MALDIVES TRAVEL

Flights Emirates scheduled flights to the Maldives depart Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham daily, via Dubai, and arrive in Male the following day. Please ask for details if flying on a different airline. Flight times are in local time. Stopovers are available in Dubai or Sri Lanka (please ask for details). Check in 3 hours before departure at the indicated terminal.

Flight tickets will be sent to you by Special Delivery post, E-ticket references will be sent in the normal post. Please call if you have not received your tickets 3 days prior to departure.

Baggage allowance is 20kg for hold baggage and 5kg for hand baggage on Emirates, there is also a 10kg extra hold allowance for Scuba divers. Please ask for details if flying on a different airline. It is recommended that electrical goods (torches) and gauges (regulators) in hand baggage. Dive knives go in the hold. Pony Cylinders can be transported in the hold luggage but must be shown to be open and empty.

Arrival in the Maldives Your flight will arrive at the airport island, Hulule, close to the capital Male. You will be met by one of our representatives and will transfer to your appropriate boat or seaplane.

Transfers between the airport and Island Resort or liveaboard are by boat or seaplane. Where seaplanes are provided it may be necessary to transfer by boat between the seaplane and resort/liveaboard. When transferring by Seaplane it may be necessary to transfer your hold luggage by boat. We recommend keeping essential items in your hand luggage in case of delays with your hold luggage. A wait may be necessary to at the airport to connect with your transfer/flight.

Night Time Transfers If using Emirates 02.30am flight on return you will transfer back to Male on Sunday afternoon/evening where you will be met by our representatives on arrival. You will have use of Hulhule Hotels luggage room , swimming pool and showers. We also include a short sightseeing/shopping trip around Male before returning to the Hotel for a buffet dinner (up to the value of $US 20 per person). You will check into your flight around 11.30 pm. If you are travelling on alternative flights , you will be advised of transfer times at the time of booking.

Clothes Towels are provided in the rooms/cabins but we recommend you pack a beach towel for after diving. Shoes are not worn on any of the liveaboards or many of the island resorts. Shorts, T-shirts and swimwear are the norm. Remember sunscreen, hats and sunglasses, as the weather is nearly always sunny.

Customs There are strict laws forbidding the import of alcohol, drugs and pornography and all products containing pork. All Island Resorts and our liveaboard dive boats have licences to serve alcohol to tourists.

Money Maldivian currency is the Rufiya, but US Dollars and credit cards are is widely accepted on the Island resorts. You will need very little cash on our liveaboards. Drinks are normally charged on an honesty system payable at the end of the trip and a tip for the crew if appropriate. These payments can be made in USD or Sterling. On the last day you will need money for drinks, food and any presents you wish to take home. Maldivian departure tax is now included in your holiday price.

Weather Good weather all year with air temperatures around 30°C and evenings rarely below 22°C . As with all tropical destinations you may experience some rainfall and strong breezes. Water temperature generally stays around 28°C

Insurance Please make sure you have insurance that covers travel arrangements and diving. If you have your own insurance we will need a copy of the certificate.

Visas None required for British passport holders staying for up to 30 days. Please note passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip returns

Vaccinations You should refer to your GP or vaccination centre for the most up to date advice.

Tourist Office Tel 0207 224 2135 www.visitmaldives.com

Time Difference: GMT +5hrs

Equipment You will need a full set of diving equipment (mask, fins, snorkel, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, dive computer/PADI wheel dive tables). Tank and weights are the only equipment provided by the boat or included in the cost of your day diving. Diving in the Maldives usually follows a multilevel profile, square profile tables are therefore not appropriate. Delayed SMB’s (surface marker buoys) are required on all dives in the Maldives while these maybe supplied locally you would be advised to carry your own. Rental torches are expensive and unreliable, we recommend you purchase a small dive light for night dives. There are charging facilities available for lights and cameras, standard 220/240 volts. The sockets are continental 2 pin or 3 pin, so UK plugs may require an adapter. We recommend you buy film and batteries before departure. Both international (A Clamp) & DIN regulators can usually be accommodated. Tanks are generally aluminium 12 litres.

Pre-booked diving must be booked in the UK and cannot be changed in resort. The cost of any unused dives may not be refunded.

Local Regulations: Diving is restricted to 30 metres by law. All divers must perform a check out dive at the beginning of their holiday. Please bring with you your diving certification card and logbook. A medical certificate may also be required on resorts at the discretion of the local dive guide.

RESORTS DIVING Dates & Prices