Traveling by speedboat is a really common way to reach resorts in the Maldives. If your chosen hotel is close to the country’s main airport in Male, the capital, a speedboat can take you there. I was in the Gili Lankanfushi resort and enjoyed it a lot.
Speedboats mainly go to the North and South Male atolls. The journey time to resorts on these atolls ranges from 10 minutes to about an hour. Staying at a hotel near Male can save you some money on transfers. But some hotels in South Male are farther away, so besides speedboats, they also offer seaplane rides depending on when you arrive in the Maldives.
Here is the list of the Top 11 best Maldives resorts reachable by speedboat.
- Huvafen Fushi Maldives
- Naladhu Private Island
- Como Cocoa Island
- Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa
- Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
- Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island
- The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
- Patina Maldives
- Gili Lankanfushi
- Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
- One & Only Reethi Rah
1. Huvafen Fushi Maldives
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Located just a quick 30-minute journey (26.9 km) from Male Airport, Huvafen Fushi Maldives is a paradise for rejuvenating your body, nourishing your soul, and refreshing your mind. This luxurious resort boasts 44 exquisite villas, each with private plunge pools.
Indulge in an array of excellent dining options featuring diverse cuisines, immerse yourself in the unique underwater spa for a genuinely sensory-soothing experience, and set sail on a captivating sunset cruise—these are just a few highlights of the incomparable experience awaiting you at Huvafen Fushi. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create unforgettable memories during your Maldives vacation at this exceptional resort.
Read more: 10 Best Resorts in the Maldives Paradise on Earth
2. Naladhu Private Island – Maldives Resorts Reachable by Speedboat
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Known for its breathtaking beauty cherished by locals, Naladhu, a quaint private island, beckons guests to immerse themselves in tranquil seclusion. Translating to a ‘beautiful island’ in Maldivian, Naladhu promises an exquisite tapestry of timeless moments on its lagoon’s calm, blue waters, shared with its sister resorts Dhigu and Veli. This haven boasts 20 elegantly designed houses, each a spacious sanctuary with a private swimming pool.
From tailor-made dining experiences to idyllic days spent lounging on the beach, from thrilling water sports to rejuvenating spa treatments, Naladhu offers diverse experiences, ensuring that every visitor can craft their unique story within its serene confines. Notably, Naladhu Private Island Maldives has garnered acclaim, being awarded the title of the best resort in the Indian Ocean for four consecutive years and securing a place in the top 10 Best Resorts in the World by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Read more: Dive into Magic: Sea of Stars Maldives Best time to Visit
3. Como Cocoa Island – Maldives Resorts Reachable by Speedboat
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At COMO Cocoa Island, an intimate private resort in the Maldives, you’ll discover 33 overwater suites to immerse yourself in the crystal-clear lagoon and explore an extraordinary house reef. Surrounded by soft, white sands, this resort offers a relaxed, elegant luxury experience that includes rejuvenating holistic wellness treatments at COMO Shambhala Retreat, delightful South Indian-inspired cuisine, and exceptional diving opportunities.
This haven of luxury goes above and beyond, focusing on personalized service, refined cuisine, unique design, authentic cultural touches, and a serene spa, all tailored to meet the individual needs of their guests. The resort goes the extra mile, arranging customized cruises to nearby islands and beaches, organizing private dinners in secluded spots, curating activities like yoga, diving, or snorkeling, and crafting memorable adventures for families exploring together.
Read more: A Guide to the Perfect Maldives Honeymoon Package from USA
4. Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa
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Rising gracefully from the turquoise waters, Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa stands as a captivating garden island retreat, just a short half-hour speedboat ride away from Malé, the capital of the Maldives. This haven offers a refined and inventive array of relaxation, escape, and environmental conservation activities. Featuring four exceptional restaurants, a serene sunset lounge, a vibrant bar, and a sprawling freshwater infinity pool, the resort ensures a delightful experience.
