REAL NUMBERS
Transfer Costs
The $300 to $1,400 fee nobody mentions before booking. Speedboat, seaplane, and domestic flight prices for every major resort.
Quick Answer
Transfer costs are per person, round trip, and can add $600-$1,400 to a couple's trip. Speedboat resorts near Male cost $30-$200pp. Seaplane resorts cost $400-$700pp. These fees are rarely included in the room rate and are often the biggest surprise on the final bill.
Three Types of Transfers
Your resort's location determines which transfer you need. You do not get to choose.
Speedboat
For resorts within 80 km of Male airport. Available 24/7. Takes 10-90 minutes.
Cost: $30-$200 per person, round trip
Best value. Available on night arrivals.
Seaplane
For resorts 80-250 km from Male. Daylight only (6am-4pm). Operated by Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) or Manta Air.
Cost: $400-$700 per person, round trip
No night flights. May need airport hotel for late arrivals.
Domestic Flight + Speedboat
For far-south resorts. Scheduled flights to regional airports, then speedboat to the resort.
Cost: $380-$450 per person, round trip
Fixed schedule. Fewer daily flights.
Speedboat Transfer Costs
Round-trip prices per person. Resorts sorted by distance from Velana International Airport.
| Resort | Ride Time | Adult (RT) | Child (RT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kurumba Maldives | 10 min | $30 | $15 | Closest resort to airport |
| Bandos Maldives | 15 min | $50 | $25 | Short ride, frequent boats |
| Baros Maldives | 25 min | $100 | $50 | Premium speedboat |
| Anantara Dhigu | 35 min | $180 | $90 | South Male Atoll |
| Adaaran Prestige Vadoo | 30 min | $120 | $60 | South Male Atoll |
| Centara Grand Island | 75 min | $200 | $100 | Long speedboat option |
RT = round trip. Child pricing typically for ages 2-11. Infants under 2 are free.
Seaplane Transfer Costs
Round-trip prices per person. Seaplanes operate daylight hours only: 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
| Resort | Flight Time | Adult (RT) | Child (RT) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constance Moofushi | 25 min | $450 | $275 | South Ari Atoll |
| Lily Beach Resort | 25 min | $460 | $280 | South Ari Atoll |
| Kuramathi | 20 min | $400 | $240 | North Ari Atoll |
| Soneva Fushi | 30 min | $600 | $360 | Baa Atoll |
| Four Seasons Landaa | 35 min | $650 | $420 | Baa Atoll |
| St. Regis Vommuli | 40 min | $700 | $420 | Dhaalu Atoll |
| Soneva Jani | 40 min | $620 | $370 | Noonu Atoll |
RT = round trip. Prices vary by season. Child ages 2-11. Infants under 2 may be free or reduced.
Need transfer costs for a specific resort?
Tell us which resort you are considering. We will confirm the exact transfer cost, method, and timing so you can budget properly.
Domestic Flight + Speedboat Transfers
For far-south resorts. Includes the domestic flight and speedboat to the resort.
| Resort | Route | Adult (RT) | Child (RT) | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Six Senses Laamu | Male to Kadhdhoo + speedboat | $400 | $250 | ~2 hours |
| Shangri-La Villingili | Male to Gan + speedboat | $450 | $280 | ~2.5 hours |
| Amari Havodda | Male to Kaadedhdhoo + speedboat | $380 | $230 | ~2 hours |
Transfer Cost Impact: Per Couple
The real cost for two people. This is what you add to your room total.
Speedboat (near Male)
$60-$400
For 2 adults, round trip
Kurumba: $60 total. Anantara Dhigu: $360 total.
Seaplane
$800-$1,400
For 2 adults, round trip
Kuramathi: $800 total. St. Regis: $1,400 total.
Domestic Flight
$760-$900
For 2 adults, round trip
Six Senses Laamu: $800 total.
Budget and Free Transfer Options
For the most budget-conscious travelers.
| Destination | Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hulhumale hotels | Airport bus/taxi | $2-5 taxi ride |
| Maafushi guesthouses | Public ferry | $2 ferry, but slow (2+ hours). Speedboat $25-35. |
Seaplane Timing: Important
- Seaplanes only fly during daylight: roughly 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- If your international flight lands after 3:00 PM, you will need an airport hotel overnight ($80-$150).
- The last seaplane departure is typically 3:30 PM. You need to check in at TMA/Manta Air lounge 1 hour before.
- On departure day, your seaplane will arrive at Male 1-2 hours before your international flight. Plan accordingly.
Family Transfer Costs
Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children aged 5 and 8). Round trip.
Bandos (speedboat)
$150
2 x $50 + 2 x $25
Constance Moofushi (seaplane)
$1,450
2 x $450 + 2 x $275
St. Regis (seaplane)
$2,240
2 x $700 + 2 x $420
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