Know all about Maldives Seaplane Transfer

Date : 08 Mar 2021

Categories: Maldives Islands

In the Maldives, a seaplane aircraft is a fast mode of transfer that is three times faster than boats. It means that there are so many resorts in the island nation where you can reach in less than 30 minutes. From Male Airport to the resort islands mostly located in South and North Atolls can be reached via a seaplane in a luxurious way. Moreover, this is the best mode of transfer in the Maldives if you want to see the true beauty of the archipelago nation.

Seaplane transfers in the Maldives are scheduled to resorts. On arrival, your seats will be booked and you will be charged at the airport. These planes make transfers only during daylight hours and offer incredible views of atolls, islands, reefs, and lagoons. You can also hire a private seaplane if you want more luxury and privacy. It is on request.

The services of three charter seaplane companies, Trans Maldivian, Maldivian, and Manta Air, are mostly used by tourists. Their port is next to Male International Airport and you can fly from there to the resorts all across the country. You can enjoy the ride on the fifteen-seater De Havilland Twin Otter seaplanes under contract to reach your resort while vacationing here.

Price of Maldives Seaplanes scheduled to resorts

Resorts offer the service of seaplane transfer and book seats for their guests. Tourists are charged on their arrival at the resort. The fare is different for different hotels. Generally, there is a flat fee of $270 to $450 per head (roundtrip). There are so many extremely luxurious resorts that are far from Velana International Airport and they charge $900 per passenger (roundtrip). If you book last minute or directly from the seaplane airline company, then you will be charged more than what the resort will be charging you. If you contact parties like Atoll Transfer, then the price may be less, depending on the service area of seaplanes.

Price of chartering a private Maldives seaplane

Chartering a seaplane is quite expensive but it is very much comfortable and you don’t need to wait at the airport. Depending on the location of your resort, you have to pay at least $1200 to $15000 per way for a private charter seaplane. It is perfect if you are travelling in a group and there are maximum of fifteen passengers.

Seaplane Transfer in the Maldives

Things to know before choosing a seaplane transfer in the Maldives

A seaplane is a water plane that takes off and lands on the water. The transfer is not cheap if you choose this mode.
As per the Maldives aviation rules, it operates during daylight hours only, that is, between 6 am and 3:30 pm. So if your flight is landing after 3 pm, then you have to stay overnight in Male, Hulhumale, or airport hotel. You can take a flight the next day.
There is no toilet facility available on the seaplane.
There are no business class seats available. However, private luxury seaplanes have these.
Free baggage allowance per pax in these seaplanes is 25 kilograms. The extra baggage charge is $5+ up to a total of 35 kilograms.
For scheduled seaplane bookings, you may have to wait at the seaplane terminal for anywhere between one to four hours.
Usually, checking gates close an hour before but depending on international flights, the operator may wait for other passengers. In some cases, the gates may get closed before twenty minutes depending on the operations of flights.
There is no air-conditioning in the seaplane aircraft. But there will be fans though. It is quite hot inside the aircraft before takeoff.
The seaplanes have a capacity of only fifteen seats, which are very close to each other. Seven seats are window seats.
Lounges at the seaplane terminal are not available by all resorts. However, public sitting is available for everyone.
The seaplane terminal has a café, local shop, toilets, and smoking area.
Kindly note that there is no free seaplane transfer in the Maldives even if it’s mentioned somewhere. The transfer fee is included in your accommodation or your package price. Resorts don’t operate seaplanes on their own but they charter them from the operating company. Therefore, transfer cost is included in the total price.
You can reach the seaplane transfer via bus or car only. It will be provided for free by the operating company.
You can book a private seaplane transfer, excursions, and photo flight.