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MAGNIFICENT MALDIVES HOSTED BY WORLD WIDE DIVE & SAIL SIREN FLEET for $3389 d/o ($3289 less $100 early booking discount if paid in full by Sept 20th) for 10 nites up to 34 dives including 5 nite dives + full breakfast, lunch and dinner daily + FREE NITROX + FREE DIVE GEAR RENTAL + all taxes and transfers. Just add airfare (international and local from Kaadedhdhoo to Male - SEE AIR ROUTINGS BELOW FOR OPTIONS AND HELP BOOKING) and you have the perfect dive trip! NOTE: Early booking discount for payment in full is $100 off the trip + 25% chance to win a FREE DIVER'S GPS!
ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE INCLUDES:
PRICING SUMMAARY: Was $3289 (Dec 2010 price) Went to $3640 (April 2011 when date changed) NOW BOOKING AT NET PRICING OF $3389 (or $3289 if taking advantage of our $100 early booking discount) + LAX/MALE air (no contract but we can help you book it) of $1420 to $1600 as of 8-30-12 + local air from Kaadedhdhoo to Male approx $160-170 Euros per person.
$3389 d/o or $TBA s/o or $3289 if booked and paid in full by Sept 20th
• 10 nights up to 34 dives including 5 night dives
• All meals, refreshments & snacks such as coffee, tea, herbal tea, fresh water, carbonated soft drinks, fruit juice, fresh fruit & cookies.
• Free local brand beer
• Air tanks or Nitrox tanks FREE
• Essential dive equipment of Aqua Lung Wave BCD, Calypso regulator, 3mm shorty wetsuit, mask & fins.*
• Local transfers to/from the yacht to/from the local airport
• Daily SD.com H20 Happy Hours
• Diving Gifts and Giveaways from various SD Vendor Partners as available
• SD T-Shirt commemorating the trip
*Please note that our rental wetsuits are 3mm shorties. If you tend to feel the cold easily it's advisable to bring your own 5mm long wetsuit.
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Airfare to Male nor local airfare from Kaadedhdhoo to Male at the end of the trip approx $160-170 Euros per person.
• Bed Tax & Port Fees 80 Euro/ person
• Marine park fee: 80EUR/pax - (Marine park fee is payable in our office prior to departure)
• "Optional" Items listed below
• Crew gratuities
• Trip Insurance is REQUIRED (see the end of this post for 2 great insurance links)
• $75 Document Processing Fee (SAVE THIS FEE BY SUBMITTING YOUR DOCS WITHIN THREE (3) WEEKS OF SIGNING UP AND THIS FEE IS WAIVED IF SIGNING UP WITHIN 45 DAYS OF THE TRIP PLEASE SUBMIT WITHIN 3 DAYS. OTHERWISE IT WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR FINAL INVOICE. FLIGHT DETAILS CAN BE SUBMITTED WHENEVER YOU HAVE THEM.)
OPTIONAL*:
Extra Days in Male: We STRONGLY suggest 1 day in Male before and after the trip WHICH IS INCLUDED IN MOST OF THE AIR OPTIONS WE SUGGEST however you can safely skip the day after assuming you can catch your international flights in time. We will assist with hotel rooms for anyone staying in Male and estimate the rooms to be approx $100 - $150 per night
Single Supplement: $TBA
Extra Night(s) Hotel in Male- SD Rate: $TBD d/o or $TBD s/o
Extra Day(s) Sightseeing - SD Rate: $TBD (Let us know if you are interested and we'll offer some options)
Wine, Cocktails & Spirits: Bottle wine: 30/40EUR, spirits: 4EUR per shot, cocktails: 5EUR per glass
Massages: 15EUR per hour
Laundry: 50 Euro cents per piece
PADI Dive Courses: ASK US ABOUT CLASSES
Dive computer rental: 5EUR per day - FREE If you use a USA Cochran
UW torch rental: 5EUR per day
Waterskiing/Wakeboarding: 12EUR / 20 mins
Siren Clothing: T-shirt: 8EUR, Polo Shirt: 12EUR
*Payments for onboard purchases are made in our office at the end of your cruise. Siren accepts all major credit cards, US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds and Maldives Rufiyaa.
TRIP OVERVIEW:
Departing from Male, our 10 night liveaboard dive safari takes you first to South Male Atoll to dive the Kuda Giri wreck with its schools of glass fish. Felidhoo Atoll is where we dive to the deep caves hunting for grey reef sharks that can be found within, as well as the marine protected area of Devana Kandu. Mulaku Atoll, only accesible by liveaboard, is the place to watch out for hammerhead sharks and is home to the turtle breeding area of Muli. The S/Y Maldives Siren continues southwards on to Thaa and Laamu atolls for encounters with grey reef sharks and other large pelagics before a long sail southwards to the remote atoll of Huvadhoo. The kandus of Huvadhoo bring all sorts of marine life and within the atoll are pristine shallow reefs to explore. We spend our last 2 days of diving in the far south before disembarking on day 11 at Kaadedhdhoo airport for your return flight to Male.
