Small tips, big utility
Useful information

Visa and
passport
- To enter the Maldives, no pre-arrival visa is required
- A 30 days free visa is issued on arrival
- Your passport must be valid for a period of at least 6 months after return
Money
- The Maldivian Rufiyaa is the currency of Maldives
- On board you will be able to pay in euros, dollars and Suiss francs
- It is better to pay by cash to avoid credit card fees
- Don’t forget to withdraw before getting on board to be free to have a drink, to buy some souvenirs or to give tips to the crew! Cash machines are available at the airport.
Health
- No vaccination is compulsory for entering the Maldives (unless you are flying from tropical Africa)
- Remember to take some medicines in case of migraine or stomach ache
- Ear drops to prevent otitis
- Reef safe sun cream… of course!
Jet lag
- + 3 hours in summer, + 4 hours in winter
- In summer, when it is noon in Paris it is 3pm in Male!
- In winter, when it is noon in Paris it is 4pm in Male!
Electricity Power
- On board, the voltage is 220 V and the electric sockets are the same than in France.
- However in the Maldives, the standard socket is a UK type plug. If you stay in the country after the liveaboard, don’t forget your adapter!
Cultural specificities

Spoken languages
The
local language is Maldivian.
Do
you have any basis?
No
worries! On board, we speak French, English and even Chinese!
Religion
Maldives is an
Islamic country. The local law reflects this cultural particularity that is
very important to take into account.
The consumption
of alcohol is banned: do not bring alcoholic beverages into the country that
you could have bought for example at the duty free-shop. On our boats, as well
as in touristic hotels, you will be free to drink whatever you wish.
Bikini: If you spend some time in Hulhumale,
you will notice that women don’t wear bikinis. That is why it would be better
if you had light sea clothes as well. However on board, no problem! You can
were your bikini all you want!
Food and beverage
Fish is the
most important staple of the Maldivian diet.
Since the country is influenced by
Indian, Sri Lankan and Arabic cultures, species and rice are also two main
elements of the Maldivian cuisine. On board,
both local cuisine and international menus will be served.As we said
before, Maldives is an Islamic country and alcohol consumption is banned.
However, on board and in the tourist hotels, you will be able to drink what you
wish!
Insurance

Do not
forget your dive insurance before traveling!
Diving is a
high-risk sport and insurance is compulsory.
Before getting on board you must provide
proof of insurance.
Do you already have dive insurance?
FFESSM
Certification
If you have a FFESSM certification, you necessarily
have a public liability insurance which represents your legal obligation. This
insurance protects you against small damages. We strongly
advise you to ask for more information regarding your insurance. Repatriation
costs or hospital cost in the Maldives can be very high in case you have an
accident.
FFESSM also offers other types of insurance. If
you get a FFESSM certification, you might ask to the federation about further details.
You do
not have any dive insurance
General insurance
Ask to your
personal insurance or other insurance whether they have special offers
regarding high-risk sport.
Dan insurance
This is an international and renowned
dive insurance. To get more information, visit their website or contact
them.
With Dune Maldives, you can
subscribe to a “mini” DAN insurance in case you have forgotten your proof of insurance.
We do not necessarily recommend it and advice our divers to have insurance
before traveling. It is important to take time to know exactly how dive insurances
provide protection.