“If you go to the Maldives, you need the seaplane transfer!”. This is what we heard every time we mentioned we’ll be going to this dreamy paradise. And initially, we didn’t want to do this, mostly because of the price, to be frank.
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We actually got to fly a seaplane in the Maldives by accident, a fortunate accident, but unplanned nonetheless. We were told by our resort that we’ll have a domestic flight transfer, but upon arrival, we were told we’ll use a seaplane instead. Just like that!
But the cool thing is that now we have tried almost all means of transportation in the Maldives, apart from public ferries. We are keeping this in mind for our next trips, maybe we manage to fix this so that we can compare them all. But until them, let’s see what you need to know about an eventual seaplane transfer.
Table of Contents
Introduction
I know you’re already picturing it: turquoise waters as far as the eye can see, white sandy beaches that seem to whisper relax, and luxury resorts that redefine the meaning of pampering. But here’s the catch – getting to these islands isn’t as simple as hailing a cab, one of the very first things you need to know before you go.
With over 1,000 islands scattered like gems across the Indian Ocean, navigating this paradise requires a bit of planning (and maybe a touch of patience), especially if booking your trip yourself. While direct flights will land you at Velana International Airport on the main island, Malé, the real adventure begins when you set out to reach your chosen slice of heaven.
Now, you might be wondering, “How do I get from Malé to my resort?”. Great question! There are a few options to consider. Speedboats are the budget-friendly choice, offering a fast and scenic ride for resorts closer to the capital. But if your resort is a bit more remote, you might find yourself boarding a domestic flight and then a speedboat, as domestic flights cannot really take you straight to your water villa.
For the ultimate Maldives experience, however, nothing beats a seaplane transfer. Imagine soaring above the islands in a small aircraft, getting a bird’s eye view of the stunning atolls below – and yes, the view is really that nice! These are the views you usually see whenever you search the Maldives on DuckDuckGo (yes, I’m one of those), and there’s a reason for that!
Do you need a seaplane transfer in the Maldives?
Well, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Sure, seaplanes are the rockstars of Maldivian travel – swooping in like majestic birds to give you those Instagram-worthy aerial views. But here’s the kicker: you don’t necessarily have to do this to enjoy your Maldivian getaway, especially if you don’t want to do this (for example, if you’re terrified!).
In fact, many islands are accessible by speedboat or even the public ferry, especially if you’re venturing to the local islands. (And let’s be honest, the ferry might not have the glam factor, but it certainly has the charm of authenticity and the benefit of being dirt cheap.)
Now, before you start picturing yourself as a seaplane superstar, consider this: speedboats are like the trusty sidekicks of Maldivian travel. They’re fast, convenient, and won’t break the bank. Plus, they have the added bonus of being able to navigate the waters like pros, getting you to your destination with ease.
And if you’re really on a budget, the public ferries are the unsung heroes. They may not be the quickest option, but they offer a chance to mingle with locals and experience the Maldives from a different perspective.
So before you think you can’t escape it, take a moment to breathe, and choose what’s best for you. Read everything below to see if you really want to fly on a water plane, as the answer might surprise you (for the record, I’m not trying to convince you in any direction, I’m just providing information from my extensive research and personal experience).
Special considerations you need to know before you decide
First off, let’s talk numbers. The price tag for this sky-high adventure can range anywhere between 400 to 800 USD, depending on how far you’re traveling. And yes, the country is quite wide-spread, even if as a footprint it’s tiny compared to other countries. That’s a pretty penny, but hey, can you really put a price on an Instagram-perfect aerial shot?
But wait, there’s more (can you hear the Teleshopping voice in your head?)! Seaplanes in the Maldives are like the sun – they only come out during the day. So, if your flight into the Maldives lands after sunset (even if it happens due to a flight delay) or you’re planning an early morning escape, you might find yourself enjoying an unexpected overnight stay. You can consider it an opportunity for more tropical cocktails, but you usually have to catch an international flight, so it’s not an easy decision if landing and take-off times are difficult for you.
