The Maldives are one of the most isolated groups of islands in the world. It’s actually much easier and less expensive to get to the Maldives than even just 10 years ago. Direct flights from Europe are available to Malé, the capital of the Maldives, and once landing at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, the journey to your resort island is completed with either a boat or seaplane transfer. When I learned that we’d be flying in a seaplane over the Maldives to complete our transfer to Anantara Kihavah Villas, I was met with a mix of excitement and nerves.
I didn’t know what to expect with the seaplane and I was nervous the experience was going to be like the one time I flew in a Cessna. Let’s just say that flying in a Cessna in June in Arizona was the most miserable flying experience of my life. I feared a repeat of needing an air sickness bag. It turns out my fears were completely unfounded and flying in a seaplane over the Maldives turned out to be an extra treat as we got a bird’s eye view of the islands, sandbars, and lagoons.
Relaxing in the Anantara Resorts Lounge before our seaplane transfer
A representative from Anantara Kihavah Villas met us as soon as we cleared customs and escorted us to the seaplane terminal. We enjoyed the Anantara Resorts lounge as we waited for for our bags to be transferred and the seaplane to be readied. After flying all night, relaxing in the lounge with juice and tea, freshening up, and recharging our iPhones at the docking station was a welcome way to kill the time.
Tim boarding the seaplane
I had to giggle as the pilots stepped out onto the floating platform…barefoot! Our media group all climbed aboard and I’m surprised we didn’t exceed the weight limit with our loads of camera equipment. The pilots fired up the engine, the twin propellers hummed to life, and the pilots worked the pedals with their barefoot feet. Take off was smoother than any other I experienced and we were soaring like a bird above turquoise lagoons sparkling in the sun in no time.
Flying low over the islands, we could see the shapes of the reefs and colors of the shallow water around the islands. Round circles of pristine white sand with centers of thick mangroves dotted the horizon for as far as we could see. Sand bars and brilliant streaks of turquoise were stark contrasts to the deep blue of the Indian Ocean. We flew over resorts and uninhabited islands, getting more and more excited for our first glimpse of Kihavah Huravalhi Island.
Anantara Kihavah Villas
A buzz rose as we all checked our watches and iPhones, seeing that Anantara Kihavah Villas would be coming into view at any moment. We started flying just a bit lower and suddenly there it was! The picture Tim and I had ogled online for four months was before us, the thatched roof of the Samurai Edo helmet standing tall at one end of the island and the rows of over water villas stretching out like legs from the other. We descended and I braced myself for the landing; the bracing was for nothing though because it was so smooth I had to ask if we had even landed.
Our first glimpse of the over water villas
We cruised by the pool and white sand beach skirting the island. And then there were the over water villas! “Welcome to Anantara Kihavah International Airport!”, the pilots said as we pulled up to a tiny square floating platform. A boat waited to take us the last couple of hundred yards to the island.
Can you spot the dolphin?
As we bounced over the water to the island, we turned to wave goodbye to the pilots just in time for a dolphin to jump out of the water and chase our boat. Welcome to paradise!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures says
Oh my goodness how awesome!!!!!! I would totally do this!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
It was definitely awesome to see several of the atolls as we flew over and have a view of the beautiful colors of water and reefs!
Sand In My Suitcase says
Lucky you visiting the Maldives! Some day for us, hopefully 🙂 Seeing the dolphin right as you left the sea plane? Nice…
Jennifer Dombrowski says
We were surprised at how many dolphins come so close to the island. More dolphins coming in tomorrow’s post!
Christy says
I’ve always wanted to ride in a seaplane and over the Maldives would make it even better! I’m extremely jealous. 🙂
Jennifer Dombrowski says
It was very cool! Despite the long overnight flight, being exhausted, and just wanting to “get there” already, it was pretty hard NOT to be excited for the seaplane.
Kay says
How cool! and with a dolphin!!
Just can’t wait for my summer vacation!!!!!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
We hear you! We’ve got a serious case of the wintertime blues at the moment. Bring on summer!
Get A Car Hire says
Who wouldn’t want to do this? Seriously I would give anything for views like that!
Now I am back to saving big bucks so that I can go for such expensive tours. =)
Sofie says
Sounds like the perfect way to arrive, being greeted by a dolphin:)
I think it would feel so crazy to arrive at a place that for most people will remain a picture in travel magazines.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Definitely, Sophie. It was like it was straight out of a magazine and a dream come true.