TRANSFERS:
Upon arrival.... TO BE ANNOUNCED
AVAILABILITY UPDATE: -SEE POST #3 HERE FOR ONGOING OPEN SPOTS BY ROOM TYPE
We have ONLY 14 spots and expect this trip to sell out quickly! So everything will be first come/signedup/paid basis. SD honors a first come and first served premise that is driven by posting in our community. Once a trip has filled up from the "My Check & Documents are in Cyberspace" and the confirmed deposits/pymnts we will open an official waiting list for the trip. As openings occur we'll open up the Waiting List for trip participants. Only deposited members will decrease the number of spots on the trip. Only members who have sent their deposit or paid for the trip and have sent in their documents i.e. Trip Waiver and Trip Survey will be moved to the official "Who's Going" list. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL TRIP GOERS NEED TO BE PREMIER MEMBERS OR ABOVE. Please also note that while you may send pm and email requests for availability, the official availability is always available in the 3rd trip post. Thank You! -ww
Pricing by Room Type/ Diver Options:
LEVEL 1: MALDIVES d/o Diver ONLY $3389 ($3299 if paid in full by Sept 20th)
d/o Non-Diver $TBA
s/o Diver TBA
s/o Non-Diver TBA
LEVEL 2: MALDIVES d/o Diver ONLY $3389 ($3299 if paid in full by Sept 20th)+ LEMBEH d/o Diver ONLY $TBA
d/o Non-Diver $TBA
s/o Diver TBA
s/o Non-Diver TBA
Nitrox for the MALDIVES trip is FREE
AIRFARE:
You need to fly in and out MALE via Singapore Airlines or Emirates flying to the island of MALE. We can book your flights for a $30 booking fee Or simply use THIS online booking tool and save some the booking fee and find the lowest rates! (For greater savings register as a "preferred customer" and be logged in when you search for fares.) See below for proper routings from 3 major hubs) - I will be on the HOU routing if you wish to travel with me. I am also including the combo routing for those who may still be able to do the Lembeh trip with me afterwards too!
*Embarkation Point – 20th February 2013 - Male Airport, Male Atoll, @ 1pm
Disembarkation Point – 2nd March 2013 - Kaadedhdhoo Airport, Huvadhoo Atoll @ 10am
NOTE: For this originally itinerary : Central - southern (A) you will need one way domestic flight at the end of this cruise from Kaadedhdhoo back to Male which the flight schedule has not been released from the airline but we expect to receive it in November and the rough price for next year (2013) flight from Kaadedhdhoo - Male, it should not be more than 160-170 Euro per person.( Year 2012 it is 146 Euro per person.)
LAX:
LAX Option 1:
SINGAPORE AIR 11 17FEB LAX SIN 215P 325A (1 stop in Narita, land on 19FEB)
SINGAPORE AIR 462 19FEB SIN MLE 945A 1115A
1 night Male (19-20FEB)
10 night live-aboard in Male (20FEB-02MAR)
SINGAPORE AIR 461 02MAR MLE SIN 250P 1040P
1 night Singapore (02-03MAR)
SINGAPORE AIR 12 03MAR SIN LAX 920A 1150A (1 stop in Narita, land on 03MAR)
Published Flight Price: $1,606.20 as of 8-20-12 + $80 for Star Alliance Mileage
LAX Option 2 via Emirates:
EMIRATES 216 17FEB LAX DXB 400P 745P
EMIRATES 658 19FEB DXB MLE 315A 820A
1 night Male (19-20FEB)
10 night live-aboard in Male (20FEB-02MAR)
EMIRATES 653 02MAR MLE DXB 1055P 200A
EMIRATES 215 03MAR DXB LAX 820A 1250P
Published Flight Price as of 8-20-12: $1,420.40
LAX Option 3 with long layover in Narita on the return:
SINGAPORE AIR 11 17FEB LAX SIN 215P 325A (1 stop in Narita, land on 19FEB)
SINGAPORE AIR 462 19FEB SIN MLE 945A 1115A
1 night Male (19-20FEB)
10 night live-aboard in Male (20FEB-02MAR)
SINGAPORE AIR 461 02MAR MLE SIN 250P 1040P
SINGAPORE AIR 638 02MAR SIN NRT 1155P 740A (land on 03MAR)
SINGAPORE AIR 12 03MAR NRT LAX 650P 1150A
Published Flight Price as of 8-20-12: $1,450.40 + $80 for Star Alliance Mileage
LAX Option 4 with extra night 02MAR in Male:
SINGAPORE AIR 11 17FEB LAX SIN 215P 325A (1 stop in Narita, land on 19FEB)
SINGAPORE AIR 462 19FEB SIN MLE 945A 1115A
1 night Male (19-20FEB)
10 night live-aboard in Male (20FEB-02MAR)
1 night Male (02-03MAR)
SINGAPORE AIR 461 03MAR MLE SIN 250P 1040P
1 night Singapore (03-04MAR)
SINGAPORE AIR 12 04MAR SIN LAX 920A 1150A (1 stop in Narita, land on 04MAR)
Published Flight Price as of 8-20-12: $1,456.20 + $80 for Star Alliance Mileage
HOU:
SINGAPORE AIR 61 17FEB IAH SIN 450P 550A (1 stop in Moscow, land on 19FEB)
SINGAPORE AIR 462 19FEB SIN MLE 945A 1115A
SINGAPORE AIR 461 02MAR MLE SIN 250P 1040P
SINGAPORE AIR 62 03MAR SIN IAH 230A 210P (1 stop in Moscow, land on 03MAR)
Published Flight Price: $1,582.90 as of 8-30-12* + $80 for Star Alliance Mileage
*(There isn't a flight from SIN-IAH on 04MAR so this is the only option from IAH so you save a night of hotel in Male on the return.)
