Top Maldives hotels
Sponsored Links
The sea plane trip from Male to White Sands Resort was a real experience. If you have the chance to transfer by sea plane take it as you get to see many other coral islands on the journey.The same trip by speedboat would have taken 2 1/2 hours, far too long after a 10 hour flight from the UK.
Although when you book your holiday to kuredu the included transfer is by boat and the seaplane transfer is optional at an extra charge i consider the seaplane transfer to be a must. Kuredu is one of the furthest resorts from male and can take up to six hours by boat to reach, the seaplane takes 45 minutes and as an added bonus you get those fantastic views.When i went to kuredu i took the seaplane transfer- i was in my room by 2.30 pm, people on the same flight as me that transfered by boat did not reach kuredu till after midnight !-YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
End of holiday, and the return to the airport was by the Meeru Star. This was a larger type of boat with seating inside. The journey was the same 55 minutes, but did not have the same feel to it as the outside trip to Meeru. The size of boat was obviously dependent on the numbers travelling. More were returning. Main tip for travelling if not a "Monarch" flyer, don't fix your return day as Monday because the numbers returning are much higher.
Transfer to Meeru was by speedboat. We had the Meeru Express (all the boats had different names). The journey across the on the smaller type of boat was along with 13 others and was an excellent basic introduction to the Maldives. Luggage was piled up in the centre of boat and we were sat either side of the boat, and luggage, in the open with the spray giving us all a cooling effect. The journey took 55 minutes passing a number of other islands along the way.
The view 'down' the aircraft. This was the strangest flight we've taken. Just 15 passengers and personal service!! And for good measure we were given the emergency exit, extra leg room seats. There was actually 2 flights to the Maldives within 45 minutes and we were asked if we wanted to go on the so called early flight. We couldn't see the point as the flight was being met by tour reps. I guess others took the option of changing the flight. We thought the 45 minutes in the airport at Dubai seemed a better option than the airport at Male. What a good choice we made. Still, I don't expect to find another flight like this?
A short boat ride away from the island of Dhigufinolhu is a man-made island called Alcatraz. During low-tide you could walk out there. It was constructed in an area with corals (seeing as it relatively barren on the main islands itself).From the jetty on the main island, raise a white flag and someone will come and get you by boat within 5 minutes... they're really efficient. Get to Alcatraz, do your snorkelling and then raise the white flag there again for the pick-up. Part of the service, so it's for free and no tipping required..
Depending on what island you are staying, consider getting a seaplane transfer from Male. It will be much quicker and you avoid the potentially rough sea crossing on a dhoni! Not what you need after a long flight!
On arrival at Male you will iether be transported to your island by boat or seaplane,we travelled by boat and they can be prety small dependant on numbers travelling, journey not too bad,ours was approx 20min, but would advise changing into some shorts, loose top , sunglasses etc as it can be very warm if boat is enclosed?
As the Maldives are a mass of small Islands scattered over a wide area boats are the main mode of transport for everything, Seaplanes are used to reach the more distant Islands.Speedboats are the faster way but more traditional slow boats are Dhonis.Once you leave Male airport and head for your island you will not see another motor vehicle until your return.
Catch a glimpse if you can. In fact to build the airport two islands have been connected through reclamation. However it is a full fledged international airport that can cater to the largest of aircraft and is well equipped with modern facilities. Located just over a kilometre away from Male?f the capital, the airport is connected to the rest of the country by boats and seaplanes.
Angsana Resort & Spa Maldives Ihuru Maldives
1 Review and 245 Opinions A stunning island with excellent service. The island has only 45 villas so is very intimate and...
Baros Maldives Male Island
1 Review and 475 Opinions Awesome,awesome,awesome! Just go and enjoy heaven on earth.
Kanuhura Lhaviyani Atholhu
301 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Maldives attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Maldives sightseeing.
More Cities in Maldives
More Regions in Maldives
Q: Hi all I land in Male airport and my domestic flight is 5 hours later. I have already been to the Maldives and my memory of the...
A: I would stay at airport having some [expensive] drink at airport's bar unless you have the bus to "domestic" terminal, which I believe is water-taxi terminal, waiting for...
Read 3 Replies
Sponsored Links
