OUR TOURS
What’s a normal day like on the tour?
Your day always starts with a fresh continental breakfast being served from 9.00-10.00am. At this point the boat has already started setting sail for the next port (usually at 7am while you’re still asleep).
Swim stops are scheduled in before lunch, which is served around 1.30pm each day.
During lunch we set sail again either for the next port, or for another swim stop (depending on the distance for the day).
Once docked you have free time in the town. Your Koda Sail Rep will give you an orientation tour, showing you the highlights and things to do for the afternoon/evening. There may be an excursion already organized which your Koda Sail Rep will co-ordinate with the group on the day.
You then can meet back with the group for Dinner, which is usually around 7.30pm, followed by ‘Happy Hour’ on the boat before a night out on the town to enjoy the local nightlife.
Our boat stays docked at port until the morning departure around 7.00am.
What day/time does the tours start/finish?
CROATIA:
Tour start time: Saturday morning. Check in from 1100am to 1200pm.
Tour end time: The following Saturday after breakfast between 800am and 900am. You can depart earlier if you have an early flight as we are in port from the Friday afternoon.
TURKEY:
Tour start time: Saturday afternoon. Check in from 200pm to 245pm.
Tour end time: The following Saturday after breakfast at 930am. You can depart earlier if you have an early flight as we are in port from the Friday afternoon.
What is the average age of passengers on tour?
With our tours tailored towards the Young Professional demographic (mid 20s to late 30's) our average age is 25-35.
No matter if you’re outside of that bracket, as most of our travellers are all like-minded and are here for the same reason, to relax, unwind and enjoy local experiences with new friends.
Learn more about our guests
HERE
I'm a solo traveller, is this tour for me?
Travelling solo, then what a great idea to book a group tour! Some things are just more fun when you’ve got company. It’s not rocket science, but we know that young adventurers want to travel with people their own age. For this reason alone, Koda Sail is specifically aimed at and designed for travellers in their 20’s and 30’s.
Whether you want to get out and explore what each town has to offer, chill with a sunset cocktail or party the night away, there’s always a great mix of people on board to share it with. You may step on board as a solo traveller, but you defs will walk off with a family of life long friends.
Learn more about our guests
HERE
I’m traveling solo, who will be I be sharing with?
Our prices are based on two people sharing a twin cabin, so if you’re traveling solo, we’ll randomly pair you with a like-minded traveler (same sex).
If you would like to upgrade to a single cabin,
contact us and we'll let you know the availability and single supplement fare.
How many passengers are on the tour?
CROATIA: On average there are generally between 25-35 passengers per tour group.
TURKEY: Our gullets in Turkey are a bit smaller, so our group size there is generally between 12-16 passengers per tour.
MALDIVES: On most of our trips you’ll be part of a group of approx 15-20 people.
What is included in the tour?
For a full list of inclusions per tour, check out our Tour Inclusions page
HERE
As a genreal overview, the tour price and fees cover the following services (plus more).
Accommodation: 7 nights in a Twin or Double room on our A+ (don’t forget the PLUS!) Koda Sail vessels. This means you get to be on board a boat with a bit more luxury than the norm.
Each cabin is specially fitted out with it’s own private en-suite, so there’s no sharing facilities between 8-10 cabins like the lesser class boats other companies use.
All our cabins and common areas have Air Condition facilities included in the price. When comparing you need to know that some of the lesser class boats charge a fee for this luxury once you are there, in addition to the cost of your tour. Sometimes this is an unexpected cost that you haven’t prepared for. With Koda Sail there’s no hidden cost here.
Meals: Our 3 course Lunch and Dinners are freshly cooked and prepared by our on board local chef. Authenticity & quality is what it’s all about as they cater your meals throughout the week.
Having our very own personal chef also means we can cater to special dietary requirements.
We also include an authentic Captain's dinner experience where we welcome you to the Koda Sail family and let you experience dinner with us as a local.
Koda Sail Rep: You get the services of English speaking experienced tour leader. Note that your Koda Sail Rep is just for your group. You don’t have to share them with the 6 or so other boats sailing alongside you. They sleep on board and are there whenever you need them.
Captain and Crew: Your Koda Sail crew is made up of a local captain, a chef and a team of sailors making sure we’re all well looked after.
Orientation tours: As per the itinerary your Koda Sail rep will provide orientation walking tours of each of the destinations pointing out the highlights and giving you a better insight to the places we visit.