JFK:
This is showing sold out on the flight from SIN-JFK.
COMBO ROUTING MALDIVES & LEMBEH THAT I WILL BE ON:
SINGAPORE AIR 61 17FEB IAH SIN 450P 550A (1 stop in Moscow, land on 19FEB)
SINGAPORE AIR 462 19FEB SIN MLE 945A 1115A
1 night Male (19-20FEB)
10 night live-aboard in Male (20FEB-02MAR)
1 night Male (02-03MAR)
SINGAPORE AIR 451 03MAR MLE SIN 1125P 715A (land on 4MAR)
SINGAPORE AIR 5274 04MAR SIN MDC 925A 105P
9 nights N. Sulawesi (04-13MAR)
SINGAPORE AIR 273 13MAR MDC SIN 150P 505P
1 night in Singapore (13-14MAR)
SINGAPORE AIR 62 14MAR SIN IAH 230A 310P (1 stop in Moscow, land on 14MAR)
Published Flight Price as of 8-30-12:
Alternatively you can book this option via LAX for a few bucks less:
SINGAPORE AIR 11 17FEB LAX SIN 215P 325A (1 stop in Narita, land on 19FEB)
SINGAPORE AIR 462 19FEB SIN MLE 945A 1115A
1 night Male (19-20FEB)
10 night live-aboard in Male (20FEB-02MAR)
1 night Male (02-03MAR)
SINGAPORE AIR 451 03MAR MLE SIN 1125P 715A (land on 4MAR)
SINGAPORE AIR 5274 04MAR SIN MDC 925A 105P
9 nights N. Sulawesi (04-13MAR)
SINGAPORE AIR 5273 13MAR MDC SIN 150P 505P
1 night in Singapore (13-14MAR)
SINGAPORE AIR 12 14MAR SIN LAX 920A 1250P (1 stop in Narita, land on 14MAR)
Published Flight Price as of 8-30-12: $3,036.80 + $80 for Star Alliance Mileage
Who's Going:CLICK HERE or check out post #3
Ongoing Trip FAQ's & Additional Pictures:CLICK HERE or check out post #2
LIVEABOARD & DESTINATION OVERVIEW:
Boat Details:
SCHEDULED ITINERARY:
Days Prior to start of our trip: Ask me for special pricing to either arrive early or stay late diving...we are working on hotel rooms for the group!
Feb 17-19: Arrive in MALE
Feb 19-20: 1 nite in MALE to allow any delayed luggage to catch up and divers to rest
Feb 20 - Mar 02: 10 nite liveaboard averaging 4 dives a day for a max of 34 dives (see detailed schedule below)
Mar 02-03: 1 nite MALE for most some may be able to skip this and fly directly
Mar 03-04: Return to USA for MOST and to Manado for SOME
*********************** END OF MALDIVES TRIP*****************************************
Mar 04-14: Lembeh 9 nites 7 days diving 3 boat dives a day then return to USA (See Lembeh Trip for details)
CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN (A) ATOLLS 10 NIGHTS MALDIVES
The following is a sample itinerary of where you might dive during your holiday with us. We wish to
show you the very best diving but a number of factors can determine where we visit. Weather, tides
and currents how busy a site is with other dive vessels all play a part in the Cruise Director's decision
of which route the yacht takes. The safety of all on board is paramount and we always do our best in
offering diving at alternate locations. The Cruise Director is happy to listen to requests from guests to
visit or remain at certain sites and providing it is possible and the schedule allows, then guest's
requests are respected.
Central and Southern A- Male to Kaadedhdhoo - Up to 34 Dives including up to 5 night dives
Day 1 – Welcome Aboard
Arrive Male and on clearing immigration our staff will be at the airport to meet and greet you
and accompany you to the waiting yacht. After a short boat briefing and introduction to your
crew you have time to relax, settle in and get acquainted with the Maldives Siren as she sails
toward Gulhi in South Male Atoll where we shall spend the night.
