Seaplane transfer in the Maldives is one of the most memorable experiences while traveling to the islands. You will have the opportunity to observe a scattering of green islands and turquoise lagoons in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean from a bird’s eye view. The picture is really enchanting, especially considering that the hydroplane takes off and lands on the water. However, not all resorts organize seaplane transfers, there are also nuances with the time frame. An expert in booking exotic islands wiotto.com shares experiences and tips on how to book seaplane transfers in the Maldives and enjoy your flight.
What are the types of transfer in the Maldives
Most of the tourists arrive in the Maldives in the capital Male, where the Velana International Airport is located. This is followed by a transfer to the selected island, it can be:
- Transfer by speedboat (for islands located near Male)
- transfer (for islands away from Male)
- transfer + speedboat (for very remote islands)
There are resort islands that offer a choice of transfers. For example, by boat the trip will last about 40 minutes, or by seaplane about 20 minutes. For the price, a hydroplane will cost two to three times more. It is also possible to choose a transfer between seaplane and local airlines. The second option will be somewhat cheaper.
How does seaplane transfer work
Seaplanes fly only during the daytime. As a rule, the transfer is carried out from 6:00 to 16:00. Some resorts offer a shuttle service from 9:00 to 15:00. Before booking, wiotto.com manager will advise you at what time the seaplane flies exactly to your resort, and help plan your trip.
If your plane arrives in Male in the evening, say at 16:00, you will no longer have time for your seaplane flight. In this case, you will need to wait in Male the next morning to get to the hotel. If a flight to Male and a seaplane transfer do not overlap, it is better to choose a hotel in the Maldives that offers a speedboat transfer. Or, managers can find you a hotel for one night in Male, including close to the airport.
When everything is already booked and you arrive in Male, you will be met by a wiotto.com representative and takes you to the seaplane terminal. A representative of the hotel will be waiting there and will help with the documents. The seaplane will take you directly to the hotel, and will fly at a low enough height so that you can see the paradise islands.
Which Maldives hotels offer seaplane transfers
The wiotto.com catalog has a Seaplane transfer filter. By selecting it, you will see a list of resorts that can be reached by this type of transfer.
Among the most interesting hotels:
- 4 stars: Innahura Maldives Resort, Vilamendhoo Island Resort, Riu Atoll Maldives, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
- 5 stars: YOU & ME by Cocoon Maldives, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
- 5 stars Deluxe: Hurawalhi Island Resort, W Maldives, Constance Moofushi, Joali Maldives
If you have never been to the Maldives, be sure to fly in and choose a seaplane transfer. It will be one of the most memorable moments of the trip. Some hotels even issue a souvenir certificate for crossing the equator.
