Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Vashafaru
Vashafaru is located in Haa Alif atoll at the far north of Male. It is the last atoll in the Maldives and its sea is already considered part of the Laccadives.

Are there any age restrictions for this trip?
There are no age limits but minimal agility is required to get on / off both the boats and the various piers.

Is there a bikini beach in Vashafaru?
Absolutely yes! Our structure directly overlooks its private beach overlooking the reef. Crossing a path (about 100 meters) you reach the lagoon beach directly, equipped with two beds per room under a typical local gazebo made of wood and palm leaves.

What is the best time to come to the Maldives?
The best period is from December to April even if the weather has changed a lot here too. The temperature is uniform throughout the year and oscillates between 26 and 32 degrees celsius, while the water temperature is constant at 28. Two main seasons can be distinguished:
- The humid one that goes from May to November where the sea is more rough
- The dry one from December to April so defined given the absence of rain and where the sea is generally calmer.

How are the days in the wettest period?
In the period from May to November there may be days with short-lived passing showers or there may be heavy showers lasting a few hours or days. In this case the excursions may not be made. The guide and the captain are the only people able to evaluate the feasibility of the excursions in case of rain or unstable weather conditions. There are no refunds for excursions not taken.

Which airlines do you recommend?
The best airlines operating the Maldives route are: Alitalia, Emirates, Qatar, Ethiad, Turkish, Oman Air and Srilanka Airlines.

Are there fixed days of arrival and departure?
No, there are no fixed days, it is possible to stay in our structure as many nights as you wish.

What electrical plug do you use in the Maldives?
The electric socket model is the English one with 3 square pins. You will find a camera adapter.

Is there a hairdryer in the room?
In each room you will find a hairdryer.

What currency is used in the Maldives?
Maldivian Rufies ($ 1 = 15.42 MVR) and US dollars are accepted on local islands inhabited by Maldivians. Dollars must be in the series from 2009 onwards, otherwise they may not be accepted.

How is the payment for the stay done?
A transfer of the deposit must be made at the time of booking (Maldivian bank commissions are excluded, and are $ 50), while the balance of the holiday will be paid directly in cash, in US dollars, upon your arrival on the island.

Are there banks or ATMs on the island?
No, there are no ATMs or banks and it is not possible to pay by credit card. You will therefore have to arrive already equipped with cash.

How much money do I have to bring for extra expenses?
There is no precise figure, we recommend around $ 300 per couple for tips to the staff, souvenirs and extra drinks between meals.

What documents do I need to come to the Maldives?
It is necessary to present a passport that is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival in Male. No entry visa and no vaccination is required.

Do I need to get a visa to enter the Maldives?
Italian citizens do not have to apply for a visa to enter the Maldives, simply fill in the entry form in the country that they deliver by plane to stay in the Maldives up to 30 days from the date of arrival.

Is there alcohol on the island?
No, you will not find any type of alcohol because the Muslim religion does not prohibit its use.

Is there a doctor on the island?
On the island of Vashafaru there is a hospital for first aid. If necessary, patients are transferred to the hospital in Dhidhdhoo, 10 minutes from Vashafaru. It is recommended that you bring some generic medications from home. It is also advisable to take out health insurance.

Are there mosquitoes in the Maldives?
As in most tropical areas, there are mosquitoes in the Maldives. In the driest period the number decreases while it increases during the wetter one, so it is advisable to always bring an anti-mosquito even if they are easily found on the island.

What do you eat in Vashafaru?
Maldivian cuisine consists mainly of fish which is cooked in numerous variations, with coconut, spices, vegetables and noodles.
Our chef also cooks international dishes mainly based on fish, vegetables, chicken and rice. Pork is not eaten due to the Muslim religion, while veal is difficult to find. If you don't like fish, please let us know when booking your trip and we will do our best to find an alternative menu. During meals you can drink

Is the beach equipped?
The beach is equipped with two sun loungers per room under a typical local gazebo made of wood and palm leaves.

If the sea is rough, are excursions made?
If the sea is slightly rough, the weather forecast is good, the guide and the captain assess that there are no risks, the excursions will be made. If there are not ideal conditions to make the transfers, the excursions may not be made. The guide and the captain are the only people able to evaluate the feasibility of the excursions in case of rain or unstable weather conditions. There are no refunds for excursions not taken.

Is it possible to make extra excursions?
Obviously yes, paying the difference.

Is it possible to go diving in Vashafaru?
In Vashafaru there is a diving school and for those who want it can be used.

Do I have to leave tips?
We recommend that you always leave a tip at the end of your stay for each person on the staff and the Dhoni.

What sunscreen should I bring to the Maldives?
The Maldivian sun is particularly intense, which is why we recommend protection with a protective factor of 50 SPF. Total protection is recommended for children. Remember to bring enough of them as they are not found on the island.

Do you have to be an expert to snorkel in the Maldives?
It is not necessary to be an expert swimmer to snorkel but it is advisable to know how to swim to do this activity. It is possible to admire fish and corals even where the water is shallow and this allows those who cannot swim to discover the beauties of the Maldives. We recommend that you bring your own equipment to always have it available and to be able to use it whenever you want.

Is medical insurance included in the price?
No, we advise you to do it directly from Italy. The most used is the Columbus.

Internet connection and wi-fi
The internet does not arrive on the island of Vashafaru, so SIM cards are used with data usage contracts. Upon your arrival you will be given a Maldivian SIM per room (to be returned at the end of your stay) for both calls and data already recharged by 2 GB. In case they run out, you can easily top up at the local shop.

How long does the transfer from the airport to Vashafaru take?
The transfer takes about 40 minutes by internal flight (50 minutes if it stops) and 15/20 minutes by fast boat, depending on the weather conditions. The schedules of internal flights are decided by the airline MALDIVIAN, the structure has no decision-making power on what are the schedules or delays.

Will there be someone to welcome us in Male?
Unfortunately, due to the great distance from Malè, no one will be there to welcome you upon your arrival. After passing through passport control and collecting your bags, you will need to exit and immediately go to your right along an external corridor. About halfway up you will find domestic flights. In Hanimadoo instead you will find one of our representatives who will take you to the fast boat headed to Vashafaru.

Time zone
With Italian solar time in effect + 4 hours. With Italian summer time in effect + 3 hours.

WHAT TO BRING IN YOUR SUITCASE
We recommend wearing casual and / or sports clothing, preferring natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. No formal clothes are required, as well as shoes, which may not be used throughout the stay, following one of the oldest Maldivian traditions. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and rubber shoes to avoid getting injured by the corals.
The underwater camera is strongly recommended (even the disposable ones) to be able to immortalize and bring with you those extraordinary colors and shapes that only the sea of ​​the Maldives can give you. Fins and mask if you want to have the freedom to snorkel whenever you want. For those traveling in the winter months: we recommend that you carry a light change in your hand luggage to wear before getting off the plane to avoid temperature changes when exiting the airport.