How Do I Get To and Around Maldives—Travel Options in the Sunny Archipelago

The Maldivian archipelago, made up of over 1,000 coral islands, relies on the Indian Ocean for more than fishing. The nation's main highway is the ocean, with transportation centred on speedboats, ferries, and seaplanes for getting across the islands. If you are planning a visit to the archipelago and want to know more about your transportation options, check out this article on how to get around the Maldives.

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Travelling to the Maldives

All international flights arrive on the capital island of Malé. There, the Velana International Airport is located on an offshore islet and welcomes all short and long-haul flights. A favoured path that most visitors choose when flying to the Maldives is to break a journey in either Malaysia or Sri Lanka. The latter is an island in the Indian Ocean and the closest to the Maldives, while also being an equally splendid tropical location to explore before your final destination.

Getting to Your Maldives Resort

Once you arrive in Malé, you have several options to transfer to your resort in Maldives. Some Maldives beach villas can be reached via private seaplane or speedboat provided by the hotel. You can check with your resort for transfer options at the time of booking your stay. Most places, like Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, offer luxurious stays and conveniences such as speedboat transfers. Although slightly pricey, both seaplane and speedboat transfers are thrilling options and a great experience when you first arrive. Views of the islands from a seaplane are quite stunning. Flying at a low altitude almost parallel to the ocean, the flights offer uninterrupted views of white sand coral islands dotting the blue of the Indian Ocean. Speedboat transfers are equally thrilling and quite a fun way of getting to your Maldives hotel. 

A Few Tips to Keep in Mind

Remember that seaplanes do not handle baggage the same as long-haul flights. Baggage weight limits are much lower, and you will end up having to pay for the extra weight unless you decide to pack sensibly with this factor in mind. Also, no seaplane or speedboat transfers take place after 3:30 pm, so if you get to Malé on a late evening flight, you may have to arrange accommodation in Malé until morning. Luckily, most private island resorts in the Maldives help their guests arrange a temporary stay near the airport in case they are scheduled for a late arrival. 

Ferry Transfers for Budget Travellers

While seaplane and speedboat transfers can be costly, the local ferry service is extremely cheap. However, accurate schedules are difficult to find, and ferry transfers can be much slower. That being said, ferry transfers are an interesting experience for first-time visitors to the Maldives. Perfect for the more adventurous traveller, ferry services run to the nearest inhabited islands and do not stop at private island resorts; hence, you will have to get off on the island closest to your hotel, and request a shuttle service to come to pick you up. All in all, it is quite the experience and one that will help you save on your holiday budget.

Exploring the Attractions in Maldives

There are plenty of interesting options for exploring top attractions in the Maldives. You can choose to cruise on the ocean in a traditional dhow that has been modified to cater to the modern traveller, or choose to explore the islets on a catamaran. There is also the option of kayaking around your resort's island and others close by, or you could choose a boat tour and set off on an island-hopping expedition. Either way, travel in the Maldives will definitely be one to remember and cherish.