How to Travel in the Maldives - Best Ways of Getting Around the Maldives

 As one of the world's most coveted beach holiday destinations, the paradise archipelago of Maldives welcomes countless visitors throughout the year. Navigating over a thousand islands that make up the island nation can prove to be a challenge for first-time visitors. From exploring the nation's capital to discovering hidden corners of the beach Mecca, here are the most efficient means of transport travellers can use during a trip to the Maldives – a  nation with a unique geography.

Image via Finolhu Maldives

 1. On Foot

Travellers who are based at a resort hub such as the Finolhu Maldives or any other Maldives beach villa will find that the best way to explore the resort island is on foot. The islands that make up the Maldives are relatively small with the capital of Male only measuring in at 2.2 square miles in land area. This means that walking around the islands is a great way to explore one's surroundings whether one is restricted to the resort islands or is heading towards the capital or any other island in the country. Upon arrival at the Velana International Airport, which is located in Hulhule, visitors will get an idea of how easy it is to navigate the interiors of the islands on foot.

2. Hop on a Luxury Yacht

Although this is not a feasible option for those who wish to travel around the Maldives, those who wish to go island hopping will find no finer alternative than a tour onboard a yacht. Resorts in the Maldives contain their own docks so travellers can embark on an island-hopping expedition with a local tour operator and cruise from one virgin island to another. Chartering a yacht is not an inexpensive affair but the joys of sailing around the archipelago with a full crew are also an unforgettable way to uncover the beauty of the Maldives.

 3.  Grab a Taxi

Haling or booking a taxi is an option that is open to those who are touring or based in the city of Male as taxis are not available in resort islands. It is possible to find a taxi on the road or to call one of the many cap companies operating in the capital to book a ride. Unlike in most holiday hotspots, travelling via taxi is not a costly way to travel in the Maldives.

 4. Take a Speedboat

As a popular means of transport, speedboat transfers are a convenient and speedy way to get around the Maldives. Visitors can book a speedboat via their resort base and will be charged according to the distance of the ride while private companies also offer speedboat transfers to tourists. Speedboats are typically the first mode of local transport that visitors will come across when they travel from Male to their resort island after arriving at the airport. Keep in mind that speedboats are not available at all hours of the day, especially late at night.

5. Fly on a Seaplane

Ranked among the most expensive ways to travel in the Maldives, seaplanes are not exactly suitable for short transfers. As a popular means of airport transfer, seaplanes are also often used in aerial tours of the islands as the ride provides a bird's-eye view of the country. Atoll Transfer and Trans Maldivian Airways are two local operators that provide seaplane transfers.

 6. Choose the Ferry

Although the local ferry network in the Maldives is hardly extensive, it is an expensive way to get around the country. The schedule and the timing of the ferry arrivals and departures, however, are less than reliable so unless you are on a strict budget and has plenty of time to spare, it is wise to avoid this means of transport.