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In Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Bali, and other destinations, bikes, trains, and buses are standard modes of travel. In the Maldives, seaplanes are a common way to reach resort islands.
This isn’t some boring shuttle ride. Once you land, these seaplanes will be your first taste of luxury in the Maldives. If a seaplane ride is on your bucket list, this guide covers costs, how to book, and timings.
Essential Information on Seaplane Ride in the Maldives
When booking a flight from India, ensure you arrive in the Maldives before 2:00 pm to reach your resort the same day, as the seaplane service stops after that.
Maldives seaplane timings are non-negotiable, and the daily operating time is 6:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
If you miss that timing and arrive late, you’ll end up staying the night in Malé city or at the airport. You may need to pay for an additional overnight stay, typically around 10,000 INR per night.
Travellers often calculate luggage weight only for international flights, but seaplanes in the Maldives also have limits. Most seaplanes allow 15 to 20 kg of checked baggage, including around 5 kg of hand baggage. You can always enquire with your respective resorts about these essential details.
Why Seaplanes are the Major Mode of Transfer in the Maldives
In the Maldives, airport transfers aren’t just about getting from one point to another. It is an experience to be enjoyed. You’re flying above the Indian Ocean, looking down at scattered islands and turquoise lagoons.
The Maldives spans approximately 90,000 square kilometres of ocean. Resorts are spread across 26 atolls, with some more than 150 kilometres from Velana International Airport.
Due to these distances, travelling by speedboat can take three to four hours or more. This is a primary reason the Maldives maintains the world’s largest seaplane fleet.
For some, travelling 4 hours is not a big deal, but the Maldives aims to offer people more than just luxury days. When travellers seek ultimate extravagance, the island delivers it.
Seaplane Transfer Process in the Maldives
After landing at Velana International Airport, you must clear customs and complete the visa-on-arrival process. Once you are issued a tourist visa, you are eligible to enjoy your vacation.
If you have booked a private resort, you will be guided to the respective seaplane lounge. You can wait there until it’s time for you to board. You can also get food, drinks, and even a massage chair for relaxing in the lounge. In case you booked a private seaplane, this waiting time can be skipped.
Then you will walk on a dock to reach the plane. Make sure when you wait in the lounge, you have the needed items in your hand, such as cameras and noise reduction headphones.
Unlike flights, you don’t have marked seat numbers for a passenger; once you get in, you have the freedom to choose your seats.
When you are in, make sure your seatbelts are on and pay attention to the safety briefing.
If it’s a shared plane, you might stop at a few islands to drop off other passengers. The landing feels different from regular flights because seaplanes fly low, below the clouds. So you will have a quick descent and land in the lagoons within seconds.
Seaplane Booking Process in the Maldives
Most private resorts offer a transfer service, and the cost is included in your booking. When you book your accommodation, confirm any additional charges with the resort staff.
There are three seaplane carriers: Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), Manta Air & Maldivian. Travellers need not worry, as the resort handles the seaplane transfer when a customer books a stay.
- Trans Maldivian Airways: The largest seaplane operator in the world, offering private transfers from Velana International Airport to private islands. The planes fly to almost every popular and luxurious private island. You can browse their website to see the list of resorts they fly to.
- Maldivian & Manta Air: These two operators fly only to a few atolls in the Maldives.
Note: You cannot book a seaplane personally unless you want to book a private ride. However, even private flights can be arranged through your resorts.
Some of the resorts have their own seaplanes, which are also operated by the airlines mentioned above. So, coordinate with the resorts.
Maldives Seaplane Cost
There are several factors to consider when choosing seaplanes in the Maldives, and costs vary based on your preferences. The top factor is the type of accommodation you book.
Shared seaplane cost:
- Budget: Approx. 35,000 INR per person
- Mid-range resorts: Approx. 50,000 INR per person
- Luxury resorts: Approx. 80,000 INR per person
Private seaplane cost: Approx. 2,00,000 INR
Note: The cost mentioned above is for a round-trip seaplane transfer.
Booking a Seaplane Transfer in the Maldives
You cannot book seaplane transfers independently, as you would with regular flights. Here’s the actual process
Step 1: Resort Reservation
Booking a seaplane in the Maldives begins when you confirm your resort stay. The transfer arrangements are part of the accommodation booking process. You can see the seaplane costs appear in the room booking pages on the website.
Step 2: Details
Submit your international flight details (India to the Maldives flight) and departure information to your resort 4 days before your arrival.
Main details expected
- Flight numbers
- Arrival/departure times
- Any special requirements (wheelchairs, infants & medical conditions)
Step 3: Receive Confirmation
- Exact seaplane departure time
- Meeting location at the airport
- Lounge access information
- Baggage reminder
Step 4: Landing at Velana International Airport
- Exit through immigration/customs
- Look for the resort signboard in the arrivals hall
- Representatives will guide you to the seaplane check-in
Tips for Seaplane Rides in the Maldives
- Noise: Carry earplugs, as the engine can be loud, and sometimes the plane windows may be partially open.
- Packing: Pack light clothing and a light jacket for the evenings. Seaplanes have luggage limits of approximately 15 to 20 kg; packing lightly can help you avoid extra charges.
- Essentials: Your medicines, such as seasickness tablets and any other important medications, must be kept handy. Even the carry-on might be on other seats or elsewhere, so it’s good to have it in your handbag.
- Expect heat: Once you board the plane, it can be hot, so dress light.
Conclusion
Flights, ships and trains are most common in many cities, but seaplane rides are only available in a few destinations, and the Maldives gives a world-class experience on that.
While seaplane transfers are expensive
While seaplane transfers are expensive, it offers an excellent view of the islands spread across the Maldives and the beautiful ocean.
When you plan the costs, resort bookings, flight schedules, and baggage allowances, you can escape the stress and begin your holiday with ease.
By following these recommendations, you can manage transfers efficiently and maximise your overall experience.
FAQs: Seaplane Transfer in the Maldives
1. What happens if you miss your seaplane transfer due to international flight delays?
If your international flight is delayed and you miss the last seaplane, which departs at 3:30 PM, your resort will arrange for you to take the next available flight, typically scheduled between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM the following morning.
In this situation, you will need to arrange overnight accommodation in Malé or at the airport hotel, with costs generally ranging from 7,000 INR to 15,000 INR per night, depending on your stay choice.
2. How much can you expect to pay for a seaplane transfer in the Maldives?
Seaplanes are expensive, either you visit in the low season or during the peak season. You can expect to spend approximately 50,000 INR for a round-trip if you are staying in a mid-range private resort.
However, the only way to budget your vacation is staying in budget overwater villas in the Maldives or beach resorts on a private island. Also, by staying on a public island, you can reduce your vacation cost tremendously and even extend your stay.
3. Is it possible to get seasick on seaplanes?
Yes, anyone can experience this, and it is common after a heavy meal or if a traveller has a history of seasickness.
It is advisable to come prepared, especially when you are vacationing on an island, and most activities are water-based. So, keep your medication in hand when you board the plane and avoid oily food.
4. How many people can be seated on a seaplane?
Seaplanes are not as big as regular flights; they are much smaller. Each airline in the Maldives differs, but on average, you can expect there to be only 8 – 15 seats in the plane.