Beach Towels and sun lounges: No need to pack a big beach towel, we’ll have them on board for you to use along with our Sun Lounges on the top deck for you to enjoy your tanning time on. (Beach towels
not included on Turkey product)
Entry Fees: All entry fees for historical sites in the itinerary on our
Turkey sail tours.
WiFi: Free WiFi available on board all week so you can easily update/gloat to your friends and family back home about the awesome week you're having on the cruise.
Housekeeping: During the week our housekeeping team will freshen up your room with new linen and towels.
What is not included in the tour price?
Travel insurance, airport Transfers, meals not stated in the itinerary, tips for local guides and sailing crew, entrance fees to the sights and museums not stated in the itinerary, optional excursions, Visas (if applicable) other services not stated in the itinerary.
Croatia: A local port tax of €55 or 415 Kuna is to be paid locally direct to your Koda Sail rep.
How much free time will I get on my tour?
How much free time is up to you, it’s your vacation! If you want things to do, then your Koda Sail rep is there offer insights to the towns we visit, organize your land excursions or nights out with the group.
There are plenty of opportunities each day for you to swim in the sea or chill on the sun deck. In the evenings you have the option to join your new friends out on the land or have the night to yourself for a quiet night in.
Whatever you want to get out of your vacation, we are here to help make it happen.
Are there extra excursions on offer?
Yes, for those that want to get even more out of your week on the seas, we have some fun optional local excursions on offer. Ranging from white water rafting to a leisurely bike ride around the National park. The costs for these are not included in your tour cost & are payable to your Koda Sail Rep during the tour.
Once you make your booking, you will get a list of the upcoming excursions to choose from so that you can start getting excited!
If there's any additional excursions you may want to do that aren't on our list, let us know and we'll do our best to ensure you get the chance to tick it off your bucket-list.
Do you cater for dietary requirements on board?
Having our very own personal chef means we can cater to special dietary requirements. Just let your Koda Sail rep know of your dietary requirement at check-in on day 1.
If you think you’re requirement is unique and want to check with our team beforehand, you can drop us an email at
info@kodasail.com
How much should I budget for the tour?
Depending on your taste, a sailing tour in Europe can be cheap once you are there and not too much money needs to be spent during the week if you didn’t want to. The restaurants we recommend are in the price range of €7-20 per meal.
If you decide to join the group on the nights out, our Koda Sail reps organize free entries to clubs and nightly drink specials, helping you to save money to be spent elsewhere.
There is also a bar on board the boat that has a Happy Hour every night with different specials, allowing you to enjoy a cheaper drink if you wish. A bar tab is run on the boat for the week allowing you to pay in cash at the end. It is visible all week and you can keep track as you go.
As a rough guide for your bar tab on board, €100 Euro for the week would get you a beer/wine at lunch and dinner, some drinks in the afternoon on the sun deck and then pre-drinks before heading out, for the 7 days while on the boat.
If you choose to do any extra excursions we have on offer, you will need to budget for these. To do everything, it generally is around €130-160 per person. These prices are just a guide as excursions change from season to season.
Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory and it’s entirely up to you if you decide to give extra to your Koda Sail crew. It’s defs not expected but is very much appreciated.
You will see the Koda Sail team always goes above and beyond to ensure you have the best week of your life on our tours. It’s something we pride ourselves on.
You will have the opportunity to show your gratitude to your crew at the end of the tour.
The amount you tip is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €10 per crew member can be used.
What should I pack?
You can pack light for this week long tour on the seas. The weather during the summer is on average 24-30 C (77-85 F), so you can rely on not having to wear jeans or a sweater to keep you warm.
The dress code for the nightlife here is very relaxed. Casual Summer wear is acceptable in most places as the bars and clubs can get very warm inside.
Girls: We know this is an important one. We do have a basic hair dryer in each room (Croatia tours), however you may want to BYO Hair dryer and/or GHD if you live by it.
Or, you can rock the mermaid beach hair look all week ☺
Check out our
Packing Guide for some handy tips.
Do I need travel Insurance?
We strongly advise that you take out comprehensive travel insurance before final payment has been made. Ideally you should get a policy that covers you for; Emergency travel arrangements and accommodation expenses, cancellations, overseas medical and hospital expenses, personal accidents, personal baggage and public liability. If you need assistance in choosing an insurance company, feel free to contact us for our recommendations and
discounted rates.