Now, let’s think also about accessibility. These planes are not your average commercial flight. Imagine trying to squeeze through a doorway that’s more like a hobbit hole. To make things worse, the tiny door is reachable by a set of stairs through which you can see the ocean. If mobility is a concern, it’s worth checking in advance to ensure a smooth journey.
And don’t even get me started on luggage restrictions. You’ve got about 20 kg for checked baggage and a mere 5 kg for your cabin bag (precise conditions will be communicated to you upon booking). So, if you’re the type who likes to bring your entire wardrobe just in case, you might need to rethink your packing list. (Pro tip: leave those extra shoes at home; the sand feels better on your toes anyway!)
Booking Your Seaplane Transfer
As you might have already booked your flight and your gorgeous villa or your stay at a local island, you might be wondering how you’re going to finally get there. Well, the good news is you have two options, and the not so good news is that you probably don’t get to choose yourself which one you’ll use.
First up, the easiest option: letting your accommodation handle it. Whether you’re staying at a swanky resort or a cozy guesthouse on a local island, they can arrange your seaplane transfer for you. It’s like having your own personal travel concierge. They’ll coordinate the details and make sure you arrive at your island paradise without a hitch. Plus, they often have insider info on the best times and routes, and they track your incoming flights so that they ensure you get on the next available waterplane.
But if you’re the kind of traveler who likes to have your hands on the wheel – or in this case, the propeller – you can book your seaplane transfer directly through Maldivian’s site. It’s a straightforward process, kind of like ordering pizza online. You’ll get to choose your flight times, and you can even book a seaplane transfer to unusual destinations. Just remember to keep your travel details handy and double-check your email for confirmation.
Pre-boarding experience
Stepping off the plane in Male, you’re greeted by a burst of tropical warmth and the soft lull of island life. But before you can start dreaming of lounging on white sandy beaches, there’s a little hop to make – by seaplane! First stop: your accommodation’s couter at the airport. This place is just a tiny desk they use as a meeting point, and then you are being taken by a nice person to the airline’s counter.
You’ll notice the process is pretty familiar. You get a boarding pass, and your bags are weighted and tagged just like a regular flight. In our case, people at this check-in counter even tagged my kid’s tiny backpack, because he put it on the scale (you know, like grown-ups do) and they wanted to make him happy. Spoiler alert: they made him very happy!
Once you’re all set, you will not touch your bags until you arrive back in Male. A friendly staff member will whisk you away in a minivan that’s taking you to the seaplane airport. This looks like a miniature airport and you have no security, and everyone’s just so chill you don’t get that “airport ick feeling”, if you know what I’m talking about.
Flight experience
Ah, finally, you reached the moment of your seaplane experience in the Maldives! Let me paint you a picture: You’re all boarded in this nifty little aircraft, and the first thing you notice? The sound. OMG (can you hear this in Janice’s voice, or did I just date myself?), the sound! It’s like being front row at a rock concert, and not a band you like. But don’t worry, they hand out earplugs like they’re going out of style, so your eardrums will survive the journey. But you’re going to remember it forever, I’m sure!
Now, let’s talk about the climate inside. Imagine you’re in a sauna, but instead of relaxing, you’re flying over turquoise waters. Yes, it’s hot. Very hot. So, dress light and drink lots of water. And speaking of cool, they do offer water, but it’s more room temperature than refreshing glacier melt. Hydration is key, though, so drink it, even if it feels like a very sad tea.
A little pro tip from yours truly: If you’re wearing loose pants, do yourself a favor and keep your phone out of your pocket. Trust me, you don’t want to be the person fishing your beloved gadget out of the ocean. And you know me, the clumsiest person around. If I don’t take care of this, I will be the one to drop their phone when “boarding” (read: climbing a few stairs to the airplane).
As for your bags, they’re having their own little party at the back of the plane. No fancy hold cabin here – just a good old stack of luggage. It’s a bit unusual to see them all just tied around some seats at the back of the plane; it feels a bit like you’re in a horse-drawn carriage, not a fancy seaplane.
