Seaplane or speedboat? Transfers in the Maldives

If you’re lucky enough to have a holiday booked to the Maldives then after landing at Velana International Airport you’ll reach your resort either by speedboat, by seaplane or by domestic flight. Here are a few tips based on my experience of a seaplane transfer…

The Maldives is a hugely dispersed group of 26 islands (or atolls) taking in 35,000 square miles of territory (including the sea) so when it comes to transfers you simply may not have the choice. Some resorts like the Six Senses Laamu are so far away that you need to take a domestic flight then a speedboat.

However, if you do get the choice between boat and plan, here are a five reasons why a seaplane transfer might be for you:

1. Saving time – seaplane transfers are around five times faster than a boat transfer would be.

2. No sea sickness – if you tend to suffer from sea sickness then the seaplane transfer would avoid this.

3. Seaplane transfers are booked directly by the resorts and not by you as the passenger, so this simplifies things for the traveller.

4. The experience – you may not have spared much thought for your transfer, given that your flight from the UK is 10 to 11 hours long, but believe me it’s an experience you won’t forget. The feeling of landing on water is exhilarating! While you might have misgivings as the plane taxies up to the pontoon don’t worry your pilot will have done this hundreds of times.

5. The views! This can’t be overstated – the Maldives is one of the most Instagram-able destinations there is, the view from the air is unforgettable. What better way to start your holiday than gazing down at bright blue paradise islands from the air and playing the “guess which one is our resort?” game?

Travel Counsellors is currently offering 20% Discount plus Reduced Seaplane Transfers at LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives Travel Dates: 01 March - 22 December 2022 Book By Date: 28 February 2022 T&Cs: Blackout dates 10-24 April 2022. Excludes Temptation Pool Water Villa and LUX* Villa.