Can I connect with fellow travelers before the trip?
Yes :) On your final documents email, you will be invited to join the Facebook Group for your trip. Here you can introduce yourself, find out who is getting in early and plan a mini catchup before your Koda Sail adventure starts. We'll connect you roughly 6 weeks before your departure date.
Learn more about our guests
HERE
BOATS
What are the boats like?
CROATIA: Our A+ Premium Category boats in Croatia are newly built, with spacious air-conditioned cabins and private en-suites, so there’s no sharing between 8 cabins like the lesser class boats of the competition.
Enjoy the large sun deck and dining area. There’s plenty of room to take in the sun, relax on deck or chill by the bar.
Check out some pics of our A+ Premium boats
HERE
TURKEY: Our traditional Turkish gulets are are fully equipped with
Air Condition. The large spacious cabins are at least twice as large as our competitors gulets. The rooms are 2 to a room unlike others that place 3 in a room. Our gulets are larger than the standard boat, with an average length of 31 meters.
Main Deck or Lower Deck?
If you're deciding whether you should choose going with a Main Deck or Lower deck cabin, here's some info to help you out:
• Same Same - To start with, all rooms are twin share, have air-condition and private en-suites.
• Lighting - This is the main difference between the rooms. The Main deck rooms have a normal size window whereas the Lower deck rooms have a port hole for a window, thus letting in less natural light.
• Space - The Main deck rooms are slightly larger.
• Twin/Double - The twin beds in the Main Deck rooms can be pushed together to make a double. This is not an option below deck as they are fixed.
• Stairs - The obvious difference is that if you are Lower deck, you will need to take on the stairs each time you want to come and go from your room. A positive spin on this is you get that leg workout you've been skipping out on :)
• Wifi - The boat's wifi works better in the Main deck rooms due to less interference.
• Location - By being in the Main deck rooms, you have the luxury of stepping out of your door straight into daylight then into the water for that morning dip in the Adriatic. Winning!
Lower deck cabin doors are on the inside and open into the hallway.
What power sockets are available on the boat?
As we are in Europe, our boats use European sockets (2 hole prongs), so you will need to bring an international conversion adapter to use your electronics.
What should I pack?
You can pack light for this week long tour on the seas. The weather during the summer is on average 24-30 C (77-85 F), so you can rely on not having to wear jeans or a sweater to keep you warm.
The dress code for the nightlife here is very relaxed. Casual Summer wear is acceptable in most places as the bars and clubs can get very warm inside.
Girls: We know this is an important one. We do have a basic hair dryer in each room, however you may want to BYO Hair dryer and/or GHD if you live by it.
Or, you can rock the mermaid beach hair look all week ☺
Check out our
Packing Guide for some handy tips
How many hours a day will we be cruising?
Not including our daily swim stops, we cruise the seas for approx 3-4hrs each day.
Where do we dock?
CROATIA: We dock in the main ports, close to all the action. A short walk in with your Koda Sail Rep to get an orientation tour of the city when we dock will get you familiar with all that you need to know for your time on the land. We are quite often docked up next to some super yachts so it’s a good chance to do some celeb spotting when in port.
TURKEY: After a day of exploring the sights along the coast, most nights we anchor up in secluded bays for sunset swims and dinner under the stars.
Will I get seasick?
First thing to note is that in general, coastline in the Mediterranean (Including the Adriatic Sea and Turkish coast) is relatively calm. Most of the time it's like sailing on a large lake, because most of our routes will have you sailing between the islands and the mainland, shielding you from the open sea.
And for this reason, very rarely does anyone get seasick on our tours.
If you do usually get seasick, we recommend you get yourself some seasick or ginger tablets before you get on board. We also recommend purchasing a set of those
seasick pressure point wrist-bands if you’re really concerned.
It might even be worth consulting your GP as they know your medical history and will be able to advise accordingly.
What if I can’t swim very well?
Life jackets and floatie devices are available on all our boats and there will be plenty of other activities to keep you busy. Or, if you prefer, you can stick to lounging around, soaking up the rays on deck!
Is there free WiFi on the boat?
There sure is! All of our boats have free WiFi for you to log into while on board.
We more than anyone know how important it is to show off on
social media how awesome a week on a boat is with us!
Is there a hair dryer on board?
