Getting Around the Maldives

Islands are not connected by road. The transfer is part of the trip, and missing one can mean waiting until the next day.

Public ferries run between Malé and nearby local islands on a fixed schedule. They are the cheapest seats and the easiest to miss if you are late.

Speedboats are the usual guesthouse transfer. Your host books the boat; confirm the pier and the latest check-in time.

Domestic flights with Maldivian and Manta Air link Malé to regional airports such as Dharavandhoo, Maamigili, and Gan. You still need a boat from the airport island to your final island.

Seaplanes are the typical resort transfer when the island has no airstrip. They are daylight flights and cancel in bad weather.

Taxis operate on Malé and Hulhumalé. Other islands are small enough to walk.