How to Get to Hotel Riu Palace Maldives from Male International Airport in 2026-2027
To reach Hotel Riu Palace Maldives on Kedhigandu Island in Dhaalu Atoll, choose between a scenic 45-minute direct seaplane or a 45-minute domestic flight to Kudahuvadhoo Airport followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride.
Return domestic transfers cost around $395 to $415 per adult and $320 per child (ages 2–11.99), while round-trip seaplane transfers cost approx. $650 to $690 per adult and $345 per child. Infants under 2 travel complimentary on an adult lap. Upon arrival at Male (MLE), a Riu airport representative assists you through check-in and directs you to your transfer departure terminal.
Ready to book your all-inclusive island getaway? Check real-time villa rates, seasonal packages, and exclusive offers: Book Hotel Riu Palace Maldives on Our Partner Website Portal.
| Transfer Route and Option | Duration & Round-Trip Rates |
|---|---|
| Male (MLE) to Resort via Direct Seaplane (Adult, 12+ years) | 45 minutes | $650 – $690 net per adult |
| Male (MLE) to Resort via Direct Seaplane (Child, Ages 2–11.99) | 45 minutes | $345 – $360 net per child |
| Male (MLE) via Domestic Flight (DDD) + Speedboat (Adult, 12+ years) | 45 min flight + 15 min boat | $395 – $415 net per adult |
| Male (MLE) via Domestic Flight (DDD) + Speedboat (Child, Ages 2–11.99) | 45 min flight + 15 min boat | $320 – $340 net per child |
| Infant Transfer (All Transfer Options, Under 2 Years) | Matches booked transit | Complimentary (seated on parent’s lap) |
Transfers by Seaplane from Male Airport
The direct seaplane flight offers the fastest and most picturesque journey to Hotel Riu Palace Maldives. After you clear immigration and customs at Velana International Airport, a Riu airport host receives you in the arrivals area and escorts you to the seaplane terminal counter.
You board a Manta Air or Trans Maldivian Airways twin-otter aircraft for a 45-minute flight straight across the central atolls. The seaplane docks directly at the resort’s floating arrival platform, allowing you to walk right onto the jetty and proceed to check-in without taking any secondary boat connections.
For stays until 31 October 2026
Adult aged 12 years old and above: USD 395,
Child aged 2 – 11.99 years old: USD 352
Infant aged 0 – 1.99 years old: travel free of charge on a guardian’s lap (excluding luggage allowance).
From 01 November 2026 to 31 October 2027
Adult aged 12 years old and above: USD 816
Child aged 2 – 11.99 years old: USD 450
Infant aged 0 – 1.99 years old: travel free of charge on a guardian’s lap (excluding luggage allowance).
Transfers by Domestic Flight + Speedboat from Male Airport
The combined domestic flight and speedboat transfer is the standard, economical option connecting Male to Dhaalu Atoll. Guests take a 45-minute scheduled turboprop commercial flight from Velana International Airport to Dhaalu Airport (DDD) on Kudahuvadhoo Island.
Upon arrival at Kudahuvadhoo, the resort operations team collects your luggage and escorts you to the local marina. A private 15-minute speedboat ride across calm lagoon waters delivers you directly to the reception lobby of Hotel Riu Palace Maldives. This route runs later into the evening, providing transfer coverage for afternoon international flight arrivals.
For stays until 31 October 2026
Adult aged 12 years old and above: USD 395
Child aged 2 – 11.99 years old: USD 352
Infant aged 0 – 1.99 years old: travel free of charge on a guardian’s lap (excluding luggage allowance).
One Way Seaplane + One Way Domestic Transfer
From 01 November 2025 to 31 October 2026
Adult aged 12 years old and above: USD 593.5
Child aged 2 – 11.99 years old: USD 394
Infant aged 0 – 1.99 years old: travel free of charge on a guardian’s lap (excluding luggage allowance).
From 01 November 2026 to 31 October 2027
Adult aged 12 years old and above: USD 605.5
Child aged 2 – 11.99 years old: USD 401
Infant aged 0 – 1.99 years old: travel free of charge on a guardian’s lap (excluding luggage allowance).
Additional Transfer Information
Seaplanes operate strictly during daylight hours (roughly 06:00 to 15:30), meaning international flights must arrive in Male by 15:00 for same-day seaplane boarding. If your flight arrives after 15:30, the domestic flight and speedboat combination will be scheduled instead.
The standard luggage allowance for seaplanes is strictly 20 kg for checked bags and 5 kg for hand luggage per passenger, with excess weight charged at the terminal. For domestic flights, allowances generally allow 20 kg checked plus 5 kg carry-on. All transfer bookings must be requested at least 7 to 10 days before departure by sending complete passenger details and flight schedules directly to the resort reservation team.
Related Island Transfer Guide:
How to Get to Constance Moofushi Maldives
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my international flight arrives in Male late in the evening?
If your flight arrives past the domestic flight check-in cutoffs (typically after 19:00), you must stay overnight in Male City or Hulhumale. Your transfer to Hotel Riu Palace Maldives will then be scheduled for the following morning by either seaplane or domestic flight.
Can I book seaplane or domestic tickets independently through airlines?
No, individual tourists cannot book scheduled transfers directly with Maldivian domestic carriers or seaplane operators. All transfers to Kedhigandu Island are centrally chartered and coordinated by Hotel Riu Palace Maldives, and billing is consolidated onto your resort reservation.
Are transfers included in standard all-inclusive room rates?
Standard room bookings usually exclude airport transfers unless explicitly stated as an all-inclusive promotional package with free domestic flight credits. Transfer costs are charged as an additional mandatory resort transportation fee upon booking confirmation or at check-out.