Dreaming of overwater villas and endless turquoise horizons? The Maldives is every bit the postcard-perfect escape—but getting there, especially with kids, is an adventure all its own (and not always the easy kind).
Between multiple long-haul flights and a seaplane transfer to reach those dreamy, remote islands, the journey can feel like an odyssey. And while most people focus on the beaches and villas (understandably), the logistics of getting there matter—especially when you’ve got little travelers in tow.
Here’s the real scoop on what it takes to get to the Maldives with kids—plus my best tips for making the trek as smooth (and meltdown-free) as possible.
Lots of screen time, snacks and sleep got us through the long haul flights to the Maldives with a toddler.
The Long Flights: Los Angeles to Doha to Malé
- Flight 1: LAX to Doha – about 15.5 hours nonstop
- Flight 2: Doha to Malé – about 5 hours nonstop
We flew Qatar Airways business class, which helped massively with comfort (I dive into that in another post), but no matter where you sit, these flights are long—especially with young kids.
The 12+ hour time difference from Los Angeles? It hits hard.
And the real MVP for getting through it? Screens. And lots of them.
Laying down and screen time kept everyone sane. No guilt here—this is survival mode at 35,000 feet.
But when we landed in Doha for our layover, I knew the kids needed to move. We made a point to walk around, explore the airport, and visit the indoor playgrounds scattered throughout Hamad International Airport. It was a lifesaver for burning off some energy before the next leg.
By the time we reached Malé, it felt like we’d traveled across the world—because, well, we had.
Upon arriving in Malé, the scene was a bit chaotic with dozens of resort representatives holding signs. We didn’t spot ours right away, so I doubled back and eventually found the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi rep. From there, we were guided to the Trans Maldivian Airways desk to get our luggage tagged and board the shuttle to the seaplane terminal.
Arrival in Malé: What Happens Next?
Touching down at Velana International Airport (MLE) doesn’t mean you’re done traveling—not even close. This is where resort representatives take over to get you to your island paradise.
For Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, here’s how it went:
- We were greeted by a resort representative right at arrivals
- Escorted to the Trans Maldivian Airways booth (the seaplane transfer desk)
- Our luggage was handled for us (such a relief after the long flights)
- Taken by shuttle bus to the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal—the dedicated terminal for seaplane transfers
Upon arriving at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal, we were escorted to the third floor where Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s private lounge is located. It was a quiet, comfortable space to rest and recharge while we waited for our seaplane. Bonus: the lounge offers a beautiful view of the docked seaplanes below—a fun and fascinating sight for all.
The Noovilu Seaplane Terminal: A World of Lounges
The Noovilu Seaplane Terminal is multi-level and filled with lounges for different resorts. It was fascinating to see this side of the Maldives—each resort has its own space, offering a small taste of luxury before the final flight.
For Iru Fushi, we were:
- Escorted to the resort’s private lounge
- Allowed to enjoy the lounge amenities, like the kids play room, short massage and the light food options and drinks
After so much sitting, I made sure the kids walked around, stretched, and explored before being crammed into the small seaplane. It was much-needed movement time for all of us.
The lounge also had an outdoor area to enjoy the views of the seaplanes docked outside, which kept the kids entertained for a while.
Boarding the Seaplane: What to Expect
The Trans Maldivian Airways seaplanes are small, with a one-to-two row formation and no air-conditioning. And honestly? This was the toughest part of the journey for me and the kids.
- I get seasick, carsick, and planesick—especially on smaller carriers—and this 40-minute flight tested all of that.
- The heat and humidity inside the plane were intense. There are no A/C vents, just small fans up near the cockpit.
- The seating is tight and close together—so expect cozy, not comfortable.
And while the aerial views of the Maldives are said to be breathtaking, I had to close my eyes and focus on not getting sick. My kids were restless from the heat, and frankly, none of us enjoyed this part.
The views from the seaplane were absolutely breathtaking—turquoise at every turn. I managed to snap a few photos in between deep breaths and waves of nausea. Even queasy, it’s hard not to be in awe of the Maldives from above.
Pro Tips for the Seaplane Transfer with Kids:
- Pack lollipops for the flight to help with ear pressure—a lifesaver for little ones.
- Bring small handheld fans or clip-on stroller fans—trust me, they’re a game-changer in that heat.
- Stay hydrated, but be mindful—there are no bathrooms on the seaplane.
- Prepare for limited space—snuggle in and remind yourself it’s just 40 minutes.
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack Dramamine, sea bands or your usual remedy.
- Let the kids explore and stretch as much as possible before boarding—use that lounge time wisely!
Final Thoughts: Paradise Comes at a Price (in Travel Time)
Would I do it again? Absolutely—the Maldives magic is worth it. But now, I know to mentally prep for the journey, especially the seaplane transfer.
The long-haul flights were manageable with the right setup (thank you, business class lie-flat seats). But the seaplane leg? That’s the one I’d brace for—both physically and mentally.
It’s a beautiful journey, but when you’re traveling with kids (and if you’re motion-sensitive like me), preparation is everything.
Here’s hoping this helps you plan your own trip to the Maldives with ease and fewer meltdowns.
Stepping off the dock and seeing the turquoise water up close made every leg of the trip worth it. Let the island adventure begin!