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What is a seaplane in Maldives?
A type of water aircraft that can take off and land on ocean water is called a seaplane in the Maldives. It is the most popular mode of transport for reaching any islands and resorts scattered across the Maldives. There are only two seaplane companies in the Maldives: Trans-Maldivian Airways (TMA) and Manta Air. Seaplanes and speedboats are widely used in the Maldives for any type of transfer. They typically carry up to 15 passengers and offer a faster mode of transfer compared to boats, with a baggage allowance of 25kg per passenger.
It’s important to note that seaplanes in the Maldives are more costly than speedboats, and sometimes they are included in your all-inclusive package. They operate during daylight hours only, between 6:00 and 15:30, due to aviation regulations. If you have not yet traveled by seaplane transfer, then seaplanes Maldives provide a unique and scenic way to travel between the atolls, islands, reefs, and lagoons of the Maldives, offering passengers stunning aerial views of the beautiful island during the journey.
Is maldives seaplane safe?
Yes, the Maldives seaplane was an absolutely safe mode of transfer to different islands. This country has the largest seaplane fleet in the world, and the most experienced seaplane pilots are flying the seaplanes of the Maldives. According to records from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority dating back to 1994, there has never been a fatality arising from a seaplane crash in the Maldives. There was only one such crash incident that happened in the past, involving serious injury to the pilots and one passenger, which occurred in 2004.
After that incident, the Maldives seaplanes didn’t compromise with passenger safety and used de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otters equipped with modern safety features. This new feature is used by both aircraft companies and Maldives seaplane operators.
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How do I get to the seaplane terminal in the Maldives?
Many of the new visitors have doubts about getting to the seaplane terminal in the Maldives. Follow these steps:
- Arrive at Velana International Airport: The seaplane terminal is located near Velana International Airport, also known as Male International Airport, on Hulhule Island in the North Male Atoll, close to the capital island of Male.
- Take a courtesy bus or car: Once you arrive at the airport, you can also take a courtesy bus or car to the seaplane terminal. The drive to the seaplane terminal takes only 5 minutes.
- Check-in at the terminal: You will have to go to the seaplane terminal and check-in for your seaplane transfer. The terminal is designed to accommodate more than 100 seaplanes and operates 300 daily flights.
- Store your luggage: Your luggage will be stored at the seaplane terminal and then loaded onto the seaplane.
Important Tips: The seaplane terminal is only accessible by a courtesy bus or car, and it’s not possible to walk directly to the terminal from the airport.
Are there any shuttle services available from the airport to the seaplane terminal in the Maldives?
Yes, there are shuttle services available from the outside of the airport to the seaplane terminal in the Maldives. Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, you can take a courtesy bus or car to the seaplane terminal, which is located near the airport. This drive will take up to the seaplane terminal in only about 5 minutes, and the shuttle service is provided free of charge to transport passengers to the seaplane terminal.
What does the Seaplane Maldives cost?
The cost of a seaplane transfer in the Maldives will vary depending on the hotel and the distance between the resort and Velana International Airport. Here are some general price ranges:
- Seaplane transfers to a resort as far as Kuredu usually cost between 300 – 400 USD per adult and half the price for children’s return.
- The flat fee for a seaplane transfer is usually between $250 and $750 per person roundtrip.
- Many luxury resorts that are far from the international airport may charge up to $900 per person roundtrip.
- Seaplane private charter prices can range from $1,200 to $15,000 per way, depending on the resort location.
Keep in mind that the prices fluctuate according to seasons, and it’s essential to check with your hotel or the seaplane operator for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Seaplane Maldives Booking
If you want to take a seaplane in the Maldives, then you can follow these several steps:
- Through the Seaplane Operator: You can book directly through the seaplane operators, such as Trans-Maldivian Airways (TMA) or Manta Air. These two companies usually have online booking systems on their official websites.
- Through the Resort: If you are staying at a resort or have taken all-inclusive packages to the Maldives, then the resort can help coordinate your seaplane transfers. You can contact them to make the arrangements for the transfers, and sometimes they are included in your package.
