Maldives is a string of islands set in the Indian Ocean, and so there is no way to reach here by
land. The Maldivian waters will heartily welcome you if you take the sea route and choose to land
by your own boat well equipped with GPS and other modern navigation tools. You will be
spellbound by the fascinating sight of the glowing islands on the horizon and the warm hospitality
and comforts that seafarers have enjoyed over the centuries past.
As the airport island of Hulhule is geographically separated from Malé, transfer to the capital can
only be done by sea using a seaplane, speedboat or the dhoni, a traditional Maldivian boat
mechanised to transport passengers faster. A round-the-clock ferry service using dhoni is
available from Hulhule airport jetty to the capital every 15 minutes (every 30 minutes after
midnight). Ferry charges are currently @USD1.00 per person normally and USD2.00 at midnight
and after. If you prefer, you can also charter a dhoni for transfer at a specified rate. Please check
with the ferry terminal at the airport jetty for current rates.
With water all around the islands of Maldives, water transport is the most common mode of
movement for islanders and visitors alike. Maldivian ferries called ‘dhoni’ are wooden boats made
locally but fitted with motors for moving faster. They come in different sizes and the larger ones
can carry up to 40 passengers and reach Malé airport in about 15 minutes. Speedboats are much
faster, and can take you there in about five minutes. Smaller speedboats have a capacity of up to
7 passengers.
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