Four Seasons private seaplane flight in the Maldives

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

I recently enjoyed a sublime holiday in the Maldives with Four Seasons. You can read my trip reports here:

Today: Four Seasons private seaplane transfer in the Maldives

Nestled in the heart of the Maldives’ Baa Atoll—a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru blends remote island seclusion with ultra-luxury living and world-class sustainability. Opened in November 2006, the resort is a sanctuary of barefoot elegance, where expansive overwater villas, stylish jungle retreats, and private infinity pools meet powder-white beaches and crystal-clear lagoons. Gourmet dining, including Michelin-worthy cuisine, meets holistic wellness at the award-winning AyurMa Spa, where guests can experience tailored Ayurvedic treatments, yoga therapy, and immersive healing journeys. For nature lovers, the resort offers rare marine encounters, from manta ray snorkels to sea turtle conservation projects, all managed through its on-site Marine Discovery Centre. As one of only three Four Seasons resorts in the Maldives, Landaa Giraavaru stands apart for its seamless fusion of refined luxury, eco-conscious design, and meaningful guest experiences.

Getting to the resort is part of the adventure. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is accessible only via a scenic seaplane flight from Velana International Airport in Malé (a 35-minute flight) or from its sister property, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa (a 25-minute flight). Guests can choose between two private Four Seasons seaplanes or a Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) flight. The Four Seasons seaplanes offer an elevated level of comfort and exclusivity, while the TMA flights are more budget-friendly but may include stops at other islands along the way.

• The most luxurious option is the Flying Triggerfish, an eight-seater seaplane with a striking Picasso-esque design. It is also the only aircraft that offers a direct, non-stop route to the resort. A one-way flight aboard the Flying Triggerfish from Malé to Landaa Giraavaru costs $520 USD per adult and $260 USD per child (under 12).
• The second premium option is the Flying Boxfish, a ten-seater aircraft with a bold black and yellow livery. This marine-inspired Twin Otter offers a more intimate experience at a higher price point, with a one-way flight costing $980 USD per adult or child.
• For guests who opt for the shared TMA seaplane, expect a 14-seat aircraft with potential stopovers before reaching the island. A one-way flight with TMA costs $450 USD per adult and $225 USD per child.
• For those seeking total privacy or traveling in a group, private charter options are also available. A one-way private charter to Landaa Giraavaru costs $7,000 USD on the Flying Triggerfish, $5,500 USD on the Flying Boxfish, and $5,000 USD on a TMA seaplane.

Seaplane transfers are arranged by Four Seasons according to the arrival and departure details of the guests. Some important notes:

• Seaplanes operate only during daylight hours—typically from sunrise to sunset—meaning the last flight from Malé departs around 17:00 (5 PM). Guests should ensure their international arrival lands in Malé by 15:00 (3 PM) at the latest. Likewise, departing guests should schedule international flights for no earlier than 09:00 (9 AM).
• Due to scheduling and operational logistics, it is not always possible to know in advance whether your transfer will be on a private Four Seasons seaplane or a TMA aircraft, even though the TMA also maintains the Four Seasons fleet. If the Flying Triggerfish or Flying Boxfish are unavailable due to maintenance, technical issues, or scheduling conflicts, guests will be rebooked on an equivalent luxury or standard aircraft, and standard transfer rates will apply.

During my own transfer to Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, I had the pleasure of flying aboard the Flying Boxfish, one of the resort’s exclusive private aircraft. It was an unforgettable experience, combining comfort, luxury, and breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean. In this review, I’ll guide you through each step of the journey: arriving at Malé airport and the seaplane terminal, boarding the Four Seasons private seaplane, experiencing the scenic flight, and arriving at the stunning shores of Landaa Giraavaru:

1. Airport & seaplane terminal
2. Four Seasons private seaplane
3. Seaplane flight
4. Arrival at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraaavaru

To make this experience more visual, I’ve also created a YouTube video documenting my entire transfer. You can watch it here:

1. AIRPORT & SEAPLANE TERMINAL

Upon arrival at Velana International Airport (Malé International Airport) and after clearing immigration, guests are warmly welcomed by a Four Seasons representative, who assists with luggage and handles the check-in process at the Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) counters to secure seaplane boarding passes. In the Maldives, there are two main seaplane operators—TMA, the country’s oldest and largest seaplane airline (and the biggest in the world), and Manta Air, a newer entrant. While some resorts partner with Manta Air, Four Seasons works exclusively with TMA, including its own branded fleet.

