Before you sail
Everything guests ask, answered properly
Whether this is your first liveaboard or your fifth trip with us, these are the questions that come up most — visas, dives, food, gear and what to pack.
General Information
3 questions
Yes. All tourists receive a 30-day visa on arrival, free of charge. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
You can dive year-round in the Maldives. The rainy season (May–October) tends to be windier with rougher seas, but from August to October, especially in the central-north regions like Hanifaru Bay, conditions can be excellent. During this time the plankton-rich waters attract large pelagic life such as manta rays and whale sharks, making it an exciting period for marine encounters.
If you are seeking calm seas and great visibility, the dry season (November–April) is typically more stable and sunny.
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but USD is widely accepted on the boat. No need to exchange unless you plan to spend time on local islands.
Trip Logistics
4 questions
Your Blue K Safari Maldives trip includes:
- Accommodation on board
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Water, tea, and coffee
- On dive trips, 18–21 dives a week, with tanks, weights and professional dive guides
- Transfers from and to Velana International Airport (Malé) on embarkation and disembarkation days
- The 17% GST, the green tax and the service charge
Extras such as Nitrox, dive gear rental, alcoholic beverages and specialty courses are available at an additional cost.
Yes. Every trip price includes the 17% GST, the green tax and the service charge: there is no service charge to pay on board. Extras on board, such as extra dives, show their own tax.
Most dive safaris run 7 nights, Saturday to Saturday: boarding begins at 2:00 PM on the first day, we return to Malé on the last evening, and disembarkation is by 10:00 AM on the final morning.
Every departure shows its own dates and length on its page, and the same times apply to them.
Yes. Our team will be at Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé with a Blue K Safari Maldives sign to welcome you and escort you to the boat. We do not collect guests from hotels.
A few routes, such as the Deep South, start or end at a domestic airport instead: the departure says so on its page.
Diving Information
6 questions
A week-long dive safari includes 18–21 dives, depending on conditions and the group's pace.
Extra dives are optional and subject to availability: USD 35 + 17% tax per dive.
The final dive usually ends by 6:00 PM on the last diving day. Plan your flight home with a minimum 18-hour surface interval after your last dive.
We always have 4–5 dive masters on board. Each dive master typically guides 4 to 6 divers, ensuring safety and personal attention.
Open Water and above is fine. Our guides group divers by experience. Some channel and drift dives with strong currents suit more experienced divers, and your guide will advise you on the day.
Yes, Enriched Air Nitrox is available for certified divers at an additional cost. If you are not certified, we offer Nitrox courses onboard.
Yes. We have a full range of rental equipment, including BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, dive computers and more, rented and paid for on board. Once your booking is confirmed, your booking page lists the prices.
Onboard Life
4 questions
Meals are freshly prepared by our chef and served buffet-style. We offer a mix of local Maldivian flavours and international cuisine. Water, tea and coffee are complimentary. Soft drinks and alcohol are available for purchase.
Yes. We can accommodate most dietary needs including vegetarian, gluten-free, or food allergies. Please inform us at least 2 weeks before your trip.
Wi-Fi is available onboard via a local mobile network, but signal strength may vary in remote atolls. Data packages can be purchased onboard.
Extras such as Nitrox or rental gear are arranged on board and paid for there, never in advance: on the last day, in cash (US dollars or euros) or by card: Visa and MasterCard carry a 3.5% surcharge, American Express 4%. A 17% GST is added to all add-ons. US dollar notes must be from 2006 or later, clean and untorn: older or damaged notes and coins are not taken in the Maldives.
Before You Go
2 questions
- Dive certification cards and logbook
- Swimwear, light clothing, reef-safe sunscreen
- Adapter (the Maldives uses UK-style Type G plugs)
- Personal toiletries (eco-friendly preferred)
- Basic first aid and medication
- Dive gear, if you are bringing your own
We provide towels and basic bathroom amenities onboard.
On dive trips, yes: every diver needs dive insurance that covers emergency evacuation and hyperbaric chamber treatment, and travel and medical insurance. Bring the documents with you; the guest registration form asks for the policy details.
On trips without diving, travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended.
Conservation & Etiquette
2 questions
No. For environmental protection, gloves are not allowed and touching marine life or reefs is strictly prohibited.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen
- Avoid single-use plastics
- Bring a refillable water bottle
- Dive responsibly — maintain buoyancy and avoid contact with marine life
Still have questions?
Message us and we will tell you honestly whether a trip suits you. Ask Blue K, the chat button at the bottom of every page, answers the common questions straight away and hands off to WhatsApp.