How to get around Maldives

Unlike most destinations which are confined to one or a few main landmasses, the Maldives is made up of numerous islands spread out across different atolls. Many of these islands are quite small in size as well and getting around within the country is generally limited to a few key modes of transport, like those mentioned below.

 By Speedboat

One of the easiest and fastest ways in which to get around is by speedboat. This is an especially useful way to travel from the capital Male to island resorts in Maldives that are located in the South and North Male atolls; apart from these destinations, speedboats also offer connections to islands located in areas such as the Faafu, Vaavu and Ari atolls.

The journey is relatively quick and comfortable and provides access to not just resorts but inhabited islands as well. Most often, resorts will arrange for your speedboat transfer from Male so you do not need to worry about planning it yourself. You also get private speedboat transfer services to make use of and which have their own timetables and fares.

By Public Ferry

Another option when it comes to transport in Maldives is to make use of public ferries. Not as fast as speedboats, ferries do offer a relatively cheaper option. While you may not get direct ferry connections to private island resorts, you will find them offering access to inhabited islands across the atolls, even remote ones.

Those staying at guesthouses on inhabited islands (non-private islands), can consider making use of ferries. Do keep in mind you will need to check the timetables or schedules of such public ferries to get the timings right for transfers or sightseeing. Check with your guesthouse for updated times since schedules can get changed or updated.

By Seaplane

Travel by seaplane is another key form of transport especially when it comes to reaching atolls located further away from the international airport. There are many regional airports in the country too, with domestic flights run by local companies.

Seaplanes are an ideal way to get to resorts located in places like the Raa Atoll home to properties such as Adaaran Prestige Water Villas which one can easily reach in around 45 minutes; as a bonus, you can enjoy spectacular bird’s eye vistas too! Such private island resorts will arrange the transfers for you, while travellers can also look to book private charter flights ideal for sightseeing or photography.

By Boat

Travelling between islands that are not that far off can also be done by boat. A popular option is a traditional fishing boat known as a “dhoni”. Dhoni charters are available from private companies and the price will depend on how far you have to travel and sometimes, your negotiation skills too!

While some 5 star resorts in Maldives will provide speedboats or even luxury yachts for cruises, you do get properties that offer special excursions on a dhoni as well. Such excursions can sometimes include romantic voyages for couples, sunset cruises, visits to nearby inhabited islands to experience local culture and trips to deserted islands where pure beachside seclusion awaits.

By Bike or Bus

Since the islands are so small, travelling by bike or bus is very limited though you may come across instances to make use of one or the other. Addu City and Male are two destinations where bus transport is available; more than sightseeing, travellers tend to use the bus service which connects the seaplane terminal with the Velana International Airport.

Bikes, on the other hand, offer an easy and fun way to get around be it on large or small islands; some island resorts offer bikes for its guests, while bike hire options can be found at places in the Laamu or Addu atolls.