Velana International Airport is on Hulhulé island, right beside Malé and Hulhumalé, to which it is connected by bridges.
After landing, you need to reach the island where you will be staying. Your hotel or resort will usually help arrange this, but it is a good idea to confirm the departure point and time beforehand.
The options are:
Public ferry — the cheapest, but also the slowest option. Think of a bus service on water. It follows set routes and timetables, stops at different islands and is used mainly by local people. Many routes do not run on Fridays.
Some visitors choose it not just for the price, but because they assume a slower boat will be calmer in wind and waves. Not necessarily. Ferries are bigger than speedboats, but they can still rock quite a lot in rough seas. So you may spend longer travelling without necessarily avoiding the rolling. :)
Speedboat — fast boats connecting the airport and Malé with many of the islands. For local islands, this is usually the most convenient option. Schedules differ from island to island. In rough seas, the ride can be quite bouncy. :)
Important: Arrange your transfer with the hotel or guesthouse beforehand. They usually make the reservation for you. Without a confirmed booking, there may be no seat, or the boat may not pick you up.
Seaplane — used mainly for resorts. A fairly pricey pleasure: around 300–350 dollars per person each way, and more at some resorts.
But alongside the quick transfer, you get an extra treat: incredible views of islands, atolls, reefs and lagoons from above. The flight itself can easily count as one of the holiday's attractions. :)
Seaplanes only fly during daylight hours. If you land late in the evening, you may need to spend the night near Malé.
Domestic flights — suitable for the more distant atolls. The Maldives has several domestic airports, and sometimes you will need a boat after the flight as well.
Private boat — a private boat hired for a specific route and time. Usually expensive for two or three people, but with a larger group it can be very convenient and even good value.
If you want to combine two or more islands, check beforehand whether there is a direct connection. Sometimes you have to go via a third island, or even return to Malé.
One more thing: do not plan your return from the island for the last possible moment before your international flight. In the Maldives, the ocean often has the final say on timetables. :)
Public ferry timetables
Check the current timetables when planning travel between islands:
