The Maldives has been described as ‘unrivalled’. It has also been described as the world on one island. While unrivalled it is truth be told, far more than the world on one island. Situated south-west of Sri Lanka, this scenic archipelago is made up of 26 atolls. An atoll is a reef or group of islands made of coral. Most are ring-shaped and circle a lagoon. There are more than 1100 islands that make up the Maldives.
The very description gives rise to images of beauty. It also conjures up ideas and dreams of island hopping – a great Maldivian exploration, finding hidden treasure amid an idyllic marine wonderland.
Welcome to an exciting vacation.
Tourists arrive by air at the main Maldives airport which is on the Hulhule Island in the North Male Atoll, near the capital island Male. From there, the options to get to your resort are either by sea ferry or by seaplane. For island hopping adventures, there are a few options depending on your budget.
Island Hopping – Land and Sea
There are options for experiencing the Maldives both from the water and on land. Travel companies offer options for staying at island resort for 2 or 3 nights, as well as stay aboard a leisure vessel which will whisk you away to various parts of the archipelago. Live-aboard cruises are an ideal way to see some of the Maldives hidden treasures. The crew do all the work, while you can enjoy the very best this marine rich country has to offer. This could be a great option for island hopping in luxury. It enables you to snorkel off board, dive to see the marine life, experience the wonder of the Indian Ocean, watch the dolphins from your deck and enjoy all that a pleasure cruise has to offer.
Multi-Centre Holidays
Multi-centre holidays is one of the most fun ways of seeing the Maldives. Depending on the amount of time you have, plan your vacation around a number of different resorts. Double destination holidays are very popular. You may want to begin at the North Male Atoll in the Summer Island resort and half way through head on down to the Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa in the South Ari Atoll. You’ll get to experience two completely different parts of the island and enjoy all that both have to offer. Another option is to start off relaxing at Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo before moving on to the premium dive & activity centre of Eriyadu Island Resort, or you may prefer to reverse the order. Eriyadu has so much to offer, you’ll enjoy an abundance of activity and may want to spend the latter part of your vacation recovering at Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo. Whichever you choose, it will be a great adventure.
Day Island Hopping
Almost all resorts will assist you in organising day island hopping excursions. With many of the islands uninhabited, it will afford you the opportunity to have a real desert island experience. On the other hand, there are also islands where local craftsmen and women display their traditional wears, enabling you to shop for gifts and souvenirs. On a single day you may visit both and more. Leaving early, you will be able to experience sunrise, breakfast, lunch and an early dinner before returning to your resort. Island hopping also gives you the chance to mix with the locals, find out more of the country’s history and indulge in some of its remarkable beauty.
There is no end of islands to see when visiting the Maldives. Be sure to add island hopping to your list of adventures when you next visit the country once called “Dvipa Laksham” (a hundred thousand islands).