Frequently asked questions
Maldives, home to marine protected areas with some of the world's most spectacular dive sites. Dive Corp at Drift also has one of the Maldives' most highly regarded house reefs, which lies just metres from your villa and the beach. There aren’t many resorts in the Maldives that can make such a claim.
There are two areas near Drift Retreat where there are excellent opportunities to see manta rays. During the northeast monsoon (December to April) mantas can be found to the north of Drift Retreat where they move into shallower waters to feed on plankton. Mantas often stop on reef slopes during this time, where they are 'cleaned' by cleaner wrasses.
Manta dive spots are closely related to the monsoon so it is difficult for us to predict exactly when and where they will appear. Because of this, we cannot absolutely guarantee manta sightings, but you can rest assured that you have an excellent chance of seeing and diving among these majestic creatures.
The water temperature usually varies between 27 and 31 degrees Celsius (81 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit).
CERTIFIED DIVERS:
While we recommend that you bring a valid diving medical statement, it is not compulsory – you can still dive if you don't have a medical statement with you.
ALL DIVERS MUST SIGN OUR BOOKING CONTRACT, IN WHICH YOU CONFIRM THAT:
You underwent a recent medical examination (not older than two years) and were found fit for diving.
You do not suffer from any chronic diseases (such as organic diseases of the heart, diabetes, etc).
UNCERTIFIED DIVERS:
To participate in our Discover Scuba Diving course, we require a diving medical statement that states that you are fit for diving. If you are not able to bring a medical statement it may be possible to fill out a medical questionnaire here at the dive centre. If you would like a copy of the medical questionnaire in advance please send us an email.
Yes, as long as evidence of certification can be provided, such as dive log book or verification letter from your certifying dive company. You can do this by contacting your original certifying organisation. We can provide assistance in this if you are PADI-affiliated.
Maldivian diving laws require that you do an Orientation Dive if you have not dived during the three months before arriving at Drift Retreat. A Refresher Dive is recommended if you have not dived in the past year. Orientation and Refresher Dives usually take no more than 60 minutes and take place at the house reef.
The absolute minimum age for diving is 8 years old. 8 – 10 years – maximum depth 2 metres 10 – 12 years – maximum depth 12 metres 12 – 15 years – maximum depth 18 metres 15+ years – maximum depth 30 metres
Yes, you can. It will be our pleasure to assist you with pre-booking all your dives. Please contact our Base Leader at divecorp@driftretreat.com
BOAT DIVES TAKES PLACE DAILY AT:
9 am – noon
2 pm – 4 pm
ORIENTATION DIVES, REFRESHER DIVES AND SLOTS FOR ALL COURSES ARE AVAILABLE AT:
9:30 am – 11:30 am 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm All dives are one-tank dives. If you are interested in two- or three-tank dives, check out our Dive by Request options, or contact our Base Leader at divecorp@driftretreat.com
WHEN CAN I FLY AFTER DIVING?
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FLYING AFTER DIVING ARE AS FOLLOWS:
For single dives within the no decompression limits, a minimum pre-flight surface interval of 12 hours is recommended.
For repeat dives and/or multi-day dives within the no decompression limits, a minimum pre- flight surface interval of 18 hours is recommended.
For dives requiring decompression stops, a minimum pre-flight surface interval greater than 18 hours is recommended.
Yes, DAN Europe (Divers Alert Network) offers a special short-term diving insurance for the Republic of Maldives. If you have any further questions, please contact our Base Leader at divecorp@driftretreat.com