But let’s not forget the real star of the show: the views! The seaplane flies low, giving you a front-row seat to the stunning Maldivian archipelago. It’s like all those pictures you saw on Instagram, and then some. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the masterpiece outside your window.
Arrival at the resort
So, you’ve just experienced the breathtaking aerial view of the Maldives, but now it’s time to descend onto your little piece of paradise. But hold on, don’t get too comfy just yet! The seaplane transfer can be like a multi-stop bus ride, but with a much better view. Say, what?
I’m saying this because in our experience, the plane landed about 3 times before we reached our destination, and we were not quite sure where we were supposed to remain. And in our case, they didn’t even drop us right at the resort (Royal Island Resort & Spa, if you’re curious, and yes, I do have a detailed review about it), but on a wooden platform in the middle of the ocean, and obviously you don’t know the name to this one (whatever “one” means in this context). So be very aware and ask multiple times where you should remain, especially if your resort does not have a seaplane terminal assigned.
Now, about the wooden platform thing. Basically, they ask you to remain here for a few moments, and someone is waiting for you and carrying your luggage from the seaplane to the platform. From here, a speedboat picks you up, and then you finally get to the resort. Again, some resorts have their own seaplane waterport, but those who don’t will use this method. (Between you and me, I prefer this approach as the water around the island remains cleaner this way, making it for a richer marine life.)
Resorts with seaplane transfers
If you want to be sure to include this experience in your Maldives itinerary, you cannot rely on luck like me, and you have to choose a resort with guaranteed seaplan transfer (which may or may not include a speedboat part as well, as I explained already).
Now, the easiest thing for you would be to use one of my two tools: the quiz, and the island picker (both shown below). The quiz is a very quick way to find out the best resort for your needs, and it includes the transfer type as a criteria. The island picker is a database with more than 100 resorts in the Maldives, and you can use it to filter by transfer type, and add any other criteria you may have (type of villa available, marine life situation, available activities and so on. Check them both out below!
Are you overwhelmed by all the resort options? Discover your perfect island match below!
With this nifty tool, you’ll get from a list of 100+ resorts that look great and no idea where to start to a short list of islands that fit your wishes and desires. And yes, it also has the links for Booking and Agoda so you can book your stay straight away.
Check it out below!
Pros of seaplane transfer in the Maldives
In very short, let’s see what are the pros of this type of transfer. First, the views. Unless you’re doing some extreme sport that will allow you aerial views of the island, you can’t have these views. You’ll have some when you approach the islands with your intercontinental flight, but they won’t be the same as those from the seaplane because of the altitude they fly.
Second, it is, indeed, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially if you’re an aviation geek. We (or at least I) rarely get a chance to try something new, and this was indeed a new experience I wanted to try. Now I can even say I tried almost all means of transportation in the Maldives (I just need to use the public ferry once, and then I’ll have Bingo!).
Another benefit is that by using a seaplane, you can go further away from the main airport, so the water is cleaner. This makes the marine life around the island richer, and the island overall will be quieter. One of the best things about the Maldives is the awesome snorkeling you can do here, so this is a major bonus!
Cons of seaplanes in the Maldives
Now, nothing is perfect in life, and we’d better know the downsides before we find them out in real life. The major con against taking a seaplane in the Maldives would be the increased transfer time, after an already long flight. This will make your travel days very long; ours on the way back was about 27h in total, for example. And while you might not feel all of these hours when you come (the excitement makes you not feel tired), you will feel each of them on the way back.
Also, as mentioned, seaplanes can only fly during daylight hours, and there are not many of them flying around anyway. This will lead to transfers at inconvenient transfer hours, often limiting your options and making you wait around in airports. You might even need to book a hotel in Male for the night before your return flight, or to spend a lot of time in the airport with not much to do.
