Transport on Maldives |
In view of features of geography of archipelago, the most part of transportations is carried out by seaplanes, helicopters and boats. The public transport as that does not exist. Any Maldivian island can be crossed for 1,5 - 2 hours. However tourism on Maldives is regulated, and independent movings on islands are not encouraged, as it can make negative impact on traditional island communities. To those people who want will more close get acquainted with a Maldivian way of life, will better stop in capital of islands - Male and to make day visits on the islands located nearby to tourist resorts. It is possible to make a trip and on the remote islands, but it is impossible to examine all at once. The permission to travel between atolls is required for visiting of the islands located behind a tourist zone; permissions stand out the Ministry of management of atolls only to those people who are invited by inhabitants of these islands and atolls.
Air transportation
Almost all tourists visiting islands, arrive here by planes. The international airport of Male is located on island Hulule, on distance of 1 km (10 mines of driving by a national boat "дхони") from capital of Maldive Islands - Male.
The hydroaviation serves not all atolls. In the country 2 air carriers - "Maldivian Air Taxi" and "Hummingbird Island Airways" operate. The prices high enough to order the plane through administration of hotel or tour agency a little bit more cheaply. Besides, the companies offer survey flights and one-day excursions with picnics on desert islands for 250 c.u. (roughly). With itself it is possible to take free of charge to 20 kg of luggage plus of hand luggage of 5 kg.
Sailing charter
Principal view of local transport is дхони, the traditional multi-purpose vessel now improved by diesel engines. The big boats are called "ведис" and they are used for the big travel to the remote atolls. Small cruises are rather popular, especially at groups of fans of diving which wish to reach interesting places for a scuba diving. The majority of such cruises pass nearby to a tourist zone, but it is possible to make and distant travel to the remote atolls, your tour operator can receive necessary permissions. Boat or boat hire costs 100-400 c.u. a day. Fuel costs nearby 20-250 Rf for one trip depending on vessel type. Distances between islands are rather insignificant, therefore trips are short. On the average on the next islands on "дхони" (a wooden boat) it is possible to get for 20 c.u., and on the most remote - for 70 c.u. With private carriers it is possible to bargain. No schedule exists, vessels sail in process of filling with passengers.
Taxi
Automobile taxi (and roads!) exist only in capital Male, on atolls of Ghana and Адду. Any trip, irrespective of distance, is paid from calculation 15 Rf plus 5 Rf for luggage in the afternoon and 20 Rf after 24.00. In case of a car stop even for a minute the trip is considered finished and should be paid. If it is necessary to go further it is considered already new trip. There are some taxi companies (work round the clock), all cars are equipped by the conditioner. The taxi can be stopped in the street or to cause by phone (in this case the trip will manage in 10 Rf).
The majority of islands so small, that transport there simply is not necessary, but in capital the taxi, motorcycles and bicycles are popular.
