Are you curious about what it’s like to fly on a seaplane in the Maldives?
Perhaps you’re about to leave home to start your journey to your Maldives resort and you’re feeling a bit anxious about flying on a seaplane.
Maybe you’re trying to decide between a Maldives domestic flight and a seaplane flight.
Whatever the reason you’re here, let’s take a look at:
- Advantages and disadvantages of taking a seaplane flight in the Maldives
- The main seaplane company in the Maldives
- Seaplane flight basics
- Our experience taking a seaplane to and from our Maldives resort (was it worth it?)
- Tips for your seaplane journey
- Alternatives to seaplane flights in the Maldives
Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking a Seaplane Flight in the Maldives
Advantages:
- unique experience
- beautiful
- often the easiest and quickest way to get from Malé airport to your resort
- incredible introduction to the Maldives
Disadvantages:
- very expensive
- loud
- bumpy landing
- limited hours (currently flights only during daylight hours)
- schedule is flexible
- strict weight limits
Trans Maldivian Airways – The Main Seaplane Operator
One of the main reasons seaplane flights are so expensive… not a lot of competition! Meet Trans Maldivian Airways, the main operator for seaplane flights in the Maldives.*
Official Website: Trans Maldivian Airways
Terminal: Noovilu Seaplane Terminal (10-minute shuttle from Malè airport main terminal)
Flys To: Over 80 resorts in the Maldives
Operating Hours: Sunrise to sunset
*Some resorts have their own private seaplanes.
Seaplane Flight Basics
Booking Your Seaplane Flight – You arrange your seaplane flight with your resort. Your resort will reserve your place(s) on the flight.
Getting to From Malé Airport to the Seaplane Terminal – When you exit the baggage claim area at Malé airport, you’ll be greeted by a representative from your resort (or walk to your resort’s counter in the arrivals area in front of you). You’ll walk a few steps to the check-in for Trans Maldivian Airways, where your luggage and carry-ons will be weighed. Then, you’ll hop on a 10-minute shuttle to the Noovilu seaplane terminal.
Noovilu Seaplane Terminal – Wait here for your seaplane flight, either in the main lounge or in your resort’s private lounge. Watch the seaplanes land and take off, use the toilet, and get something to eat or drink. Next, you’ll be called to a smaller waiting area, and a TMA (Trans Maldivian Airways) employee will walk you to your seaplane via the dock.
Getting on Your Seaplane – You’ll need to walk up a few steps to get from the dock into the plane. Have your phone and loose items tucked away, as you could easily drop them into the water while you’re stepping inside. Your carry-on bag will go in the back of the plane.
Seating on the Seaplane – There is no assigned seating – it’s first come, first served. If you have a strong seat preference, make sure you’re in the front of the line on the walk to the seaplane (trust me, it’s easy to get distracted by the turquoise water and sea life!). Sit in the front if you want to see the pilots in action and see the take off and landing through the front window. Sit in the middle of the plane if you’re more interested in looking down at the islands and sea during the flight. The seating configuration is 1-2 (1 seat, aisle, 2 seats).
During the Flight – You’ll be offered bottled water and headphones. The ride is loud and bumpy, but the scenery is mesmerizing. If you need assistance, you can ask the staff member in the back of the plane (sitting with the luggage).
Our Experience Taking a Seaplane Flight in the Maldives
We landed at Malé, went through immigration, picked up our luggage, and used the toilet in the luggage area.
Our resort representative met us in the arrivals hall and walked us to the TMA check-in. Before checking our bags, I swapped out some clothing and changed into a lighter top. I also double-checked we had all of our swim gear (swimsuits, sunscreen, etc) in our carry-on bags.
After weighing our luggage and checking it in, we walked outside and got on the shuttle bus. After a 10-minute shuttle, we arrived at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. We were escorted up to our resort’s lounge, where we spent about 40 minutes eating, playing, and watching the seaplanes take off and land. Next, we were called to a waiting room, and we spent 15 minutes there before walking out to our seaplane (2-min walk).
Our seaplane had 15 seats but it wasn’t full.
Our flight was about 45 minutes on the way out. We loved looking out over islands we passed and the time flew by quickly. Of course, we were thrilled to arrive at our resort, and the landing exciting (but smooth).
On the way back, we stopped at another resort to pick up a passenger (the owner of Sun Siyam Resorts!), so our total flight time was just over an hour.
When we arrived back in Malé, our resort representative gathered our luggage on a cart for us and we waited in the main waiting area (before checking in) for about an hour.
We all enjoyed our seaplane flights and would go on a seaplane again in a heartbeat!
Tips for Your Maldives Seaplane Flight
- Book your inbound Malé flight to arrive at least by 15:30 so you’ll have time to get your luggage and get on your seaplane. Always check with your resort for the latest time you can arrive (some require you to arrive before 15:30).
- Pack a change of clothes for when you arrive at the Malé airport. It’s toasty when you get to Malé, and it feels great to change into lighter clothing. Tuck something into your luggage and get it out and change before you check in for your seaplane flight. If you’re a woman, keep in mind that the Maldives is a Muslim country and dress respectfully in public places away from your resort (covering shoulders and knees).
- Have your swimsuit and sunscreen in your carry-on bag in case your large luggage travels on a later flight.
- Know the luggage allowances for TMA, including for carry-ons. They’re strict, and overweight charges are pricey.
- Take advantage of your resort’s private lounge. Our had a buffet, kids play area, massages, and more. It was the perfect place to relax after our travel to Malé.
- Use the toilet before you get on the plane (in your lounge or in the waiting room) because the tiny seaplanes don’t have toilets.
- Use the complimentary earplugs (ask if they don’t offer them) or use your own noise-canceling headphones if the plane’s noise bothers you.
- Take the in-flight magazine. I’m not one to take them, but the TMA magazine is gorgeous and makes a great souvenir.
- If you haven’t brought your own water bottle, keep the TMA plastic water bottle. Many Maldives resorts are plastic free, and you may want to have a non-glass bottle to use at your resort.
- Traveling with kids? Check out my Tips for Taking a Seaplane in the Maldives with Kids
Alternatives to Seaplanes in the Maldives
Speedboat transfer – Some resorts are close enough to Malé that you can transfer via speedboat.
Domestic flights or combos – Other resorts may require a domestic flight + speedboat transfer. Also, if you’re arriving outside of daylight hours (and thus won’t be able to take a seaplane), you may want to take a domestic flight so you don’t have to spend a night in Malé.
I hope this has helped you with your plans for taking a seaplane in the Maldives!
Be sure to check out all of our Maldives with Kids posts:
Maldives with Kids – How to Plan the Perfect Trip
7 Reasons to Book a Family Trip to the Maldives
6 Helpful Tips for Your First Visit to the Maldives with Kids
30+ Maldives Family-Friendly Resorts – Compared by a Mom (Includes Table & Notes)
How Many Days to Spend in the Maldives
Family Packing List for the Maldives
Maldives with a Baby – Yes or No?
Maldives with Teens
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Review – Family Paradise in the Maldives
Where to Eat at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi with Kids
Overwater Villa or Beach Villa – Choosing One for Your Maldives Family Trip
Family-Specific Questions to Ask Your Maldives Resort – Before You Book
Taking a Seaplane in the Maldives
Tips for Taking a Seaplane with Kids
Maldives Regrets – From Resort Choices to Packing Mistakes
