Close encounter with the sea plane, Noku Maldives

One of the good things about this resort was that you could have a very close look at the seaplane takeoff and landing.  It's also quite lucky that I could see the private seaplane of Cheval Blanc Randheli (LV resort) (photo 4).

Being the only 2 passengers on a seaplane ride from Male to Dhigali resort, Raa atoll, Maldives

It is very rare that we could take the seaplane as if we were taking a private plane.  Yes, we are the only 2 passengers to the resort Dhigali.  I guess it's probably the price difference of taking a seaplane at US$550 vs. domestic flight plus boat ride at US$300.  The latter one would take an hour something for the flight and another hour for a speed boat ride.  I don't recommend taking the boat from the domestic airport Dharavandhoo airport (Baa Atoll - about 20 min. flight from Male) to the resorts in Raa Atoll, since it's way too distant and in summer season the sea can be quite rough.

From Male Airport to Sun Aqua Vilu Reef.

Photo 1/2: Male Int'l Airport has renamed itself from Ibrahim Nasir Airport to Valena Airport from 1/1/17.  Besides the renaming, large area of reclamation and the airport modernization with a new terminal connected to the seaplane docking area.  The bridge linking Male Airport and the Capital city is taking shape and so soon the development will bloom this capital city. 

Photo 3: landing Sun Aqua Vilu Reef.

Photo 4-7: boat ride from the seaplane docking buoy.  

Photo 8-10: arriving at the resort and the young coconut welcome drink.

Another scenic seaplane ride from Male City to Vilamendhoo, South Ari Atoll, Maldives

Over the past few times I was assigned to some very early morning flights that the morning haze of the ocean wasn't too good for taking photos.  This time I got a flight at around 10am.  The weather was so sunny that the ocean was even bluer.  The first 3 photos show how busy of Male City area.

Seaplane ride to South Ari Atoll, Maldives

Photo 1: a private seaplane to Cheval Blanc (a LV resort property).  2: the lounge of terminal 3.  See how big the seaplane terminals of Maldives that they can have 3 terminals.  4/5: lounges for Lux and W.  6: the residential area of Hulhumale island (Airport).  7: Sheraton Full Moon resort.  

A very early morning seaplane ride, from Male to Nika Island, Maldives

As noted from the barely sunrise light from the window outside, you would know how early it was - at around 6am that we arrived at this seaplane travel lounge.  Supposed we were taking a flight at 7:15am and so we should have some relaxing time here.  No, we were then pushed onto another prompt flight leaving for Vilamendhoo resort in the same Ari atoll.  So the seaplane was pretty like this (photo 2).  Photo 3: the stop of Vilamendhoo resort.  4: aerial view to Vilamendhoo resort.  5: Lily Beach resort - almost tried this one for the first trip to Maldives, and will hope to make it one day.

The seaplane, Veligandu resort, Maldives

The seaplanes are very thoughtful to take a round-the-island tour before landing.