Maldives Public Ferries: Your Island Transport

Public ferries are an essential mode of transportation in the Maldives. This archipelago nation is made up of 26 atolls, consisting of more than 1,000 islands, making it challenging to travel from one island to another.

Public ferries in the Maldives are operated by the government-owned Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The ferry service is available to both locals and tourists, making it an integral part of the country’s transportation system.

Public ferries in the Maldives are of two types: speedboats and traditional ferries. Speedboats are the fastest and most expensive mode of transportation. They are mainly used by tourists who want to travel quickly between the islands. The traditional ferries, on the other hand, are slower but more affordable, making them an ideal choice for the locals.

One of the significant advantages of using public ferries in the Maldives is that they provide an opportunity for tourists to experience the local culture and interact with the locals. The public ferry service in the Maldives is also an eco-friendly mode of transportation. These ferries use much less fuel than other modes of transportation, making them an environmentally sustainable option.

Which Ferry Terminals are for Male

In Malé, there are two main ferry terminals:

Villingili Ferry Terminal
Hulhumalé Ferry Terminal

Things to know about Public Ferries in Maldives

There are two general categories of ferries in the Maldives: some transport locals from the capital to the atolls. Others run only within the atolls.
If the ferry is postponed, you can always rent a boat instead of paying more for a speedboat transfer to far-off islands. But it’s worth budgeting for contingencies.
Three to four times per week, the public ferry departs from Male and travels to some of the atolls. Within the atolls, the Maldives’ ferries typically travel short distances. To some islands, a ferry runs once per day.
There are no public ferries that go to the vacation islands. Only a swift boat, an aircraft, or a seaplane can transport you there.
On Fridays, ferries are closed.
The ferry has a limited capacity, particularly during holidays, so it is best to purchase tickets in advance. Furthermore, if the ferry is full, you might not be able to board. If there isn’t a ferry to the desired island, you can take a ferry to the closest island instead, where you can take a private motorboat transfer for a lot less money.
Tickets for ferries cannot be purchased online.
You journey alongside locals on a public ferry.
Only daytime hours are used for ferry operations.
The ferries are equipped with restrooms.
It is permitted to bring two bags and one carry-on bag per person on public ferries.
Air conditioning is absent from ferries.