Seaplanes, domestic flights or speedboats: getting around the Maldives

About Seaplanes, domestic flights or speedboats: getting around the Maldives

By the ULTIMATE the Maldives Editorial Team

Site Editor: Tara de la Motte

Getting to your island is part of the adventure, and part of the cost. Here is how each option works, and how to avoid getting stuck by a late arrival.

Your resort decides

Almost everyone arrives at Velana International Airport on Hulhulé, beside Malé. If you are staying at a resort, Visit Maldives says your transfer will most likely be arranged when you book. Resorts near the airport use speedboats; those further afield use seaplanes or domestic flights. Some, such as Conrad Rangali, make their own transfer compulsory.

Speedboats

Speedboats serve the resorts of North and South Malé atolls. CROSSROADS is about 15 minutes away, Baros 25 minutes and VARU by Atmosphere 45 minutes. Because there is no seaplane to catch, these resorts are the easiest choice for a short stay.

Seaplanes fly in daylight only. If you land after dark, plan a night near the airport.

Seaplanes

The seaplane terminal, Noovilu, is described by the airport operator as the world’s largest seaplane hub, and Trans Maldivian Airways is the world’s largest seaplane operator, alongside Manta Air’s Twin Otters. The views of the atolls are unforgettable: Visit Maldives puts a scenic seaplane flight first on its list of 50 ultimate experiences. Flights take around half an hour to the nearer atolls and 40 minutes to Lhaviyani, and they fly in daylight only.

Domestic flights

Visit Maldives counts twelve domestic and international airports with daily flights from Velana. Maldivian, the national carrier, flies to regional airports such as Gan in Addu, about 90 minutes from Malé, and Fuvahmulah. Private jets can fly into Maafaru International Airport in Noonu.

Ferries and slow travel

Scheduled ferries run from Malé to many atolls. MTCC’s RTL fast-ferry network reached its fifteenth atoll, Laamu, on 1 April 2026, and its Southern Transport Link serves Addu. Timetables change, so check MTCC’s own schedule. For real adventure, Visit Maldives suggests a two-to-three-day cargo-boat voyage from Malé to Addu, stopping at local islands on the way. Liveaboards are another way to see several atolls in one trip.

Late arrivals

If your flight lands after dark and your resort is a seaplane ride away, you will need a night near the airport. The Hulhulé Island Hotel is a two-minute walk from Terminal 1, and Hulhumalé is next door. For Malé itself, Visit Maldives says you can take a taxi from the airport.

Before you fly

Every foreign arrival must submit a Traveller Declaration on the official IMUGA portal within 96 hours before landing. Tourist visas are issued on arrival if you have a valid passport, a confirmed onward ticket and a confirmed booking. Visit Maldives notes that prepaid SIM cards are sold at the airport, the currency is the rufiyaa and major credit cards are accepted.

Our advice: book the transfer with your room, choose a flight that lands in daylight if you are taking a seaplane, and fill in your IMUGA declaration the day before you fly.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Seaplanes, domestic flights or speedboats: getting around the Maldives before you go.