Maldives Island Hopping: How to Get Around the Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical paradise that invites you to experience the holiday of your dreams. Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives features over 1,200 coral islands forming 25 natural tolls, giving you an extensive playground to explore during your holiday. Although not every island is inhabited, there are plenty of islands to visit with all kinds of fascinating attractions and activities. 

So, can you island hop in the Maldives? Yes, absolutely! In fact, we encourage it so that you can see everything this island nation has to offer, from nature excursions to cultural attractions. You can scuba dive around one island, go for a nature hike on another, stay in a romantic resort on the next one and so much more!We especially recommend exploring the local islands, visiting the guesthouses and getting to know the people of the Maldives—book an island tour to experience it all.

In our guide on how to get around the Maldives, we offer all the best transportation advice to help you experience every inch of the tourist islands. Are you ready to discover the Maldives beyond just one island? Follow along to learn everything you need to know about island hopping in the Maldives. 

What is Island Hopping in the Maldives?

Island hopping refers to the act of visiting more than one island during your stay in a destination like the Maldives. Because the islands are separated by miles of stunning turquoise water, you can’t just drive, take a bus, or ride a train to visit them. Instead, you must book a seaplane, or domestic plane transfer, speedboat or ferry to travel to each one.

As for island hopping in the Maldives, this tropical paradise has over 1,000 islands, and more than 164 of which are developed for tourists (and growing!). And each island has its own allure. For example, some islands are known for their exciting watersport attractions, while others are celebrated for their stunning scenery and marine life. Or, maybe you want to stay at a few different resorts on neighbouring islands or sample the unique cuisine on each atoll. When you hop around from one island to the next, you get to experience a little bit of everything. 

Maldives island hopping is like moving through a string of pearls— each island is unique in its own way, and together, they make up the perfect adventure. 

Can You Island Hop in the Maldives?

Yes! Island hopping is a popular way to explore the many islands of this region. And the good news is that it’s easier than ever to hop from one island to the next. The various modes of transportation make island hopping extremely accessible for tourists to visit all the islands that they wish during their holidays. 

How to Get Around the Maldives: Transport Options for Island Hopping

The beauty of the Maldives is that there are so many ways to transport yourself to different islands, including seaplanes, speedboats, ferries, and domestic flights. Depending on your holiday plans, you can book one-–or several—of these travel options to explore the majestic islands. 

Seaplanes

A seaplane is a small aircraft that can land and take off on water, so it can quickly and conveniently transport you from one island to the next in the Maldives. In fact, taking a seaplane is the fastest way to island hop here. Another perk of hiring a seaplane is that flying above the islands gives you a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the tropical islands, making for a truly magical experience. 

There are two commercial seaplane charter companies that operate in this region of the Indian Ocean: Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) and Manta Air. Typically, these seaplanes will fly you between one of the local airports and your resort, but different options may be available depending on your unique travel needs. 

For example, when you arrive at Velana International Airport on Malé, you can arrange for a short 40 to 45-minute seaplane transfer to Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Resort or Siyam World on Noonu Atoll. Or, if you’re staying at Sun Siyam Iru Veli or Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, it’s just a 35 to 40-minute seaplane journey from Malé to Dhaalu Atoll/South Nilandhe Atoll. 

The cost of booking a seaplane will depend on various factors, such as where and when you’re traveling, but on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $290 to $700 or more per person. That said, some Sun Siyam Resorts offer free seaplane transfers, so be sure to check with them. Also, when making your travel plans, it’s important to note that seaplanes do not operate at night. 

Moreover, If you’d like a more luxurious seaplane transfer, book a private charter or hire a plane for an aerial tour of the islands. You’ll get the chance to see the islands from a completely different perspective! Do keep in mind that these elevated experiences will cost more money than your average seaplane booking. 

Speedboats

Perhaps the next fastest option for Maldives island hopping is booking a speedboat. These boats can zip around from one island to another, providing you with an adventure and the opportunity to see marine life, like dolphins, along the way. 

For example, you can arrange for a 45-minute speedboat transfer between Velana International Airport and Sun Siyam Olhuveli for $250 per person over the age of 15. Your resort can also help you book speedboat transfers to other islands. 

Booking a speedboat tends to be cheaper than hiring a seaplane, and because there are so many operators around the island, you may have more flexibility with booking times and dates. Speedboats can also operate at night, giving you more transportation options depending on your travel schedule. 

You can hire a speedboat through the operators or via your resort, and all kinds of speedboats are available. For instance, some are small, basic speedboats, while others are larger with more luxurious amenities. You can hire a shared speedboat or a private one, and the price of booking a speedboat will depend on how far you’re traveling and what kind of speedboat you select. 

However, it’s important to note that some travellers get seasick due to choppy water conditions, so invest in patches or medicine if you’re prone to sea sickness. 

Ferries

Do you prefer something a little more cost efficient? Ferries offer a budget-friendly option for island hopping in the Maldives, as tickets cost between $5 and $30 per person, depending on your destination. These ferries travel between the islands but offer less flexibility than other options on this list because they have set schedules. What’s more, they only offer transfers to local islands, not specific resorts. Check out the Atoll Ferry routes for more information. 

If you consider the ferry option for your island hopping adventures, you can’t book ahead online, so you must buy tickets at the ticket booth in person or arrange for a ferry ride with your resort. Like speedboats, ferries can cause sea sickness, so plan accordingly. 

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights are another option when it comes to island hopping in the Maldives. While speedboats and ferries are reserved for shorter commutes, domestic flights are a better option for travelling to islands that are more spread apart. The Maldives features a total of 13 domestic airports on various islands, making it a breeze to book airfare to the islands of your choice. 

For instance, if you’d like to island hop over to Dhaalu Atoll to relax at Sun Siyam Iru Veli, you can conveniently book a domestic flight to Dhaalu Airport. Examples of other domestic airports include Dharavandhoo Airport, Fuvahmulah Airport and Kaadedhdhoo Airport, among others. 

The average cost of booking domestic airfare is $150 to $450 per person. You can book directly through the airline or ask your resort to help you arrange domestic flight transportation for you. 

Start Your Maldives Island Hopping Adventure

Whatever modes of transportation you decide to take when Maldives island hopping, you’re in for a treat. Instead of just getting to know one island during your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your horizons and see even more of this enchanting destination. 

Ready to start your island-hopping adventure in this tropical paradise? Buckle up and begin planning today to explore the Maldives in ways you never thought possible. Whether you venture by seaplane or speed boat, this will be one holiday you’ll remember!