Guide for taking seaplanes in Maldives, the ultimate taxi ride!
I just love a seaplane, to me flying on the Havilland Twin Otter seaplane (secret aviation geek!), is one of the many ultimate experiences the Maldives has to offer.
The visual spectacle of seeing the resort islands is unquestionable an exhilarating experience. Your focus will be outside the window, as you will be flying low enough to ensure an incredible clear aerial view of the luxury over-water villas, powdery sandbanks, and as you climb higher, you'll see the reefs, lagoons and atoll formations down below.
Make sure you have your camera for those stunning Instagramable pictures , trust me, I have hundreds! ;-)
I get asked all the time about seaplanes, maybe because my instagram feed is full of them! However, here is a handy guide if you are yet to travel on the worlds ultimate "taxi' ride.
Seaplane terminal
The seaplane terminal in Malé is only a few minutes away from the main airport, making it a convenient option for those wanting to reach their resort quickly. The terminal is home to several seaplane airlines, including Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), which is the largest seaplane carrier in the Maldives. TMA has the “world’s largest seaplane fleet” consisting of 48 Canadian-built de Havilland Twin Otter aircraft. Newer airlines, such as Maldivian Air and Manta Air, are also entering the market and offering seaplane travel options.
Booking and transfers
Booking a seaplane is not done directly with the airline. Instead, travelers need to request a seaplane through their resort. The resort will then email you and ask about your preferred mode of transport to the island. Once you choose a seaplane, they will take extra information about your flight arrival time at Malé Airport and coordinate with the airline to arrange the transfer.
Arrival and check in
Upon arrival at the Malé Airport, you will meet your resort representative and be taken to the seaplane terminal which is only a 5-minute car ride from the main airport. Most seaplanes in the Maldives do not fly on a fixed schedule. The routes are planned on a daily basis and the airline will inform your resort about the departure time a day before your arrival.
Keep in mind that baggage limitations are strict, with most airlines allowing only 20kg of luggage per passenger.
The experience
The in-flight experience on a seaplane is quite different from a regular flight. Seaplanes fly at a low altitude, so there is no need to pressurize the cabin. This means no air-conditioning, so it can get a little hot during the ride (Tip-grab a front row seat, they usually have a fan facing the cabin!). Additionally, the cabin space is smaller and more cramped than a regular flight. However, the views from the plane are worth it. You will see the Maldives in its rawest and most scenic form. Make sure to have your cameras ready to capture the stunning scenes from the sky.
One thing to note is that the Maldives is famous for its “no shoes, no news” motto. You will see this firsthand as you board the seaplane, as most pilots fly the planes barefoot. It's a unique and amusing experience, and it's totally normal in the Maldives. So, sit back, relax, and take in the heavenly views of the Maldives on your seaplane ride.
Final Word
"Welcome on board the most exciting taxi in the world, grab your camera, get a front row seat (see the pilots in action, barefoot of course!), and enjoy an extraordinary experience!"
Jane