Getting to Goidhoo, Fehendhoo, and Fulhadhoo
There are three ways to get to Horsburgh Atoll, seaplanes, speedboats, and a combination of plane and private speedboat transfer. The most common and cost effective way being speedboats, sometimes refered to as public ferries.
Seaplanes recently began traveling to the Atoll and have quickly become a popular mode of transportation as they provide stunning aerial views of the islands and are quicker than speedboats. The seaplane company, Maldivian operates flights to Fulhadhoo from Malé every Sunday and Thursday, with check-in commencing an hour before the estimated landing time between 12pm and 2pm; for pricing and booking, contact +9607486061 via phone, Viber, or WhatsApp. It is also possible to charter your own sea plane outside of the scheduled departures.
Alternatively, visitors can also take a speedboat transfer (also refered to as public ferry) from Malé to the Horsburgh Atoll. Speedboats depart from the Villingili Ferry Terminal in Malé and take approximately 2-3 hours to reach Goidhoo, Fehendhoo, or Fulhadhoo. This service, operated by Atoll Cute Ferry Service, runs from Saturday to Thursday, providing you with ample opportunities to plan your trip. Keep in mind that while operators strive to make your boat journey enjoyable, those prone to seasickness may want to come prepared for potential motion discomfort, ensuring a more comfortable and pleasant experience as Maldivian Weather varies throughout the year Read more about transfer times here.
Speed Boat Schedule*
From Horsburgh Atoll to Male Airport:
Departure at 7:00 AM
Fulhadoo – 7:00 AM
Fehendhoo – 7:10 AM
Goidhoo – 7:15 AM
From Male Airport to Horsburgh Atoll:
Departure at 1:00 PM
Pricing
Adults: USD 65
Children
4+: USD 65
2-3: USD 33
Infants: Free
How to get around Goidhoo, Fehendhoo, and Fulhadhoo (to visit all three islands)
The final option for travel to the Horsburgh Atoll includes a short 25-minute plane journey from Male to Dharavandhoo Airport, followed by a 45 minute speed boat transfer to the atoll. The advantage of this option is that you can spend some time in Dharavandhoo snorkeling with manta rays and whale sharks during the season from April - August before departing to the Horsburgh Atoll if you arrange this in advance with HATA. A private speedboat from Dharavandhoo typically costs around $300 for up to 15 passengers. If you reserve in advance there may be other passengers willing to share the cost.
Goidhoo, Fehendhoo, and Fulhadhoo are neighboring islands and can be easily accessed by the same speedboat that comes from Male - see the above schedule for reference. For more convenience, visitors can arrange a speedboat transfer through HATA or your guesthouse. These individual service is often more convenient and frequent.
Once on the islands, visitors can explore on foot or rent a bicycle or motorbike to cover more ground. The flat terrain and small size of the islands make it easy to get around, and visitors can enjoy leisurely walks or bike rides while taking in the scenic views. One of the notable benefits of these islands is the absence of cars, with only a handful (3-4) in operation on each island.