Day 2 – South Male Atoll – 4 dives
Dive 1 -Kuda Giri Wreck is where we shall do our check out dive. The dive begins in the
shallow coral garden of the giri (reef tower). As you descend down the tower we find leaf fish
hiding amongst the staghorn corals before we come to the steel wreckage. It lies upright
between 20 and 35 metres and is surrounded by trevallies and fusiliers. A closer look around
the mast can reveal the resident giant frogfish, whilst schools of glass fish shelter within the
holds and the captain's cabin.
Dive 2 -Kandooma Thila is one of the most exciting dives in South Male Atoll and boasts
great scenery as well as prolific fish life. Schools of big-eye trevally, dog toothed tuna,
barracuda, black snapper, blue fin jack, eagle rays and sharks can all be seen.
Dive 3 -Guaridhoo Corner is our third dive and offers a unique diving opportunity for
viewing a wide range of fish life. Near the corner, big schools of fusilier, rainbow runner,
tuna and trevally congregate while on the corner at 25 metres, grey reef sharks and snapper
prey on fish.
Dive 4- Alimatha located in Felidhoo Atoll is a perfect spot for a night dive. We will dive the
south side of the island.
Day 3 – Felidhoo Atoll – 4 dives
Dive 1 -Miyaru Kandu. Miyaru is the Dhivehi name for shark. On the north corner is a cave
at 33 metres which is an excellent place for spotting grey reef sharks. There are more caves
deeper on the outside reef. White tip and black tip reef sharks are seen inside the channel.
Dive 2 -Alimatha Kandu offers the opportunity to see more large pelagics including eagle
rays, barracuda and tuna.
Dive 3 -Devana Kandu has a channel which has been declared a protected marine area. With
an ingoing current, divers can experience one of the most exhilarating drift dives in Felidhoo
Atoll. On the outside reef are caves and overhangs that drop from 30 metres to the depths
below. Grey reef sharks, eagle rays and pelagic are seen around the entrance.
Dive 4 -Fotteyo Reef is an excellent dive regarded by many divers as the best dive site in the
Maldives. It is a photographer's paradise and a Mecca for marine biologists. In the course of
this dive it is always possible to see schools of trevally, tuna, barracuda and grey reef sharks
on the outside reef; white tips and sting rays on the sand beds of the channel and turtles along
the channel walls.
Day 4 – Felidhoo Atoll – 4 dives
Dive1 -Fotteyo Kandu. We make our first dive of the day nice and early as there is an
opportunity to see hammerhead sharks.
Make your second day dive at Golden Wall before a further channel dive at Rakeedhoo
Kandu. This is a south facing channel where a succession of terraces covered in blue and
yellow soft corals is found on the western side. Towards the end of the dive as we ascend to 5
meters we find a magnificent coral garden where, in addition to the multitude of reef fish, we
find eagle rays and hump head parrot fishes. This is the type of dive that you never want to
end.
Dive 4 -Mulaku Reef a night dive is offered at this Atoll which is only accessible by dive
liveaboard.
Day 5 – Mulaku Atoll – 4 dives
Dive 1 -Mulaku Kandu is the first dive and at this site currents can be strong. Giant trevally,
large tuna, white tip and grey reef sharks tend to gather around the channel entrance. It is
possible to see hammerhead sharks early in the morning.
Dive 2 -Gaahuraa Kandu. The step of the kandu is crossed from side to side by a series of
caves covered with marvellous, saffron-coloured soft corals and sea fans. This is one of the
passes with the highest concentration of grey sharks in the archipelago when the current
flows inside the channel.
Dive 3 -Muli Corner off Muli Island has a wide deep channel, with a south shallower step on
which we can observe pelagics and even encounter the giant grouper. The northern end of
Muli is a renowned turtle breeding area.
Dive 4 -Kurali Corner. The wall is slightly inclined to depths over 30 m and is beautifully
covered in sand and appears to have millions of eels. There is also very nice coral growth on
the reef flat with lots of schooling fish, turtles and giant sand stingrays. With a little luck grey
reef sharks can be observed.
Day 6 – Thaa Atoll – 4 dives
Dive 1 -Olhugiri Kandu offers different ecosystems like a sandbank, a wall, a corner and an
outside reef. On the sandbank many garden eels can be found as well as goat fish, shrimps
and gobies. As you get deeper the variety of species grow and one can see soldierfish,
scorpionfish, lionfish, groupers and sweetlips. Big Napoleon wrasse can be seen as well as
fusiliers, unicornfish, groupers, snappers and red toothed triggerfish.
