With the Maldives made up of 26 atolls, over 1000 islands and spread over 90,000 kms chances are you will be needing a seaplane transfer to get to your island resort.
Once you arrive at the Male Velana International Airport (which we flew from Colombo, Sri Lanka) you then find your resort’s check in desk to get ready for your seaplane transfer to the resort. If you’ve ever been to an all inclusive and have to take a large bus transfer to the resort, think of this as the same but with a seaplane!!
You are taken to a waiting room for your resort's seaplane transfer and wait until they call you for your flight that runs usually every 30min or so. Trans Maldivian Airways is the company that runs these transfers; typically once you book your resort you can contact the reception to arrange your seaplane ride.
As can be expected nothing is ‘cheap’ in the Maldives. These transfers range from $400USD - $550USD+ ($600CAD - $750CAD) per person depending on how far your resort is from the Internationl Airport, but it’s worth every penny! Some would pay this just for a sightseeing excursion or helicopter ride elsewhere in the world & because you’re in a DHC-6-300 Twin Otter you’re flying at lower altitudes that having a window seat is recommended to see the different islands surrounded by turquoise blue waters & coral reefs.
The pilots are the most casual I’ve seen wearing a short sleeved dress shirt, shorts & sandals. Known as the ‘barefoot pilots’ they tend to kick off their sandals after take off and enjoy the ride. Having to maneuver through all types of changing weather conditions these pilots are highly skilled to land on open waters.
The flight itself can be rocky, but the views are incredible. The plane is loud and hot, with a couple fans in the front to have some airflow for the 19 passengers it carries. If you’re going to this magnificent part of the world then buckle up and enjoy the ride, It’s all a part of the adventure!
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