How to get to Royal Island

Royal Island Resort can only be accessed through a 20-minute domestic flight transfer from Malé airport (Velana International), followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride.

There are no boat-only transfers to Royal Island due to the distance from Malé.

Royal Island Location

Royal Island is 120km (75 miles) north-west of Malé in the Baa Atoll.

Your Arrival at Malé Airport (MLE)

Upon arriving in the Maldives at Malé airport (Velana International) and passing through security into the arrivals hall, a resort guide will be there to greet you. Holding a wooden signpost with "Royal Island," they will assist you in directing you to the location for your domestic transfer to the resort and can provide help with your luggage.

Domestic Transfer to Royal Island

The closest airport to Royal Island is located on the island of Dharavandhoo (DRV). The preferred domestic airline is Flyme (Villa Air), offering frequent flights to Dharavandhoo with air-conditioned ATR-72 turboprop aircraft. Renowned for their reliability, these aircraft are commonly employed by domestic carriers worldwide, ensuring a well-established and trusted travel experience.

The flight is a brief, non-stop journey lasting approximately 20 minutes. Upon reaching the local airport island, you will step aboard a short 2-minute bus journey to the marina and the proceed to board a speedboat for a 15-minute ride to your ultimate destination, Royal Island.

Your checked luggage will be delivered shortly after you arrive and check in to the resort.

Royal Island Transfer Prices in 2024

These are the current costs for transfers to Royal Island. Prices are per person for a return trip.

• Domestic Transfer
  • Adult $400
  • Child $200

Infants under 2 are free as they do not require their own seat. Children aged 12 or over are classed as adults for transfers.

Prices above are for guidance only, your actual charge will depend on the prevailing rates at the time of your booking.

Do I have to travel by domestic transfer?

Domestic transfers are the only transfer method Royal Island use at the moment.

However, there are other ways to travel within the Maldives so it is worth speaking to the resort to see if they can offer an alternative mode of transport if that's what you desire.

Seaplanes regularly fly to the Baa Atoll but this may need to be arranged privately. There are also seaplane tour options from Malé but these can come with a hefty price tag.

However, there are some advantages to a domestic transfer:

• The arrival window for your international flight is much larger with a domestic flight as they aren't limited to flying during daylight hours - like seaplanes
• Domestic flights are more easily accessible
• They are usually the cheaper transfer option
• You often have the option to bring a greater quantity of luggage