Ferries in the Maldives: prices, routes, timetables, tips

The most budget-friendly way to travel around the Maldives is to take trips on local ferries used by residents of the island state. Find out all about the schedule and prices in our article.

Let's clarify right away: if your plans include a vacation exclusively on resort islands, information about ferries will be of little use to you. Ferries only run between local islands. If you need to get to a paradise resort, check your options with the hotel when booking.

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Benefits of Traveling on Public Ferries in the Maldives

• Price: Ferry tickets are much cheaper than domestic flights or private boats. For a couple of dollars you can go to another island.
• You will take a tour for pennies: during the trip, the same stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Maldives open up, and thanks to the leisurely pace of the ferry, you can enjoy them better.
• Many tourists note that they feel less seasick on a ferry than on a speedboat.
• The ferries are used by locals, offering a great opportunity to immerse yourself more in the environment.

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Cons of Traveling by Ferry in the Maldives

• Ferries do not operate as frequently as other modes of transport. Some routes operate daily, while others may only offer services on certain days of the week. Sometimes routes do not have a return trip on the same day. In this case, you may have to wait several days for a ferry. Always check the latest schedule before planning your trip.
• Ferries are very slow. You can spend a day on the journey, although a speedboat will take you there in a couple of hours.
• You need to adjust to the schedule, sometimes planning an overnight stay in the capital Male .
• Ferry can be cancelled due to bad weather, even with small waves outside. Always have a backup plan for this.
• Ferries do not operate on Friday. It is a holiday in the Maldives for religious reasons.

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How is the ferry service organized in the Maldives?

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) is the main ferry operator in the Maldives. MTCC operates under the brand name Raajje Transport Link (RTL). The company operates 63 ferry routes to Male and has 187 ferry stations. The transport network is divided into several zones, each covering certain atolls.

The northernmost point is Turaakunu Harbour and the southernmost is Feidhoo Terminal. The westernmost stop is Makunudu Harbour and the easternmost is Dhiffushi Harbour.

Ferries can be divided into two types :

• Intra-atoll. They operate within a single atoll, connecting different islands. The ferry departs from the main point and stops at several islands of the atoll, then returns to the starting point.
• Inter-atoll. These ferries connect islands of different atolls within the same zone. They stop at several islands on the way from one atoll to another.

Public ferry service areas

• Zone 01: Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll and Shaviyani Atoll.
• Zone 02: Nunu Atoll, Raa Atoll and Baa Atoll
• Zone 03: Kaafu Atoll, Alifu Alifu Atoll, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll and Vaavu Atoll.
• Zone 04: Meemu Atoll, Faafu Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll, Taa Atoll and Laamu Atoll.
• Zone 05: Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll .
• Zone 06: Sinu Atoll and Gnawiyani Atoll.

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Most popular destinations

Ferry in the Greater Male region

The Greater Male ferry service provides direct service between Male and the nearby islands of Vilimale, Hulhumale, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.

Ferries operate without stops, making direct trips between Male and each destination.

Ferry to Maafushi

Maafushi is a very popular residential island among tourists. The ferry from Male runs every day (except Friday). Although this is the cheapest way to get to Maafushi, it is not very convenient.

• If you are coming from the airport, you must first take the public ferry to Male. It runs every 15 minutes. It is the only public ferry that runs on Fridays.
• Ferry #309 leaves Male for Maafushi at 14:30. The journey takes 1 hour 30 minutes in total, as the ferry stops in Gulhi along the way. Arrival in Maafushi at 16:40. Cost: $5.
• If you want to get to Maafushi faster, take a speedboat. The journey will take 30 minutes.

Ferry from Male Airport to Male City

The cost of the ferry from Male Airport to Male city depends on the time of day. On average, it is 1-1.30 dollars. Only cash is accepted for payment. Usually, payment in local currency is cheaper.

• From 05:30 to 06:00 - 20.00 Maldivian Rupees.
• From 06:00 to midnight - 15.00 Maldivian Rupees.

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Ferry schedule

The Raajje Transport Link (RTL) and Southern Transport Link (STL) websites . These sites provide up-to-date information on ferry routes, timetables and availability.

• Please note that some islands, such as Maafushi, are served by multiple ferry routes, but other islands in the atoll may not be served.
• The schedule can be confusing. The Maldives is divided into seven zones, and the first number of the route indicates the zone the ferry serves (for example, the 308 is in zone three). The left column is the arrival time, and the right column is the departure time.
  
  

How to book a ferry

• Tickets for MTCC ferries can be booked online on the RTL website or in the RTL Travel app.
• Tickets can be purchased in Maldivian Rupees (MVR) or US Dollars (USD).
• The app is available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
• You can now book ferries for zones 1, 2, 5 and 6.
• Through RTL you can book ferry tickets in the Greater Male region.
• Zone 4 You can book some speedboat ferries through the MTCC Southern Transport Link website.

