How to Get to Kuredu Island Resort and Spa from Male Airport in 2026-2027
To reach Kuredu Island Resort & Spa in the Lhaviyani Atoll from Velana International Airport (MLE), travelers have two primary travel modes: a direct scenic seaplane or a domestic flight paired with a speedboat. Direct seaplanes take 40 to 45 minutes and cost approx. $410 to $450 per adult round-trip.
Alternatively, take a 35-minute domestic flight to Madivaru Airport followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride, costing roughly $350 to $400 round-trip. Upon clearing Male airport customs, resort representatives greet you at the arrival hall and guide you directly to your connection counter.
| Transfer Route & Travel Leg | Duration & Round-Trip Cost |
|---|---|
| Direct Seaplane: Velana International (MLE) to Kuredu Island Water Lagoon | 40–45 minutes | $410–$450 per adult ($205–$225 per child) |
| Domestic Flight Leg: Velana International (MLE) to Madivaru Airport (LMZ) | 35–40 minutes | Flight component of $350–$400 total package |
| Speedboat Connection: Madivaru Regional Airport to Kuredu Island Jetty | 15–20 minutes | Boat component included in domestic package |
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Option 1: Seaplane Transfer (Most Popular)
Route
Flights depart from the dedicated Noovilu Seaplane Terminal adjacent to Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé and fly north directly to Kuredu Island Resort’s arrival floating jetty in the Lhaviyani Atoll.
Duration
The flight takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes. Flight time may extend by 10 to 15 minutes if the aircraft drops off guests at an adjacent Lhaviyani resort first.
Operating Hours
Seaplanes operate strictly during daylight hours between 06:00 and 16:00 (4:00 PM). To catch a same-day seaplane, your international flight must arrive in Malé before 15:00. Departing international flights must leave Malé after 09:00 to accommodate morning seaplane departures.
Cost
Standard round-trip adult transfers are approximately $410 to $450 (inclusive of taxes and service fees). Children aged 2 to 11 are billed at roughly 50% of the adult fare, while infants under 2 fly complimentary on a parent’s lap.
Luggage Limit
Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) enforces a luggage allowance of 20 kg for checked baggage and 3 to 5 kg for hand carry per passenger. Excess luggage incurs a charge of approximately $5.00 plus local taxes per additional kilogram, payable at the terminal counter.
Option 2: Domestic Flight + Speedboat
Route
Guests take a scheduled wheeled domestic flight from Malé (MLE) to Madivaru Regional Airport (LMZ) in Lhaviyani Atoll, followed by a transfer onto a motorized resort speedboat heading directly to Kuredu Island.
Duration
The domestic flight takes 35 to 40 minutes. The subsequent speedboat leg from Madivaru to Kuredu’s main jetty takes another 15 to 20 minutes, bringing total transit time to under an hour excluding connection wait times.
Operating Hours
Domestic flights operate from early morning until late evening (around 22:00 / 10:00 PM) because regional runways possess night-landing lighting. This makes this option practical for international flights landing in Malé after the 15:00 seaplane cutoff.
Cost
The combined round-trip domestic flight and speedboat transfer package ranges from $350 to $400 per adult, with discounted fares applicable for children aged 2 to 11.
Passenger Feedback
Travelers praise the domestic option for preventing the need for an expensive overnight transit hotel in Hulhumalé when arriving on late afternoon flights. However, reviews frequently note that shifting from plane to airport terminal to speedboat requires extra physical handling of bags compared to arriving directly on the lagoon via seaplane.
Important Tips
Book via Resort
Individual travelers cannot book seaplane tickets directly through Trans Maldivian Airways. All Maldivian inter-island transfers must be arranged through Kuredu’s reservations team at least 72 hours prior to arrival by submitting confirmed international flight numbers. Transfer fees are charged directly to your resort room portfolio.
Drone Policy
Kuredu Island Resort maintains a strict ban on the operation of recreational unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) across the island. This regulation protects guest privacy across beach villas and prevents air safety hazards around the island’s low-altitude seaplane approach paths.
Related Island Resort Guide:
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FAQs About How to Get to Kuredu Island Resort
What happens if my international flight arrives after 15:00?
If your international flight touches down in Malé after 15:00, you will be unable to board a daylight seaplane. You will either need to transfer via the late-running domestic flight to Madivaru Airport or stay overnight in a hotel in Malé or Hulhumalé and board the earliest seaplane flight the next morning.
Are airport transfers included in the villa room rate?
No, airport transfers are virtually never included in basic accommodation rates in the Maldives. Transfer fees are billed as a separate mandatory round-trip charge by the resort during reservation confirmation or at checkout.
Can luggage arrive on a different seaplane?
Yes, due to strict aircraft weight, payload, and balance requirements, passenger luggage is occasionally separated and sent on a later scheduled flight. Essential clothing, swimsuits, documents, and medications should always be kept inside your designated carry-on bag.