About our Destination
Climate
The Maldives has a sunny, tropical climate. The temperature year-round is usually between 77° and 90°F. Crystal-clear waters with consistent temperatures between 78˚ and 84˚F make this archipelago a year-round paradise for underwater explorers.
Currency
The local currency is Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR). Check www.xe.com for current exchange rates. Only licensed shops are allowed to accept foreign currencies and USD are the most accepted.
Dress Code
As a Muslim country, it is expected that visitors respect a modest dress code. Women are advised to cover their shoulders and knees while in public. This dress code will not be observed once on board our yacht.
Before Your Trip
Airfare Discounts
Please visit our airfare discount page for the most up-to-date information.
Cancellation Policy
Unexpected events can cause you to cancel your vacation. Because we are committed to this charter, we must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy as outlined in our Olivia Terms & Conditions.
Transfer funds are nonrefundable and nontransferable from the point of sale forward.
Celebrations – Birthdays, Anniversaries, Honeymoons and more
If you have any celebrations and birthdays during the trip that you have not already advised your travel consultant about, please let us know of this information as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
Register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.
Connect with other guests – Join the Facebook Group
To meet some of the women who will be joining you on this trip, join the 2025 Maldives Scuba & Spa Adventure Cruise II Facebook group.
Passport and Visa
All guests (including guests from countries other than the United States) will be required to have a passport. Passports must be valid for six months after your arrival date. US citizens do not need a visa for this trip. If you are not a US citizen, please check visa requirements with your country’s consulate and the consulates of the countries you’ll be visiting.
Specific Needs: Medical, Dietary and Mobility
If you have any medical, mobility needs, or specific dietary requirements that you have not already advised your travel consultant. Please advise us of this information as soon as possible but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
Travel Insurance
Olivia recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment against the unexpected. Visit our Insurance page olivia.com/travel-insurance for more information.
For a travel insurance quote, more information or to purchase a protection plan, please call Olivia at 800-631-6277 and select option 1 for a Travel Consultant.
Vaccinations
Please check with your local public health department or personal physician regarding immunization recommendations for your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov. Just click on “Traveler’s Health” and then “Vaccinations.”
2025 MALDIVES SCUBA & SPA ADVENTURE CRUISE II |
START DATE | END DATE | CANCEL PENALTY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation Fee 365 days or more prior to trip date | 03/07/24 | 50% of trip cost | |
| Cancellation Fee 0-364 days prior to trip date | 03/08/2024 | 03/07/25 | 100% of trip cost (no refund) |
Travel and Arrival
Airport
You will need to fly into and out of Velana International Airport (MLE). We encourage all guests to arrive a day early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.
Flight Arrival and Departure Times
Please arrive at the Velana International Airport (MLE) by 2 pm on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Transfers from the airport to the ship are included. If you prefer to arrange an independent transfer to the ship, you will be asked to coordinate with the Cruise Director on arrival day to learn the exact location of the ship. Please plan to arrive at the ship no later than 3 pm. All aboard on arrival day is 4 pm. Please be aware that arrival day is dedicated to embarkation and no activities or spa treatments will be scheduled.
Luggage Allowance
There is no luggage limit on the cruise itself. Check your airline’s baggage allowances. Please note all luggage will be scanned upon arrival to the Maldives. Ensure your luggage does not contain prohibited or restricted items, which include alcohol; pork products; weapons; ammunition; religious material offensive to Islam, among other items.
Passports & Visas
All guests are required to have a passport. US citizens are required to have one blank passport page for their entry stamp, and passports must be valid for six months from expected date of departure from Maldives. Visitor visas are issued at the airport for stays up to 30 days. As of September 2023, all travelers entering the Maldives are required to fill out an electronic health declaration. If you are not a US citizen, please check passport and visa requirements with your country’s consulate.
During your trip
Electricity
The electric current in the Maldives is 220 V / 50 HZ. The most common power outlets are Type G (British). A universal travel adaptor is recommended. The yacht has British power and all suites are equipped with a universal plug.
Gratuities
All gratuities are included. Tipping is not customary in the Maldives and is completely optional.
Internet and Mobile Phones
Your trip includes complimentary 5 GB wifi per cabin with the ability to log on with four devices at a time. Once your data is used you may upgrade your internet package. Internet speeds are 4G up to 15mb/s. The yachts are covered with hot spots and the service depends on the proximity of broadcasting transmitters located on local islands. Good internet and mobile phone reception is available most of the time, except when the yacht crosses open ocean (a few hours throughout a week) and while navigating more remote areas of the Vaavu atoll.
Laundry Service
Limited laundering services are available onboard for an extra charge.
Medical Services
There is no clinic or doctor onboard, however all dive team members are trained to provide first-aid care. Seaplanes, speedboats, and the Coast Guard are available for immediate evacuation in the event of an emergency. There are 4 decompression chambers in the Maldives.
On-Trip Purchases
The currency used onboard all Scubaspa’s vessels in the bars, restaurant and facilities is US Dollars. Alternatively, the following credit cards are accepted on board: Visa, Mastercard. Additional fees may apply to such payments.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is permitted only in the designated smoking area. There is a no smoking policy throughout the interior of the ship. There is a total smoking ban when travelling on tender vessels and refueling.
Solo Travelers
Solo travelers can mix and mingle with everyone; we often have a few independent travelers on trips of this size, which do not have a Solo coordinator. Before the trip, you can start to meet other solos and travelers online in the official 2025 Maldives Scuba & Spa Adventure Cruise II Facebook group.
Specific Needs—Medical, Mobility, Dietary, and Otherwise
If you have any medical, mobility, or specific dietary requirements that you have not already advised your travel consultant about, please let us know as soon as possible, but not less than 90 days prior. Please advise us of this information as soon as possible but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
Staying in Malé
We will not have a host hotel on this vacation. Instead, we would like to recommend the following accommodation options:
For a 5-star overwater bungalow experience, Baros Maldives is a private island resort with overwater and beachside villas, white sand beaches, and a turquoise lagoon, just 25 minutes by speedboat from the Maldives International Airport.
The Maldives’ first private island resort, Kurumba Maldives is a quick 10-minute boat ride from the airport and has vibrant greenery, white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a variety of activities to choose from. Mention ScubaSpa for a discount on your booking, and inquire with the resort about direct transfers to and from our yacht.
The Somerset Hotel offers a comfortable, convenient stay close to the airport, within walking distance to beaches, cafes and shops.
JEN Maldives is a 4-star hotel in the center of the capital city, with a complimentary airport shuttle and a rooftop infinity pool.
After Your Trip
Disembarkation
On March 15, 2025, disembarkation day, included transfers from the ship to the Velana Inernational Airport (MLE) will begin at 8:45 am. Please book flights after 12 pm. Note: The last dive will end by 12 pm on Friday to provide a 24-hour break between diving and flying.
Travelers must be able to navigate stairs on their own and get in and out of tender boats with minimal assistance. Scuba Divers will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire and may require a doctor’s note. This trip is not suitable for scooters or wheelchairs.
Our Travel Consultants can be reached at USA or Canada: 800.631.6277 or International 415.962.5700, option 1.