Yes! Our boats in Croatia come with a basic hair dryer in each bathroom.
What if we get bad weather?
As we sail in the peak of the Summer, it's very rare that we have bad weather.
However, if the seas are too rough on any given day, our Captain carefully plans out an alternate route to avoid them.
We may change up the itinerary slightly to ensure the most pleasurable experience on board by avoiding any bad weather.
Is there a licensed bar on the boat?
Yes, all of our boats have a licensed bar on board.
A visable bar tab is run thoughout the week for convenience, with payment of the tab due at the end of tour. Payment of the bar tab is to be made direct to the boat's bar staff and to be paid in cash.
See the FAQ section on 'budgeting' to see how much is recommended to allocate to the bar tab.
Being a licensed bar means that BYO alcohol is not allowed to be brought on board with you.
What are the rooms like?
Have a sneak peak into the rooms with our 360 degree view.
Click on the links here to see the Twin and Double rooms available on our Croatia tours.
How many passengers are on the boat?
CROATIA: On average there are generally between 25-35 passengers per tour group.
TURKEY: Our gullets in Turkey are a bit smaller, so our group size there is generally between 12-16 passengers per tour.
BOOKING
How do I make a Booking Enquiry?
Once you’ve had a look at our
dates and availability page all you need to do now is let us know that you are keen to find out more.
This is easily done by simply clicking on the
Enquire Now button in the Header of each page which will take you to our
Booking Enquiry form for you to make contact with us.
One of our friendly Koda Sail team will get back to you ASAP with our availability, fares and inform you of any discounts we have on offer.
How do I lock in my spot on tour?
After making contact with our Koda Sail team, they will fill you in on all your options available with us. Once you are ready to #GETONBOARD with us, simply reply back to that initial enquiry and we’ll get the ball rolling.
We’ll send you out a link to pay your deposit and that’ll lock in the spot and any sale discounts away for you. Easy!
How do I pay for my tour?
Payment for your Koda Sail tour can be made easily by credit card through our secure online payment link. This will be emailed through to you along with your invoice.
Our Croatia and Turkey invoices are in Euro currency.
Our Maldives invoices are in USD currency
What payment options do you have available?
Deposit now, pay later: A Non refundable deposit of €250 per person must be paid to secure your spot. Then you just need to pay the balance as outlined in your final payment email before the due date.
Failure to meet your payment deadlines may result in your booking being cancelled or price increase. Any additional costs incurred due to late payment are the responsibility of the passenger (you).
Pay in full: Want to get the payment out of the way? You can request to pay in full at time of booking.
Payment plan: Split payments are available. These payments incur a one off €15 fee that will be added to your final invoice. For more info on our Payment Plans click
HERE
Gift Registery/Vouchers: Want your friends and family to pay for your trip? They can purchase travel credit to go towards your trip.
For more info click
HERE
I'm a solo traveller, is this tour for me?
Travelling solo, then what a great idea to book a group tour! Some things are just more fun when you’ve got company. It’s not rocket science, but we know that young adventurers want to travel with people their own age. For this reason alone, Koda Sail is specifically aimed at and designed for travellers in their 20’s and 30’s.
Whether you want to get out and explore what each town has to offer, chill with a sunset cocktail or party the night away, there’s always a great mix of people on board to share it with. You may step on board as a solo traveller, but you defs will walk off with a family of life long friends.
CROATIA
What currency do they use in Croatia?
Croatia’s official currency is the
Croatian Kuna (HRK) however, in some locations, the use of Euro is accepted at a rate stated by the shop owner, usually with change given in Croatian Kuna.
Currency exchange booths are located in the main square of all the destinations we visit. Generally speaking, the exchange booths at the airport don’t give the best rate, so just exchange a small amount to get you into Split and then exchange your money in town.
Alternatively, ATM machines are readily available throughout Croatia to use your own Cash Card.
Do I need a Visa for Croatia?
Not many passports these days require a visa for their visit to Croatia, however it is recommended that you follow this up with your passport country of issue to see if a visa is required. It is then your responsibilty to obtain any tourist visa’s you may require to visit Croatia.
You can check on this website to get you started:
https://croatia.visahq.com/
Koda Sail does not take any responsibilty or have any obligation to assist with you obtaining your Visa.
My passport is almost expired, will this be ok?
