Arrival

When you’re booking your trip, check out the arrival time at Malé airport. Since you have to take a public ferry or speed boat to the islands, you may have to take a hotel on Malé for the first night, depending on your arrival time. If you arrive late in the afternoon, like us, and are going to Maafushi (or another island), then you have to stay overnight on Malé. And take the public ferry the next morning.

If you have no problem paying for a private speed boat, they are available at more flexible hours, so that way you don’t have to stay overnight at Malé. But definitely worth looking into, what’s cheaper and more convenient.

Also check out my article Maldives on a budget, for more tips on planning a trip to the Maldives.

Stay overnight in a hotel on Malé

If you do have to stay overnight on Malé, like we did, I can recommend hotel Unima Grand. They were absolutely great! They provided us with free pickup from the airport. And even arranged for us to be taking to the ferry terminal the next morning, for our transfer by public ferry to Maafushi. Their own driver was too busy with bringing people to the airport, so they called a taxi for us and paid for our ride to the ferry terminal. They understand what customer service is about! Also the location was great, within walking distance of several restaurants, including a Burger King, for those who are in need of some fast food. Literally.

Transfer by ferry

The ferry from Malé to Maafushi leaves from the Villingili Ferry Terminal on Malé.

You can buy your ticket at the ticket counter at the ferry terminal. The ferry from Malé to Maafushi only costs 50 MVR* (Maldivian Rufiyaa), which is like $3,25. And back from Maafushi to Malé it’ll only cost you 30 MVR*, which is approx. $1,95. The ferry takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
*prices in March 2019

Malé to Maafushi

The ferry from Malé to Maafushi leaves at different times. On Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday it leaves at 10 a.m. On all days, except on Friday, it leaves at 5 p.m. There are no ferries leaving for Maafushi on Fridays.

Maafushi to Malé

The public ferry from Maafushi back to Malé, leaves all days (except for Fridays) at 07.30 a.m. And on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday there is a second ferry that leaves at 12.30 p.m.

Check out the time table for available public ferry transfers.

Transfer by speed boat

Some hotels offer transfer by speed boat to Maafushi, at a certain price. Just check with your hotel. You can also arrange it yourself. For information about times and prices of speed boats going to and from Maafushi, you can check out the Atoll Transfer website.