Dives 2 & 3 -Dhiffushi Kandu is further East along Thaa Atoll and we hope to enjoy more
sightings of pelagic and reef fish. The beauty of Thaa Atoll is the lack of resorts in the region
and only liveaboards bringing divers or surfers get to experience this region.
Dive 4 -Madufushi Giri is where we shall enjoy our night dive.
Day 7 – Thaa Atoll & Laamu Atoll – 4 dives
Dive 1 -Guraidhoo Kandu – Our last dive in Thaa Atoll is a great dive and offers a unique
diving opportunity for viewing a wide range of fish life. The dive is dictated by whether the
current is outgoing or ingoing but it is possible to observe schooling bannerfish, big schools
of fusiliers, rainbow runner, tuna and trevally. Grey reef sharks and a school of eagle rays can
also be seen.
We then head over to Laamu Atoll
Dive 2 -Vadinolhu Kandu not only has an amazing coral reef running the majority of the
circumference of the atoll but where the reef breaks it allows for channels. One such channel
is where we shall make an exciting dive and can expect to encounter many pelagics.
Dive 3 -Maabaidhoo Kandu is found on the opposite side of Laamu Atoll and has a coral reef
surrounding the island and the wide channel runs between Mundoo and Maabaidhoo Islands.
Dive 4 -Maamendhoo Thila is at the very South of Laamu Atoll and a number of other
islands and coral reefs scatter the area. We cross over night to North Huvadhoo Atoll
Day 8 – North Huvadhoo Atoll – 4 dives
Dive 1 -Ekefaru Kandu is a channel at the top of a large reef wall. The diving here is fabulous
as the channel combined with the reef brings in all sorts of marine life.
Dive 2 -Vilingili Kandu - Another great channel dive. The channels allow us to dive in the
blue on the walls or inside the atoll.
Dive 3 -Maamendhoo Kandu. We continue our day's diving along the north and eastern side
of Huvadhoo Atoll.
Dive 4 -Odagallaa Reef is within the inside of the atoll and makes for an enjoyable dusk or
night dive.
Day 9 – Huvadhoo Atoll – 4 dives
Dive 1 -Kuredhdhoo Kandu offers guests further opportunities to enjoy encounters with
sharks, rays and other pelagic fish.
Dive 2 -Nilandhoo Kandu. Sightings of visiting pelagics with barracuda, tuna and trevally
often seen in large numbers.
Dive 3 –Devvamaagala Reef is quite a distance inside the Southern area of Huvadhoo Atoll.
The shallow reef surrounding this thila is home to an interesting array of creatures.
Dive 4 -Baulhageella Reef further still inside the atoll, the diving here is perfect for both dusk
and night diving.
Day 10 – South Huvadhoo Atoll – 2 dives
Dive 1 -Bazu Thila – Start your final day of diving with a gentle drift around this coral rich
thila
Dive 2 -Madaveli Corner. South of the airport and the island of Kaadedhdhoo we make the
final dive of the trip in this coral garden.
Spend your final afternoon aboard relaxing, snorkelling or with a visit to the local fishermen.
Day 11 - Kaadedhdhoo Airport
After breakfast guests disembark and fly to Male to connect with onward international flights
or continue your stay in the Maldives at one of the many resort islands.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE:
HOW TO BOOK A SPOT ON THIS TRIP:
1, Please register/upgrade to a premier member to join our trip. (This allows us to privately contact you but share that contact with all trip goers while keeping your contact information hidden.)
2. Send your $1000 deposit for the trip and/or monies due based upon the payment schedule posted below and payment options. If you need to make special arrangements about payments with me please contact me and I'll gladly try to work with you. Use the payment link in my signature line or on our home page.
3. Post in this thread that you plan to join us USING THE BOOKING TEMPLATE IN POST #3 and advise your check or credit card payment is on its way via our SECURE ONLINE PAYMENT GATEWAY. (SEE PAYMENT LINK IN MY SIGNATURE.) We'll then put your name on the 'check's in the mail' list. (Please send your pymt asap as we can NOT hold any spots on this trip. Your spot will ONLY BE CONFIRMED when we receive your $1000 non-refundable deposit or pay in full to get the $100 early payment deal AND FREE CHANCES AT WINNING A DIVER'S GPS by Sept 20, 2012 midnight PST.) - To post on the site you need to register as a member of the site. Registration is free however you need to be a premier membership to join the trip which is only $35 a year and you can get $25 back after the trip as a member rebate if you file for it. Click here to learn more.
4. Fill out the Trip Rooming & Diving Survey plus the SingleDivers.com Medical Liability Release & Insurance Summary form which you'll find under "Stuff you need to know for ALL SingleDivers.com trips & activities!" or click here to link to it. (Send a PM or an email to trips@singledivers.com for the password.)
5. We need to know if you need rental gear, will be staying extra days and if you want d/o or s/o for the trip. You MUST include as much of this information as possible with your initial reservation. Just put "maybe" or "waiting for info" etc. if you don't know yet.
