The Maldives is an amazing bucket list location and is perfect for those looking for a honeymoon, baby moon, or just wanting a special idyllic island getaway. Along with places like Bora Bora and other French Polynesian islands, it is one of those once in a life time destinations. We didn’t manage to go to the Maldives until we have our little in tow!.This completely changed what we wanted when looking for our paradise Maldives resort and the one thing on our must have list was that we would be able to get to our Maldives resort by speedboat. In this post we look at why you might want to stay at a resort with a speedboat transfer, the pros and cons of Maldives resorts accessible by speedboat and then round up the best Maldives resorts with speed boat transfers to give you plenty of options to plan your dream Maldives vacation.
Why stay at Maldives resorts with speed boat transfers
Everyone traveling to the Maldives arrive at Male International Airport. As tourism is the main industry of the Maldives the airport, despite being small is quite well organized. There are two options for transfer to your island paradise – seaplane or boat.
Pros of staying in Maldives hotels with speed boat transfer :
- The Maldives speedboat transfers are quicker that the seaplane. Instead of having to get a bus to the local airport and then a seaplane transfer there, you have a simple walk to the speedboat transfer jetty across the way from the main airport. It literally takes minutes. From there you take your Maldives resorts speedboat from Male directly to the island you are staying on.
- For those, like me, who hate small planes, the boat can take the stress of transferring.
- If you are short on time then staying in a Maldives resort with speedboat transfer can be much quicker and means you can make the most of your time on island.
- If you arrive at night a Maldives boat transfer maximizes your time in paradise as seaplanes can not leave during darkness (speedboats may not be 24 hours so please check your flight time with the resort of your choice.
- And the cost of Maldives speedboat transfers is much cheaper than seaplane transfer. We are yet to find a Maldives resort with free speedboat transfer (I’ve not managed to find a Maldives resort with free airport transfer either FYI but if you are budget conscious the speed boat is definitely the cheaper option.
Cons of staying in a Maldives resorts with speedboat transfers
For me the pros by far outweigh the cons of staying in a Maldives resorts with a speedboat transfer.
One of the cons of using the speedboat is that it may be affected by adverse weather but then ago so can the seaplane.
Other than that there is only really one real con.
When people have previously contacted me about our stay in the Maldives, the concern most have is “are these Maldives resorts close to airport and if so are they noisy?”
As the resorts with speed boat transfers are closer to Male, you may be concerned about airplane noise and traffic.When we stayed in the Maldives we were at the resort closest to the airport, Bandos, and have to say because of how the island was appointed we heard no noise from the planes or indeed notice any flying overhead really but it is worth checking recent reviews for noise levels if you are concerned – flight paths can change after all. However for me there really aren’t any cons to staying in a Maldives resort with a speed boat transfer.
Best Maldives resorts by Speedboat Transfer
So now we have convinced you that staying in resorts in Maldives with speedboat transfers is a good idea, why not check out the ten best resorts in the Maldives with a speedboat transfer.
Note: we stayed at Bandos Maldives – the other suggestions are based on research. This research was conducted when we were looking for Maldives resorts reachable by speedboat and were all (except the Maldives adults only resorts) under consideration by us at some point during our planning.
It is worth checking with the resorts transfer times, prices and availability before booking to ensure speed boat transfers are still available and all related details are correct.
Bandos Resort Maldives – one of the best Maldives resorts for families
Bandos Accomodation
What I would call a mid range resort by Maldives standard. Bandos is perhaps one of the best value resorts for the budget conscious traveller in the Maldives and also one of the best Maldives resorts for families.
Not quite as luxurious as some resorts in the Maldives – let’s face it there is a lot of stiff competition in the Maldives luxury category. But Bandos is brilliant for families and those travelling with children It has a lovely pool, kids club and offers a good all inclusive option. We partook in this during our stay and found a variety of food and also drinks available.
There is also an extensive dive centre at Bandos Maldives which makes it appealing for those there to dive.
On top of that the hotel has a medical centre which is always useful when traveling with little people in tow.
Bandos Maldives – Family Friendly places to Stay in the Maldives – maldives family friendly
Please note: Bandos does not have any over water villas if this is an essential part of your Maldives experience.
You can read our full review of Bandos here!
About the Bandos Maldives Transfer
Speedboat transfer Details: $93 USD per adult, round trip.
Time: 15 minutes
You can read more reviews and check prices online HERE
Kurumba Maldives
This beautiful resort is but a ten minute speedboat ride from Male and is one of the best Maldives resort for family vacations.The beautiful resort offers some stunning beach front bungalows with bathrooms to die for. These accommodations are perfect as you get to step right from your bed straight onto the beach without having to pay the price of an overwater bungalow. The resort also has a range of seven restaurants on the island which offer great choice especially for an island of its size.
