Book a private charter for you and your partner or bring the whole family and some friends. It’s your home away from home so kids can come along too, it is up to you who you share this unique experience with.
For an unforgettable Dive or Surf Holiday, the Princess Ulua is a state-of-the-art sea vessel. Measuring 120 feet long and 33 feet wide, every inch of the MV (Motorized Vessel) Princess Ulua is arranged to give maximum comfort during the liveaboard boat cruise. For the perfect diving holiday, this boat brings comfort and luxury as if it were a floating land hotel.
The Princess Ulua can easily accommodate 18 guests among its 9 luxury cabins: The Standard Room, Ocean View Suites, family room and Superior Room. The boat is fully air-conditioned.
This liveaboard is a beautiful Yacht, a platform for the restless modern-day adventurers who want to get a glimpse of the underwater beauty of the Maldives. The Princess Ulua schedules were set so the destinations can be explored under the best conditions. Moreover, it differentiates itself from other liveaboards by providing the best in personalized accommodation, services and facilities.
For entertainment and activities apart from great diving, surfing, the Princess Ulua offers snorkeling, island hopping and picnic dining on island sandbars.
The Charter begins in Male and ends in Male, unless your chosen itinerary requires alternative airport.
Assist meet & greet service provided upon arrival for each guest.
CHECK IN
CHECK-OUT
TRANSFERS
Our biggest advantage is good cruising speed/seakeeping so we can explore way more spots in short space of time. We can move as weather/swell changes and can best of all move away from crowds.
Most commonly departing centrally located Male you have easy access to North and South Male as well as the Central Atolls. Picture perfect paradise abounds, beautiful islands, sandy beaches, untouched reefs and protected seas perfect for cruising.
With no set itinerary, the crew are at your service ready to fulfil your requirements, whether it’s relaxed cruising island to island, looking for the best dive or snorkelling locations, maybe you want to fish or surf.
STANDARD CHARTER
FUEL SURCHARGES EACH WAY
ITINERARIES UPON REQUEST
All cabins are air-conditioned with ensuite bathrooms, showers, hand basins, cabinets, shelves & mirrors. Reading lights by your bed, TV, 220v electricity supply, 3-pin square plug types – adaptors are available.
Life jackets are stowed in your cabin with linen & towels provided.
2 Deluxe Cabins,Double or Twin Occupancy
4 Family Rooms, Double, Triple or Twin Occupancy
2 Standard Rooms,Double or Twin Occupancy
1 Master Suite, Double Occupancy
Princess Ulua has one of the best chefs in the Maldives, cooking three meals a day, offering a variety of Asian, European, and Maldivian cuisine. 5-star resort-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus snacks and mineral water; fruits vegetables, meat, fish chicken, the chef prepares it to all tastes and according to any food restrictions/requests.
Princess Ulua values their guests above all, so it is always possible to make some special menus on request. Vegan, Vegetarian, Lactose-free, Gluten-free, we can do it all; just remember to let us know in advance (additional fees may apply).
Well stocked bar including all your favourites beer, wine, bubbles, whiskey, rum, tequila, vodka, gin.
All consumables are payable on departure.
Special requests are taken 2 weeks prior to departure.
We have got waves that you seriously cannot miss and Maldives is a Surfers Paradise. Our boats are designed in a way that they could handle those amazing waves and are truly seaworthy. We could take you from Male’ Atolls, Central Atolls, Southern Atolls till the very Deep South. If required, we also have well experienced and well versed Surf Guides.
If you are into surfing or SUP’ing you need to bring! It’ll have to be around 9’2 max with some airlines claiming up to 9’8. Check with your chosen airline before booking your flights.
Whether you are a novice, have had some experience on a surfboard or you’re an advanced surfer, we have something for everyone.
Itinerary: Several to choose from – of special interest are the 7-night itineraries starting or ending in South Ari (these require a domestic flight, which is well worth it if you like avoiding crowds). Since most boats will be headed back to Male in the weekends, you’ll have time and space on the day before departure to snorkel in South Ari, hopefully with the whalesharks! And, don’t forget, any itinerary with Baa atoll will feature feeding mantas. Look for itineraries that start or end in Baa – you’ll have the same situation as in the one-way Ari trips except, if you’re lucky, in Baa you’ll be snorkeling with the manta rays on your day before departure!
Currents: The currents are not typically as strong this time of year or on these itineraries. These itineraries are recommended for those who may not be advanced divers or very comfortable in strong currents.
