In the Maldives, transportation isn’t just a means to get from point A to point B, it’s an adventure in itself! With the archipelago comprising numerous islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, the main modes of transport are by sea or air and here are the top options for getting around this tropical paradise.
Speedboats
The trusty speedboat is perfect for whisking travellers away to private island resorts within easy reach of the Velana International Airport and the bustling capital of Male. These include properties nestled in the South or North Male Atoll such as OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO. What’s more, such resorts offer speedboat transfers 24/7, ensuring that guests can seamlessly sync their arrivals with their flights – no waiting around necessary!
Dhonis
The dhoni is the quintessential wooden vessel that has been plying the waters here for centuries and you might catch sight of it from your deluxe beach villa in Maldives. Originally used for fishing and cargo transport, these boats are now part of local tourism as well. Some resorts offer sunset fishing excursions aboard a dhoni, providing an authentic taste of a traditional livelihood as you cast your line into the golden hues of the setting sun.
Seaplanes
For those seeking a sky-high adventure, the seaplane is the ultimate mode of transport for reaching resorts located on islands in distant atolls. While more costly, they do offer unparalleled bird’s eye views of the mesmerising reefs and idyllic islands below. Just be aware that seaplanes don’t operate at night, so if you find yourself arriving after dark, you will have to bide your time until the first flight in the morning, but the views will be worth the wait!
Ferries
The humble ferry is the slow but steady workhorse of inter-island travel. While they don’t service private island resorts, they provide an affordable means of transportation for budget-conscious travellers staying at local islands. While travel on ferries offers a leisurely journey they don’t always adhere to schedules and keep in mind that they take a break on Fridays – after all, even ferries need a day off in paradise!
