Rightly so! The Maldives cannot survive without boats and there are many. Let us first look at a few.

The star performer is the traditional and ubiquitus Dhoani. Each traditional dhoani is a unique vessel hand-built by a master craftman even though a mass-produced fiberglass version has recently been introduced. Built of stong wooden planks, shaped round a strong wooden frame, the dhoani is built to sail in all seas. They are used as fishing vessels and as inter-island ferries throughout the Maldives. Traditionally sporing a versatile lateen sail, the dhoani has also married well with the marine diesel engine and has become the workhorse of even the tourism industry.

Then there is the powerboat. In a country where the international airport is on an island all by itself, where the entire tourist resorts are on separete islands, the speedboat reigns King. It also performs well in creation.

Getting around in the Maldives is not restricted to a boat though. Sea planes offer an even faster and scenic alternative, especially to distant resorts.

An ideal way to make more of this rare experience is to discover more of the Maldives by taking part in the different excursions organized by your host. You could visit a local fishing trip, or spend the day in Male’, the capital. The opportunities are plenty and the choice is yours.