Visibility: Will be reduced, especially on the east side of the atolls, but, remember, reduced visibility means more plankton which means more mantas!!!
Sea life: As mentioned above, same creatures year round but there are definitely more mantas hanging out and feeding around Baa Atoll this time of year. And, don’t forget about the macro photography opportunities – this is not only a big animal destination…the little guys are here, too!
Amount of boats: In summer time many boats go for dry dock or do not offer trips, therefore making it less busy than in winter time.
November to April
The Northeast season from November-April is the Maldivian summer though there is little difference in temperatures from season to season. Conditions are drier, visibility is generally good and the reef life is usually colorful. Current can be very strong dependent upon itinerary. Due to currents flowing from the northeast, there can be a lot of shark action on the east side of the atolls. During this season, the manta and whale sharks will mostly be found on the west side of the atolls.
Itinerary: Several to choose from – Central Island itineraries (consisting of North Male, Ari, Rasdhoo and South Male) are ‘typical’ of the Maldives. Because of their reputation, these itineraries are very popular with liveaboards and resorts alike. You will find itineraries that go north, some that go south and some that go deep south. Most itineraries that go north will be more like the ones described above in the Southwest Season. Those that go a little south will likely include Vaavu and/or Meemu where channel diving will be the norm. Here the currents are definitely stronger and you should be comfortable diving in variable up-and down-currents if you select one of these itineraries. For the deep south trips that start or end in Addu, even more experience is required. These trips feature max. 3 dives a day, all channel diving and lots of transit time. These are exhilarating trips but should be reserved for divers experienced in diving in strong currents and who love diving with sharks!
Currents: On average, the currents begin to flow in November and get stronger through January. As we move into February they begin to subside a bit and April has more slack currents. But, it depends a great deal on what itinerary you are on – the further south you go, the stronger the current due to the amount of channel diving. In addition, April and November are months where the currents start changing therefore making them more difficult for the dive guides to predict.
Visibility: Should be very good on the east side of the atolls; can be a little reduced on the west side but that’s where you’re more likely to find the mantas and whale sharks.
Sea life: As mentioned above, same creatures year round but there will be more species of sharks the further south you go. The mantas will be found mostly on cleaning stations rather than feeding in lagoons. The reef life can be beautiful. Good photo opportunities but it can be very challenging on itineraries with strong current, especially with a large housing with strobes.
Amount of boats: As this will be peak high season, some popular well known dive sites can be become crowded.
Island Hopping is included in all types of charters provided by us. From taking our guests to Local Fishing Village, experiencing local island culture and our Maldivian Cuisine such as Maldivian Tea, our guests are ensured to get all-round Maldivian Style hospitality.During the island hopping, guests are welcomed to visit local souvenir shops in the Island to shop as a memento. Please dress modest while on local islands. (cover knees & shoulders)
The Princess Ulua has a live holding tank that expands across the width of the back platform. Great for holding large reef fish and giant trevally. This takes eating fresh Sushi / Sushimi to new level.
Pelagic species are often the favourite target although there are a lot of reef and shallow water species that will give you a run for your money like Bonefish, Barracuda, Groper, Snapper and the king of fish, the Giant Trevally.
Cruising the deep waters along the outside of the reef Yellow fin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna, Dolphin Fish, Wahoo, Sail Fish and Marlin all cruise these waters. If you want to fish make sure you bring plenty of your favourite lures.
We provide fishing Charter services to our clients upon requests.
FROM AUSTRALIA
You have a few options but if it’s Surfboards and Surf SUP’s you want to bring then we recommend flying with Singapore Airlines or Air Asia to Male who will both takes boards up to 9’6. You will be met by your Moon Tours host and the Crew to chauffeur you on to the the waiting boat at the airport.
Singapore Airlines leave regularly from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane – Male via Singapore from $1200AUD return. Singapore Airlines have a generous standard allowance with up to 30kg / 9’6 max length in economy. Don’t go over the limit though, you can not pre purchase additional luggage and excess is charged at $42USD per kilo.
Air Asia leave regularly from Sydney and Melbourne via Kuala Lumpur from $600AUD return
Air Asia and Emirates offer pre purchased additional sporting allowance making it easier to bring multiple boards.
FROM THE UNITED STATES
The easiest way to get there is through Dubai on Emirates who take boards up to 10′
Emirates Airlines fly regularly from Los Angeles – Dubai – Male, the shortest route takes about 27hrs including stops from $1200USD Emirates from the United States will boards up to 300cm / 10′
Please see itintary details for your boats departure/arrival times, you maybe required to arrive a day early to allign with departure times.
