RED SEA DIVERS⁺PLUS

Flights Emirates’ scheduled flights to the Maldives depart Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham daily, via Dubai, and arrive in Male the following day. Flight times are in local time. Check in 2 hours before departure at the indicated terminal. 

Please ask for details if flying with Sri Lankan. Stopovers are available in Dubai or Sri Lanka (please ask for details).

There are also direct flights from Gatwick which can also be used when available
Flight tickets will be usually sent to you by post unless otherwise arranged. Please call if you have not received your ticket 3 days prior to departure
Baggage allowance is typically up to 30kg for hold baggage and 5kg for hand baggage on Emirates. 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. If joining one of our liveaboards you will be met by a member of the boat crew and/or our instructor (local contact Tel313 537/9). If you are going to a resort you should make your way to the relevant welcome desk. In both instances these will be outside the terminal building after the baggage reclaim.
Transfers transfers between airport and Island Resort or liveaboard, unless specified otherwise, are by boat. Where seaplanes are provided it may be necessary to transfer by boat between the seaplane and resort/liveaboard. If scheduled flights arrive at night or depart very early in the morning, or in cases of bad weather, it may be necessary to overnight at the airport island hotel, in Male or at a nearby resort at the appropriate cost. In addition a wait may be necessary to at the airport to connect with your transfer/flight. Refreshments are available at the airport (charged locally).
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. We recommend warmer cloths for the evenings when the breeze may pick up. 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 and lunch and any presents you wish to take home. Maldivian departure tax is now included in your holiday price,
Weather Good weather all year with temperatures around 30°C and evenings rarely below 22°C . During the southwest monsoon, May to October, you may experience some rainfall and strong breezes. Year round water temperature is approx. 28°C.
Insurance Please make sure you have insurance that covers travel arrangements and diving. We can provide holiday and diving cover from £43 per person. If you have your own insurance we will need a copy of the certificate

Good travel insurance with worldwide diving cover from only 43 pounds

Click Here for insurance quotes or to book your insurance on line

Visas None required for British passport holders staying for up to 30 days. Please note your passport must 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 advise. We recommend Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio
Tourist Office Tel 0207 224 2135  Time Difference: GMT +5hrs
Equipment You will need a full set of diving equipment. Tank and weights are the only equipment provided by the boat included in the cost of your day diving. You will need a mask, fins and snorkel, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, dive computer or the PADI wheel dive tables. Diving in the Maldives usually follows a multilevel profile, square profile tables are therefore not appropriate. Delayed SMB’s (surface marker buoy’s) 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. Equipment rental is available from our centre in the UK or in your resort. Please give prior notice. Water temperature ranges from 24°C in October to 29°C in June so choose your suit accordingly. 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 10/11 litres. Pre-booked diving 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 30metres by law. All divers must perform a check out dive at the beginning of their holiday. Medicals & Certification 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.