How much does an inter-island boat transfer cost in the Maldives, and is it included in the hotel price?

The big blue local barge/ferry, shared with residents carrying boxes, fruit, animal crates and motorbikes, is nearly free — passengers typically pay just $1-2, more like a tip than a real fare.

A private transfer from the airport/Malé to your island hotel runs about $60 one-way. If the room costs from $40/night, a free transfer is unlikely — either pay separately or book a pricier hotel that bundles the transfer into the rate.

In some cases nobody explicitly asks for payment on the transfer — travelers end up offering money to the driver/crew themselves, unsure whether the ride was actually meant to be free as part of the hotel package.

The same type of local ferry with residents and cargo runs to Thoddoo island — a cheaper alternative to a private transfer if you're heading to a local island rather than a resort.