NEED HELP BOOKING FLIGHTS?
Our travel agent Brett has looked after our clients flights for a couple of years and knows exactly what we need. You can contact him directly whne your ready to get some flight quotes, let him know you are travelling with Moon Tours so if he needs any infomation he can contact us.
We recommend you arrive the day before to ensure you are ontime for departure, you can sleep of any jet lag and unwind a little before jumping into the water for a surf.
Please note Brett can not book Air Asia, this is online direct bookings only.
Brett Robinson
Helloworld Travel Leopold
Shop 31, Gateway Plaza
641-659 Bellarine Hwy, Leopold, VIC, 3224
P +61 (03) 5250 1210 E: brett.leopold@helloworld.com.au
HIRE BOARDS
We have a limited number of high end quality SUNOVA Surf SUP’s from 8’1 to 9’4 available.
We understand that particularly flying from the Unites States it can be tricky to bring your own Stand Up Paddle board. Please contact us for board availability on your tour.
ALCOHOL & DUTY FREE
Duty free alcohol will not be permitted to enter the Maldives, if you do purchase Duty Free it will be taken off you on arrival and you can pick it up on your way back home.
Legally, if you’re 18 and not a Muslim, you can buy and drink alcohol. However since the Maldives are an Islamic nation, alcohol is effectively banned for the local population.
However, nearly all resorts and liveaboard boats are licensed to serve alcohol. The expatriate liquor permit which used to allow expats to buy alcohol for their own consumption has been removed. The only place near Male, aside from resorts, where people can drink alcohol is at the Hulhule Island Hotel, commonly known as HIH or the airport hotel.
BOARD STORAGE AT THE AIRPORT
If you want to take a taxi to Male or Hulemale you can store your boards at the airport in luggage room upon arrival – $12 a day, we will pick them up when we board the yatch.
When you walk outside the arrivals doors, turn left and you will see the storage office about 100 meters away.
UPON ARRIVAL AT MALE AIRPORT
Light weight clothing is best. Prepare for hot & humid conditions. To respect the Muslim culture women should dress modest covering shoulders & knees.
If you have time to spare the local ferry to the bustling Male City, approx $1US each way. The ferry ticket booth is infront of the Coffee Club/Burger King.
Alternatively you can take a 15min bus ride around to Hulemale it is much quieter. There are nice restaurants & cafes along the beach. Note there is no bikinis on this beach.
Hulhule Island Hotel just by the airport you can purchase a pool pass (bikini friendly) and have a swim and relax, something to eat. There is a frequent free shuttle to the hotel from the front of the airport.
STAYING CONNECTED
WIFI is included onboard in the lounge areas, if you require internaet in your cabin you will need to get a local SIM card, there is a Dhiraagu shop (the primary local telecom company) just to the right of the airport arrivals area upon exiting. Aprox USD$30 for 5GB.
MONEY
If you are heading to Male or want to do shop on inhabited islandss, exchanging some rufiyaa will come in handy. The coins, in particular, are quite attractive and make an interesting souvenir in themselves, but the smaller denominations are rarely used or seen.
You can get select major currencies exchanged at the airport after arrival at the forex center in the airport itself, hower USD is accepted almost everywhere across the Maldives.
Settling bar tabs, dives, any additional expenses can be done so by using credit card.
WHAT IF I REQUIRE AN OVERNIGHT?
“Coconut Tree Hulhuvilla” Beach provides a comfortable setting while in Male.
It offers 4-star accommodation with air-conditioned rooms.The hotel has recently been refurbished and provides free Wi-Fi, an airport shuttle can be pre arranged with reception or take a taxi from the airport for $10.
The breakfast is very basic, I would recomend walking to a near by cafe ‘family room’ or ‘bread matters’ they both do a lovely breakfast.
“Simry Beachside Maldives” is another option which is next door to Coconut Tree.
Simry Beachside Maldives offers 3-star accommodation in Male. It also provides massage services, room service and an express check-in and check-out feature.
The rooms have a mini bar, an in-room safe and a laptop safe. They all feature bottled water, a ceiling fan and tea and coffee making facilities.
On-site dining options include a restaurant, which is an ideal spot to have a meal.
Male International Airport is within a 10-minute drive
INCLUSIONS
EXCLUSIONS / Available upon booking
FUEL SURCHARGES EACH WAY
Have a question? Call our friendly team today on 0439044327.
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Moon Tours
Unit 13/1140 Nepean Hwy,
Mornington VIC 3931