Read on to learn all about commuting within the Maldives and how to have a smooth holiday:
1. Air Travel
For most visitors, air travel is the primary mode of transportation to and within the Maldives. Velana International Airport, located on Hulhulé Island near the capital city of Malé, is the main gateway to the country. It serves as a hub for numerous international airlines and handles a large volume of domestic flights to the other inhabited islands.Maldives' geographical dispersion necessitates a robust domestic aviation network. Maldivian, the national carrier, operates regular flights to over a dozen domestic airports, ensuring connectivity to various regions of the country. Domestic flights are usually operated by seaplanes or small propeller planes, providing scenic aerial views as passengers hop between islands.
2. Speedboat
3. Ferry
For a more cost-effective option, ferries are available for inter-island travel. The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) operates public ferries that connect the inhabited islands. Although slower compared to speedboats, ferries offer an affordable means of transportation, particularly for locals and budget-conscious travelers. They also provide an opportunity to mingle with locals and experience the daily life of island communities. With fares varying between MVR 30 and MVR 60 for over a five hour long journey. Getting from the airport to Male via ferry costs around MVR 40 per person, while public inter-island ferries charge MVR 30-75. Most of these operate from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Although it is the best option for budget travelers, there are a number of downsides to these ferries that might make you want to reconsider this choice. Ferries are usually off-schedul and, thus, unreliable. Also, note that the ferries do not stop at the resort islands, and nor do they operate on Fridays.
4. Seaplane
Seaplanes are the best option when you're in a hurry, as they can drop you to the most far-flung resorts from Male or vice versa in 90 minutes at max. Not just that, since these planes fly at low altitudes, they offer breathtaking bird's eye views of the reefs and islands. You will also get great views of those untouched, uninhabited islands. However, it has a couple of downsides, like your luggage may need to go separately, and also, these seaplanes don't operate at night. Fares vary between MVR 3,500 and MVR 7,000. Nevertheless, it's a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience that is a must if your budget allows.
5. Maldivian 'Dhoni'
Dhonis, traditional Maldivian wooden boats, have been an integral part of the archipelago's transportation for centuries. A Dhoni resembles a dhow, which is a traditional Arab sailing vessel. While they are still used for fishing and cargo transportation, they have also found a place in the tourism industry. Many resorts offer excursions on dhonis, allowing visitors to explore neighboring islands or embark on memorable sunset cruises. By the airport ferry jetty, go along the waterfront to the eastern end of Boduthakurufaanu Magu, and you will find many Dhonis waiting in the harbor. It can cost around MVR 1,000 to MVR 1,500 for a day. If you're on a honeymoon in Maldives, a romantic Dhoni cruise will be perfect for you, with the sunset as a cherry on the cake!
6. Yacht
If you have a lot of money to spend, a yacht is certainly the best mode of local transport in the Maldives, which provide access to isolated reefs and the remote islands. You can charter a yacht when here, for a comfortable and luxurious experience with the freedom of outdoor life at sea. You can bring your own yacht or rent a private charter and get the perfect itinerary for your group, prepared by your broker. Rates vary, depending upon the size of yacht, facilities provided and other inclusions. A three cabin crewed motor yacht for 6 guests cost around MVR 55,000 per day.
7. Bus
Bus service in the Maldives, operated by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), is a cheaper option but limited to only certain routes. The fares of buses operating within Male and Hulhulmale starts from MVR 3. Tourists arriving at the any of the airports in Maldives can board a shuttle bus to Hulhulmale for MVR 20 from the bus stop, just 50 meters from the Airport exit. Frequency is every half an hour, though it's a rough estimate as timing heavily depends on the traffic density. Expect the buses to be crowded during the rainy seasons and avoid boarding the bus if you have a lot of luggage.
8. Cycle
Imagine cycling on smooth paths striped with the shadows of coconut trees in a tranquil environment, breathing in clean and fresh air and feeling a cool breeze on your face - amazing, isn't it? Yes! It is one of the best ways to explore the big islands. Although there are no cycle rentals as of now, many resorts like Senova Fushi, Island Hideaway, Diva, Shangri la, etc. have bikes/cycles available for the visitors. Shangri-La's Villingili Resort offers guided cycling tours around its atoll. If a cycle isn't provided at your accommodation and you are a fan of cycling, you can pack a folding bike in your luggage.
9. Taxi
Cities like Male and Addu, where road transport is popular, have an efficient taxi services. It is very simple to hail a taxi in Male which will give you a comfortable and air-conditioned ride from the Airport to your destination. These taxis charge around MVR 20 for any distance, which increases to MVR 30 after 11:00 PM. You may be charged an extra MVR 10 for trunk usage if you have luggage. Since the place is small, shared taxi is a common thing, so don't get concerned if a cab that already has passengers stops by to pick you up. You can easily get your guesthouse or hotel to order a taxi for you or call taxi services like Dialacab, Loyal Taxi or New Taxi.