Seaplane to Thoddoo
Starting in February 2026, seaplane service will be available to Thoddoo Island. The new route is being launched to make travel faster and more comfortable, and to support local agriculture—the island is famous for its watermelons. Currently, tourists and locals only reach the island by boat, a journey that takes about an hour and a half and is highly weather-dependent. A seaplane shortens the journey to 15 minutes and adds stability: flights operate even in rough seas (except on stormy days, when no flights are available).
Photos from the opening
The first flights promise to be a highlight for the entire region. We present footage from the launch ceremony and views of the new route.
Estimated flight schedule
Initially, the seaplane will fly twice a week. The schedule is available now. All flights will depart from the Male Sea Terminal.
Thursday
- 3:45 PM — departure from Male
- 4:15 PM — arrival in Thoddoo
- 4:30 PM — departure from Thoddoo
- 5:00 PM — arrival in Male
Saturday
- 3:45 PM — departure from Male
- 4:15 PM — arrival in Thoddoo
- 4:30 PM — departure from Thoddoo
- 5:00 PM — arrival in Male
Cost and important information about the flight
The ticket price is fixed at $90 per person one-way. Flight time is only 15 minutes, but keep in mind that before departure you need to check in, drop off your luggage, and get to the seaplane terminal (located not at the main airport, but on Hulhumale Island; the transfer is usually arranged by the carrier). Allow at least an hour to an hour and a half before departure for all procedures.
Key Points
- Work starts: February 2026.
- Goal: Improve the island’s transport accessibility and support tourism and agriculture.
- Disadvantages: Seaplanes and speedboats cannot fly in stormy weather.
- Infrastructure: A special platform will be built on the island for seaplanes.
- Benefits: Reduced travel time and increased comfort for tourists.
How will holidays in Thoddoo change?
Previously, many tourists avoided Thoddoo precisely because of the long and unpredictable transfer time. A ninety-minute boat ride across the open ocean isn’t for everyone: some get seasick, while others simply aren’t ready to spend half a day on the road. With the arrival of the seaplane, the island is now accessible for day trips, even with a busy schedule. Depart from Male after lunch, and within 15 minutes you’re sunbathing in a new spot.
This is also a big advantage for local residents and farmers. Watermelons grown here can be delivered to the capital and resorts as fresh as possible. This means tourists will be able to sample them straight from the garden.
What you need to know before you fly
Seaplanes in the Maldives are a separate mode of transport with their own rules. Baggage is strictly weighed, typically 20 kg per person, plus carry-on baggage up to 5 kg. Hard suitcases are not always convenient to load into the small hold, so it’s better to use soft bags. Check-in closes 30-40 minutes before departure, and late arrivals are not accepted.
Boarding takes place from a platform: you walk directly through the water onto a pontoon, then board. The experience is unusual, but safe—the crew is always there to assist. The flight offers incredible views of the atolls, so it’s best to have your camera ready.