Frequently Asked Questions

The Maldives offers year-round diving, but conditions vary by season. The northeast monsoon (December to April) brings calm seas and excellent visibility up to 30+ meters. The southwest monsoon (May to November) is better for manta ray sightings and can offer more dynamic diving experiences with plankton-rich waters attracting larger marine life.

The Maldives is home to an incredible diversity of marine life including manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks (grey reef, whitetip, blacktip), hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, Napoleon wrasse, eagle rays, moray eels, and thousands of colorful reef fish. The specific species you'll encounter depend on the season and location.

While certification is required for most dives, complete beginners can do discover scuba diving experiences under professional supervision. We offer PADI and SSI courses for all levels, from Open Water to advanced specialties. Many packages include course options so you can get certified during your trip.

For liveaboard trips during peak season (December-April), we recommend booking 6-12 months in advance as they fill up quickly. Resort packages typically require 2-3 months advance booking. Local island stays are more flexible but still best booked 4-6 weeks ahead during high season.

Cancellation policies vary by package and provider. Generally, cancellations made 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus processing fees. 30-60 days: 50% refund. Less than 30 days: no refund. We recommend travel insurance to protect your investment. Contact us for specific policy details.

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), bank transfers, and PayPal. A deposit (typically 30-50%) is required to secure your booking, with the balance due 30 days before departure. Some providers may accept cryptocurrency payments.

Requirements vary by dive site. Open Water certification is sufficient for many sites. Advanced Open Water is recommended for deeper dives and channels. Some sites with strong currents may require a minimum number of logged dives (typically 30-50). Our team will help match you with appropriate sites for your level.

Most packages include full dive equipment rental. Liveaboards typically include tanks, weights, and basic gear. We recommend bringing your own mask, wetsuit (3mm is ideal), and dive computer for comfort. Nitrox is often available for an additional fee. Check specific package details for what's included.

Liveaboards typically offer 3-4 dives per day, including night dives. Resort-based diving usually offers 2-3 dives daily. Day trip activities include 2 dives. Remember to plan your last dive to allow adequate surface interval time before flying (minimum 18-24 hours recommended).

International flights arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male. From there, transfers to your resort or liveaboard are by speedboat, domestic flight, or seaplane depending on location. Most packages include transfers. Popular connection hubs include Dubai, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Bangkok.

Most nationalities receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival. You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), confirmed hotel/liveaboard booking, and proof of onward travel. Extensions up to 90 days are possible. Check with your local Maldivian embassy for specific requirements.

Essential items: lightweight clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, underwater camera, certification cards, dive logbook, personal medications, and travel insurance documents. For diving: mask, dive computer, 3mm wetsuit or rash guard, and any personal gear you prefer. The Maldives is conservative on inhabited islands, so pack modest clothing for those visits.

Visit our List Your Service page to apply. We accept applications from licensed dive operators, liveaboard companies, and resorts with diving facilities. Submit your business details, certifications, and photos for review. Our team will respond within 48 hours.

We operate on a commission-based model with no upfront listing fees. Commission rates vary by package type and volume. Premium placement and featured listings are available for partners seeking additional visibility. Contact us at contact@maldivestour.guide for detailed partnership information.