After check-in, the Four Seasons team escorts guests via private luxury car to the dedicated seaplane terminal, located just five minutes away on the far side of the airport’s perimeter. This state-of-the-art, four-story terminal is the largest of its kind globally, built to accommodate over 100 seaplanes with the capacity for 300 daily flights—rising to over 600 during peak season—and capable of serving more than 6,000 travelers each day. The terminal features modern facilities and includes 42 exclusive lounges, with all but two leased by luxury resorts. Its sleek design, inspired by the vibrant turquoise and blue hues of the Maldivian lagoons, sets the tone for the journey ahead.

2. FOUR SEASONS AIRPORT LOUNGE

Since my trip began at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, I did not visit the lounge personally. The photos and information here are provided courtesy of Four Seasons.

The new Four Seasons Lounge at the Maldives’ seaplane terminal is designed to offer a comfortable space for guests awaiting their seaplane transfer. According to Four Seasons, the lounge features a serene atmosphere inspired by the natural beauty of the Maldives, with spacious seating areas, a wraparound outdoor balcony, a play area, and an observation telescope to watch the seaplanes take off and land. Guests can expect a selection of gourmet refreshments, tropical cocktails, freshly brewed coffee, and light snacks made from locally sourced ingredients. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and charging stations are available, and attentive staff provide personalized travel assistance to enhance the guest experience. With its elegant décor and relaxing ambiance, the lounge aims to elevate the start of the journey to Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru or Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah.

3. FOUR SEASONS FLYING BOXFISH SEAPLANE

As mentioned above, Four Seasons Maldives offers two distinctive private seaplanes for guest transfers, each designed to deliver a luxurious and memorable journey over the stunning Indian Ocean. The Flying Triggerfish is an intimate, 8-seat aircraft known for its striking, Picasso-inspired exterior and exclusive non-stop flights to the resort. It’s the most luxurious option, ideal for travelers seeking privacy and style. On the other hand, the Flying Boxfish seats 10 passengers and features a bold yellow-and-black livery, reflecting its marine inspiration.

While slightly larger, the Flying Boxfish also provides an intimate atmosphere and a premium flying experience. Despite its compact size as a 10-seater aircraft, the cabin feels surprisingly spacious thanks to its thoughtful 1-2 seat layout. The seats are upholstered in premium leather with plush cushioning, providing excellent support and comfort even during the scenic 25 to 35-minute flights over the Indian Ocean. The seaplane also features climate control to help maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the flight, though be aware that the cabin can get warm initially. Several fans activate shortly after takeoff to cool the air and provide relief from the tropical heat.

Regardless of which seaplane you fly, including the Flying Boxfish, the crew typically consists of two pilots and one flight attendant—who also assists with luggage. In keeping with local tradition, the crew members operate barefoot and wear shorts, adding a relaxed island vibe to the journey. Seating is unassigned, so early boarders get first pick of the best seats with optimal views. There is no door separating the cockpit from the passenger cabin, allowing curious travelers to observe the pilots at work, though the spectacular aerial views of the Maldives’ atolls tend to be the main attraction. Note that the seaplane cabin is quite noisy during flight; to enhance passenger comfort, earplugs are provided.

4. FLIGHT

The flight from Malé or Four Seasons Kuda Huraa to Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru takes 35 or 25 minutes respectively, though it can be slightly longer if the seaplane makes a stop at another resort to drop off passengers. There’s no onboard service, and not much to do besides soaking in the incredible views as you fly over several stunning atolls.

For most travelers, the iconic image of the Maldives is a deep blue ocean dotted with tiny palm-fringed islands, each surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons and powder-white beaches. The best way to fully appreciate this breathtaking mosaic of “50 shades of blue” is from the air. While you might catch glimpses of these islands during your plane’s landing or takeoff at Malé Airport, the ultimate panoramic views come from the seaplanes that ferry guests to their resorts. Flying over the Maldives aboard a seaplane, witnessing the picture-perfect archipelago from a bird’s-eye view, is truly one of the destination’s most unforgettable experiences.

5. ARRIVAL AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT MALDIVES AT LANDAA GIRAAVARU

At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, the seaplane lands a short distance from the resort to ensure minimal disturbance to guests on the island and in their villas. After touchdown, the plane docks at a small wooden platform just off the shore. From there, it’s a quick two-minute speedboat ride to the resort’s arrival jetty, where guests are greeted with cool towels, chilled drinks, and a warm Maldivian welcome from the super-friendly team.

To be continued next week …

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