6. You will also need to verify if you have trip insurance or will be procuring trip insurance or conversely not procuring trip insurance. All participants must have Current Dive Insurance AND Trip Insurance for this trip and state one of the following:
a. I have trip insurance that covers this trip already.
b. I will purchase trip insurance to cover this trip.
7. You are responsible for all info in the thread. We try to keep our FAQ and Important Updates posts #2 & #3 updated to make it easier for you but you are responsible for monitoring the thread for all updates. As the trip gets closer we'll open a private forum for all trip goers to answer last minute questions & provide last minute details. For sure monitor the thread the last 30 days prior to your trip for last minute updates and information.
8. Only requests posted in this trip topic/thread are considered official especially for limited options such as use of a computer, or going on a tour, etc.
9. Please note that while you may send pm and email requests for availability, the "official" availability is only accurate in the main trip post. For more information on SingleDivers.com, booking policies, etc please read here.
10. Also note that for FASTER service pls email trips@singledivers.com for all general questions and kamala@singledivers.com for custom questions or special requests. (Please allow more time for replies from Kamala as she may be traveling leading a trip.)
11. PLEASE SEND ALL DOCUMENTS ONLY TO TRIPS@SINGLEDIVERS.COM as I do not regularly check trip documentation emails, rather leaving it to our awesome volunteers who help me with our trips.
/>/>/>/>/>12. Save $75 by getting your documents in house within 3 weeks of booking your trip. If you miss the 21 day timeline we'll simply add the $75 document fee to your invoice total. If signing up within 45 days of the trip documents must be submitted within 3 days to avoid the document fee.
Booking Template - (Cut and Paste the Booking Template from Post #3 into a new post in this thread/trip details to sign up for this trip):
PAYMENT TERMS & SCHEDULE:
PROGRESS PAYMENTS:
a. $1000 due at booking to secure on of only 14 spots for the Maldives trip
b. SAVE $75 Document Processing Fee By Submitting Your Docs Within 21 Days of Signing up for this Trip. If signing up within 45 days of the trip pls submit within 3 days to avoid the fee. (If docs are not submitted within 21 days of signing up or 3 days if within 45 days of departure, we'll add the fee to your final invoice.)
c. Sept 20, 2012: Last Day for $100 early payment in full discount AND your chances to win a FREE DIVER'S GPS
d. Oct 15, 2012: $1000 due
e. Dec 15, 2012: $1389 or balance of trip price is due in full.
f. Jan 15, 2012: ALL EXTRAS DUE such as tours, hotel rooms, etc.
Note: Trip must be paid in full 60 days prior to departure. Extras must be paid in full 30 days prior ie. tours, extra nights etc.
DISCOUNTS:
• Sign up and pay for this trip in full by Sept 20 and receive an early bird booking discount of $100 at time of booking AND chances to win a FREE DIVER's GPS worth $300 or an instant $75 discount on the purchase of your own GPS
• BOOK AND PAY BY NOV 15TH FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE UPGRADED ROOM on the MV Siren!!!
/>/>/>/>/>• $25 rebate eligible after trip for SD premier and above membership levels if you file for it (See my signature for link to the forms forum. If you are new to the site send an email to trips@singledivers.com to get the password.)
• Add'l $50 Active Duty Military Discount for any active duty military of any country that fights for freedom with the USA.
• Deposit is a $1000 per person non-refundable deposit. (Deposit can be refunded via claims on your trip insurance if you have to cancel or by selling your spot to a non-SD.com member. Ask SD for help.)
• Price includes cash discount. Please add 3% if paying via any non-cash methods including paypal or credit card
• SAVE $75 by submitting your Documents within 21 days of booking this trip or if signing up within 45 days send your docs within 3 days. Otherwise the $75 document processing fee will be added to your final invoice.
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
SingleDivers.com uses a secure online payment gateway that allows you to pay for trips or merchandise using either an e-check which debits your checking account directly without having to mail in a check or debits your credit card without having to fill out a SD.com credit card authorization form. (Please note that any non-US bank originating credit card MAY still have to use the paper credit card authorization form as different processing procedures may be followed to process international/non-US credit cards. You'll find this form in the Forms Forum link in my signature. - NOTE: For State us AA if using an international credit card.)
SingleDivers.com provides its members with pricing that reflects all possible cash discounts so all paypal and credit card payments will still incur a 3% non-cash convenience fee. Our SECURE payment gateway which you can access by clicking the PAY HERE LINK along the top, in my signature line and on the homepage of SingleDivers.com.
This trip may sell out quickly due to the popularity of this venue so in order to ensure timely & accurate processing of payment receipts and therefore timely & accurate acceptance of members onto the trip, ONLY PAYMENTS RECEIVED VIA OUR SECURE PAYMENT GATEWAY WILL BE ACCEPTED
If you are unable to use the gateway please provide a complete description of the problem/error you are encountering and contact kamala@singledivers.com immediately to manually process your payment for you.