To comply with most immigration regulations, ensure that your passport has a minimum of six months validity from your intended return date back to your home country. Your booking with Koda Sail should be made using your full name exactly as it appears on your current valid passport.
What language do they speak in Croatia?
In Croatia the locals speak Croatian, however with tourism booming in the past 7-10 years, English is very widely spoken, especially by the younger community. Croatia is considered to be among the better English speaking European countries.
How do I get from Split Airport to the Port?
Local bus from the Airport to Split port takes approx 45min (30kuna / 4 Euro).
A Taxi will take approx 30min (350-400 kuna / 40-50 Euro)
Where should I stay in Split?
The growth of tourism over the past few years has led to many rooms being let from local families. Of course you can choose hotels within Split if you wish, however the trend has been to use sites such as
Airbnb.com and
Booking.com rather than stay at the larger hotel franchises.
Not only will you get a cheaper deal, but usually a friendly local host who will happily show you around their town and give you tips for things to do before your tour with us. See our info sheet
HERE to see a map of where we recommend.
What is the weather like in Croatia over the Summer?
The best time to travel to Croatia is June, July and August as the Summer months bring the most sunny days in all of Europe.
Over the Summer in Croatia, the temperature ranges from 24-30C (77-85F), with water temps of 23-27C (77-80F). Bliss!
Is it standard to tip in Croatia?
Tipping is not expected but very much apprecaited in Croatia. Leaving a 10-15% tip on your bill in a restaurant is generally an acceptable amount. When it comes to other areas of the service industry, (such as taxis), rounding up the fare is a nice gesture but not obligatory.
Tour guides and crew should also be tipped the equivalent of around EUR €10-15 per person, per week.
What sort of plugs do I need for Croatia and what is the voltage?
Standard voltage is 230 - 240 volts. Primary sockets generally require the 2 round-pin variety, similar to most European sockets. We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor. You will need a voltage converter and plug adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances.
Is WiFi widely available in Croatia?
We have free WiFi available on our boats to keep you connected and to keep your friends at home jealous of your trip!
In the main cities and ports, WiFi is mostly available in hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and many public places. In more rural areas connections can still be found but they are slightly more scarce and less reliable.
What should I pack?
You can pack light for this week long tour on the seas. The weather during the summer is on average 24-30 C (77-85 F), so you can rely on not having to wear jeans or a sweater to keep you warm.
The dress code for the nightlife here is very relaxed. Casual Summer wear is acceptable in most places as the bars and clubs can get very warm inside.
Girls: We know this is an important one. We do have a basic hair dryer in each room (Croatia tours), however you may want to BYO Hair dryer and/or GHD if you live by it.
Or, you can rock the mermaid beach hair look all week ☺
Check out our
Packing Guide for some handy tips.
TURKEY
What currency do they use in Turkey?
Croatia’s official currency is the
Turkish Lira (TRY) however, in some locations, the use of Euro and USD is accepted at a rate stated by the shop owner, usually with change given in Turkish Lira.
Currency exchange can be found at the airport and at the main port in Fethiye.
Generally speaking, the exchange booths at the airport don’t give the best rate, so just exchange a small amount to get you to Fethiye and then exchange your money in town.
Alternatively, ATM machines are available throughout Turkey to use your own Cash Card.
It's advisable to request bank notes in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases and gratuities.
Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
The Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Application System was launched on 17 April 2013 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey. This system allows visitors travelling to Turkey to easily obtain their e-Visas online (
www.evisa.gov.tr), in just 5 minutes
Applicants can obtain their visa after they fill in the necessary information concerning their identity, passport and travel dates and pay visa fee online.
Tourist visa's are for 90 days and vary in cost. Some countries passports do not require a Visa and can enter for free. Check if your country is on the list
here.
You can also obtain a Visa at the airport, however the cost is generally a bit higher.
Koda Sail does not take any responsibilty or have any obligation to assist with you obtaining your Visa.
Passport validity for travel to Turkey
The Turkish government advise that your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Turkey. You can find more detail about the requirements for entry into Turkey on the website of the
Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What vaccinations do I need for Turkey?
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Turkey from your local health practitioner and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations.
As a guide Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus are strongly recommended. For more health information for Turkey visit the
CDC Traveler's Health page.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Turkey?
Tap water in Turkey is generally considered safe to drink, but as a precaution against stomach upsets you may want to drink bottled water, which is readily available from shops, hotels and restaurants throughout Turkey.
