Fly with Trans Maldivian Airways: Seaplane Transfers Over the Stunning Maldives

What an experience! I had been on a seaplane once before as a special part of my Fiji vacation, but here in the Maldives, seaplanes are regularly used for transfers to almost every island. Some resorts are accessible by boat, some by seaplane, and some a combination of both! Trans Maldivian Airways is the go to seaplane transfer company with numerous planes flying all day throughout the Maldives. If you’re lucky enough to go on one of these, be sure to have your camera ready for some great aerial photos!

The airport

From the main airport where your international flight lands, you have to take a shuttle to the seaplane airport. There are different terminals so pay attention to which stop is the correct one. Once you get to the airport, get the boarding pass and relax until you hear either your name OR your resort called over the speaker system. While you wait, there is a gift shop and (I think) minimal refreshments available. If you have to wait at the seaplane airport for a while, i recommend bringing water off of your international flight. once they call your name, you will make your way into a shed like house until they take you down the dock to the seaplane. 

Luggage

Luggage is checked and weighted at the international airport. From there, they will transport it and load it onto the seaplane. 

The plane 

The planes are all tied to a dock like boats. They look like this:

Seating

The seats are arranged in singles on the left and doubles on the right. The area is very small and everyone is on top of each other basically. Luggage goes in the back of the plane or in some cases they have to bring another plane full of luggage. You keep your personal item bag with you. 

Weight limits 

There is a weight limit on the luggage. Large bags are constrained by 20 kg and handheld bags are constrained by 3 kg. If you are over this weight limit, there is an overage fee. For all four of my family members (which we were all overweight) the charge was $350 round trip in total (not per person) which I felt is very reasonable. 

AC

The plane is equipped with AC that will activate once you take off. 

How long is my flight?

Each flight is different depending on the location of the resort. For me, my flight time was 25 minutes to get from Malé to South Ari atoll. To compare, it would have been an hour and a half by boat. 

Photo Ops

If you know me, you know i love a good photo op. Get the cameras ready because the Maldives are beautiful! 

Prefer videos? 

No problem! See my video of Trans Maldivian Airways by clicking on the button below! 

Trans Maldivian Airways Video