Every Maldives arrival is either a seaplane, a speedboat, or a domestic-flight-and-speedboat combo. The choice is not just cost — it changes which resorts are even feasible for your group.
Seaplane
Iconic, but daylight-only. If your flight lands after 4 PM, you'll spend the first night at Malé and depart in the morning — a real cost, usually ₹15,000–₹25,000 for a mid-tier hotel + transfers. Some ultra-luxury resorts absorb this; most don't. Not recommended for babies (loud) or the seriously motion-sick (bumpy).
Speedboat
Fastest overall for resorts within ~60 km of Malé. Bad for the sea-sick — a 45-minute crossing in a 2m swell is genuinely rough. If anyone in your party is prone, filter to seaplane-only or ≤30-min speedboat resorts.
Domestic flight + speedboat
For southern atolls (Gaafu, Addu, Fuvahmulah, Dhaalu, Laamu). The domestic leg is comfortable and short (30–70 min), then a small speedboat covers the last stretch. Older travellers and families with infants generally prefer this over a 45-min seaplane.