FAQs

Is it correct that scuba diving is one of the best things to do on Kuramathi and that I would be crazy to miss out on this wonderful experience?
Yes, of course!

Can I see mantas, sharks, whale sharks, turtles diving with you?
We should be able to show you mantas if you visit in our peak manta season (November to April). We have many sharks and you will see sharks on most dives. Most common are white-tips, black tips, grey reef sharks and hammerheads, but you can also see leopard sharks, nurse sharks, silvertips etc. There are hawksbill and green turtles in Rasdhoo Atoll and they are seen frequently, and sometimes even nest on the island. Whale sharks are rare in our atoll and you have to be lucky to see one, but you never know!

Do I require a “fit for diving” certificate from a doctor to dive or learn to dive with you?
Every diver is highly recommended to have a regular medical examination to ensure he/she is fit to dive. When you register to dive with us, one form you will be required to complete and sign will be the RSTC medical self-declaration. You should download this below in your preferred language and read through it. If you can answer all questions with “NO”, have no other medical conditions and are under 65 years of age, then a “Fit To Dive” certificate from a doctor is NOT required. However if you do happen to have to one or more “YES” answers, and/or are 65 years or older, then you would need to bring a “Fit To Dive” certificate from a doctor. If you are 75 years or older, our insurer applies special conditions; please contact us for more information before booking your vacation. If you have any questions or queries about the RSTC medical form or would like any advice, then please mail us directly at diving@kuramathi.com.

Download the RSTC medical self-declaration in your preferred language below:
English (RSTC form/PDF)
German (RSTC form/PDF)
French (RSTC form/PDF)
Italian (RSTC form/PDF)
Russian (RSTC form/PDF)
Spanish (RSTC form/PDF)

Do I require dive insurance to dive with you?
There is no requirement to have a specialized dive insurance in order to dive with us, but we highly recommend that all divers and prospective divers possess an insurance policy to adequately cover their medical and other expenses in the rare event of a dive accident. If you would like more information about affordable specialized dive insurance then we can recommend Dan Europe.

Is it necessary to prebook dives, diving packages or dive courses?
It is not necessary to book dives or dive packages unless you are part of a large group. Even once you arrive, you can simply dive and at the end of your stay you will be billed for the dive package that you have completed. Many courses need no prebooking – however please contact us anyway if you are interested in doing a course – especially for all SSI courses, E-learning and Referrals; courses such as React Right/Rescue, Dive Guide and some specialty courses do require prebooking and are subject to availability.

I have heard about the Hammerhead Shark Point dive and would like to do this dive. Can you give me some information about this dive?
The Hammerhead Shark Point dive is an early morning blue water deep dive (30m) for Advanced divers or those with deep dive training. There is the possibility to do the dive at least three times a week at 6am, presently on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The dive site is only 8 minutes boat ride from Kuramathi and is one of the few remaining places in the world where you can see these magnificent animals. It is a spectacular dive if you see the hammerheads and if you are unlucky and do not see any, most divers still find this dive a fascinating experience and you may see other large blue water species (mantas, sailfish, other sharks etc.). The dive costs the same as any other dive. Divers without the required training can do it here if they wish.

Can I learn to dive on Kuramathi?
Of course. Kuramathi is an excellent place to learn to dive with its spectacular marine life, warm water and good visibility. We teach hundreds of people to dive every year. As a first experience, we offer Try Diving/Basic Diver is a 2 hour course for the complete beginner which will give you the opportunity to try diving with an instructor and includes a shallow dive in the lagoon. After this initial course, you have many possibilities and many people go on and complete the SSI/PADI Scuba Diver or the SSI/PADI Open Water Diver certification.

At what age can children learn to Scuba Dive?
Amazingly enough, Children can start scuba diving as young as 8 years of age with the Scuba Ranger – this is actual diving with a mini set of scuba gear, but just to 5 meters max. so it is super safe and with max. 2 kids to an instructor. Once children reach 10 years of age, the full range of beginner courses are open to them and each year we teach many children to Junior Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver level and beyond. Most kids take to water like fish so why not offer yours a great adventure they will never forget and why not try it yourself and make it a family event!

I want to dive/learn to dive with you, but I am scared of sharks – are they dangerous?
You will see sharks here, but we do not have great whites! Most people are concerned about sharks, but soon see that they are frightened of us and divers usually find the experience of seeing sharks a fascinating encounter and one of the highlights of any underwater adventure here. There really is little to be afraid about. None of us working here presently has ever experienced or seen a shark attack and between us we have more than 30,000 dives!

I hear you run a full day three dive safari to North Ari atoll. Please tell me more.
In addition to our exciting three times weekly half day safaris, we also run a full day three dive safari on Thursday. It is an early start at 6.00am and we return around 17.30, but is a great day out, diving some of the famous and spectacular sites in North Ari atoll, such as Maaya Thila, Fishhead, Malhoss Thila, Panettone and our Manta point to name a few. Breakfast and lunch is provided onboard and included in the boat fee. We usually need minimum 10 participants.

Do you provide nitrox for free?
Yes, nitrox 32% is provided for no extra charge to nitrox certified divers.

What type of dive boats do you have?
Our diving boats are modern 16m purpose-built fibreglass diving dhonis which are comfortable and fast and have an onboard toilet and fresh water shower. All boats are equipped with all safety equipment, oxygen kit, first aid kit and communications.