How to Travel Around Maldives – Options for Traversing an Enchanting Island Nation
It would always be a captivating experience to explore the Maldives, a nation composed of many small islands that is renowned as one of the world’s most alluring holiday destinations. Due to the geographical nature of this country, the transportation options here would be rather different from those available in many other destinations. Described below are your main options for getting around the Maldives that you should know before a visit.
By Seaplane
For travelling long distances in the Maldives rapidly, the available option would be flying by seaplane; this would often be the only way to reach resort islands located in atolls far away from the international airport near the capital, Male. Additionally, one of these flights would provide you with stunning aerial views of the islands and the surrounding waters making them a truly wonderful experience. Even though some resorts do not have to be reached by this form of transport, they will offer scenic private flights on a seaplane which is likely to be one of the highlights of your visit to these beautiful islands.
By Ferry
There would be no doubt that taking the ferries would be the least costly option for travelling between the various local islands of the Maldives. Whilst budget travellers may find travelling by ferry to be an attractive choice, there would also be several disadvantages regarding this mode of transport. Generally, you would find that ferries do not follow strict schedules and therefore may be somewhat unreliable. Additionally, you should keep in mind that ferries would not travel to the resort islands and would not function during Fridays (a holiday in the Maldives).
By Speedboat
Travelling by speedboat would be an ideal option for visitors as this mode of transport is fast and likely to be an enjoyable experience too. Speedboats would take you to destinations that would not be reachable by ferry; often, your resort would be able to arrange speedboat transport for you, or you could alternatively book these crafts independently. Travelling by speedboat would be the primary way of reaching many of the private island resorts which are within easy reach of the international airport and Male; such transport will cost comparatively less than travelling by seaplane as well. An accommodation choice to consider which you could quickly reach by speedboat would be Baros Maldives where you could stay at appealingly located Maldives villas on a private island.
By Yacht or Dhoni
Should you have an ample budget, consider making your way around the Maldives on a yacht. As you might expect, travelling by yacht would be a luxurious and comfortable experience and a marvellous way to journey in style during your holiday.
Another option to keep in mind would be travelling on a dhoni, which would be a traditional sailing vessel that has been used for generations in the Maldives. A cruise on a dhoni will be a distinctive and enjoyable experience be it during sunset or to catch sight of dolphins.
By Taxi
You will find useful taxi services in the larger Maldivian cities such as Male or Addu which feature a relatively high level of road-based transport. It would be very easy to flag down a taxi in Male, making it simple to enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned journey to your chosen destination. Due to the small nature of the city, it would be a common practice for passengers to share a taxi. You will also have the option of availing yourself of taxi services such as Dialacab, New Taxi or Loyal Taxi.
By Bus
Visitors would also have the chance to use bus services during their stay in the Maldives; whilst these services would be inexpensive, the routes available would be limited. Tourists who arrive at the airport would be able to board one of the shuttle buses which regularly ply these routes. However, you should keep in mind that buses could get crowded when the rainy season is in progress. Taking these buses will also not be advisable if you happen to be carrying large amounts of luggage.
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By Bicycle
It would always be a delightful experience to cycle leisurely amidst the idyllic surroundings of the Maldives with coconut palms around you and the sea breezes wafting through your hair. There would be no doubt that cycling would be a great way to explore the larger islands here. Although you probably wouldn’t be able to rent bicycles in the Maldives, many of the resorts would provide complimentary bicycles for guests to make their way around the islands.