Moreover, it boasts an Island Spa, a sanctuary surrounded by the sea, and expert Tropicsurf coaches and guides, catering to surfing enthusiasts amidst waves hosting the prestigious Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy. Adding to its allure, the resort’s sister property, Landaa Giraavaru, resides to the north within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Guests can also journey between these paradises aboard the luxury catamaran Four Seasons Explorer, offering 3-, 4-, and 7-night cruises and bespoke leisure trips, surf charters, and opportunities to encounter majestic manta rays.
Read more: Discover Ultimate Luxury at Kooddoo Maldives Private Island
5. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
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Nestled away from the bustling lights of Male, the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa finds its serene home on Emboodhu Finolhu island, embraced by one of the Maldives’ most expansive lagoons. Assumed for its abundant flora and fauna, often called the Three Coconut Isle, stunning coral reefs surround this tropical haven. It is just a 15-minute speedboat journey from the Maldives’ main airport.
This tranquil retreat boasts 58 villas and 6 suites, each adorned with warm wooden accents, fragrant florals, soft lighting, and breathtaking ocean vistas. Alongside these natural touches, modern amenities like DVD/CD players, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi ensure a comfortable stay. Romance flourishes at the Jiva Grande Spa, offering an authentic Indian wellness experience with yoga and meditation. Culinary delights await at diverse dining venues, catering to every ambiance from relaxed to upscale. And for adventure seekers, an array of water sports—from scuba diving to sea kayaking and catamaran sailing—beckon amidst the azure waters.
6. Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island
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Discover the beauty of Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island, formerly known as LUX-North Male, nestled in the glistening turquoise waters of the North Malé Atoll, easily accessible by a swift speedboat ride from Malé Airport. The resort’s distinctive architectural design, crafted by Singaporean design studio Miaja, harmoniously blends contemporary elegance with the natural surroundings. It boasts 67 beach and overwater villas with a private infinity pool and a rooftop terrace featuring a dedicated dining area, inviting guests to savor delectable dishes while soaking in breathtaking views.
Guests can delight in culinary excellence at two of Jumeirah’s acclaimed restaurants, Shimmers and Kayto. The Talise Spa presents six overwater treatment rooms for rejuvenation and tranquility, providing unparalleled access to wellness and relaxation through a range of therapeutic and revitalizing treatments.
Read more: Top 10 Maldives Best Local Island for Snorkeling
7. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
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Immerse yourself in the epitome of luxury at the brand new Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, offering an opulent Maldivian escapade amidst pristine white beaches, vivid turquoise lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs brimming with marine life. Renowned for its exceptional guest services synonymous with the Ritz-Carlton brand, this exquisite hotel sits in the North Malé Atoll, just a short 45-minute speedboat journey from Malé International Airport.
As the inaugural Ritz-Carlton establishment in the region, the property graces the enchanting Fari Islands, an archipelago hosting three other luxurious properties and the bustling Fari Marina—a vibrant hub featuring a lively Beach Club, delightful boutiques, and a myriad of dining options. Spread across three islands and an overwater quay, the resort is a gateway to explore all the wonders this archipelago offers.
Read more: Dive into Wonder: Whale Shark Maldives Best Time to Swim with
8. Patina Maldives – Maldives Resorts Reachable by Speedboat
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Crafted by acclaimed Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, Patina Maldives presents 90 meticulously designed beach and water pool villas, ranging from one to three bedrooms. Nestled within the captivating Fari Islands archipelago in the North Malé Atoll, this haven is a mere 50-minute speedboat ride from the Maldives’ primary international airport. Patina Maldives invites guests to indulge in the freedom of exploring its neighboring hotels—the esteemed Ritz-Carlton and the soon-to-open Capella—embracing a lively social ambiance centered around the vibrant Fari Marina Village and Beach Club.
With an array of dining options, including nine restaurants and bars, alongside three on-site food trucks, guests can relish sustainable cuisine from sunrise to sunset. Furthermore, the experiences offered here prioritize eco-friendly activities such as coral reef seeding, aiding injured sea turtles, and observing the beauty of wild dolphins.
