Getting to the Maldives
Fly to Velana, then continue to your island by boat or air. Arrange the connection before booking your stay.
Arrange the right island transfer
The accommodation or carrier confirms the route, fare and operating conditions.
From airport to island
There is no single boat or flight serving every hotel. Give the property your flight details and ask for a written transfer confirmation.
Check the current connection before paying.
Transport is booked with your chosen carrier or accommodation.
💡Key Takeaways
- ✓Choose your island before choosing the transfer.
- ✓Send flight details to your accommodation and confirm the connection.
- ✓Maafushi excursions do not include pickup from private island resorts.
Choose your island connection
| Detail | Boat transfer | Air transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Nearer islands and local island services | Seaplane or domestic flight, according to your island |
| Timing | Ask your carrier for the current departure and return | Confirm flight connection, operating hours and final boat leg |
| Costs | Request the full return quote | Confirm baggage allowance and any connecting transfer |
Arrival connections
From Velana → nearer islands
Boat connections
Depends on route
Carrier schedule
Speedboats connect many nearer properties. The exact jetty, duration and fare depend on the chosen island.
Before you book
Confirm the transfer with your property.
From Velana → farther atolls
Air connections
Depends on route
Operator schedule
Seaplanes or domestic flights can serve more distant islands. Some itineraries need a further boat leg.
Before you book
Confirm the full journey, including the final connection.
Other parts of your itinerary
From Malé / Hulhumalé
Arrival-area stay
An arrival-area stay can be useful around onward transfers. Confirm your airport and jetty connections.
From Maafushi
Local island
Reach Maafushi before joining an excursion departing there. Our Maafushi offers exclude private-resort pickup.
From another resort
Separate arrangement
Do not assume resorts are linked by a scheduled direct service. Ask both properties how the transfer will work.
Check the full journey
Your international flight is only the first part of an island journey.
Arrival time
Allow for immigration, baggage collection and the onward connection.
Return flight
Ask the operator to plan your return with a suitable margin.
Baggage
Check the rules for each flight and boat, not just the international airline.
Meeting point
Ask for the correct terminal, jetty and contact on arrival.
Airport and onward flights
Velana is the main international gateway. Domestic flights can connect regional airports, with a further boat transfer depending on your island.
Velana International Airport · MLE
Airport website🚌 Your onward connection
Arrange reception and onward travel with the property or carrier.
Send updated flight details if your arrival changes.
Domestic connections
Maldivian website🚕 Regional airport, then island
A domestic flight may be followed by a boat leg. Confirm the airport and both connections with your accommodation.
A flight to a regional airport is not automatically a direct transfer to your hotel.
Practical transfer details
Fare and conditions
Ask whether return transport, taxes and connecting legs are included in your chosen offer.
Baggage
Weight, size and handling rules vary by carrier. Check them before packing.
Weather and delays
Sea and weather conditions can change services. Follow notices from the carrier or property.
Getting around the islands
Travel between islands uses boats and aircraft. Road transport serves the connected urban islands, not the whole archipelago.
A local island stay and a private resort stay have different transfer arrangements. Do not assume a resort transfer stops at Maafushi.
For excursions, reach the stated departure island first. Check the meeting point and return before booking another service.