The gateway will add a 3% non-cash convenience fee if paying via credit card or any non-cash option. Checks, money orders and real cash are discounted already.
International/ Non-US Clients: Please use the traditional written credit authorization form to submit credit card payments IF the payment system does not work for you. (Remember use AA as the state and it should work). Click here for the form and ask trips@singledivers.com for the password.
IMPORTANT TRIP UPDATES: CLICK HERE!!!
PLEASE obtain trip insurance - IT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TRIP ...it is VERY inexpensive and will protect your investment. REMEMBER IF YOU MISS A DAY….YOU MISS A LOT! You can purchase it right online as well as check quotes etc.
Click here for Dive Assure (the company I use) for either a 'one time' policy OR policy options that are BOTH Dive & Trip Insurance providing PRIMARY COVERAGE with excellent rates and coverage meaning THEY PAY DIRECT YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY AND WAIT FOR A REFUND!
or
Click here for Diver's Alert Network and use our reference ID 1603080.
PLEASE obtain DIVE insurance - IT IS MANDATORY FOR THIS TRIP ...it is VERY inexpensive and will protect your investment. Even if you have insurance that you think covers DIVING ACCIDENTS and air lifts…it is CHEAP to get a supplemental policy to ensure you are cared for.
DIVE ASSURE ... get BOTH TRIP & DIVE insurance in a number of inexpensive configurations!
or
Click here for Diver's Alert Network and use our reference ID 1603080.
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MORE TRIP INFO FOR CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN A 10 NIGHTS MALE TO HUVADHOO
Embarkation: Male Airport, Male Atoll
Disembarkation: Kaadedhdhoo Airport, South Huvadhoo Atoll
Arrival Airport: Male International Airport
Departure Airport: Kaadedhdhoo Airport
Insurance:
Trip Insurance is required for this trip as SingleDivers.com and Worldwide Dive and Sail cannot be held liable for any delays which occur during the cruise, nor delays/cancellations of the flights and transfers organized on your behalf not to mention the array of unforseen events that often strike before a bucket list trip like this! Dive Insurance is mandatory for all SingleDivers.com trips. (Please see the links above and ask me about the side by side comparison between DiveAssure and DAN last March in Bonaire.)
Visa and Passports:
Passport holders of most western countries will be issued a visa for stays up to 30 days, upon arrival into Male. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay within the Maldives along with an onward flight ticket.. Those people travelling to the Maldives from a Yellow Fever Zone country will be required to show an international certificate of vaccination. We strongly advise all guests to obtain up to date information from the Maldives Department of Immigration and Emigration http://www.immigration.gov.mv/
Time Zone:
The local time is 5 hours ahead of UTC (GMT).
HealthCare:
There are two main hospitals in Male providing medical services to both local and tourist. All inhabited islands have a health centre and resorts have their own medical facilities. We advise guests to consult their doctor before travel for up to date information on required/ recommended vaccinations. Dengue fever and Malaria are known to exist in the Maldives.
Language and Religion:
The language spoken in the Maldives is Dhivehi, however the dialect differs in the more secluded southern atolls. English is widely spoken by those working within the tourism industry. The official religion is Islam. It is a criminal offence to import pork, or pork products or any form of alcohol into the Maldives. NOTE: The Siren is a private vessel in Int'l Waters and will carry beer and wine on this cruise.
Climate and Weather:
The Maldives has two very distinct seasons. The "dry season" runs from January through to March, also known as the Northeast Monsoon. The "wet season" is from mid-May until November, and known as the Southwest Monsoon. Throughout the year the climate remains almost constant with average temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius, giving sunny days and light winds in the evenings. Thunderstorms can occur during the southwest monsoon and you will experience cloudy days – however the rain can be a relief from the high temperatures.
Predicted Average Water Temperatures in the Maldives:
26-29C throughout the year
Clothing and Footwear:
Dress code on board our yacht is very casual and most guests feel comfortable in little more than swim wear, shorts and t-shirts. However, we ask our guests to put a t-shirt over the swimwear while seated at the dining area. A sweater is advised for cooler nights, particularly after multiple dives. Guests prefer bare feet on board the yacht; however island visits will require sturdy sandals or cross-trainers.
Please bear in mind you are visiting a Muslim country and appropriate clothing is advised when visiting local villages. Nudism and topless sunbathing are prohibited.
Electricity:
On board the yacht we have both 220V and 110V with 2 round pin sockets. (European style) Please make sure you bring universal adapter with you if necessary. Electrical current on land is 240 Volts with the US-style flat 2-pin sockets.
Smoking:
Smoking onboard is permitted in designated (outdoor) areas only.
