Local information about the Maldives

Climate

The Maldives has a humid tropical climate with a monsoon season between May and June. From July to September the weather is generally rainy and windy. From the month of October the weather is a little irregular with mostly sunny periods punctuated by steady showers. The dry season is from the months of January to April. The water and air temperatures are almost identical all year round. From our experience in the area, and in the interest of the best diving, we have made a choice to operate our cruises from October to May.

Month:	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Period:
Air (°C):	31	31	31	30	30	30	30	30	30	30	30	31
Water (°C):	27	28	28	28	28	28	28	28	27	27	27	27

	= Optimal period
	= Recommended period
	= Not recommended period

Help us protect the environment

Since its inception ABYSS has always been committed to the protection of the environment. We invite you to join us in observing these simple rules:

Your travel documents will include a responsible diver chart from the Longitude 181 Association. Please study and apply these rules wherever possible.
· Protect the environment, both above and below water, by reducing to a minimum the impact of our activities.
· Leave nothing behind which is non perishable and remember to take back things such as batteries, cigarette filters and plastic containers to name a few.
· Use a minimum of non renewable resources such as water and energy.
· Never buy any souvenirs that are made from tortoise shell, coral or shells.
Do not touch the fish or the coral during your dives and control your buoyancy at all times.

Logo Centre ambassadeur longitude 181

Usefull details

Customs formalities:	Valid passport.
Health formalities:	Up to date vaccinations recommended. No mandatory vaccination. Anti malaria precautions recommended if extending to Sri Lanka.
Jet lag:	UT/GMT +5 hours
Currency:	Maldivian Rufya - USD or Euros
Accepted methods of payments:	Cash USD or Euros only on board. Local currency, Visa/Mastercard on land.
Electricity:	220V - European outlets
Languages:	Divehi, English
Flight time:	Depending on departure location
Luggage:	Our preference is for soft baggage for storage purposes on board. A max of 20kg on international flights. It is sometimes possible to obtain a free upgrade when departing on diving holidays. Please consult us for further information.
Pharmacy:	First aid kit, aspirin or paracetamol, sun screen and sunburn ointment, insect repellent.
Required documents:	Photocopy of your passport, dive certification card, log book and proof of repatriation insurance. Valid dive medical within 12 months.