Getting Around

The Maldives is an island nation, of more than 99% water and stretching around 800km North-to-South, which makes getting around a little more interesting than calling an Uber from the airport.

Unsurprisingly the majority of transport is by boat, with traditional Dhonis, both sail and diesel powered, offering a relaxed, leisurely pace. Most resorts within an hour's travel from Male operate a faster speedboat service, collecting visitors from the jetty at the airport. Some of the high-end properties provide a more luxurious motor yacht transfer, while at the mass-market level you might find yourself on a more ferry-like launch.

If travelling to more remote atolls, air travel offers speed and convenience. The Maldives boasts the largest fleet of seaplanes in the world, and the views afforded across the islands is unique and unforgettable. Seaplane transfers will take you directly to your resort, although you may touch down briefly at one or two other resorts en route for drop-offs and pick-ups.

In the past few years a number (7 and counting) of local airports have sprung up around the archipelago, serving domestic traffic and tourists alike. Resorts then provide a quick speedboat transfer to and from each airstrip. Check-in is at the domestic terminal in Male, just a few moments walk from the main international arrivals area, and unlike the seaplane services, flights run to a schedule and can operate outside of daylight hours and in all weather. As a result domestic flights are, more often than not, more reliable than the seaplanes, as well as a little cheaper.