Public Ferry Maldives The Cheapest Way to Get Around
Public Ferry Maldives
The public ferry also known as the Slow Dhoni Transfer in the Maldives is the cheapest mode of transport to get to local islands. If you are staying at a resort island you will not be able to take the public ferry.
If it is your first time in the Maldives here is everything you need to know.
Maldives Public Ferry Schedule
Here are all the ferry routes in the Maldives. Be aware that not all routes run daily and the only route that runs on Fridays is from Velena International Airport in Male to Male City. If you plan to island hop I would look at the ferry schedule first if that is your preferred option to get around the Maldives.
Public Ferry Maldives Price
This depends on how far the local island you are travelling to is. It can cost from $2-$30. I went from Maafushi to Gulhi which cost $2. You can pay in either United States Dollars (USD) or Maldivian Ruffiyya (MVR).
Public Ferry Maldives Timetable
This is a PDF of the Public Ferry Maldives timetable.
Speed boat Transfers in Maldives
If the public ferry schedule doesn’t suit you, the next best option is to get a speed boat transfer. These run more frequently than the public ferry Maldives, between 3-4 times a day. You can book these via 12go or organise with your hotel. I would highly recommend booking as there is limited capacity on speedboats and if they are full you will not be able to get on. The wait time may be more than 2 hours for the next boat.
Depending on how far your hotel is from the ferry port, you may be able to get a free transfer to your hotel. This happened to me on two occasions which was a pleasant surprise. When you have booked your speedboat transfers, let your hotel know so they can arrange this for you.
Ferry to Maafushi from Male
As Maafushi is a very popular local island especially for tourists the public ferry Maldives runs every day (apart from Friday) although this is the cheapest option to get to Maafushi, it isn’t very convenient.
1. If you are coming from the airport, you would need to get the public ferry to Male City. This runs every 15 minutes or so (and is the only public ferry that runs on Fridays).
2. From Male City you then would get the 309 ferry to Maafushi at 14:30. This would take 1hr 30 minutes in total as it stops at Gulhi before Maafushi. You would therefore arrive at Maafushi at 16:40. If you want to get to Maafushi faster I would recommend getting a speedboat which only takes 30 minutes.
Maldives Ferry to Maafushi Breakdown
- Get the 309 Ferry from Male City to Maafushi which leaves at 15:00 every day apart from Fridays
- Arrives in Maafushi at 16:40.
- Costs $5.
Public Ferry Maldives Know Before You Go
I would recommend getting an ESIM so that you can stay connected on the public ferry. There are no plugs on public ferries so make sure you have a power bank with you. I would recommend this one as it is Magsafe and can charge your Apple watch as well.
Public Ferries in the Maldives run once a day every day apart from Fridays for religious reasons. If you miss it then you will either have to spend the night in Male or get a speedboat to the local island. Make sure you are on time, I would say aim for half an hour before departure. This ensures you have time to pay for your tickets and find which ferry you need. From experience, they do run on time.
If there is bad weather or there is a fault the public ferry just doesn’t run. Something to be aware of.
Public Ferry Maldives vs Speed Boat
This depends on how much time you have and when our flight arrives in Male. I have taken both modes of transport and although the Public Ferry is a lot cheaper it is very inconvenient as it only comes at least once a day or less.
The speed boat will cost a $25 one-way trip to and from the islands Thulusdoo, Maafushi and Gulhi and will take 30 minutes or less direct.
If you can time the public ferry well and you don’t mind a slow boat then this works well. If you want to get to your island quickly and don’t mind the additional cost I would get the speed boat.