Money Matters:
The local currency is the Rufiyaa (MRF) which comes in notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 & 500. The vast majority of all hotels & resorts will accept a wide range of credit and debit cards. Please note that in some cases you may be asked to pay a service charge for credit card handling. This can range from 3.5 – 6.0%. ATM's are easily found at Male airport or in Male town. Branches of the national Bank, Bank of Maldives, can be found in Male and other major tourist hubs. Traveller's cheques are not very popular as they are not very easy to exchange so most guests prefer to carry cash and / or use credit cards. US$ may be exchanged at Male airport upon arrival.
Payments Onboard:
Marine Park and Port Fees
The port fees and Maldivian "bed tax" for this trip are €80 per person and must be paid onboard in cash.
Optional Extras:
Any extra costs you may have onboard must be paid in cash. Worldwide Dive and Sail accepts GBP, EUR, USD and the Rufiyaa. We regret we are currently unable to accept credit card payments on our Maldives excursions. Trips often finish in remote locations, it is best to bring extra cash in case there is no ATM or other method of withdrawing or exchanging money. In addition to park & port fees, [i]guests are advised to bring between 200-300€, for any incidental expenses such as massage, wine, cocktails, laundry, dive course, torch or computer rental and WWDS merchandise.
Tipping:
Tipping is a matter of personal choice. You may wish to leave a tip if you feel the crew has made your holiday extra special. Tips are divided equally amongst all the crew including dive guides.
Airport Terminal Fee:
Airport departure tax of 12US$ is typically included within your flight ticket.
Diving Information:
1. Guests' Level of Diving:
Worldwide Dive and Sail welcomes everyone from non -divers to seasoned divers. Each destination has different diving conditions based on the season and time of the trip. If you have concerns regarding the conditions of the destination you wish to visit then please contact your agent or Worldwide Dive and Sail. NOTE Maldives is not an ideal venue for EXTREMELY NEW divers due to currents but can be managed successfully without hundreds of dives. IF IN DOUBT please contact kamala@singledivers.com and we'll talk about your unique circumstances.
2. SD's Rent-A-Buddy Program:
Please also note that the Rent-A-Buddy program will be very limited on this trip. It is after all a bucket list trip and our hired Rent-A-Buddies want to be able to enjoy diving without working the entire time. So if you had planned to do the RAB program... please talk to us FIRST via kamala@singledivers.com!
/>/>/>/>/>3. Water Temperature and Exposure Suits:
Water temperatures are broadly similar throughout the region; and rarely vary beyond 27-30 degrees Celsius. Most guests find that a 3mm shorty and possibly a rash vest is suitable. However, for guests who feel the cold easily, especially with repeated diving, then we recommend to bring your own 5mm. In short bring what you feel most comfortable in.
The weather in the Maldives is tropically pleasant with a year-round sea breeze. Air temperatures range from lows around 78°F (26°C) to highs in the high 80s and low 90s. There are two distinct but mild monsoon seasons in this equatorial country and each is named after the prevailing wind direction during that time of year. The northeast monsoon runs from December to April and brings relatively consistent, fair weather, but also often brings significant currents. The southeast monsoon from May through October brings a bit more wind and occasional rain (usually short-lived), but generally not as much current.
The vessel's itineraries are designed to take advantage of the changing conditions and to take divers to the best diving areas for the different seasons. The visibility is usually at its peak in December and January — sometimes well over 100 feet (30 meters)! Mantas can be seen throughout the year with the best feeding-station encounters typically during the May to November timeframe. Whale sharks are also seen most every month of the year, with the highest concentration seen in the monsoon transition months of April, May, October and November. The water temperatures remain a toasty 78-85º F (27-29°C) throughout the year. Most divers are comfortable with a 3mm wetsuit.
4. Scuba Equipment:
Since some of the airline carriers have strict check-in luggage limits, Worldwide Dive and Sail offers most rental equipment free of charge
All trips include:
12 litre tanks (15 litre tanks by special request and depending on availability)
Weight belt and weights
BCD – not weight-integrated
Regulator - complete with alternate air source and depth/pressure gauge consol
Wetsuits - 3mm shorty only
Mask
Fins - full foot or open heel and boots
[b]5. Equipment Rental:
The following equipment is for rental at an extra charge of 5 € per day.
Underwater torch
Dive computer*
* Please note that the use of a dive computer is compulsory on our yachts. For your safety, Worldwide Dive and Sail asks all guests to always dive within the limits of their dive computer.
Underwater Photography and Videography
** PLEASE NOTE THAT SD WILL HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF FREE COCHRAN'S THAT CAN BE USED ON THE TRIP ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS!
[b]6. Our yachts offer specialised features for underwater photographers and videographers:
[i]These include:
[list]
[*]Each cabin is fitted with an individual computer and multiple power sources to facilitate the needs of digital photography. The computer features high-end specifications and 20" high- definition flat- screen which is integrated with the yacht's network server in the saloon.
[*]Work stations for the preparation and maintenance of cameras including prep and storage areas.
