Frequently Asked Questions

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If you're planning a trip to Thulusdhoo, there are two main options for getting there: scheduling a speedboat ferry or hiring a private speedboat. 

Option 1: Scheduling a Speedboat Ferry,

There are several companies operating speedboat ferries from Male, the capital of the Maldives, to Thulusdhoo. These ferries run regularly and can be booked in advance. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, and cost US$25 one way per person

Option 2: Hiring a Private Speedboat, 

For a more private and flexible option, you can hire a private speedboat. This can be arranged with local boat operators or through your guesthouse. While this option is generally more expensive than the scheduled speedboat ferry, it allows you to choose your own schedule and make multiple stops along the way if you wish.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that the availability of both options may vary depending on the time of year and local conditions.

It's always a good idea to check in advance to ensure that your preferred mode of transportation is available.

• Be comfortable in the water before learning to dive.
• Choose a dive center with good reviews and suitable certifications for beginner divers.
• Practice in confined area before diving in open waters.
• Ask your dive instructor questions, no matter how small they may seem.
• Pay attention to the coursework and theory involved in your training.
• Drink plenty of water to stay healthy and avoid dehydration while diving.
• Avoid drinking alcohol as it can lead to dehydration, sickness, and lack of concentration.
• Keep calm and practice rhythmic breathing for a successful dive.
• Always listen to and follow your dive instructor's guidance for safety.
• Wait at least 24 hours after diving before flying to prevent decompression sickness.

The daily diving schedule includes 3 dives per day, which are conducted at different times. The morning dives start at 8:00 am and end at 12:30 pm, and there are two of them. These dives are usually scheduled to give you the best diving experience during the morning hours when the ocean is calmer and clearer.

In the afternoon, there is one dive, which starts at 2:00 pm and ends at 5:00 pm. This dive is typically scheduled to give you the opportunity to explore the underwater world during the afternoon hours when the sun is still shining and the visibility is still good.

On Fridays,  Morning dive option is available, starting at 7:00 am and ending at 11:30 am. This dive is scheduled  in the morning to give you a chance to see the marine life when they are more active.

The diving schedule is designed to give you the best experience possible while taking into consideration the local conditions and the marine life behavior. So, if you are an experienced diver or a beginner, you can enjoy your diving adventure with our team of experienced professionals.

To sign up for diving, you need to visit our dive center where you will fill out the registration forms and have your diving gear checked. We require that you sign up at least one day before the scheduled activity. This is to ensure that we have enough time to make the necessary arrangements for your diving adventure.

If you are unable to visit our dive center during our opening hours, you can call or text us at this WhatsApp/Viber number: +960 910 1313. We will be happy to help you with any questions you may have and assist you with signing up for diving

We offer a diving program called Discover Scuba Diving, which is designed to introduce beginners to the basics of scuba diving. The program is a great way to experience the underwater world with a trained professional by your side, and prior scuba diving experience is not necessary.

To sign up for Discover Scuba Diving, you need to visit our dive center where you will fill out the registration forms and have your diving gear checked. We require that you sign up at least one day before the scheduled activity. If you are unable to visit our dive center during our opening hours, you can call or text us at this WhatsApp/Viber number: +960 910 1313, and we will assist you with signing up for diving.

The program usually lasts between 2 to 3 hours and includes a brief lesson on the basic principles of scuba diving, gear fitting, and a dive in shallow water. 

Daily  2:00 pm, we offer a dive that includes skills practice in the lagoon and then a dive at Turtle Reef.

During the skills practice session in the lagoon, you will learn and practice basic scuba diving skills in confined water, under the guidance of a trained professional. After the skills practice, we will take you on a dive at Turtle Reef, which is known for its diverse marine life. During this dive, you will have the opportunity to spot a variety of sea creatures, including green turtles, snappers, groupers, rays, parrotfishes, tuna, lobster, moray eels, reef sharks, and many different types of fusiliers.

All the necessary scuba diving gear will be provided by the dive center, but if you have your own gear, you are welcome to bring it. Please note that Discover Scuba Diving is not a certification course, and it does not provide you with a scuba diving certification. To dive alone, you need to obtain a scuba diving certification from a recognized organization.

The Maldives experiences two distinct seasons: The dry season from December to April and The wet season from May to November. 

