A Guide to Seaplane Rides in Maldives Transfer Experiences

Seaplane transfer, otherwise called an air taxi, is probably the most spectacular mode of transportation to your resort. seaplane rides in Maldives are amazing. Though there are other modes of transportation available to your resort, it is quick and practical, but most of all, it is a breathtaking excursion. With a seaplane transfer, you will enjoy an amazing aerial view of Maldivian atolls and islands of Maldives during your Maldives trip.

About the Seaplane Transfers in Maldives:

Currently, there are 4 seaplane companies handling these transfers to Maldives resorts. 

1. Manta Air
2. Maldivian 
3. Flyme
4. Trans Maldivian Airways 

All these seaplanes are 15-seater planes (twin-engine Otters). Every traveller is allowed 20 kg of baggage and 5 kg of hand luggage to carry on.

Before arrival:

When heading to the Maldives, you’ll arrive at Male International Airport, which perhaps oddly isn’t on the capital island of Male itself, but instead on neighbouring Hulhumale. Hulhumalé is a reacquired island located in the south of North Malé Atoll, Maldives.

The flight arrival time should be communicated to the resort 72 hrs prior to the arrival.  Seaplane transfer usually operates during the daylight hours (approximately between 6 am and 4 pm).

Boarding the Seaplane Rides in Maldives:

Once you walk out into the Arrivals Hall at Male Airport, you will be met by a representative from your resort and taken to the seaplane check-in desk. You’ll be given boarding passes and will be advised about the time of boarding. These times are highly dynamic as it all depends on the weather. The arrival of other passengers also plays a role in your seaplane transfer. The next stop is at your designated departure lounge at the Trans Maldivian Aviation jetty. This transfer is by a minibus. The seaplane ride in the Maldives begins!

With a seaplane, you’ll need to be prepared to wait a little longer as passengers are collected from a cluster of incoming international flights, but it is definitely worth the wait. In the meantime, you can relax with light refreshments, and once your departure time arrives, you will be walked out onto the jetty and into your allocated 15-seater plane. Keep your camera and a bottle of water in your hand when boarding, as you may have to leave your hand luggage at the back of the cabin.

Click here to see the 360-degree view of the seaplane boarding point. 

The Seaplane Ride

Your focus will be outside the window, like every other traveller’s. The picture-perfect islands of all shapes and sizes make it an irresistible sight. This is a solid 30 mins to 1 hr of jaw-dropping aerial views.  They can take you low enough to ensure an incredibly clear aerial view of the luxury water villas in the Maldives, powdery sandbanks, and, as they climb higher, you’ll get to see the reefs, lagoons and atoll formations down below. Another good thing about the seaplane ride is that it gives a quick glimpse of the whole place, as it lets you see the bare islands too. The seaplane ride in the Maldives is almost done now.

Landing from the Maldives Seaplane ride:

As the plane approaches your island resort, the trajectory of starts falling, which can be quite steep and quick. They can either land in the open sea and then float to the jetty. Coral could be a problem. If the sea is too shallow. They’ll have to instead dock next to a small square jetty floating in the lagoon before continuing to the island by boat.

To wrap it all up,

Seaplane is not the default mode of transportation for most of the Maldives resorts.  It comes at an additional cost of at least 150 USD per person, so people might be a little hesitant to try this out. But the aerial view that you can get here is as good as it gets. And if you are travelling with an infant and don’t want to hop in the speedboat, as the waves can be a bit more for an infant. The travelling time goes down as well. But for a few resorts, this transfer mode is applicable by default, as they are far away from the Male Airport and speedboats can’t be operated for such distance. If you are travelling to any such resort, then fine; if not, I would obviously suggest you shred a few more pennies and get the experience of a lifetime. Worth It! Need help in planning an end-to-end honeymoon package to the Maldives with a seaplane transfer? Check out Pickyourtrail and book a hassle-free trip.