How to Go to Maafushi Island from Male Airport [2024 Updated]

A travel guide on how to travel from Male Airport to Maafushi Island.

Maafushi Island is one of the most visited public islands in the Maldives. The island is known for its white-sand beaches and snorkeling and diving sites. It is accessible by public ferry or speedboat from Male or by speedboat straight from Velana International Airport  (Male Airport) or from Male City.

Looking for the best place to stay in Maafushi? Check out this list of the top-rated hotels and resorts in Maafushi!

Option 1: Going to Maafushi Island from Male via Ferry

The cheapest way to go to Maafushi Island is by taking a public ferry from Male. From the airport, you will need to take a ferry for MVR15 or roughly US$1 going to Male. Travel time is around 10 minutes.  From the port, you can take the public ferry to Maafushi Island. Travel time is around 90 minutes and the fare is only MVR22 or roughly around USD1.5 per person. There is no online booking for the ferry from Male Airport to Male BUT you can now book your Male to Maafushi public ferry ticket here.

There are two public ferry options for your trip from Malé to Maafushi:

• Ferry 309: This ferry runs daily (except Fridays) departing Malé at 3:00 PM and arriving in Maafushi at 4:40 PM. This ferry service will have a short stop in Gulhi.
• Ferry 306: For a morning departure, choose this ferry which operates on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays only. It leaves Malé at 10:00 AM and reaches Maafushi by 11:30 AM.

Important Note: Public ferries don’t operate on Fridays in the Maldives.

From Maafushi to Male, the schedule is below:

• Ferry 309: This ferry runs daily (except Fridays) departing Maafushi at 7:25 am and arriving in Male at 9:05 am with a short stop in Gulhi.
• Ferry 306: This direct public ferry from Maafushi to Male operates on Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday at 12:35 pm and is scheduled to arrive in Male at 2:05 pm

Option 2: Male Airport to Maafushi Island by Speedboat

The most convenient way to go to Maafushi Island is by taking a speedboat directly from Male Airport to Maafushi Island. The travel time is only about 50 minutes and the fare is US$38 from Male to Maafushi, and USD33 from Maafushi back to Male. There are multiple trips a day and you just have to ask around when you arrive at the airport. If you want to reserve a seat, you can book in the link below.

Male to Maafushi by Speedboat

• 9:00 am
• 10:25 am
• 1:10 pm
• 3:25 pm
• 6:10 pm
• 9:15 pm
• Get a discounted ferry ticket

Maafushi to Male by Speedboat

• 8:00 am
• 9:30 am
• 12:00 nn
• 2:30 pm
• 5:00 pm
• 8:00 pm
• Book a discounted ferry ticket

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How to get from Male to Maafushi?

This guide explores your options for getting from Malé to Maafushi, a popular island destination in the Maldives. We’ll cover the fastest, easiest, and most budget-friendly choices, all involving boat travel. Most visitors head straight to Maafushi from Malé airport, so we’ll touch on that as well.

Keep in mind: Public ferries don’t operate on Fridays, as the Maldives observes a Sunday-to-Thursday workweek. Friday and Saturday are considered weekends. Additionally, the Maldives is a Muslim nation.

Here’s a breakdown of your travel options:

• Speed it Up: For the quickest trip, choose a speedboat.
• Effortless Travel: Taking a pre-booked speedboat directly from Malé airport is the most convenient option.
• Budget-Conscious Choice: Public ferries offer the most affordable way to travel, but be aware of the limited schedule.

How to Get from Malé Airport to Maafushi by Public Ferry

There are two ferry rides needed to reach Maafushi from Malé Airport:

1. Malé Airport to Malé: This quick ferry takes about 10 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day, including Fridays. Tickets cost 15 Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) per person and include three pieces of luggage.
2. Malé to Maafushi: This ferry ride takes longer (around 1.5 hours) and connects you Maafushi Island.

Here’s how to use the public ferry:

• Upon exiting the arrivals area, follow signs for the ferry terminal.
• Cross the road at the pedestrian crossing.
• Locate the ticket booth near the jetty and purchase your ticket with cash in MVR.
• Wait for the ferry and present your ticket when boarding.

Important Notes:

• You cannot book public ferry tickets in advance.
• The airport ferry runs every 15 minutes (6:00 am – 7:00 pm) and every 30 minutes (7:00 pm – midnight).

How to Buy Tickets for the Public Ferry from Malé to Maafushi

There are two ways to purchase your ticket:

• In Person: Head inside the MTCC Ferry Terminal building after arriving in Malé. Ticket booths are located behind glass windows. You can confirm the ferry schedule and pay in cash (Maldivian Rufiyaa) directly with the English-speaking staff. A ticket costs 22MVR per person.
• Online: Bookaway offers online ticket purchases for the public ferry. This option allows using a credit card but comes with a fee. Get your ticket here

Boarding the Ferry

Once you have your ticket, locate the designated waiting area for your specific ferry. The waiting area has fans for circulation but no air conditioning. There are also options for refreshments on the second floor.

When boarding, hand your ticket to the boat crew. Enjoy your scenic ferry ride to Maafushi!

What is the quickest way to reach Maafushi from Male?

If you want to get to Maafushi from Malé or even Malé Airport as fast as possible, then a speedboat is your best bet.

What is the cheapest way to go from Malé to Maafushi?

The cheapest way to get to from Male from Maafushi is to take the public ferry.  Please take note that the ferry schedule is limited. In addition, you will also have to take a ferry from Male Airport to the city to catch the ferry.

How much does it cost to travel from Male to Maafushi?

The cost of traveling from Male to Maafushi depends on the transportation you choose. The public ferry only costs around USD1.5, while the speedboat costs more than USD30. The latter has more daily trips and is more convenient.