During the dry season, the water is calm and visibility is excellent, making it ideal for deep diving. Sea Star Diving offers exploration of popular sites such as Turtle Reef, Aquarium, and Colosseum, which are home to an abundance of marine creatures such as eagle rays, reef sharks, and giant trevallies. 

The wet season bring unpredictable weather, occasional rain showers, and rougher seas. However, the water temperature remains warm and visibility can still be good for diving. We are available to dive all year-round, offering a memorable diving experience in the Maldives. If you plan to dive during the wet season, proper preparation and expectations can help ensure a great experience.  

Question 1:

What types of diving courses are offered by Sea Star Diving?

Answer:

Sea Star Diving offers a variety of diving courses, including beginner courses for those new to diving, advanced courses for experienced divers looking to enhance their skills, and the possibility to advance your training professionally by becoming a divemaster. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, we have a course tailored for you!

Question 2:

What are the requirements to enroll in a diving course?

Answer:

To enroll in a diving course with Sea Star Diving, you must be at least 10 years old for the kids' beginner courses (Junior Open Water Diver) and 15 years old for the regular courses (Open Water Diver) and all advanced courses. No previous diving experience is required for the beginner courses, but you should be comfortable in the water and have basic swimming skills. For the advanced courses, you will need to present proof of previous certification and diving experience.

Question 3:

What equipment do I need for diving?

Answer:

When diving with Sea Star Diving, we provide all the necessary diving equipment, including wetsuits, masks, fins, BCDs (buoyancy control devices), regulators, and tanks. You just need to bring your sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and an adventurous spirit! If you prefer to use your own equipment, feel free to bring it along for the equipment check.

Question 4:

What is the duration of a diving course?

Answer:

The duration of a diving course depends on the specific course you choose. PADI Discover Scuba Diving Takes 2 hrs. PADI Open Water Diver Course typically span over 4 days, with theory sessions, Confined Water Skills  practice, and open water dives. Advanced courses may vary in duration depending on the level of certification you aim to achieve. Specialty courses are usually shorter and focus on specific diving skills. Our friendly instructors will guide you through each step of the course to ensure you receive thorough training.

Question 5:

Is it safe to dive with Sea Star Diving?

Answer:

Absolutely! Safety is our top priority at Sea Star Diving. Our instructors are highly trained professionals with extensive diving experience. We adhere to strict safety protocols and conduct thorough equipment checks before each dive. We also provide comprehensive briefings and ensure small dive groups to maximize safety and individual attention. Rest assured, you'll be in safe hands throughout your diving experience with us.

Question 6:

Can I go diving if I have a medical condition?

Answer:

It depends on the specific medical condition. Some medical conditions may restrict certain diving activities, while others may require a medical clearance from a physician. We recommend consulting with your doctor or a diving medical specialist to assess your suitability for diving. Your safety is important to us, so please inform us of any medical conditions or concerns before booking a dive with Sea Star Diving.

Question 7:

What is the cancellation policy for diving courses?

Answer:

If you need to cancel a diving course with Sea Star Diving, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs. However, last-minute cancellations or no-shows may result in a cancellation fee. For detailed information on our cancellation policy, please refer to our website  (https://seastarsdiving.com/terms-and-conditions) or contact us directly.

Question 8:

Can I book diving courses for a group?

Answer:

Absolutely! We welcome group bookings at Sea Star Diving. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a team-building activity, or a group adventure, we can tailor our diving courses to accommodate your group. Just let us know the number of participants and any specific requirements you may have, and we'll make sure everyone has a fantastic diving experience together.

Question 9:

What are the available dive sites with Sea Star Diving?

Answer:

Sea Star Diving offers dives at various stunning locations. Among our 25+ dive sites are long reefs, drop offs, channel dives, with focus on different marine life and topography. Some popular dive sites include vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, intriguing underwater caves, and mesmerizing shipwrecks. For more information, please head to https://seastarsdiving.com/dive-sites. Each dive site offers unique experiences, and our knowledgeable instructors will guide you to the best spots based on your course and preferences, as well as the general conditions.

Question 10:

How do I book a diving course with Sea Star Diving?

Answer:

Booking a diving course with Sea Star Diving is simple! Just visit our website at www.seastarsdiving.com and navigate to the "Courses" section. Choose the course you're interested in, then navigate to "Contact us" and let us know your preferred dates to complete the booking process. For any questions or if you need assistance, our friendly team is always ready to help via WhatsApp, Viber or email.