Is it standard to tip in Turkey?
Tipping is expected in Turkey and leaving a 10-15% tip on your bill in a restaurant is generally an acceptable amount. When it comes to other areas of the service industry, (such as taxis), rounding up the fare is a nice gesture but not obligatory.
Tour guides and crew should also be tipped the equivalent of around USD $5-10 per person, per day.
Is it safe for a single woman to travel in Turkey?
Despite fears that the country’s location in the Middle East makes it unsafe for female travellers, Turkey is remarkably progressive and cosmopolitan and much easier for women than it appears from the outside.
The country is predominantly Muslim and therefore women generally dress conservatively but in the big cities and main tourist areas and beach resorts, foreign women showing a little skin won’t attract too much attention. However, if you're feeling some uncomfortable stares, covering your arms and legs should nip this in the bud.
Of course, women should take care not to end up on their own at night, keep an eye on their drinks and be wary of seeming too forward with any men who might misinterpret your friendliness.
What do things cost in Turkey?
Although Turkey is a popular tourist destination, major cities and ports have remained pretty cheap for the average traveller.
Snacks from street vendors can normally be purchased for just a few dollars while a meal in a restaurant with a drink won’t amount to much more than USD $10.
Taxis tend to have a base fare of USD $1 and then cost one extra dollar per kilometre.
What sort of plugs do I need for Turkey and what is the voltage?
Standard voltage is 230 - 240 volts. Primary sockets generally require the 2 round-pin variety, similar to most European sockets. We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor. You will need a voltage converter and plug adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances.
Is WiFi widely available in Turkey?
We have free WiFi available on our boats to keep you connected and to keep your friends at home jealous of your trip!
In the main cities and ports, WiFi is mostly available in hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and many public places. In more rural areas connections can still be found but they are slightly more scarce and less reliable.
What language do they speak in Turkey?
In Turkey the locals speak Turkish, however with tourism on the rise in the past 5-10 years, English is very widely spoken in the tourist hot spots, especially by the younger community.
Some basic phrases will go a long way to breaking the ice and always gain you an extra smile from the locals :)
How do I get from Dalaman Airport to the Port?
You have a few options to get you between Dalaman Airport and the Fethiye marina port.
Private Airport Transfer: Koda Sail can organise private transfers to/from Dalaman Airport with a modern air-conditioned van. It requires pre-booking. The price for a private transfer for 1-4 guests will be 35€ total for the transfer. Price is charged per vehicle. (apx.45 minutes)
Dalaman Airport Taxi: Official yellow taxis operate to/from International Dalaman airport. The taxi rank is located just outside the arrival lounges. Taxi fares are fixed and posted on a board by taxi rank. Please check the board before you get on the taxi (apx. 130 TL) (apx. 45 minutes)
Dalaman Airport Shuttle Buses: There are 2 Shuttle bus companies (
HAVAŞ and
MUTTAŞ) operating shuttles. The Bus station is located just outside of arrival lounge at the airport.
The ticket price is 17.5 Turkish Lira, however it may be increased up to 20 Lira in high season. Please check the Schedule of shuttle buses on their websites (
HAVAŞ and
MUTTAŞ).
When you take one of these shuttles, the final stop is Fethiye bus terminal. From there you are can make your way to the Office located in the marina either a short taxi ride (apx.20 Turkish Lira) or by catching a public mini bus to the marina (apx.3.5 Lira)
Do the boats have Air Condition?
Yes, all of our premium gulets have air-condition available in the rooms. Turkish sailing laws prevent all boats (not just ours) from having the generator running in the bays from the hours of 1am through to 6am, which means the AC can not run during these hours.
For the most part, the room is still cool enough to sleep in, but we do have many lounge areas on the boat to enjoy a sleep under the stars on a balmy Summer's night.
MALDIVES
What currency do they use in the Maldives?
The Maldives official currency is the
Maldivian Ruffya, however $USD is widely used and accepted. Most restaurants and shops will accept $USD for payment and provide change in local currency.
Although Credit Cards are accepted on the islands, it's recommeded that you have some cash to convert also as there are no ATMs outside of Malé.
Slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
Do I need a Visa for the Maldives?
Not many passports these days require a visa for their visit to the Maldives, however it is recommended that you follow this up with your passport country of issue to see if a visa is required. It is then your responsibilty to obtain any tourist visa’s you may require to visit the Maldives.
