How to get to Maamigili

When planning a journey to the sunny Maldives, many tourists choose Maamigili as their destination — a picturesque island in the Alif Dhaal Atoll, renowned as one of the best locations for spotting whale sharks. This is not just a resort, but a lively community where you can immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of local life while enjoying magnificent beaches and nature.

You can reach Maamigili in various ways, although due to its island location, transport options are limited to air and sea travel. Travellers can look forward to an exciting journey that will become a memorable part of their tropical adventure in itself.

The fastest and most scenic way to reach the island is by air. The town is served by its own aviation hub — Villa Maamigili International Airport (VAM), which receives regular domestic flights from the country's capital.

The flight usually takes very little time and allows you to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the atolls. Thanks to the presence of an airport directly on the island, logistics for tourists here are much simpler than on many other local islands in the archipelago.

Since Maamigili is an island in the Indian Ocean, there is absolutely no railway service here. The geographical features of the Maldives make the construction of railways impossible.

Tourists accustomed to trains should shift their focus to water and air transport. Speedboats and aeroplanes are the only ways to cover the distances between atolls in this region.

Classic intercity bus routes connecting Maamigili with other regions do not exist due to the lack of land connections between the islands. It is impossible to get here by bus from the mainland or neighbouring resorts.

Public transport on the island itself is not widely developed due to its small size. Major movements are made on foot, by taxi, or via transfers provided by hotels and guest houses.

Travelling to Maamigili by private or rented car from other cities is impossible, as the island is not connected by roads to the rest of the country. Road transport is used exclusively for local trips within the island.

If you wish to reach your destination in comfort, the main stage of the journey will be a flight or a speedboat ride. Upon arrival, you can use local taxi services to transport your luggage to your hotel.

A trip to the inhabited island of Maamigili offers a unique experience but requires knowledge of some local nuances. Here are a few practical tips to make your holiday comfortable and hassle-free.

1. Dress Code. Since this is a local island and not a private resort, please respect local traditions: outside of the designated "bikini beach," wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
2. Sun Protection. The equatorial sun is active all year round. Be sure to use cream with a high SPF, wear a head covering, and use sunglasses, even if the sky is cloudy.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa, but US dollars are accepted everywhere. It is recommended to carry small denominations for payments in small shops and cafes.
4. Alcohol Regulations. A strict alcohol-free policy applies on the inhabited islands of the Maldives. Alcohol is not sold or served in restaurants here; exceptions are only found on specific floating bars (safari boats) located offshore.
5. Marine Excursions. Maamigili is famous for whale sharks. Book excursions only with certified guides and strictly observe safe distance rules when swimming with these giants.
6. Sockets and Electricity. British-style sockets (Type G) are most commonly used, which is the same standard as in the UAE. Bring a universal adapter just in case to charge your gadgets without issues.

By following these simple recommendations, you can avoid awkward situations and fully enjoy the hospitality and beauty of this amazing corner of the Indian Ocean.