D.J. - The World of Deej says
Yeah…anytime you have to arrive to a resort by air, you know it’s gonna be a good time.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Just wait until we give you the photo tour of our villa and the island, Deej. Definitely your kind of place!
Laurel says
Looks like fun and love that there was a dolphin on the landing!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
The dolphins were really active and very curious. We had a pod playing just in front of our villa. And we saw a lot of dolphins on the boat going out to snorkel too.
Ready for Adventures says
Absolutely gorgeous! I think one more place has just made in onto my bucket list 🙂
Cathy Sweeney says
First of all, I can’t wait to go to the Maldives someday. I get so jealous seeing pics of that gorgeous place. I’ve never flown in a seaplane, but I think it would be pretty cool. Great pics of your experience.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
It was a dream of ours to visit the Maldives for 10 years. And the Maldives were even better than we had ever dreamed they would be. Now we want to go back!
Andrea says
Flying in small planes and helicopters freaks me out too – I can manage short trips though…I just try not to think about it when in the air.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Tim was actually in flight school before our Cessna flight in Arizona. Our friends let him fly for a bit and I tease him that both times I needed my air sickness bag was when he was in control. In reality, it was probably because it was so hot in the tiny plane.
raymond says
it’s an awesome experience…
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thanks, Raymond! We’re definitely interested in exploring more of Asia this year. Such a beautiful part of the world.
Cole @ FourJandals.com says
What a dream introduction to your resort! So jealous right now.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
It definitely was, Cole! We still can’t believe this trip actually happened. We wanted to visit for so long and the Maldives definitely did not disappoint.
Petite Adventures says
Such an amazing way to see the Islands – I can’t wait to do this one day!
Kate xo petite-adventures.blogspot.ca
Jennifer Dombrowski says
It definitely was, Kate! We feel blessed to have visited the Maldives.
Far East Flashpacker says
We were in the Maldives about 9 years ago in the Atoll south male Velassaru, this was an exceptional experience!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Amazing! I wonder how the Maldives have changed in the last 10 years?
Annie says
AMAZING. This is definitely on the list now!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
The entire nation of the Maldives just became a marine biosphere reserve. Such an incredible place to go. Definitely visit if you have the chance!
Javier says
Memories!!! We spent there our honeymoon 9 years ago, and looking forward to going back!
🙂
Jennifer Dombrowski says
What a fantastic place to spend a honeymoon and congratulations on 9 years!
ali akbar says
i want to get married over there in maldives, so any body can help me?
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! We highly recommend Anantara Kihavah Villas. I would reach out to them via the contact information on their website to inquire about a Maldivian wedding.
ali akbar says
who will marry me?
Tanya says
Hello!
Please kindly advise – is it lounge in airport Male which Anantara Hotels usually provide for the guests?
Because we are looking for photo of this lounge
What about faclilities of lounge (drinks, eat?) Is it free?
Thank you!
Tanya, Moscow
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Hi Tanya,
There is a lounge for Anantara guests and it is free to them. There are drinks and snacks, as well as a shower and wash room to freshen up while waiting.
Laidouni Bouameur says
hello,
i am in hotel adaraan club ranhali and i want book see plane for exucrsion.
i am here from 23 to 29 july 2016 if you can contact me and how i can do
thanks
Marie says
Hello,
Fantastic article and lovely Maldives ! We went for a cruise around Maldives but we also had the chance to experience a seaplane air sightseeing tour . We booked an excursion via a local company but they need a minimum of 4 passengers to arrange this tour. Spending 20 minutes in the air , seeing all these beautiful islands and atolls was such a fantastic experience ! Congrats for your articles and pictures and please keep writing !
Marie
Birgit Haas says
Ohhh hello, would you remember the name of the company with whom you arranged the seaplane air sightseeing tour? I am trying to organise something for my partner and I for our upcoming trip to the Maldives in October, but whomever I contact, I don’t get a response 🙁 Would be grateful for a recommendation of a reliable contact 🙂 Many thanks and kind regards, Birgit
Samia Ambaanae says
Awesome place to visit.
you need to visit Alaska’s Flight-seeing view of snow-whipped whitish mountain off McKinley the wildlife of it. the Denali National Park and around it’s area and ranges. The most mesmerizing place you have ever seen.