Kuramathi Island is a quick 15-30 minute boat ride from your cruise ship.
For other Maldives Cruise destinations check out our Cruise Ship Ports of Call in the Maldives page.
You’ll need to grab numbered tickets to get ashore, though suite guests and loyalty members get to skip this step.
Once you’re on the island, check out the amazing coral reefs on a snorkel safari, or try something different like paddling in a glass-bottom kayak.
If you’re feeling adventurous, hop over to nearby Rasdhoo Island.
Don’t forget to hit up some of the six bars scattered around, and make time for a meal – the teppanyaki show at Kobe is pretty cool.
Just remember to book your activities early because this slice of paradise gets busy!
Map of Kuramathi Island Cruise Ship Port
Getting to Kuramathi Island: Transportation Options
Three ways to reach beautiful Kuramathi Island after you land in the Maldives. The coolest option? Hop on a seaplane with Maldivian airlines for a quick 20-minute flight that’ll give you jaw-dropping views of the atolls below. Just remember these only fly during daylight (6:30am to 5pm).
If you’re watching your budget, go for the speedboat transfers that most packages include. Yeah, they take longer (75-90 minutes from MalĂ©), but they run three times daily.
Island-hopping nearby? Private speedboats will zip you over in just 7 minutes for about $40 per person.
One important thing – send your flight details at least 72 hours before you arrive! Since all transfers only happen during daylight, late arrivals might mean crashing overnight in MalĂ©.
Tender Process & Island Arrival Experience
Your Kuramathi Adventure Kicks Off
When your ship drops anchor offshore, your island getaway starts with a quick tender boat ride to paradise. You’ll hop onto these converted lifeboats down a short stairway, with crew members nearby to lend a hand during the 15-30 minute crossing.
Worth knowing: these tender boats follow a pecking order. Shore excursion folks, suite guests, and loyalty club members get first dibs. If you’re exploring on your own, you’ll snag a numbered ticket on a first-come basis.
Once you reach the island’s jetty, friendly Kuramathi staff will greet you with maps and the scoop on island activities. Just remember to budget about 45-60 minutes each way for the whole tender process, and keep an eye on that all-aboard time posted at the welcome center. You don’t want to be that person racing back to catch the last boat!
Must-See Attractions and Activities for Day Visitors
Just arrived on Kuramathi’s gorgeous beaches? Let’s get you sorted! Hop on the Guided Snorkel Safari and swim through stunning coral reefs – you’ll feel right at home cruising alongside green sea turtles at Turtle Reef. If you’re after something bigger, the North Ari Atoll trips are your best bet for spotting massive manta rays and sleek reef sharks.
Not keen on getting your hair wet? No worries – grab a seat on the Semi-Submarine and check out the underwater world while staying completely dry. Water bugs will get a kick out of the glass-bottom kayaks, windsurfing gear, and paddleboards available in the peaceful lagoon.
Want a taste of local life? Take a quick trip over to Rasdhoo Island for a guided tour – it’s a fantastic way to experience real Maldivian culture and rounds out your island adventure perfectly.
See what’s on offer from the Uligamu for a different Maldives Cruise destination.
Dining and Refreshment Facilities
Dining and Refreshment Facilities
Kuramathi Island’s food scene is seriously impressive – it’ll keep even the fussiest eaters happy. There are three big international buffet spots open for all meals, and nine specialty restaurants dotted around. Don’t miss Kobe where chefs put on a show with teppanyaki cooking right in front of you, or Tandoor Mahal for proper Indian flavors.
You can grab drinks at six different bars around the island, where they mix up amazing tropical cocktails while you enjoy live music and ocean views. When you need a quick bite between adventures, the Island Coffee Shop has got you covered.
Just a heads-up if you’re visiting for the day – popular places like Kobe get booked up fast, so reserve ahead. If you go all-inclusive, you’re sorted for meals, snacks and most drinks from early morning until late.
Essential Travel Tips for Kuramathi Shore Excursions
Ready for an awesome island adventure? Book those excursions ASAP since they need minimum numbers to run. Show up 15 minutes early or you might watch the boat leave without you!
For water fun, pack reef-friendly sunscreen and don’t forget your underwater camera for those Instagram-worthy shots. Big Game Fishing costs $450 per boat, but it’s adults-only and only happens Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
The Tuesday Desert Island BBQ is totally worth the $70 – seriously, don’t skip it! And if you’re lucky enough to be here during whale shark season, jump on those bio-expeditions. Just keep your phone handy for weather updates that might mess with your plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cruise Passengers Access All Resort Amenities as Day Visitors?
As a day visitor, you won’t get full run of Kuramathi’s amenities. The beaches are yours to enjoy, but pools, bars and snorkeling spots might need special passes. Best to give the resort a quick call before you go to check what’s included.
Is Wi-Fi Available for Cruise Visitors Without Resort Accommodation?
Cruise ship passengers – yes, you can definitely grab free Wi-Fi in the public spots like reception and the lounge! No need to book a room with us – just pop into these areas when you need to connect.
Are There Luggage Storage Facilities for Day-Trippers?
Yes, we’ve got luggage storage for day-trippers! Just drop your bags at the front desk at Kuramathi, and they’ll keep them safe while you explore the island. They offer safety deposit services too, so you can wander around without lugging everything with you. Makes for a much more enjoyable day out!
What Currency Is Accepted at Kuramathi Island Facilities?
Kuramathi mainly takes US Dollars, but don’t sweat it if you’ve got Euros, Pounds, Swiss Francs or your credit cards – they’ll accept those too. You won’t need any Maldivian Rufiyaa unless you’re planning to hop over to the local islands.
Are There Medical Facilities Available for Cruise Passengers?
Yes, cruise passengers can reach Kuramathi’s top-notch medical center in about an hour by boat from MalĂ©. They’ve got everything you might need – a hyperbaric chamber, ICU gear, plus two German doctors on call around the clock. Pretty reassuring when you’re traveling, right?
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Malé Cruise Ship Port.
