Transport.

Travelling is pretty easy in the Maldives, since it's a pretty small country made up from islands. Nonetheless, here are some modes of transport.

Getting Around in Maldives

Private or public islands in the Maldives are small and can easily be explored on foot. For this reason, there are not many car rental companies in the Maldives, but they are accessible on the larger islands and cities like Male. However, there are good options when it comes to commuting between different islands.

Recommendations

Our Recommended Ways of Transport

Taxi or Car

Rates: Taxis charge approximately 20 MVR per distance, increasing to 30 MVR per distance after 11:00 PM. Additional costs of 10 MVR may incur if you have a lot of luggages.

Taxi services and Car Rentals are available in large islands and cities such as Male, where there is road congestion. It is easy to find a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle from the airport to the destination of your choice.

Ferry

Rates: 30 MVR - 75 MVR.

Ferries are the cheapest option to commute between islands in the Maldives. They operate from 6 AM to 6 PM. It is the best option for budget travelers. However, the local ferry network is limited and although timetables are published, ferries are often delayed and sometimes not even advertised as per schedule. This transfer mode is unreliable and is not recommended.

Speedboat

Rates: 3,500+ MVR

If you don't want or can't take a ferry to your destination, a speedboat is an alternative. You will have to make your own reservations or contact the resort for a speedboat transfer. Traveling by speedboat is becoming more and more popular in the Maldives. Resorts arrange speedboat transfers and in some cases you can book your own speedboat transfers. Prices vary depending on location and distance.

Yacht

Rates: Prices vary depending on the size of the yacht, equipment and other factors. Prices could start from 55,000 MVR / per day.

If you are looking for a luxurious mode of travel, yachts are a great local mode of transportation in the Maldives. It allows you access to remote reefs and uninhibited islands. Here you can charter a yacht and experience the freedom of outdoor life at sea in comfort and luxury. You can bring your own yacht or rent a private charter and have the broker arrange the best itinerary for you and your group.

Maldivian 'Dhoni'

Rates: 1,000-1,500 MVR / per day.

A traditional, handcrafted 'dhoni' is an exciting element in your island hopping experience. A dhoni is an old sea vessel which resembles a dhow, a traditional Arabian sailing vessel and its been important in the use of islands of Maldives.

Seaplane

Rates: 3,500 MVR - 7,000 MVR.

Seaplanes are great if you're in a hurry, as you can travel from Male to the furthest resort in up to 90 minutes. These planes fly at a low altitude, giving you the ultimate bird's eye view of the reefs and islands. You'll also enjoy stunning views of these pristine, uninhabited islands. However, there are some drawbacks, such as having to carry luggage separately. Unfortunately, seaplanes only operate during the day and not at night.

FLYING TO THE MALDIVES

The main airlines flying from Europe are direct charter flights from the UK, Germany and Italy. Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow and British Airways from Gatwick. Those that fly through the main hub are Qatar Airways via Doha, Emirates via Dubai, Oman Air via Muscat. There are also some scheduled flights from Sri Lanka via Colombo. However, Sri Lanka's flight schedules change throughout the year, so it's important to make sure that you take a look at the flight schedules from Sri Lanka. Singapore Airlines also offers a direct route to the Maldives.

GETTING A VISA

Visitors to the Maldives must obtain a visa before traveling, unless they are from one of the countries that are eligible for visa-free entry. The Maldives offers a 30-day tourist visa on arrival for citizens of most countries. To get this visa, you must have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiration, and a return or onward ticket. You may also be required to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in the Maldives.

Additionally, you should also have a booking confirmation of a registered tourist facility, like a hotel or resort, in the Maldives. A confirmed booking in a tourist facility is required to enter Maldives.

It is always best to check the Maldives embassy or consulate in your home country for most up-to-date information and requirements.