Distance 97 KM / journey duration 2hr 25min), while many offshore booking sites charge around $84 or more, including hidden fees such as “unnecessary insurance” ($5 or more). With us you can save up to $38 for two people on one-way trip and no extra charges or surprises (imagine for round-trip for a couple you could save almost $76 !!)
Local Knowledge You Can Trust: Our team at Hala Maldif is made up of Maldives Experts. We can answer all your questions and give you insider tips that foreign sites simply can’t offer. It’s like getting a free consultation from those who live and work here every day.
Real-Time Monitoring with Live GPS & Direct Communication with Boat Crew: At HalaMaldif, we take customer safety and experience to the next level. We’re in constant contact with the boat crews, captains, and operators, and we monitor all speedboat departures and journeys in real-time through LIVE GPS tracking. We’re always aware of where your boat is. This service is exclusive to HalaMaldif, and no international booking website offers this level of tracking or communication. We have strong, trusted relationships with our local business partners, ensuring you get the best service and a safe, smooth journey every time.
When you book with HalaMaldif.com, you’re choosing honest, transparent, and straightforward service. With fair pricing and dedicated support, we offer a reliable and stress-free experience in the Maldives.
