Maldives Getting Around

Getting Around

Air Maldives the small national airline has regular and very scenic flights to the four air strips in the outer atolls. Helicopters and seaplanes are used to transfer guests to some of the remoter resorts. The main form of local transport is the dhoni a traditional all-purpose vessel now usually powered by a diesel engine.

Larger boats called vedis are used for longer trips to outer atolls. Safari cruises in modified live-aboard dhonis are increasingly popular especially with dive groups who want to reach more remote sites. Most safari trips cruise around the tourist zone but it is possible to arrange longer trips to the outer atolls - the operator will have to obtain the necessary permits.

Most islands are so small that transport is not a problem but there are taxis motorcycles and bicycles in the capital.