Seaplanes serve as a popular means of transfers in Maldives, particularly for accessing resorts located beyond South and North Male Atolls. A transfer by seaplane is one of the most breathtaking ways to get around the islands.
These amazing little aircrafts take off and land on water, providing us with eye-striking flights above reefs, atolls and tropical islands that the Maldives are made of. They are the perfect taxi !
If you booked a resort located beyond North and South Male Atolls, you’re likely to have a seaplane transfer. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your trip.
Fasten your seatbelt, it will be memorable !
Everything you need to know to prepare for your seaplane journey in Maldives
How is a seaplane transfer in Maldives ?
Once your international flight lands at Velana international airport and after clearing customs, you’ll be welcomed by your resort representaive and, depending on how you booked your holidays, your local agent. You’ll be assisted to check in for the seaplane transfer, and embark onto a bus to be driven over to the other side of the airport where the seaplane terminal is located.
According to your destination and reservation, you will wait for your seaplane at the public terminal, in its VIP section or at your resort private lounge. The seaplane main terminal is divided in several sections. It provides a general public section with seating areas, café, local shop, smoking area, and toilets.
Resorts private lounges ( generally, top luxury resorts in Maldives have one ) also offer food, drinks, quietness and great comfort …
here a massage chair at our resort lounge at the seaplane terminal.
Wherever you will stay, unless you have your own private seaplane booked, expect to wait for a long time.
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Seaplane VS Domestic Airline Transfers in Maldives
In Maldives there are 2 types of air transfers to reach your resort : by seaplane or by domestic aircraft. Choosing between both transfers depends first on the resort you book and if both transfers are available, your budget and time constraints ( arrival time in Maldives . See further below for more details. ).
With 18 airports in Maldives, including 5 international and 13 domestic hubss, there is plenty of choice for travelers. If you want to see how these airports are spread across the archipelago, see my Complete list of Maldives International and Domestic airports.
The below map allows you to visualize how well spread they are.
Map of Maldives airports and their Atolls
Booking Your Seaplane Transfer
Who handles the seaplane transfers and will you need to contact the seaplane company directly ?
Seaplane transfers are shared with other pasengers and managed by your resort, so it’s unlikely you’ll need to have any direct contact with the seaplane company. For a more exclusive experience, private charters are also available, see below for more information).
Important ! Keep in mind that due to aviation regulations, seaplanes only operate during daylight hours, so it is advisable to plan your arrival for your international flight accordingly.
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Arrival and Departure. Good To Know
For your arrival : If you arrive later than 03.00pm, you will have to spend the night around the airport, or in Male, the near-by capital city. Your departure for your resort will be the day after.
For your departure : If your international flight leaves late at night, you will still have to quit your resort before sunset.
please note that seaplanes are not on a set schedule, their flight plans is only released one day before your depature. The resort doesn’t have any information before.
Read more : Plan your seaplane transfer in the Maldives
In the photo below, a seaplane that landed at our resort in the afternoon didn’t return to Male because it was too late. It is now on standby, beautifully anchored at sunset, and ready for takeoff the next morning at sunrise for the first transfer. The pilots will spend the night at the resort until their flight.
How long are seaplane transfers in Maldives ?
In Maldives, seaplane transfers can be as short as 15 minutes.
Until a few months ago, the maximum was 60 minutes long, but now seaplane transfer times can go up to 90 minutes with the opening of a route to the far and beautiful Gaafu Alifu Atoll, which is also one of the best seaplane scenic route in Maldives.
Is it safe to fly with seaplanes in Maldives ?
When it comes to safety, seaplanes in the Maldives boast an exceptional track record, as there have been no reported fatalities resulting from accidents. The majority of the fleet consists of de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otters, known for being a versatile and reliable aircraft.
I’ve seen these aircrafts performing amazing maneuvers and landing on very rough seas. They are incredibly strong !
What are the advantages of seaplane transfers in Maldives ?
Scenic Views : Seaplanes fly at a relatively low altitude compared to a standard aicratf, providing breathtaking aerial views of the turquoise waters, coral reefs, and islands. The unique perspective from above enhances the overall experience of exploring the Island Kingdom that the Maldives are.
Efficiency : Seaplanes allow direct transfers between islands and resorts, even to remote locations. They save time compared to other modes of transportation, such as domestic flights which land at main airports and are followed by boat transfers.
Adventure : Seaplanes take off and land on water. Sensations are different from an aircraft with wheels on a solid runway. From take-off, the journey itself becomes part of your adventure. It’s not just transportation; it’s an exciting way to live your Maldives holidays.
How many seaplane operators are there in Maldives now ?
Currently, there are 3 seaplane operators in the Maldives : the main one, and the largest seaplane operator in the world : Trans Maldivian Airways ( TMA ), Manta Air which deserves a few resorts only, and Maldivian, the national airline company.
Typically, each resort works with one of these operators, so you won’t be able to choose your favorite one.
What is the price of a Maldives Seaplane transfer to resorts ?
Generally a roundtrip seaplane transfer to a resort costs anywhere from 350 USD to 1400 USD per person for far atolls ( children below 12 years of age receives 50% discount and infant up to 2 years are free). These transfers are on a shared basis and can be privatized, meaning that you have your own seaplane for yourself.
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How much cost a private seaplane transfer or charter ?
Chartering a seaplane is a pricey option, but it offers superior comfort and avoids the need to wait at the airport. Depending on your resort’s location, expect to pay can range from $3,000 to $15,000.
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