For a full Kurumba Maldives Resort Review please check out this post!
Speedboat transfer Details: $45USD per adult one way, $22.50 per child (shared transfer)
You can check reviews and compare prices HERE
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort
What I love about the Sheraton is there are options to have rooms with a private pool. There are also options to have beautiful over-water bungalow.
There are plenty of dining options with 7 restaurants on site and a beautiful spa.
You can also choose whether you want an all inclusive option or room only rate. I personally recommend going all inclusive in the Maldives as things are expensive and the bill can soon add up.
This is on of the best resorts in Maldives for families as it has families rooms and kids club on site.
Speedboat transfer Details: $136 – children under 12 are free
You can check other reviews and compare prices online here
Holiday Inn Resort Kanooma Maldives
Holiday Inn as a brand is to one that you may not associate with Maldives paradise island but it is a good option, especially for families as it frequently has offers such as kids eat free.
The resort boasts six dining options as well as an amazing infinity pool.
Speedboat transfer Details: $229 return
You can read reviews and compare prices HERE
Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa
A beautiful garden style resort based on a Maldivian village. It takes 30 minutes from Male to arrive in paradise.
Four Seasons are one of the best respected luxury hotel brands in the world and this resort lives up to the traditional Four Seasons reputation.
A unique offer at the Four Seasons is their Shark Safari. Definitely one of the best luxury resorts
Speedboat transfer Details: 300USD return trip, 30 minutes, from Male.
You can read reviews and compare prices online HERE
Taj Exotica Resort and Spa
With 24 hour speedboat transfer options, this hotel appeals to those traveling from further afield. This hotel proudly boasts that it was the first hotel in the Maldives to offer the overwater bungalow concept.
The resort also offers a personal butler service. This is truly one for the luxury lover.
Speedboat transfer Details: 50USD, 15 minutes from Male
You can read reviews ONLINE HERE
Cocoa Island by Como
This hotel has some of the more unusual accommodation with the Dhoni Suites being modelled after traditional Maldivian boats.
Speedboat transfer Details: 300USD Return transfer, 40 minutes from Male
You can read reviews online HERE
Meeru Island Resort and Spa
I know that you go to the Maldives for the beach but I also always love a pool. Meeru Island Resort has not one but two fresh water pools on the island and a highly rated spa.
Speedboat transfer Details: 55 minutes from Male.
You can read more reviews online HERE
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort
I know this is a family travel blog so I rarely recommend adults only places, but Anantara is a brand I love and if you are able to sneak away from the kids for a weekend or don’t have any yet, then Anantara may be the resort for you with guaranteed tranquility.
You can read more reviews online HERE
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives
Another adults only resort. This resort is absolutely perfect for honeymooners and those looking for a romantic Maldives getaway.
This beautiful resort is only 20 minutes away from the airport but you arrive in complete serenity.
You can read more reviews online HERE
Transfer: 20 minutes by boat
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Maldives Resorts Near Airport and are they noisy?
I can’t speak of the noise at each of these resorts but can tell you our experience at Bandos. This resort is close to Male Airport but the accommodation is on the opposite side of the island to the airport. We didn’t notice any airport or airplane noise during our stay but it is always worth checking other recent reviews to make sure flight paths have not changed.
Are these Maldives Resorts close to Male?
The resorts in Maldives with speedboat transfer are the resorts closest to Male.
Is there a difference between Maldives Resorts and Maldives hotels with boat transfers?
From our research it seems that the words Resorts and Hotels are used interchangeably. All hotels listed above are resort style with ample amenities.
What are the typical Maldives Speedboat Transfer Costs?
There really are no typical Maldives Speedboat Transfer Costs – it really depend on the resort! Costs can start at 100USD and rise to 300USD per adult for a round trip. This is cheaper than Maldives transfer prices by seaplane.
Which of these paradise Maldives Resorts with speed boat transfers would you most like to visit?
Seb
Friday 18th of October 2019
Very good article. With kids due to the noise of the small plane, I tend to choose speedboat hotels as well. To extend your list I can add 3 hotels: One&Only Reethi Rah, Waldorf Maldives Ithaafushi and Jumeirah Vittaveli.
Amber Hill
Wednesday 20th of February 2019
These are beautiful looking resorts. We are actually going to the Maldives in April (can't believe I can actually say that!!!!) with our 6 and 4 year old. We have chosen a local island to explore for something different but because we are short on time a speed boat transfer was mandatory also. Fingers crossed the local island is just a beautiful :)
Wandermust Mummy
Wednesday 20th of February 2019
We only had five nights! It was so beautiful - I’m sure you will have a fab time - let us know how it goes