How to Get to Royal Island Resort from Malé Airport in 2025 [Full Transfer Guide]

If you’re planning a Maldives getaway and wondering how to get to Royal Island Resort from Malé Airport, this detailed travel guide for 2025 covers everything—domestic flight costs, transfer time, family amenities, and useful tips to make your trip hassle-free. Located on the beautiful Horubadhoo Island in the Baa Atoll, Royal Island Resort & Spa offers a tranquil setting with white sand beaches, blue lagoons, and lush greenery, making it a top choice among travelers seeking both privacy and adventure.

Distance from Malé Airport to Royal Island Resort

Royal Island Resort is approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Velana International Airport (MLE). Since the resort is situated in Baa Atoll, it’s not accessible by speedboat directly from Malé. Instead, guests must take a domestic flight followed by a short speedboat ride.

How to Reach Royal Island Resort from Malé Airport

1. Domestic Flight + Speedboat Transfer

Guests arriving at Velana International Airport (Malé) will first board a domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV), which is the nearest airport to Royal Island Resort. The flight is operated by Maldivian Airlines, Maldives’ national carrier, and takes about 25–30 minutes. Upon landing at Dharavandhoo, resort staff will escort you for a 10-minute speedboat transfer to the resort.

2. Total Transfer Time

• Domestic flight: 25–30 minutes
• Speedboat ride: 10 minutes
• Total estimated travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour, including waiting time and transfer coordination

Transfer Cost from Malé to Royal Island Resort (2025)

• Adult (12 years and above): USD 400 round-trip
• Child (2–11 years): USD 200 round-trip
• Infant (under 2 years): Free

Private Seaplane Transfers (Round-trip):

• Adult (12 years and above): USD 5500 per person

These prices include both the domestic flight and speedboat transfer. The transfer is typically arranged by the resort and must be booked in advance through Royal Island Resort directly or via your travel agent. It’s advisable to share your international arrival details at least 3 days before travel.

Airport Meet-and-Greet Assistance

Upon arrival at Malé International Airport, a resort representative will greet you at the arrival hall holding a placard. They will assist with check-in for the domestic flight and guide you to the terminal. If there’s a wait time between your international and domestic flights, you can relax at the airport’s VIP lounge (available at extra charge) or enjoy cafes nearby.

What Royal Island Resort Offers for Families

Royal Island Resort is family-friendly and ideal for those traveling with kids or multigenerational groups. Here are some highlights:

• Beachfront Family Villas with direct access to soft sand and lagoon
• Kids’ menu in restaurants, plus buffet options
• Water sports center offering snorkeling, banana boat rides, paddleboarding, and jet skiing
• Excursions including dolphin watching, island hopping, and fishing trips
• Araamu Spa with wellness treatments for adults

The island has a house reef that’s ideal for beginner snorkelers and is especially popular for manta ray sightings during peak season (May to October).

Dining at Royal Island Resort

The resort features multiple dining venues including:

• Maakana Restaurant: Buffet-style with live cooking stations and ocean views
• Raabondhi Restaurant: Beachfront à la carte dining with seafood specialties
• Boli Bar & Pool Bar: Light snacks and cocktails

Special dietary needs are catered to upon request, making it convenient for families with children or guests with restrictions.

Useful Travel Tips

• Luggage allowance on domestic flights is 20kg checked and 5kg hand baggage. Excess charges may apply.
• Check-in time at the resort is 2:00 PM; if you arrive early, you may use the resort facilities while waiting.
• Book your transfer with accommodation to ensure confirmed flight slots.
• Best time to visit is from November to April for calm seas and sunny weather.

Summary

The easiest and most reliable way to get to Royal Island Resort from Malé Airport is via a domestic flight to Dharavandhoo followed by a short speedboat ride. Though it’s not one of the closest Maldives resorts to Malé Airport, its seclusion and pristine surroundings make the extra travel worth it. With transparent transfer prices, family-friendly amenities, and easy domestic connections, Royal Island Resort is a top choice for 2025 Maldives vacations.