FYI: The Maldives offer a Visa Free 30 day entry to the country for Citizens of countries such as Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Canada along with most other EU countries.
Koda Sail does not take any responsibilty or have any obligation to assist with you obtaining your Visa.
My passport is almost expired, will this be ok?
To comply with most immigration regulations, ensure that your passport has a minimum of six months validity from your intended return date back to your home country. Your booking with Koda Sail should be made using your full name exactly as it appears on your current valid passport.
What language do they speak in the Maldives?
In the Maldives the locals speak Maldivian Dhivehi, however within the tourism and hospitality industries, English is very widely spoken
Do I need vaccinations to travel to the Maldives?
You should seek medical advice before travelling to the Maldives from your local health practitioner and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations.
For more health information for the Maldives visit the CDC Traveler's Health page.
Is it safe to drink tap water in the Maldives?
Tap water in Maldives is all treated rainwater and it's not advisable to drink it, not least as it has generally got an unpleasant taste. Our hotels supply purified drinking water to our guests for free and you can purchase bottled water easily enough on the islands.
The hotels we stay in also provide one bottle of water per day in the rooms.
What do things cost in Maldives?
The Maldives has a stigma attached to it that it can be very expensive, however when you are away from the resorts you can find decently priced restaurants and bars in the towns.
As a guide, a meal in a mid-range restaurant with a drink won’t amount to much more than USD $10-15.
What sort of plugs do I need for the Maldives and what is the voltage?
Standard voltage is 230 volts and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances on the Maldives, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220-240V.
Primary sockets generally require the UK-style three-pin (see pic). We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor. You will need a voltage converter and plug adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances.
Is WiFi widely available in the Maldives?
We have free WiFi available in all of our hotels to keep you connected keep your friends at home jealous of your trip!
WiFi is also mostly available in restaurants, cafes, bars and many public places.
Do I get any free time?
The beauty of travelling with Koda Sail is that we give you options and encourage travellers to explore at their own pace.
When you get to a destination, your Koda Sail rep will let you know what eachlocation has on offer and let you choose. Some of the group will do one activity, others will opt for something completely different while others may just choose to lie in a hammock and read a book. It's your choice :)
Where do we stay?
Unlike our Sailing tours in Croatia and Turkey, in the Maldives we stay on the land and use boats to hop between the islands. We have endeavoured to select hotels that enhance your travel experience, either through a central location which are of a high level of standard, service and amenities available. You can see photos of the hotels we use
HERE
Are the rooms air-conditioned?
Yes! All our hotels we use have air-conditioning. A great luxury to have when you come home from a long day at the beach :)
What is the food like?
Our buffet breakfasts at the hotel consist of Fresh fruit, cereal, eggs, omelettes, baked beans, sausages, etc. Along with tea, coffee, juices and water.
Our Lunches & Dinners provided are a mix of western and local food which include rice & noodle dishes, meats, vegetables, salads and desserts!
Note: We are able to cater for special diets
What should I pack?
Here's the HOT TIP...The Maldives is always HOT!
We recommend a few of pairs of bathers/swimwear as we will be spending a lot of time at the beach and in the water. Most guests choose to bring some nicer light clothes for our dinners and boat parties. Don't forget to pack: Hat, Sunglasses and Sunblock!
Are airport transfers included?
Yes, transfer both to and from the Airport are included in your tour. We will have a staff member waiting at the airport upon your arrival.
Is it standard to tip in the Maldives?
Tipping is compulsory in the Maldives but the good news is that it already added onto your bills to make it easy to manage. A service charge of 10% plus a 10% VAT tax will clearly be marked on your receipts.
In hotels it is also recommended that you leave the equivalent of a couple of dollars per day for housekeeping and concierge staff.
A recommended tip for your Tour guides is around USD$30-40 for the week. This is not expected, but very much appreciated.
Can you carry alcohol into Maldives?
You are not allowed to bring liquor to the Maldives. If you have bought liquor, beer and related items containing alcohol from a duty free shop while on route to the Maldives, these products must be bonded in the airport's customs department upon arrival. These goods will be returned before departure.
Can you drink alcohol in the Maldives
The majority of the Maldives is a 'dry' country and alcohol is not sold. However we have opportunities throughout the week during some of our excursions in which you can enjoy a drink or two...or three :)