The plane itself, while beautiful and picturesque, is not very comfortable. I mean, no airplane is comfortable per se (unless you travel on a private jet, in which case, can I be your friend?), but this one is at a different level. It’s very hot inside, you can barely breathe; it’s very loud, you need earplugs to survive the flight, and maybe hear your thoughts; and the seats are tiny and uncomfortable, even for people who have no trouble fitting in RyanAir flights.
I promise I’m not making this up, but it’s also an expensive way to do the transfer. Like, you’re uncomfortable, but it’s also expensive to be uncomfortable! The prices can go up to 500 USD per person per way! Do you know how many cocktails you can buy with this amount of money? More than one. This is the only answer you need!
And if you’re a nervous flyer, please read this carefully: it can feel bumpier than a usual flight. This airplane, while completely secure like any other airplane, is tiny. Of course, it’s more prone to being affected by wind as it’s very light. Again, I’m not saying it’s not safe, but as a fellow nervous flyer, you should know it might be more panic-inducing than other airplanes.
Is a seaplane worth it?
Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re the type who sees travel as an adventure, a seaplane ride might just be your cup of tea. It’s an experience that can make you feel like the star of your own travel documentary, and you might just be able to cross this experience off your bucket list.
But let’s get real here. While the seaplane is an Instagram-worthy experience (cue dramatic music as you step off the plane), it’s not the only way to get around. If you’re all about practicality and saving those extra bucks for a fancy cocktail on the beach, resorts reachable by speedboats are your best friends.
So, is a seaplane worth it for you? If you’re craving that “I’m flying over paradise feeling”, absolutely. But if you’re more into comfort and convenience, the speedboat might just be better for you. Either way, you’re in the Maldives, and that’s a win in itself!
Would I do this again? Now that I did it once, well, not really. I don’t feel that I would like to repeat the experience, even if it wasn’t at all bad in itself; it’s just not something I’d like to repeat. Gives a new perspective to the whole “once in a lifetime” concept, doesn’t it?
Tips for Your Seaplane Transfer
So, you’re all set for that thrilling seaplane ride over the Maldives. But before you get too caught up in the excitement, let’s talk about a few handy tips to make your transfer smooth and enjoyable.
First things first, keeping your valuables safe is a top priority. I always say, treat your passport and wallet like they’re VIPs at a celebrity party. Keep them close and secure in a small, easily accessible bag, maybe even an anti-theft one (the Maldives, especially on resort islands, is really safe, but anti-theft travel gear is always useful). You never know when you’ll need to whip them out for a quick check.
Next up, let’s chat about hydration. The Maldivian sun is no joke, and staying refreshed is key. An insulated water bottle is your a must have when planning your packing list. It keeps your water as cool as the other side of the pillow (or as cool as you’ll be when you’re lounging by the lagoon). Plus, it’s a great way to avoid those extra costs of buying bottled water at the airport (and one tiny thing you can do to keep the Maldives clean and healthy for your next visit).
And here’s a little insider tip for you: try to get a seat towards the front. Not only do you get a chance to channel your inner pilot with a peek at the cockpit, but the views are just a tad bit more magical up there. Who knows, maybe you’ll even pick up a few flying tips (or at least pretend you did for the ‘gram).
Personal experience
I have sprinkled a few items here and there about my experience, by I thought it would be helpful to also share everything here in one go. Feel free to go to the next part of the post if you don’t really care.
So, our resort communicated to us that our transfer would be done by domestic flight plus speedboat, but upon landing, we were told we were going to enjoy a seaplane transfer instead. We were graciously taken to the seaplane check-in desk, where our bags were weighed and tagged, just like in any other airline.
Then we were taken to the seaplane airport by minivan; the trip took about 15 minutes. We boarded the seaplane and our flight started. The noise inside the plane is incredibly loud; we were so grateful for the earplugs we received.
It’s also very hot inside. This plane has the air conditioning holes in the ceiling, but they don’t seem to be working. It’s hard to ignore this, even if the views are absolutely spectacular and you’re so pumped with adrenaline you can feel it.
In our case, the plane landed multiple times at a few resorts before it reached our destination. We really had to ask employees multiple times if this was our place because they weren’t so sure either (or maybe there was a language barrier issue there).
