Essential India & Maldives Sailing - 14 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the general experience of the "Essential India & Maldives Sailing" tour?

  This tour offers a vibrant experience through northern India and Rajasthan, including sites like the Taj Mahal and a glimpse into rural life, followed by a sailing adventure through the white sands, blue skies, and crystal-clear waters of the Maldives. You'll explore bustling cities, ancient forts, and serene tropical islands.

• What types of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You will stay in hotels for 6 nights, a comfortable tented camp for 1 night in Dhula Village, and aboard a traditional dhoni boat for 6 nights in the Maldives. Indian hotels can vary in service and cleanliness, and power cuts may occur. On the dhoni, space is tight, and you will share a small room and facilities with a fellow passenger of the same sex.

• What meals are included during the tour?

  The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners. In India, meals are generally not included to allow flexibility in choosing where to eat. In the Maldives, many home-cooked meals, including seafood, are prepared by an on-board chef, and drinking water is provided.

• Can dietary needs be accommodated on the tour, especially on the dhoni boat?

  Yes, dietary needs can usually be accommodated. India is very vegetarian-friendly. For the dhoni, portions are generous, and specific dietary needs can typically be met if inquired about in advance.

• What forms of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation in India includes private vehicles, taxis, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and trains (AC 2 tier, AC 3 tier, sleeper class for overnight, and AC Chair car or second class for day journeys). A flight is included between Delhi and Malé, and a traditional dhoni boat is used for sailing in the Maldives.

• Are local flights, such as the one from Delhi to Malé, included in the tour cost?

  Yes, any flights noted on the itinerary, including the flight from Delhi to Malé, are included in the tour services. Please note that for internal flights in India, only one piece of luggage up to 15kg is permitted, with extra weight possibly incurring additional fees.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 18 travelers.

• What are the age restrictions for participating in this trip?

  Travelers must be at least 18 years old to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21, the minimum age is 12.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex.

• Who will be leading the tour group?

  The tour will be led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and local guides in India. In the Maldives, a Skipper/CEO and crew will lead the sailing portion. The CEO provides information, suggestions, and assistance throughout the trip.

• What activities are included in the tour price?

  Included activities feature an arrival transfer via the Women With Wheels project, a youth-led City Walk in Delhi, an Anoothi Block Printing Experience in Jaipur, and a Maldives Plastic Clean Up. Also included are visits to Old Delhi, Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Abhaneri Stepwell, Jaipur City Palace, Amber Fort, and various island visits and snorkeling in the Maldives. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

• What optional activities are available during the tour?

  Optional activities include a Half Day Culinary Tour in Delhi, and in Jaipur, you can opt for a cycle tour, a cooking class with a local family, a visit to Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), Jantar Mantar, a movie at Raj Mandir, or a hot air balloon ride.

• What currency should I use, and how can I handle money exchange?

  In India, the currency is Indian Rupees (INR), and US Dollars (USD) are also recommended. ATMs are available in major cities for Visa and Mastercard. In the Maldives, US Dollars are the best foreign currency and can be exchanged at resorts and banks; most shops accept USD for payment. Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is a non-convertible currency that cannot be purchased beforehand. It's best to bring clean, smaller denomination USD notes.

• What are the customs for tipping in India and the Maldives?

  Tipping is customary and expected. For service providers like waiters, around 10% is typical. For drivers and local guides, a recommendation of $4-5 USD per person per day is suggested. For your CEO, $8-19 USD per person per day is a guideline. Your CEO can assist with specific recommendations and collecting group tips.

• Are there any health considerations or required inoculations for this trip?

  Inoculations may be required for the countries visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. Carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers is recommended, as medical facilities may be remote.

• What should I know about safety and security during the tour?

  It is recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock for luggage is also advisable. When exploring independently, especially at night, it's best to stay in groups and use taxis. All water-based activities should be accompanied by a guide, and swimming/snorkeling is always at your own risk.

• How should I dress to respect local customs in India and the Maldives?

  Dress standards are conservative. You should wear loose, lightweight, long clothing that covers knees and shoulders at all times, especially when visiting religious sites or rural communities. Shorts are generally not allowed in India. In the Maldives, modest clothing, knee-length shorts, and one-piece bathing suits are recommended; bikinis and topless sunbathing are unacceptable off the boat.

• What is the significance of the "G for Good Moment" activities included in the tour?

  The tour includes "G for Good Moments" such as the Women With Wheels Transfer, City Walk in Delhi, Anoothi Block Printing Experience in Jaipur, and Maldives Plastic Clean Up. These are operator-supported projects that provide dignified livelihoods for local women, support at-risk youth, teach local crafts, and contribute to environmental protection.

• What happens if the trip coincides with Ramadan?

  If the trip falls during Ramadan, there may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules, as Muslims observe fasting. However, tours generally operate effectively, and food is available for non-Muslims. Increased cultural sensitivity is important, including wearing loose-fitting clothes that cover knees and shoulders, and avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance (with a minimum coverage of USD200,000 for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation) has been sighted by your leader. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage are also strongly recommended.

• Are laundry facilities available during the trip?

  In India, some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. We suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap for handwashing. In the Maldives, there are no laundry facilities on board the dhoni, but you can handwash items.

• How can I contact the tour operator in case of an emergency?

  For urgent matters, it's best to first call the local representative or local office. Specific emergency contact numbers for India (Sakha Call Center, Sakha Manager, South Asia Manager) and the Maldives (Customer Service Duty Executive, Ms Shardha Gafoor) are provided. If unable to reach local contacts, international sales team numbers are available.