How to Travel by Seaplane in The Maldives

Nearly 1200 tiny islands lay seemingly strung around 26 atolls in the scenic archipelago of Maldives. Resembling a lovely necklace from the sky, each island has the scenic beauty of the surroundings and clear shorelines. Did you ever wonder about your first experience on a seaplane in the Maldives, to be zoomed off to your hotel over an oasis of blue seascapes? Seaplane transfer is the best way to arrive at your hotel, let us share some insights you must have to embrace this unique experience.

Formalities at the Velana International Airport

On landing in Male have your immigration and customs formalities completed, as you do on arrival in a foreign country. Thereafter proceed to the arrival hall. Here many tour operators and the airport representatives of the resorts will be present to receive guests with seaplane bookings. Have your booking voucher available or seek your tour operator if a tour booking was done.

These representatives are experienced and some of them will even speak your native language making it easier for you to communicate with ease. Once your voucher or booking details are checked the representative will register you with the seaplane operator's desk, assist with your luggage and direct you to the air-conditioned coach that transports you and the luggage to the seaplane terminal.

Taking this service to another level, some of the top resorts in Maldives have their dedicated seaplane terminal lounge at the airport providing complimentary light refreshments and wifi as they await the seaplane departure.

Seaplane Operators

There is more than one seaplane operator in the Maldives, the bigger operators are Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), Maldivian Air which also happens to be the National Airline of the Maldives and Manta Air. TMA is the biggest operator with more flights whilst Maldivian Air does a lesser number of flights as they also handle domestic passenger flights in the Maldives, Manta Air is the new entrant to the seaplane scene in the Maldives. The seaplanes operated by these operators are De Havilland Twin Otter aircraft and they cover over 60 resorts on these seaplane services throughout the year.

These seaplanes take off from the Velana International Airport adjacent to the International Passenger Terminal of Male making it a very convenient transfer for visitors. The seaplane transfer if requested by you is booked directly by the resort such as Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi and is included in your overall charge, making the seaplane transfer booking a seamless activity for the client.

At the seaplane terminal

Based on the seaplane operator you are booked with you will be directed/escorted to the right seaplane terminal and gate. Relax as you await the departure.

Once the seaplane is ready for boarding you will be requested to proceed, a mandatory safety briefing will be provided before you walk along the docks on a seascape of gleaming blue waters to board the Twin Otter seaplane. You are all set for your fascinating ride to the resort.

The exciting Seaplane journey

Once aboard the seaplane remember the salient points of the safety briefing, buckle yourself and relax. The powered fixed-wing craft on floats offers you the luxury of landing and taking off from the sea. The large windows are specially geared for photography whilst you are on board as well as when on the move. Take a good look at the view, your journey can be anything from twenty to forty-plus minutes, prepare the savour this unique ride. Yes, it is getting you to a luxury resort in the Maldives, however, you are also going to get that fascinating aerial view of this archipelago resting gracefully like a lovely necklace on the Indian Ocean. This is the time to start clicking away capturing the shallow lagoons, the atolls, the hidden coral reefs and those picturesque views everyone speaks highly of.