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Tips for Buying Ferry Tickets

• On some routes you need to buy tickets at the terminal.
• Buy tickets for weekends and holidays in advance.
• If you are booked out on your desired date, you can put yourself on a waiting list, but there are no guarantees.
• The tickets are written in Dhivehi and English, so it is very easy to find out the departure time.
• Passengers can purchase tickets for one or more trips. Valid for 30 days from the date of purchase.

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Ferry Ticket Prices

• The price depends on the route. For example, you can get to North Male for 22 MVR ($1.50), and 53 MVR ($3.50) to Vaavu Atoll.
• Considering that a speedboat can cost between $25 and $75, ferries are a good value for money.
• Oddly enough, prices do not always correspond to the length of the trip. The cheapest trip may be the longest.

Ticket refunds

• All ferry tickets are non-refundable. However, the trip can be changed once up to 24 hours before departure.

Carrying luggage on the ferry

One piece of hand luggage and one piece of baggage weighing up to 20 kg are permitted. A separate ticket must be purchased for each additional piece of baggage.

What does a ferry look like?

The Maldives' wooden motorized public ferries are based on the dhoni boats used by Maldivian fishermen. There is no "first class" option on board.

• Most public ferries are equipped with soft seats.
• There are no fixed seats on the ferry - choose where you like. A seat near the edge is not always the best idea - you can get wet if the waves are high.
• The passenger capacity of the ferry is 50-100 people.
• Speed: from 12 to 20 knots/hour.
• The seats are located in the middle and in a ring around the outside. There are also other types of boats with benches arranged in rows. Some ferries have closed windows.
• The boats are not air conditioned, but the breeze helps keep you cool.
• There is shelter from the rain.
• There is a toilet on board. On some older boats it is quite specific, and the doors to the WC are opened by an attendant.

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Where to find the ferry

• The port in Male, which services public ferries, is known by many names. One of them is Henveiru. But on Google Maps it is also marked as Hulhumale Ferry Terminal.
• Following the COVID outbreak, all MTCC Maldives public ferries now depart from the MTCC Malé Ferry Terminal, which is opposite Maagiri Hotel in northeast Male. Previously, they departed from the Villingili Ferry Terminal in southwest Male.
• The MTCC ferry terminal in Male is often referred to as the Hulhumalé ferry terminal. This is confusing because there is also a Hulhumalé ferry terminal on the island of Hulhumalé, just north of Male. This is confusing. Sometimes taxi drivers also get confused about where to take tourists, so be careful.

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Ferry terminal in Maldives

The terminal is large, two-story, and equipped for people with disabilities. On the ground floor there is a ticket office and three waiting areas with electronic screens. Fans are working, but there is no air conditioning.

There is a prayer area and a water fountain. Don't count on public Wi-Fi.

Tips for ferry travel

• You must arrive at the terminal 15 minutes before departure.
• The best way to get there is by ferry to the North Male Islands, which are relatively close.
• If there is no ferry to the desired island, you can get to the nearest island. Then use a private transfer on a motorboat: this will be much more economical.
• Check the schedule: it may change.
• Do not stand near the side of the boat, stay seated during the trip to avoid injury due to sudden movements of the ferry.
  
  

What to take with you when traveling by ferry

• Snacks and water: Although some ferries may have soft drinks available, it is best to bring snacks and water, especially if you are going on longer journeys.
• Raincoat: If you are travelling during the monsoon season, carry a light jacket or raincoat in case of sudden changes in the weather.
• Medicines: Don't forget seasickness pills. You may get seasick.
• When you arrive in the Maldives, buy a SIM card so that you can stay connected on the public ferry.
• There are no power outlets on public ferries, so bring a power bank.
• Don't forget about UV protection.

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Private Ferries in the Maldives

In addition to public ferries, there are several private ferry operators that ply between smaller and more remote islands. Their schedules are more flexible. They can be a good alternative when public ferries are not available. You can also charter a private ferry for your company.

Popular private ferry operators :

• iCom Tours: Operates ferry services from Male and Velana International Airport to Maafushi.
• Altec Maldives Pvt Ltd: Express ferry service from Male and Velana International Airport to Dhiffushi.
• Coral Transfer: Daily high-speed ferry transfers from Male International Airport to Rasdhoo, Ukulhas, Mathiveri, Bodufolhudhoo, Gangehi and Nika Island.
• Fazas: Transfers between Dhangethi, Dhigurah , Male and Velana International Airport.

With proper planning of the trip, traveling by ferry will help you save a lot. And you can choose accommodation in the Wiotto catalog - we have a huge selection for every taste and budget. Choose and book a hotel in the Maldives with the best deals!

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