Many guests want to reach the beach soon after landing. Resorts in North Malé and South Malé atolls are reached by speedboat from Velana International Airport, so there is no wait for a seaplane or a second flight. This guide lists our hand-picked resorts with a speedboat transfer. For every transfer type, see our transfers guide.
Why choose a resort near the airport
A speedboat leaves from the airport jetty, so your holiday starts sooner. Speedboats also run in the evening, which helps if your flight lands late or leaves early. Seaplanes fly in daylight only, so a speedboat resort can save a night in Malé. A short transfer also suits short stays and families with young children.
Hand-picked resorts reached by Speedboat
These resorts are reached by speedboat from Velana Airport, according to our resort pages:
Bandos MaldivesNorth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & SpaNorth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Niva Kurumba MaldivesNorth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Eri MaldivesNorth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Hard Rock Hotel MaldivesSouth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Saii Lagoon MaldivesSouth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Kandooma MaldivesSouth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Adaaran Club RannalhiSouth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Adaaran Prestige VadooSouth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Adaaran Select HudhuranfushiNorth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Banyan Tree VabbinfaruNorth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Dhawa IhuruNorth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Niva Velassaru MaldivesSouth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Patina Maldives, Fari IslandsNorth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Sun Siyam Olhuveli MaldivesSouth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Thulhagiri Island Resort & SpaNorth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Villa Nautica, Paradise IslandNorth Malé Atoll · Speedboat from Malé
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is reached by Yacht transfer (speedboat).
Joy Island and Niva Kuramathi Maldives can be reached by seaplane or speedboat, so a speedboat is an option there too.
We will confirm the transfer details when you enquire.
Speedboat or Seaplane?
A speedboat resort keeps arrival day simple. A Seaplane resort is farther away and the flight gives you a view of the atolls from the air. Both can work well. The right choice depends on your flight times, how long you stay and what you want from the island. Our arrival and departure guide explains how we plan the day.
Who a short transfer suits
Resorts near the airport suit short stays, late arrivals, early departures and families with young children. They also suit guests who want to combine the Maldives with another destination. See our guide to combining destinations.
Quick checklist
- Share your flight arrival and departure times.
- Ask how the transfer fits a late arrival or early departure.
- Compare villa types at two or three nearby resorts.
- Check the meal plan you prefer.
- Ask us to include transfers in your quotation.
Frequently asked questions
Which Maldives resorts are close to the airport?
Resorts in North Malé and South Malé atolls are reached by speedboat. Our hand-picked options are listed on this page.
Can I reach a speedboat resort if my flight lands at night?
Speedboats run in the evening at many resorts. Share your flight times, and we will check.
Is a speedboat resort less special than a seaplane resort?
No. Many speedboat resorts have overwater villas, house reefs and fine dining.
Are transfers included in your quotation?
Yes. Your quotation shows the villa, meal plan, transfers and taxes together.
