How to Travel Around the Maldives on Your Vacation - Best Ways to Get Around during a Trip to the Maldives

Regarded as a beach lover's dream destination, the Maldives is one of the last remaining paradises left to the travelling masses. As a string of more than 1000 islands, holidaying and navigating the Maldivian archipelago is quite different from vacationing in any other part of the world mainly due to its geographical makeup. From relying on conventional means of transport to adopting the waterways as your main mode of travel, here are some tips on getting around during a trip to the islands.

^{SeaPlane | Image by Shifaaz shamoon on Unsplash}

1. Seaplane

While it may not be the most cost-effective way to travel around the archipelago, tourists will have to use a seaplane at least once during their visit to the country. As the main mode of transport used in airport transfers, those who land at the Male Airport will find that the only way to reach their resort island is via seaplane. Even the most far-off atolls and resort islands can be reached in less than 90 minutes for those who opt for a seaplane flight provided that they arrive during the daylight hours. Seaplane transfers come to a halt at around 6 pm so those who arrive in the Maldives on later flights will have to spend a night in Male to catch the morning seaplane out the next day. Travellers with the means can also embark on aerial tours of the Maldives and other trips via seaplane.

2. Speedboats

Speedboats are perhaps the most commonly used means of transport in this part of the world. Most resort hubs will have a fleet of their own speedboats as it offers tourists the chance to travel with ease and efficiency. Speedboat rides, however, come at a steep price, especially if it belongs to a resort or hotel. Yachts are another option accessible for those who do not mind shelling out a few thousand MVR for a daily or hourly rental. 

3. Taxi Cabs 

Tourists based at Atmosphere Kanifushi and other resorts should be aware that taxi services are only available in Maldivian cities such as Addu and Male and not in resort islands. Unless one is staying at a resort in Male or near the Maldivian capital due to Maldives All Inclusive packages, taxis will be largely inaccessible. Some of the main taxi operators include New Taxi, Dialacab and Loyal Taxi although one can hail one from the streets of Male as well. Taxis charge more for rides after 11 pm and also charge extra for the use of the trunk. Sharing taxis is also a common practice so don't be alarmed if a taxi with a passenger comes to pick you up.

4. Bus Services 

Buses are also restricted to Male and cities such as Hulhumale. As the least expensive mode of transport, the bus fares for travelling around Male are nominal at best. Buses are usually available on the half hour and provide efficient transfers to key areas of the city even if they tend to get crowded during the rainy months. Buses, however, are not ideal for those travelling with a lot of luggage.

5. Biking Around

As the best way to navigate the resort island in which you are based, most resorts will offer bikes for rent to those who wish to explore their surroundings. Ideal for tourists who wish to cycle around the periphery of their island home, some resorts go as far as offering biking tours of a particular atoll.

6. Ferries

Although ferries are the least expensive means of commuting between Maldivian islands, it is also the least reliable. While they never run on a regular schedule, ferries are a great way to get around for those who don't mind the long waiting hours.