Getting around

Air Maldives, the small national airline, has regular and very scenic flights to the four air strips in the outer atolls, while seaplane resort transfers are operated by Maldivian Air Taxi. Helicopters and seaplanes are used to transfer guests to some of the remoter resorts. An Inter Atoll Travel Permit is required to visit islands outside the tourist zone.

The main form of local transport is the dhoni , a traditional all-purpose vessel. 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.