Dhoni

Airplanes, trains and automobiles are more frequently used to travel in Europe or else where in the world, but what do we use to travel from one island to the island in the Maldives?

Islands in the Maldives are remote and separated by deep ocean, domestic plane operation made it more easier to travel now yet transportation here in the Maldives tend to be a little bit different story. Domestic Planes, seaplanes, speed boats or dhonis (local version of boat) are common modes of transportation in the Maldives. Domestic travel is a unique experience. The company providing domestic plane service is called the “Maldivian”, offers refreshing towels and light snacks during flight. Domestic flight is also an opportunity to experience the birds-eye view of the islands. From domestic airport to the other islands one can travel either by speed boat, dhoni or car to the desired location.

There are four airports in the Maldives apart from Male’ International Airport.

1) Hanimaadhoo to Northernmost in Haa Alifu Atoll. (other islands in the region are reached by speed boat or dhoni)

2) Gan International Airport in Seenu Atoll to travel, the most southern Atolls. (from here islands in the atoll are reached by taxi)

3) Kadhdhoo Airport to visit Laamu Atoll region. ( from here most islands are reached by taxi, speed boat or local dhoni)

4) Kaadedhdhoo Airport to travel Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll region. (islands in the region are reached by speed boat or dhoni)

The seaplanes will normally operate to resort islands, land either to the resort island beach or a platform nearby the resort then travel by a speedboat or dhoni operated by the resort. Resorts in the Male’ Atoll region can be reached by  speed. Either ways its going to be a unique tropical experience to the dream destination in the Maldives.

Another popular question by travelers is about the house reef. Islands of the Maldives are formed in such a way that there is always a house reef on one side of the island and the other side is with a lagoon where most of the water sports activities are carried out or enjoy swimming. Usually the reef side of the island is where the waves break. Some reef are shallow some are deep with more colorful corals and fish life. Depth also depends on the tide, normally here in the Maldives we experience high tide two time every 24 hours. Most resorts the house reef are easily accessible from the shore just few steps into the sea and excellent snorkeling can be found while other resort islands use boats to take you to the edge of the reef where you could experience some brilliant snorkeling.

Resorts such asW Retreat & Spa Maldives and Angsana Ihuru or Baros Maldives are blessed  with stunning house reefs, just few steps from your villa while Angsana Velavaru is offering complimentary boat trips to the edge of the reef.

Whale Sharks and Manta Rays

The seas around the Maldives unfold an exotic realm of marine life. Untold species of possibly all colors, shapes, and sizes can be found right from the tepid waters of the ocean surface to the cold, dark abyss hundreds of kilometers below.

The diving destination Maldives is particularly renown for its large inhabitants like whales, whale sharks, manta rays or sharks that visit the area. Reef associated animals like turtles, groupers, moray eels or reef sharks can be frequently encountered during a snorkel or dive cruise in the Maldives.

Hanifaru reef in Baa atoll Maldives is famous and well known as a breeding and feeding ground for manta rays and whale sharks. Best time of the year to spot whale sharks and manta rays is from May to October. Aldebaran, Mystique, Maavahi  or your dream cruiser offers dive adventure holidays to Baa Atoll and many other breathtaking dive spots in the Maldives.

Catch from the Traditional Hand line Fishing

Vacation in the Maldives is never complete without participating in a fishing trip. Fishing Trips are organized in almost all the resorts and hotels of the Maldives. if you are keen fisherman the best way to experience fishing holiday is on a cruise vessel in the Maldives.

Traditional hand line fishing can be done using line, weight, hook and the bait. Put the bait in the hook, drop the line and let go until it reaches the bottom of the sea. Once it reaches the bottom pull up the line a little bit about a feet to avoid touching the corals. Now all you need to do is wait for the bite and wonder at the stars in the sky. This method of fishing is also known as bottom fishing or Night fishing. It is a common practice in all the resorts of the Maldives that the catch is cooked for the fishermen. In this type of fishing, snappers and groupers are more commonly caught.

Eurofly

With just over 103,000 Italian visitors to Maldives each year, Italians are the second most common visitors to Maldives, this is approximately about 15 percent of all tourists visiting Maldives.  All the direct flights to Maldives from Italy are charter flights, operated by Blue Panorama Airlines, Eurofly and Neos and these flights are seasonal. The flights leave from Milan, Rome and Bologna Airports.

Direct flight from Italy to Maldives takes about 10 hours.

For scheduled flights from Italy to the Maldives, you will have to make a connection.  Most direct flights from Italy to Maldives connect in UK, Middle East or Asia, in countries like United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Saudi Arabia.  These airlines include Emirates, United and Qatar Airways.

SEAPLANE

Many holidaymakers asked me during my days of working in various resorts in Maldives. Is Male’ Atoll area a better location?

In my opinion, it’s all about what you are looking for. For instance, there are advantages resorts like Gasfinolhu Island, Meeru Island or Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa are able to reach by short and sweet speedboat ride. Whereas if you fancy to stay places like Vilu Reef Resort & Spa, the beach house at Manafaru, Conrad Maldives, Hilton Irufushi, Kuredu Island or Komandoo Island you could enjoy a short scenic seaplane flight with a view from the sky, enjoy the unique feeling of taking off and landing from the sea. In regular long haul flights you could only experience this during an emergency in a ditching situation. In any case there are white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and a stunning house reef to plunge in to explore the breath taking views of the under water realm.

ATOLL CRUISER

Last minute deal on cruise charter for May June July 2010. All meal included + 3 dives per day either enjoy diving, surfing or cruising holidays in the magnificent Maldives in this luxury yacht. Up to 16 persons can comfortably live on board.

To find out the schedule and the terms & conditions applicable to this offer please contact us on info@elysianmaldives.com