How to get to Kandima Maldives

To reach Kandima Maldives from Malé airport, you have two options. The first involves a picturesque 40-minute seaplane flight, while the second entails a 35-minute domestic transfer to a nearby airport, followed by a 15-minute speed boat ride. Generally, we suggest the seaplane as the preferred choice.

Please note that there are no boat-only transfers available to Kandima Maldives due to the considerable distance from Malé, approximately 170km or 106 miles.

Kandima Location

Kandima is situated in the southeast of the Dhaalu Atoll, 170km (or 106 miles) southwest of Malé.

Your Arrival at Malé Airport (MLE)

Upon landing at Malé airport (Velana International) in the Maldives and clearing security into the arrivals hall, you will be greeted by a resort guide as known as a Kandima Airport Buddy! They’ll be holding up a Kandima sign saying “Kool people over here!”. They will be there to assist you in navigating to your onward transfer to Kandima Maldives, ensuring you reach your destination smoothly. Additionally, they can provide assistance with handling your luggage.

Your onwards journey will depend whether you choose seaplane or domestic transfer:

Option 1 - Seaplane to Kandima Maldives

Your resort Airport Buddy will assist you and your belongings into a vehicle for transportation to the seaplane terminal, which is only a few minutes' drive away. Upon reaching the terminal, you'll be able to check in and await your seaplane flight. In the mean time, you can enjoy some close up views of the seaplanes, or for an additional charge a lounge with refreshments is also available.

Kandima Maldives uses Manta Air seaplanes for transfers to the resort. These seaplanes are among the newest in the Maldives and operate on a pre-determined schedule, aimed at minimizing waiting times for guests.
There is a stringent weight restriction for luggage, with a maximum of 20kg allowed for main luggage and 5kg for hand luggage per paying person. If additional luggage allowance is required, extra charges will apply, and it might need to be transported on a later transfer.

Once you're on board the seaplane, the flight duration is typically around 40 minutes. However, please be aware that transfers may take slightly longer if the seaplane is making stops to drop off guests at other resorts within the Maldives along the way.

Seaplanes land on the water just off Kandima Maldives and taxi to the arrivals jetty where you'll disembark and be able to walk to the island. Staff from the resort will be available to assist guests and take care of your luggage.

Option 2 - Domestic Transfer to Kandima Maldives

The nearest airport to Kandima Maldives is on the island of Kudahuvadhoo. It is known as Kudahuvadhoo Airport or simply Dhaalu Airport as it is the only domestic airport ion the Dhaalu Atoll. Kanidma's preferred domestic carrier for travel to Dhaalu Airport is Manta Air. They operate regular flights using air-conditioned ATR72-600 turboprop aircraft, renowned for their low greenhouse gas emissions and unparalleled fuel efficiency.

There are two choices available for traveling to Kandima via domestic transfer: Comfort Class and Sapphire Class. In Comfort Class, each paying person is entitled to a baggage allowance of 22kg for main luggage, while in Sapphire Class, this allowance is increased to 35kg per person. Both classes provide a 5kg allowance for hand luggage. Additionally, Sapphire Class offers complimentary lounge access, extra legroom, and enhanced cabin services.

This is a direct and brief flight, with no stops along the way, typically lasting around 35 minutes. Upon arrival at the local airport island, you'll proceed to board a speedboat for a swift 15-minute journey to your ultimate destination: Kandima Maldives.

Kandima Maldives Transfer Prices in 2024

These are the current costs for transfers to Kandima Maldives. Prices are per person for a return trip.

• Seaplane
  • Adult $671
  • Child $404
• Domestic Transfer - Comfort Class - Economy
  • Adult $414
  • Child $300
• Domestic Transfer - Sapphire Class - Business Class
  • Adult $590
  • Child $640
• Lounge Access
  • Adult $36
  • Child $36

Infants under 2 are free in all cases. Children aged 12 or over are classed as adults for transfers.

Prices above are for guidance only, your actual charge will depend on the prevailing rates at the time of your booking.

Is a seaplane or domestic transfer better?

In general, we highly recommend opting for a seaplane transfer to Kandima Maldives.

Seaplanes are an iconic feature of the Maldives, offering unparalleled views due to their low flight level. The journey is truly remarkable and is an experience worth having at least once.

However, there are certain scenarios where a domestic transfer might be more suitable for you. You should consider choosing a domestic transfer instead if any of the following apply to you:

• International flights arriving in the Maldives after 3pm Malé time (seaplanes only fly during daylight).
• You don't want to go on a seaplane, or you have limited mobility which would make it difficult.
• A cheaper transfer option is preferred or you have a significant amount of luggage