FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I make a booking?
We are happy you choose Moonimaa or Haleema for your trip and we love to welcome you here in the Maldives. To make a reservation please, fill in the reservation form and submit first to see if there’s availability at the week or 2 weeks that you wish to visit Maldives. We reply to you within 24 hours time! If you didn’t receive a quick response – check your junk mail, perhaps you will find it there. If we have space for you we require a 50% deposit within 10 days of time to secure a booking which can be made by wire transfer to our bank account the rest of the money to be paid 1 months prior to your boat departure. Once you have your flight arrival information, send us an email with your flight details such as the flight number, arrival time and we will be there at the airport to pick you up. Our boats can be chartered exclusive or partly with your group of friends or family. Solo travelers are best to join an existing charter or special open boat cruises on schedule. In any case simply send us an email to check availability and get a quotation.
Where is Moonimaa and Haleema located?
They are usually located at Hulhumale’ Male’ marina in Maldives and departs from Hulhumale’ marina.
How do I get there?
It takes about 15-20 minutes to get to Moonimaa or Haleema from airport by our transfer boat. We will meet you at the airport on arrival just let us know the details of your flight. If you arrive early or late departure from Maldives we suggest that you spend the night either in Male’ or Hulhumale’. We will be happy to assist you to book a hotel in Hulhumale’ or in Male’. To give you more flexibility our price do not include the international flight. However, we can recommend some cheap options to fly to the Male International Airport (MLE). If you fly from Europe or the USA, Qatar and Emirates airlines offer good deals; if you fly from Australia, Singapore airlines and Tigerair is good too. Don’t forget to check if they charge for the surfboards you will bring along.
Where is the Maldives?
One glance at the atlas will answer your question – Where is Maldives? Right on the Equator, you will find that situated in the southwest of Sri Lanka, Maldives stretches 823 km from North to South and 130 km from east to west. Only 202 islands are inhabited and only 88 islands have resorts in them. Male is the capital city where 2/3 of the populations of Maldives reside. The moment you are trying to locate where is Maldives, you will require to know whether Maldives is well connected by air with other countries or not. The Male International Airport is located at the Hulhule Island and is well connected with both schedule and charter flights flying from all the major European and Asian countries. Number of budget Airlines such as FlyDubai is starting its flights from January 2013 onwards to Male’. However, you are forbidden to carry firearms, liquor, pork and pornography into Maldives.
How strong is the sun?
During summer (March-April), it’s sunny almost every day so be prepared with heavy duty sunscreen (SPF 45), skin repair and water sun hat or cap. In winter (May-October), it’s often overcast but sun can still be treacherous and skin damage can ruin your trip. Bring a pair of caps and sunglasses.
What vaccinations should I have?
Normally, authorities in the Maldives do not require vaccinations. However, if you are from a Central African or South American country, or if you have traveled through these areas before arriving in the Maldives, you need to have a valid certificate indicating that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever. There is no Malaria in the Maldives.
Will I get seasick?
Most probably not because cruising inside the atolls is mostly calm sea. However, if you’re subject to seasickness, bring your own pills. Don’t forget to rinse your ears after each session as ear infections may occur on such humid premises. Bring ear plugs in case you need them, ear drops.
Is there fishing equipment on board?
There will be a hand line or 2 but best is to bring your own fishing rod (short, sturdy, big reel). Thick lines, lures and hooks for potential king-size fishes 2 kg / 40 kg.
Can I recharge my video camera or any electronic device on the boat?
Yes, the boats have 220-240 V plugs and universal plug adapter
Are there mosquitoes and/or Malaria?
Mosquitoes are rare and getting them onboard almost never happens. Sometimes, there can be a few (very few) in the villages but malaria is non-existent!
What is prohibited to import into the country?
The following items are strictly prohibited by law to Import into the country: pornographic materials in any form, spear gun, harpoons, alcohol (see next question), drugs (the penalty for importing of such drugs is severe, usually life imprisonment). More info under: www.customs.gov.mv
Can I bring alcohol and liquor into the Maldives?
You are not allowed to bring liquor to the Maldives. If you have bought liquor, beer and related items containing alcohol from a duty free shop while on route to the Maldives, these products must be bonded in the airport’s customs department upon arrival. These goods will be returned before departure. Note that alcohol can be bought on the boats for a reasonable price!
Who can we accommodate in our cruises?
Surfers, Scuba divers, honeymooners, fishing enthusiansts, families with children are more than welcome to cruise with Moonimaa or Princess Haleema. Basically anyone who are interested in cruising in Maldives.
What meal plans are available to book?
Princess Haleema or Moonimaa caters all three meals and if you wish to do something extra just let our friendly crew know about it. We try our best to accommodate any of your requests. Vegetarian meals, Kosher meals, birthday celebrations etc.
Are the drinks included?
One bottle of water per person per day is usually included in the price. Coffee and tea are free. Soft drinks and beers can be bought at reasonable prices, the extras must be settled in US$ cash or by credit card at the end of the trip.
Do I need local money?
US cash is accepted widely across the Maldives, you may need local money if you spend a day in Malé and for local villages shops: cigarettes and candy. For EXTRAS on board: one big water bottle per day per person is free but all canned drinks are extra. Gratuity is acceptable for any good service by crew. There is no fixed amount.
How do we pay on board?
We accept US$ cash and major credit cards like Visa, Master and American Express card .
Is there a safe in the cabin?
Yes and there are lockers too.
What documents do I need to entry into Republic of Maldives?
You will need 6 months valid passport and tourist visa on arrival to Maldives.
What about holiday Insurance?
You should always take travel and holiday insurance policy for your trip and make sure that it covers for any sports you will be undertaking such as surfing or scuba diving. Surfing is a dangerous sport some times may break your board, hit fellow surfers, We should not be held responsible for any injury, loss or damage during your stay with us.
What happens if there is an accident?
If something happens, you will be brought to the nearest resort as each one of them has its own doctor. If the case is serious, you will be brought to the main hospital in Male. Note that a first aid kit box is available on board.
Water Sports
Scuba diving, surfing, snorkeling, free diving. All water activities are under supervision of qualified guides on board. Prior to water activities our team on board will make a detailed briefing to present the site, currents, and marine life and safety regulations. The choice of the mooring site and water activity site is under sole responsibility of the boat captain and the dive guide or surf guide.It will be according to local weather and sea condition.
Where does the trip end?
The last day of the trip, you will be brought to the airport 3 hours before the flight. If your flight is at night, you will be dropped at the airport late afternoon as we cannot navigate during the night. On demand, you can decide to visit the capital of Male on the last day of your trip, it’s only 15 minutes away from the airport by dhoni.
