CHAPTER 3
Maldives Transport
In this chapter, we will know the mode of transportation one by one of each and which one will suit you. Do you want to experience the speedboat? may be seaplane or domestic flight. I will explain to you each one and give you information about them so that you can choose those who satisfy your needs.
How To Get From Male To Island?
On your trip to the Islands, most tourists will land in the capital, Male. Due to the unique formation of this island nation, there are different mode of transportation available, Speed boat, seaplane, domestic flight, ferries and dhonis. We will take more knowledge now what is the difference between all of them.
Sea Plane Flight
The most remote islands do not have a ferry or speed boat connection at all. Flying with a seaplane certainly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Check-in for seaplane transfers is located at the arrival hall. A shuttle bus will bring you to the seaplane terminal. Duration time is approximately 10-15 minutes. Most of the resorts have a private lounge where clients can wait and enjoy refreshments before departing for their final destination.
If your resort requires a seaplane transfer, you have to know the seaplanes only operate in daylight hours. So if you arrive after sunset you’ll have to stay in Male overnight before being able to transfer to your resort. As well if your return flight home is early in the morning, you will leave your resort the afternoon. So make sure to check with your tour operator. It is recommended to book a hotel within close proximity to the airport.
The seaplane journey itself is a nice experience that will usually land next to a floating platform, from which you will be picked up by boat to be taken the remaining few meters inshore to your resort.
Some resorts have landing stages that allow the seaplane to deliver you right up to the beaches of your destined resorts. It is an amazing feeling to get off the seaplane & right on to the sunny white beaches.
The ticket should be booked at least a few days in advance and you should carefully check the weight limit of the various airlines. As some charge quite a lot for excess baggage, allowance is usually 20 kg and 5 kg per person for hand luggage. make sure for your flight arrival time details as these seaplanes don’t operate at night.
Seaplanes operate from 6:00 am until 4:30 pm 7 days per week. However, schedules vary depending on the arrival and departure times of all guests on that given day. You must arrive in Male before 3:00 pm in order to catch the same day seaplane transfer. Depending on luggage weight, seaplane can accommodate between 12 and 15 passengers.
Besides using a seaplane for transport, imagine how great it is to see the Maldives from above and enjoy the breathtaking beauty.
Domestic Flight
Domestic flight is a small plane, faster and comfortable than a seaplane. It is all air conditioned and you will be served juice and biscuits midflight. Seats are comfortable and the lookout of windows is amazing.
The main advantage of domestic flight is the ability for the aircraft to fly day and night when seaplanes only fly in daylight hours. It means that you can easily book an international flight arriving or departing at night time. This advantage gives extra time to enjoy your resort to stay more time.
Also cheaper than seaplane transfer if you want to save money to enjoy other activities. Please note, traveling with domestic flight requires to travel from Male international airport to a local airport located next to the island you have chosen. When your flight reaches the regional airport, you will still have to embark for a short speedboat ride to your island resort.
For the booking of domestic flight, usually resort will take care of all the transfer arrangements or your travel agency and will be included in your final invoice, or you can book directly through online via the domestic airlines websites. Each passenger may carry between 20 to 25 kg of checked luggage and 5kg of hand luggage free of charge.
The costs for children age less than 2years are free of charge. Between 2 and 12 years old discount will apply. And above 12 years old, full price will be charged.
Domestic travelers are recommended to arrive 1 hour prior to flight time, as check-in counters open 2 hours prior to the scheduled time of departure.
After collecting your luggage from the international terminal, you will be directed to the domestic terminal a few min walking distances. Once checked-in you can remain in the domestic terminal hall and wait until your boarding gate is open. If your domestic flight has been booked by the resort, you will have free access to the domestic lounge. At the domestic lounge, you will get free snacks, drinks & internet.
Domestic aircraft can accommodate from 37 to 68 Passengers depend to the aircraft model.
Public Ferrie
Public Ferries are the cheapest option when it comes to commuting between the islands of Maldives, for over a five hours long journey. Most of these operate from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Public transport is one of the most important things when traveling on a budget.
Although it is the best option for who wants to explore the Maldives on a budget. A great option to help you save money is to use a cheaper mode of travel. For Islands that are at a farther distance, larger ferry boats are used. All ferries will bring you safely to your destination.
There are a number of downsides to these ferries that might make you want to reconsider this choice. Also note, that the ferries do not stop at the resort islands and nor do they operate on Fridays. Some islands are connected by public speedboats, which also run on Fridays. More information about transfer timing please visit https://www.atolltransfer.com
More information about public speedboats will follow on this page.
Speed Boat
For those that does not want to or not being able to reach their destinations on a ferry, the speedboat is the solution. You can either book your speedboat transportation independently or ask your resort to do it as usually included in your holiday package costs.
Speedboats are another type of transport in the Maldives and traditional way of getting to the resort. They are the most economical option of transfer. These boats will take you to your destination in a fraction of the time the public ferry would have taken.
Traveling by speedboat is on its own a fun adventure. Available for those located relatively close to Male airport. Speedboat transfers are designed for transportation on short distances usually up to 2 hours. The ferry pier for speed boat transfer is just outside the arrival hall.
Speed boat transfers operate 24 hours per day. These transfers will be arranged by the hotel based on your arrival and departure time.
Boats are run by individual resorts and are presented in various shapes and sizes. But all offers a comfortable start to your Maldives experience. Depending on resort location, you will pass other islands by the way. So don’t forget to keep your eyes for dolphins.
Dhoni
Dhoni or (Doni) resembles a dhow, a traditional Arab sailing vessel. One of the oldest known sea vessels of Maldives. The traditional and handcrafted ‘Dhoni’ will make your island-hopping experience way more exciting.
Until the early 70’s the famous wooden traditional Maldivian Dhoni was the only way to get around the islands, very slowly. Many of them were built using coconut palm timber and was mostly used by Maldivian fishermen. In the olden days and later, many fishermen changed to mechanized dhoni after the industrial revolution. The usage of dhoni is a multi-purpose sailboat used in Maldive.
The islands of the Maldives have an extensive fishing fleet of vessels built domestically. Each of them carries eight to twelve persons. Nearly all of these are variants of the dhoni.
If you’re on a honeymoon in Maldives, a romantic dhoni cruise will be perfect for you with the sunset.
Dhonis excursions are a must experience in the Maldives, for a peaceful cheap relaxing and traditional getaway. You can enjoy all kind of pleasure trip using a dhoni. Here is a list of all excursions available:
Sunset Cruise, Dolphin Cruise, Whale Shark Cruise, Snorkeling Tour, Local Island Visit, Deserted Island, Scuba Diving, Sandbank Getaway, Fishing Trip, Surfing Trip, Cruising, Safari Boat Holidays
These were the different means of transportation that the Maldives offer. Now you have to decide which one suits you the best so that you can reach your destination smoothly.