The views are spectacular, there’s nothing to complain about. The plane flies rather close to the ground (I mean water) so you can really see everything. But truth be told, after about 20 minutes and 8293472389 pictures, you kind of get bored and just want to finally reach your resort, or at least this was just my feeling.
FAQ
How much does a Maldives seaplane cost?
The price will, of course, depend on the distance and a few other factors, but it can be anywhere between $250 and $600 for a round-trip, per person. This will be communicated to you upon booking your accommodation, as it’s an extra cost for your vacation.
How long are seaplane transfers?
Depending on the destination, a seaplane flight can take anything between 30 minutes and one hour, and they also have stops so sometimes it can take even longer, if you need to reach the last destination. This will be communicated to you upon booking.
What times do seaplanes operate?
Seaplanes only fly during the day, and they usually have 2-3 flights daily, when the weather allows. They can, of course, be canceled on short notice if the weather becomes a problem, so planning a night close to the airport is a good idea, especially if you have an early flight back home.
Do seaplanes go directly to the Resort?
Not always! Sometimes a seaplane will have multiple stops at multiple resorts, and yours might not be the first one to reach. Also, they can drop you at certain platforms in the middle of the ocean, and a speedboat might take you from there.
Are seaplane transfers suitable for children?
It will depend on your decision as a parent. We flew with our 4-year-old, and he was completely fine, even overexcited I would say. Other passengers were here with a baby, not older than 6 months, and she seemed fine as well, wearing her noise cancelling headphones. In the end, you know your child better than anyone so you’ll make the best decision.
Why should you travel by seaplane in the Maldives?
Well, flying on a seaplane is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and there arelimited places in the world where you have this opportunity. It’s for sure not mandatory, you can reach resorts without a seaplane flight, but if you have the opportunity, I would warmly suggest you do this once.
Are seaplanes in the Maldives safe?
Seaplane carriers in the Maldives have the same legal requirements as any other airline in the world has, when it comes to the safety of their airplanes. It’s true though, that since seaplanes are smaller than usual passenger planes, they have a higher risk of being involved in incidents, but this is the case in general with smaller aircraft.
Can you get seasick or motion sickness on this flight?
You cannot get seasick as the plane does not float on water that much, and the take off takes little time and feels similar to a normal take-off. You will feel motion sickness if you usually do so on a classic flight, so take all the steps you already know to prevent this. Since the plane is a bit smaller, there’s a higher risk of the flight being more affected by turbulence, but apart from this, everything should be the same as for any other flight.
Is turbulence worse on seaplanes than on usual planes?
It can be, yes, because seaplanes are generally smaller than usual commercial flights, and the smaller the aircraft, the worse you perceive turbulence inside. On the other hand, you don’t have to worry, because seaplanes can literally land anywhere around, if any emergency calls for it.
The takeaway
So, you’ve navigated the high-flying world of seaplanes in the Maldives, and I hope you’re ready to take off on your adventure! Remember, while the idea of soaring over turquoise waters in a tiny plane might sound like an adrenaline rush (or a reason to clutch your armrest with a death grip, as I did on my first flight), it’s all part of the unique Maldivian experience. Think of it as your own exclusive sky-high tour before you even set foot on those powdery beaches.
In conclusion, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone who’s just getting their sea legs (or should I say, air wings?), seaplane transfers are an unforgettable part of your Maldivian journey. Don’t forget to have your camera ready for those epic aerial shots – your Instagram followers will thank you!
For more tips and insider knowledge on making the most of your Maldivian escape, don’t miss my other posts that can help you plan your trip to the Maldives. Check out a few relevant ones below, or find all my relevant blog posts on the Maldives dedicated page.
- Take this quiz to find out the best resort for you, or filter through all resorts with the Maldives island picker
- Find out when to go, or what’s the best month for you
- Avoid these mistakes when planning your trip and read some interesting facts about the Maldives
- Maldives’ dress code and what to wear in the Maldives