Joanna James
The Maldives is an island paradise with wide-reaching, spotless beaches, luxurious accommodations and an underwater world worth discovering! Here are some tips to know before you start planning your adventure.
Once you arrive at Velana International Airport in Hulhumale, the main airport in the Maldives, you must have your transfer options ready and organised. If you're arriving after 4 pm, you may be required to stay overnight at a hotel in Hulhumale or Male. This will further depend on your hotel's transfer policies, so check with them first. Usually, 5:30 pm is the cut-off time for transfers. Many islands and resorts offer scheduled transfers via speedboat and seaplane, so you have to book ahead. Although public ferries are available and not that expensive, they are irregular and unreliable. Overnight ferries are also an option but may cost more. When leaving, if your flight is late at night or early morning, you will still be required to check out earlier to catch the transfer. Plan some sightseeing at Male or Hulhumale if you don't want to be seated around the airport the whole time.
In the Maldives, the hotels on occupied islands are classified as guesthouses to separate them from private resorts. Some guesthouses are comparable to boutique hotels, they include private pools, spas, and comfortable ensuite rooms. You can also find the standard ones, with the basic amenities, and the occasional hostels with dorms. One can pay from 20 USD to 100 USD per person for a guesthouse.
Then, of course, there are the 5-star resorts in Maldives the likes of Adaaran Prestige Water Villas found on private islands.
The Maldivian islands are unique, except for their ubiquitous white sand, turquoise sea and coconut trees. There's a noticeable difference in the atmosphere on some inhabited islands. For one, you will experience a more vibrant setting in Maafushi, than in peaceful Fulidhoo. The location will also matter when it comes to water activities. Thulusdhoo is great for surfing, while Fuvahmulah is ideal for diving. There again, if you would prefer some land adventures, islands like Hanimaadhoo have stretches of kilometres that can be explored via scooter. Also, know that tourism has evolved differently on each island. So some may not be the ideal fit you are looking for! Have a clear picture of what your Maldivian holiday should be like, and do the research. You will encounter some fantastic options without a doubt.
If water sports like diving are what you are after, research will be your best friend. You must select the proper atoll to have the best experience possible. Whale sharks, for example, can be found in South Ari Atoll and the Baa Atoll, while less common in other atolls. Meanwhile, reef sharks and nurse sharks can be seen in Vaavu Atoll all year round but scarcely in others.
It is good to know that tourism is still an evolving aspect in some of the inhabited islands of the Maldives. The people are naturally cordial and warm to foreign travellers. Some residents will have a background in working for luxury hotels and are aware of western lifestyles. Nevertheless, the elder populations are slowly getting used to witnessing foreign visitors on their islands. Be pleasant and polite but not too intrusive.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
