Gulhi, Friday 10th January 2025
Everything You Need to Know Before Hiring a Private Speedboat in the Maldives
If you’re planning to visit local islands in the Maldives, you may come across two types of boat transfers: private speedboats and shared scheduled transfers. Many travelers get confused or even surprised when they hear the price of a private speedboat. Some ask:
“Why is it so expensive?”
“I’m just one person, can I pay for one seat?”
“Can you reduce the price?”
We are writing this post is to clear all confusion and explain in simple language how private speedboats work in the Maldives, why they cost more, and why it actually makes sense.
What Is Private Hire Speedboat Transfer in the Maldives ?
A private speedboat transfer means you are booking the entire boat for yourself. Yes, the full boat. Not a seat. Not a ticket. Not a shared ride.
Whether you are 2 people or 30 people, you are paying for the whole boat. It doesn’t matter if you’re one person or twenty, the price is the same. The speedboat will not stop at other islands, bring you directly to your chosen island, and you choose your own time especially if your flight land at MLE Airport late at night. Think of it like this: It’s like renting a private jet, you don’t pay per seat, you pay for the full jet. Or like hiring a luxury bus just for you, not for one seat. Private means Private.
This is why private transfers cost more. But they also give you full control, privacy, and convenience.
Real Examples of Private Hire Speedboat Prices (Per Boat, Not Per Person)
Thoddoo → Ukulhas: $350
Rasdhoo → Thoddoo: $350
Thoddoo → Fulhadhoo: $600
Male’ → Feridhoo: $1,400
Guraidhoo → Fulidhoo: $250
Male’ → Mahibadhoo: $700
Male’ → Maamigili: $1,200
Male’ → Ukulhas: $650
Male’ → Gaafaru: $650
These are NOT per person. You could be a couple or 38 people, the price is THE SAME. Why? Because you’re renting the whole boat.
WHY YOU THINK IT IS EXPENSIVE? HERE’S THE REALITY
Let’s take a long route example:
Male’ to Dhigurah (about 95 km, 120 minutes) using a boat with 4 x Honda 350hp engines.
- Fuel needed: approx. 350 liters
- Fuel price in the Maldives: around $1.20 USD per liter
- Fuel cost alone: $420 USD !!
And that’s just fuel, it doesn’t include:
- Captain and crew salaries
- Engine maintenance (saltwater is tough on boats)
- Insurance, taxes, boat permits
- Marina docking fees
- And the general cost of keeping a large vessel in top condition
These boats are not cheap to operate, especially for long distances.
Who Should Book a Private Speedboat?
To be clear, if you’re on a budget, you can choose scheduled shared transfers. They usually cost around $30–35 per person (depends on the island), but they run on fixed times and routes.
Private boats give you freedom, privacy, flexibility, and convenience. But yes, that comes with a higher cost.
Private speedboats are perfect for:
- Families and groups who want fast, flexible travel
- Honeymoon couples looking for privacy
- Luxury travelers who don’t want to wait or share
- Anyone with tight flight schedules who can’t afford to miss their connection, especially flights in early morning.
- Anyone that his flight arrives late at night and want to go directly to his island, without staying one night night in Male’/Hulhumale’.
Please Don’t Confuse Private Hire and Shared Scheduled Transfers
We often receive messages from people asking:
“I’m alone, can I pay less for the private boat?”
“Can you give me a discount if I’m just two people?”
Sadly no, the boat is the same. It doesn’t matter if you’re 1 or 10. You are booking the whole boat, and the cost to operate it is the same.
We respect all travelers. But let’s be clear, private speedboats are not for everyone. If your budget is tight, there are affordable slow public ferries and shared transfers. If you don’t want to pay for the whole boat, the right option is a shared transfer, not a private one.
We are tired of people constantly negotiating, undervaluing the service, or expecting private transfers at shared prices.
Also, to so-called influencers and budget backpackers messaging us for free rides, we are not a charity organization and this is not a donation service.
The Maldives is a premium destination. If you can’t respect that, maybe it’s not the right place for you.
We warmly welcome genuine travelers who value our service. But we are not here to entertain freeloaders or bargain-hunters.
How to book private charter speedboat in the Maldives ?
The Maldives is a paradise of 1192 islands. Reaching them quickly and comfortably requires strong, high-speed boats. Those boats cost a lot to run and maintain. Private speedboats give you: Total freedom / Flexible departure time / Fastest transfer to your island / Full privacy and comfort…
So yes, private speedboats are more expensive, because they offer more value. If you’re ready to book or want to check availability, contact us on WhatsApp or Telegram to help you find the best transfer for your local island.