How to get to Niyama Maldives

How to get to Niyama Maldives

To get to Niyama Private Islands Maldives from Malé airport, you can choose between two options. The first is a scenic 45-minute seaplane flight, while the second involves a 35-minute domestic transfer to a nearby airport, followed by a 5-minute speed boat ride. We generally recommend the seaplane as the preferred choice.

Keep in mind that there are no boat-only transfers available to Niyama Maldives due to the significant distance from Malé, approximately 180km or 112 miles.

Your Arrival at Malé Airport (MLE)

Upon arrival at Malé airport (Velana International) in the Maldives and passing through security into the arrivals hall, you will be met by a resort guide holding a wooden sign with the Niyama logo. They will assist you in finding your onward transfer to Niyama Maldives, ensuring a smooth journey to your destination. Additionally, they can help with handling your luggage.

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

Option 1 - Seaplane to Niyama Maldives

Your resort guide will help you and your belongings into a vehicle for transport to the seaplane terminal, just a few minutes' drive from the arrivals hall. Upon reaching the terminal, you'll be able to check in and await your seaplane flight. Meanwhile, you can enjoy close-up views of the seaplanes or relax in the comfort of the private seaplane lounge with refreshments.

Niyama Maldives utilizes Manta Air seaplanes for transfers to the resort. These seaplanes are some of the newest in the Maldives and operate on a pre-determined schedule to minimize waiting times for guests. There is a strict weight limit for luggage, with a maximum of 20kg allowed for main luggage and 5kg for hand luggage per paying person. If extra luggage allowance is needed, additional charges will apply, and it may need to be transported on a later transfer.

When aboard the seaplane, the flight usually lasts approximately 45 minutes. However, please note that transfers may take slightly longer if the seaplane makes stops to drop off guests at other resorts within the Maldives along the way.

The seaplane will touch down on the water just off Niyama Maldives and taxi to the arrivals jetty, where you'll disembark and have the opportunity to walk to the island. Resort staff will be on hand to assist guests and take care of your luggage.

Option 2 - Domestic Transfer to Niyama Maldives

The closest airport to Niyama Maldives is situated on the island of Kudahuvadhoo, known as Kudahuvadhoo Airport or simply Dhaalu Airport, as it is the only domestic airport in the Dhaalu Atoll. Niyama's preferred domestic carrier for travel to Dhaalu Airport is Manta Air, which operates regular flights using air-conditioned ATR72-600 turboprop aircraft, renowned for their low greenhouse gas emissions and unparalleled fuel efficiency.

Traveling to Niyama via domestic transfer offers two options: 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.

This is a short flight, with no stops along the way, typically lasting around 35 minutes. Upon arrival at the local airport island, you'll board a speedboat for a quick 5-minute journey to your resort of choice, Niyama Maldives.

Niyama Maldives Transfer Prices in 2024

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

• Seaplane
  • Adult $1079
  • Child $539
• Domestic Transfer - Comfort Class - Economy
  • Adult $719
  • Child $359
• Domestic Transfer - Sapphire Class - Business Class
  • Adult $1007
  • Child $504
• Lounge Access
  • Adult
  • Child

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?

As a general recommendation, we highly advise selecting a seaplane transfer to Niyama Maldives.

Seaplanes are an iconic aspect of the Maldives, providing unmatched views thanks to their low flight altitude. The journey is truly remarkable and offers an experience worth trying at least once.

However, there are certain situations where a domestic transfer might be more appropriate for you. You should consider opting for 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