- Through a Seaplane Agency: There are many seaplane agencies outside the airport that can help you with the booking and logistics of seaplane transfers. You can contact them for assistance in setting up the transfer.
These are the three steps to booking a seaplane in the Maldives, as per your preference.
Seaplane Maldives Timetable
It is similar to flights operated by seaplanes in the Maldives, which operate during daylight hours only, typically between 6:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. If you are landing at the airport after 4:30 p.m., then you should have to take a speedboat, or you can stay at Male Island. These seaplanes are not allowed to fly at night due to the unique conditions of landing on and taking off from the water. The schedules for seaplane transfers vary depending on the arrival and departure times of guests on a given day.
It’s important for visitors who have a seaplane transfer to arrive in Malé before 3:30 p.m. in order to catch a same-day seaplane transfer. The flight time depends on your resort’s distance from the terminal; the average time taken ranges from twenty to forty-five minutes, depending on the distance.
Important Tips: Take note that seaplane check-in time for Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) closes at 3:30 p.m., so seaplane transfers can be arranged for international flights landing prior to this time.
Seaplane Maldives Capacity
If you are traveling with family, then you don’t have to be conflicted about the capacity because seaplanes in the Maldives have a capacity of up to 15 passengers. The seaplanes used in the Maldives are typically de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otters, which are fully equipped with modern safety features. The seating arrangement in a seaplane usually consists of seven seats close to the window, with the remaining seats located closer to the aisle. The seaplanes operate during daylight hours only, typically between 6:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., due to aviation regulations.
If you want to get to the resort island by private seaplane, then Vip Pass is an option for them, which is offered by Trans Maldivian Airways. It is the largest seaplane fleet, and the prices for VIP services start at $8000 per way.
What is the Maldives seaplane transfer baggage allowance?
The baggage allowance for seaplane transfers in the Maldives is as follows:
- Checked baggage: 20 kg per person
- Hand luggage: 5 kg per person
Please note that these allowances are subject to change, and it’s essential to check with the specific seaplane operator or your resort for the most accurate and up-to-date information on baggage allowance.
Tips: It is important to pack sufficient and necessary things while traveling to the Maldives. To know what you should pack for a trip, read this article.
Read more: Important Things to Pack for the Maldives
What happens if my luggage exceeds the weight limit for a seaplane transfer in the Maldives?
If your luggage weight exceeds the weight limit for a seaplane transfer in the Maldives, then you should have to be charged for the excess weight. The charges for excess baggage vary, but they generally range from $4.00 to $5.00 USD per kilogram above the fixed limit, plus applicable taxes.
So, it is important to check your luggage while packing and carefully adhere to the weight limits to avoid any additional charges and ensure a smooth or hassle-free experience.
Seaplane Maldives Altitude
The altitude of seaplanes Maldives is typically very low, with some sources indicating an altitude of only 6 feet (2 meters) above sea level. Due to the short distance, this low-altitude seaplane allows for a unique and scenic flying experience, providing passengers with an amazing view of the landscape of the Maldivian atolls and the surrounding ocean.
Review
Based on the search results, here are some reviews of seaplane transfers in the Maldives:
- A review on TripAdvisor mentions that the seaplane experience in the Maldives is very noisy and hot, with no air conditioning and just an ineffective fan. The reviewer also notes that the takeoff and landing are very smooth, but there is no air conditioning.
- Another review on TripAdvisor praises the seaplane experience, stating that the trip took about 25 minutes and was spectacular, flying over many islands and coral reefs en route to the resort. The reviewer also mentions that the Maldivian air crew was fun to fly with.
- Manta Air, another seaplane operator in the Maldives, offers a seaplane service with modern aircraft for the tropical island destination of the Maldives.
Overall, the reviews suggest that seaplane transfers in the Maldives can be a unique and scenic experience, but they may also be noisy and hot. The air crew is generally described as friendly and helpful, making the experience more enjoyable.
What is the average duration of a seaplane transfer in the Maldives?
Depending on the distance between the resort island and the seaplane terminal, the usual length of a seaplane transfer in the Maldives might vary, although it often takes between 30 and 60 minutes. You have to book your slot time for your seaplane flight. So, it’s become important to reach the terminal before a slot.
