Did you know flying with a seaplane is one of the special services of the paradise islands of the Maldives regarding the transfer services of resorts or booking a seaplane scenic tour to admire the island nation from above. These are small planes with buoys under their feet that can be parked on the water. Coming to the Maldives, you must definitely to experience a seaplane service once, watching the beautiful atolls surrounded by crystal water and white sandy beaches, stretching coral reefs, sandbanks… It makes you feel like you are flying in paradise. So, what is it like taking a Maldives seaplane transfer service and how much is seaplane transfer in Maldives (cost of seaplane transfer in Maldives)? Let’s check out our seaplane maldives to find out the answer and what you need to know before taking any seaplane flight. You will definitely have a wonderful experience when seeing the paradise islands under wings.
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In the Maldives, there are resorts located right near the Velana International Airport, but there are also resorts that are far away that cannot be reached by speedboat or ferry. So, to get to these resorts you usually have to take a Maldives seaplane transfer service, the flight time by seaplane from the airport to the resorts ranges from 40-60 minutes.
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The check-in procedure to boarding is also very quick and easy. When I arrived at Velana airport, my resort’s staffs were waiting there to welcome me and guided me to the seaplane check-in counter nearby. This counter is owned by Trans Maldivian Airways, the airline that operates the majority of flights in the Maldives. Resorts will have to register to transport guests through this carrier because the resorts do not own any seaplane. And you should note that seaplanes only operate during the day and stop carrying passengers after 4pm. The round-trip ticket prices range from $350-1000/person, depending on the luxury of each resort, the price for children is lower.
After completing the boarding procedures, I was taken to the resort’s waiting room, also known as the resort’s lounge, 10 minutes away by car. Each resort will have its own lounge with full facilities and amenities for guests to relaxing, resting before flying. The more luxurious the resort, the more luxurious their lounge is, including snacks, wines, books… that no less than the lounges at big airports. Even some resorts also have a children’s play area, and provide a short massage for guests, guests are served as VIPs.
Maldives seaplane transfer: Boarding and flying to the resort
Each flight will be served and operated by 3 pilots, 2 pilots and one person sitting in the back to serve passengers. These guys look tall with black skin, but extremely friendly, if you want to take pictures with the seaplane they are also happy to welcome with pleasure, even the pilot took the initiative to take a selfie with me.
The maximum capacity for a seaplane is about 13-15 passengers, if you have too much luggage, it can be taken to the next flight to ensure flight safety. Actually, at first, the seaplane looks so cool, luxury, but after boarding and sitting down, it was not very comfortable at all. The engine sound is very loud and noisy, you will be given earplugs to reduce the noise. The seats are tight and hot, because the “air conditioner” here is run by natural wind, not to mention the burning smell from engine. If you get car sick easily should also be careful.
However, when the seaplane took off, all the fatigue disappeared, the whole scene of the Maldives island nation appeared right below. First is the airport island, then coral islands, atolls, islands of resorts with white sand, appeared on a picture whose background is a deep blue color, a masterpiece of nature. The resorts are always distinguished by the series of luxurious water villas facing the sea, ravishingly beautiful scenery.
Don’t be surprised if you see that you are flying and the seaplane will land 1-2 times to drop off passengers, because on one flight they will pair many guests of many different resorts. So flying with a seaplane is like riding a bus. When they prepare for landing near your resort, the pilot will notify. Usually the seaplane will park in a hut in the middle of the sea (a tiny floating airport like a boating dock), from here you will take a short ride by speedboat to get to the resort.
Although, I was a bit tired, but I only have to take care of myself, all the luggage is taken care of by the resort’s staffs. And when you arriving in the paradise and seeing everyone at the resort standing and waving, greeting, waiting warmly, the feeling is indescribable. Imagine you will have a dream vacation in the Maldives with golden sunshine and blue sea, really excited. It’s an experience in paradise, it’s worth a try.
See more Maldives seaplane photos:
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Maldives you can refer to
- Maldives Day Tour from Hulhumale
- Discover Scuba Dive in Maldives
- Male Island Hopping Tour
- 4G SIM Card for Maldives (MY Delivery) by Mewfi
Are you looking for more Maldives travel guide and top things to do in Maldives: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Maldives travel blog — The fullest Maldives travel guide for a great trip on a budget for the first-timers.