Thulusdhoo to Dhiffushi: Ferry Schedule, Prices & The Best Way to Go
When I spent a month travelling around the local islands of the Maldives, I learnt very quickly that getting from A to B is not always straightforward.
Boats leave at odd times, information is not always clear, and if it is your first trip, it can all feel a bit stressful.
I mixed speedboats with public ferries, made the classic mistake of trying to travel on Fridays when the ferries do not run, and did a lot of asking around at jetties.
So by the time I went from Thulusdhoo to Dhiffushi and finally took the public ferry, it felt almost too easy.
In this guide I am breaking down exactly how to make the journey from Thulusdhoo to Dhiffushi, step by step, so you can skip the guesswork and just enjoy island life.
Option 1: Public Ferry (Most Affordable)
Schedule & Availability
The public ferry between Thulusdhoo and Dhiffushi runs on the MTCC 308 route.
It operates every day except Friday, which is the weekly public holiday in the Maldives.
Ferries can also be cancelled during bad weather.
Price & Booking
You don’t book in advance.
You simply pay 22 Maldivian Rufiyaa in cash once you board the ferry.
This is one of the cheapest journeys you’ll take on the Maldives local islands.
Journey Time
The journey is usually around 40 minutes, depending on stops and sea conditions.
What to Expect
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early
- Pay cash directly on the boat
- Expect a slow, calm ride with locals on board
- Schedules can shift slightly, so keep plans flexible
If you’re travelling on a budget or not in a rush, this is the best option.
Option 2: Private Speedboat Charter (Only If You Really Need It)
There is no shared daily speedboat between Thulusdhoo and Dhiffushi.
This means the only faster alternative to the public ferry is to charter a private boat, which is extremely expensive for solo travellers or couples.
Price
Private charters usually cost hundreds of dollars (anywhere from USD $250–$400+, depending on the operator, sea conditions, and time of day).
This is why almost everyone chooses the public ferry for this route.
How to Book a Private Boat
If you do need one, your guesthouse can arrange it for you.
They’ll contact local operators and confirm the price based on your travel time.
Journey Time
Around 20–25 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
What to Expect
You’ll be picked up directly from the jetty, taken straight to Dhiffushi, and dropped off at the main harbour.
The ride is fast and convenient, but the cost is the main downside.
Final Thoughts
Getting from Thulusdhoo to Dhiffushi is actually very simple once you know the options.
The public ferry is the clear choice for most travellers, it’s cheap, straightforward, and runs almost daily.
Getting to Male from Dhiffushi is very easy as well and there is shared speedboats available aswell as the local ferry.
If you’re travelling on a Friday, or you need to reach Dhiffushi urgently, then a private speedboat charter is possible, but expect high prices.
As long as you avoid Fridays, carry cash, and double-check the latest ferry schedule with your guesthouse, you won’t have any problems making this journey.
I hope this guide makes your island hop a little easier and helps you enjoy both islands as much as I did.
