Life is all about the journey, especially when it involves a seaplane!

It's hard to surpass the exhilaration of a seaplane ride; scenes straight from glossy vacation brochures unroll below as you soar above the atolls and take in the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives. Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa Maldives is one of the few destinations where the transfer is more than simply another step before arriving in paradise; it is an integral element of the collection of holiday highlights that will make your heart sing.

Transferring to the resort is arranged by seaplane and takes around 25 minutes. We offer seaplane transportation to our resort, and the pleasure you will gain from just one journey will take your breath away. You will be soaring like a bird above blue lagoons shimmering in the sun in no time.

Flying low above the islands, you could see the forms of the reefs and the colors of the shallow water surrounding them. Round rings of immaculate white sand with thick mangrove centers filled the horizon as far as you could see. Sand bars and bright turquoise streaks stood out against the deep blue of the Indian Ocean, leading directly to the arriving jetty!

Seaplane transfer schedule

  • Seaplane transfer is not included in the villa rate. You can find the price of a return seaplane transfer in the booking engine on our website or consulting your travel agent.
  • Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) operates seaplane transfers to and from the TMA Terminal at Velana International Airport (Male' International Airport).
  • The flights are scheduled to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights.
  • The breathtaking 25-minute journey from TMA Terminal to Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives takes place via seaplane.
  • Your seaplane transfer will be arranged according to your international flight times and will be combined with other guests.
  • Guests must send arrival and departure flight details directly to the property at least 3 days prior to arrival. Seaplane flights to Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa Maldives can be booked only when international flight details are provided.
  • Seaplanes only fly during daylight hours, i.e. between about 06h00 and 18h00.
  • For your arrival, seaplane transfer can be arranged for international flights that arrive in the Maldives between 06:00hrs and 15:00hrs, if your international flight arrival is outside these hours we recommend you book overnight accommodation in Male before continuing to the resort the next morning.
  • In case of delayed international flight arrival to the Maldives, It’s the guest’s responsibility to talk to their international airline for refund and/or cover it from travel insurance.
  • International airline policy requires passengers to check-in no later than 2 hours before flight time. For your departure, seaplane transfer can be arranged for international flights that depart from the Maldives from 09:15hrs onwards.
  • The last flight departure from the resort is usually between 14:00Hrs and 16:00Hrs subject to seaplane company operation.
  • For any reason if service provider fails to transfer guests, Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa Maldives would not be responsible for lost nights, and or overnight accommodation in Male’ International Airport or any other place.
  • The seaplane allowance for checked-in luggage is 20 kg while carry-on luggage is 5 kg per person, above which there will be an excess charge of US$5.00 per kg, subject to 16% GST. In extraordinary circumstances, luggage may be transported by a later flight (as per safety regulations and TMA policies & procedures).
  • In rare instances, due to circumstances beyond the control of TMA and/or Centara Grand, such as unfavorable weather conditions, the seaplane may depart earlier or later than scheduled to/from the resort, in which case, neither TMA nor the resort assume liability for any related expenses incurred by guests.

So, you’ve arrived in the Maldives, what next?

  • Upon arrival in the Maldives, the guests will typically exit the customs area and enter the Arrivals Hall before proceeding to the neighboring airport counter #A14, where a Representative will assist the guest with check-in at the TMA Seaplane station. After the seaplane check-in, the guest is transported by shuttle from the International Arrival Terminal to the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal (NSPT), which is approximately 10 minutes away.
  • Guests will await their scheduled seaplane transfer to the resort in the TMA Neeri Lounge area. Guests can purchase food and beverages and free Wi-Fi while relaxing in air-conditioned comfort or an alfresco on the deck until the flight departs.
  • Typically, the seaplane is set to depart within one to two hours after all guests have completed immigration and customs procedures. However, in exceptional cases, such as delays in international flight arrivals or the necessity to complete a baggage claim form, the waiting period may be prolonged.
  • Centara Grand and TMA work closely to ensure that any waiting time at Neeri lounge is kept short as possible.
  • Although TMA do their best to carry your luggage on the same seaplane as you, on busy transfer days it may arrive on a later flight so please take medication, travel documents and beach wear on the flight with you in your hand luggage, just in case. 
  • Change into light clothes at the airport so you step from the seaplane refreshed and ready to kick off your shoes and embrace island life.
  • Seaplanes are noisy, you may wish to bring earplugs if you are sensitive to this.
  • You are about to experience one of the world’s most scenic flights. Make sure your camera is charged and handy. Fasten your seat belts and admire the views of the spectacular place you’ve chosen for your holiday!

Upon Arrival at the Resort

  • After a 25-minute seaplane ride, you will arrive at our beautiful resort in South Ari, where you will be welcome by your GRO and team at the platform and then you will be transported to the resort by Dhoni (Maldivian traditional boat).
  • On occasions, your seaplane flight may arrive at another platform closer to the resort which approximately 10-15 minutes away from the resort where your GRO will meet you and you will be transported to the resort by speedboat or dhoni.

Upon Departure from resort

  • You will be advised the information of your departure on Centara app in the evening before 20:00hrs one day prior. If your departure is scheduled early in the morning on the next day, we would recommend making the final settlement in the evening before to avoid last-minute hassles.
  • The flights are scheduled to coincide with the departure of international flights combining with other guests of our/other resort/s.
  • International airline policy requires passengers to check-in no later than 2 hours before flight time.
  • For your departure, seaplane transfer can be arranged for international flights that depart from the Maldives from 09:15hrs onwards. The last flight departure from the resort is usually between 14:00Hrs and 16:00Hrs subject to seaplane company operation.
  • It takes a 25-minute journey from the resort to Velana Int. airport by scheduled seaplane.
  • Due to various unexpected reasons such as rough sea, high waves, strong currents or wind in landing areas - sometime there would be last-minute changes of the departure platform, and the seaplane could be diverted to take off from different platforms located in nearby resorts.
  • Stopovers at some other resorts are possible occasionally causing longer seaplane flight duration, especially during tricky weather status.
  • In rare instances, due to circumstances beyond the control of TMA and/or Centara Grand, such as unfavorable weather conditions (force majeure), the seaplane may depart earlier or later than the schedule from the resort, in which case if that causes any misconnection to your int. flight, neither TMA nor the resort assume liability for any related expenses incurred by guests including rebooking of your international flight tickets and alternative accommodation for overnight stays.
  • In similar cases, if the service provider fails to transfer guests from the resort to the airport due to bad weather (force majeure) on the same day, neither TMA nor the resort assume liability for the extended stays at the resort and rebooking of your international flight tickets. The cost will have to be absorbed by the guests themselves.
  • You are about to experience one of the world’s most scenic flights. Make sure your camera is charged and handy. Fasten your seat belts and admire the views of the spectacular place you’ve stayed in during your holiday! See you again!

So, you’ve arrived at the airport, what next?

  • Upon arrival at the airport and getting off the sea plane, you will be assisted with your luggage and accompanied by a TMA staff to the shuttle service by which you will be transported to the international departure terminal which is approximately 10 minutes away.
  • Once you reach there, one of our resort representatives will receive you, if not, the departure terminal is right in front of you within walking distance. See you again!