9. Gili Lankanfushi – Maldives Resorts Reachable by Speedboat
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Nestled on the secluded Lankanfushi Island in the North Malé Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi (formerly Soneva Gili) is a charming coral island embraced by a sparkling lagoon, connected by three jetties leading to spacious villa accommodations. This luxurious retreat is conveniently located just a quick 20-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport in Malé, the vibrant capital of the Republic of Maldives.
Your paradise awaits among the 45 expansive overwater villas, each thoughtfully crafted from natural wood and glass in a sustainable and exquisite design. Gili Lankanfushi embodies a tranquil ambiance, inviting guests to create enduring memories within its welcoming embrace. Surrounded by abundant marine life, the resort boasts a fully-equipped PADI diving school and diverse water sports. It offers ample opportunities for exploration and adventure amidst the island’s pristine surroundings.
Read more: The Best 7 Maldives Luxury Villa with Slide
10. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
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At Waldorf Astoria Maldives, Ithaafushi, open-air pavilions, gently swaying hammocks, and breathtaking vistas are all part of the experience. Spread across three islands in the scenic South Male Atoll; the resort boasts 119 beach and overwater villas strategically placed to ensure utmost privacy while treating guests to unparalleled ocean views. Each villa features a private pool, jacuzzi, and a relaxing lounge deck.
While the exterior of the thatched-roof villas exudes simplicity, their interiors tell a different story with lavish furnishings and high-end amenities that exude luxury. The resort also offers a grand spa and a variety of dining options to cater to diverse tastes, including Terra, where guests can enjoy a unique dining experience amidst the treetops in one of seven bamboo nests.
11. One & Only Reethi Rah
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Experience the vibrant spirit of One & Only Reethi Rah—an enchanting haven in the Maldives where moments of pure joy blossom into unforgettable stories for the most discerning guests. This resort, nestled on a spacious and private island, offers 130 exclusive villas thoughtfully spread along the shoreline. Choose between beachfront havens secluded by lush tropical greenery or villas set above the serene, protected waters of the lagoon.
Indulge in a diverse culinary journey at Reethi Restaurant for global flavors, Tapasake for Japanese cuisine, Botanica for natural fare, Rabarbaro for Italian dishes, and Fanditha for Middle Eastern delights. The spa pampers guests with personalized treatments in private pavilions. Engage in various activities—water sports, tennis, football, and creative pursuits in the art studio. Explore underwater wonders through snorkeling, unwind by pools, and ensure the little ones have a blast at the Kids Only Club while teenagers can enjoy their tailored activities.
FAQ – Maldives Resorts Reachable by Speedboat
How do you travel between resorts in the Maldives?
Some tourists opt for private charter speedboats to swiftly travel between different islands. However, this convenient option usually costs more than regular transportation.
How much does a speedboat cost in Maldives?
The typical cost for shared airport transfers ranges from USD 35++ to USD 195 per adult, with an approximate 40% discount estimated for each child per way. Shared transfers could involve waiting for other guests to complete airport procedures before departure.
Can we go from one resort to another in Maldives?
When resorts are situated within the same atolls, it’s frequently possible to arrange private speedboat transportation from one resort to another! Once you’ve arrived at a few resorts in the nearby vicinity, reaching out to them directly and inquiring about the expenses involved in booking private speedboats is a good idea.
How much is the speedboat from Male to Mafushi?
Throughout the tourist season, frequent speedboat services run between Male and Maafushi, operating almost every hour in both directions. For a fare of 20 USD, you can make the journey to Maafushi in approximately half an hour.
What time is the speedboat from Male to Maafushi?
Every day, ferries leave Malé at 3:00 PM. On Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, there’s another ferry at 10:00 AM. If you’re heading from Maafushi, ferries depart daily except for Fridays, starting at 7:30 AM, and there’s an extra one at 12:45 PM.
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