FAQ · Before You Travel
Questions, answered.
Everything guests usually ask before booking a private charter with us. Can’t find your answer? Message us on WhatsApp — a real person replies.
Fishing Trips
Do I need fishing experience?
No. Our charters are built for everyone from absolute first-timers to hardcore anglers. The crew coaches beginners patiently, and serious anglers get a technical program shaped around their target species. Tell us your level and we set the day accordingly.
What is included on a fishing charter?
The boat, a licensed local captain and crew, quality rods, tackle, bait and lures, full safety equipment and drinking water. Meals and fresh halal catering can be arranged in advance. Resort or guesthouse pickup is quoted separately depending on where you are staying.
How long are the trips?
Half-day charters run about four hours, full-day big game charters about eight. Remote offshore expeditions and multi-day programs go further — from a single long day to a full week of fishing, island stays and camping.
What can we target?
Depending on season and zone: giant trevally, yellowfin and dogtooth tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and a huge range of reef species — plus deep-water monsters on the deep drop. On offshore trolling, sailfish and marlin are a real possibility in season, though we never promise a billfish; we fish honestly.
Can we keep what we catch?
Reef fish destined for the table — yes, and catch-and-cook is one of the best parts of a trip here. Certain sport species are released in line with our sustainability standards, and protected species are never targeted. Your crew will guide you on the day.
When is the best time of year?
The Maldives fishes year-round. Species peak at different times across the two monsoon seasons, so the honest answer depends on your target — tell us what you want to catch and we will tell you the best realistic window.
Custom Expeditions
How does a custom expedition work?
You tell us what you want — through the Expedition Builder or on WhatsApp. We reply with three tailored options: Essential, Signature and Full Adventure, each with clear inclusions and a guide price. You pick one, we refine it together and lock your dates.
How far ahead should I book?
For multi-day expeditions, four to eight weeks ahead is ideal so we can secure islands, guesthouses and crew. Day trips can often be arranged at much shorter notice — it never hurts to ask.
Can we mix fishing, camping and diving in one trip?
Yes — that is exactly what we are built for. Most of our favourite expeditions blend serious fishing days with island camping, snorkelling, sandbank evenings and freediving. One boat, one crew, one seamless plan.
Boat & Comfort
What boats do you run?
Two. The Tide Explorer 38 — a fast 38ft centre-console with twin Honda 350hp outboards, hardtop shade, a private toilet and a full fishing and safety fit-out — for big game and offshore days with up to six anglers. And the Tide Express 22 — a nimble 22ft open boat for light fishing and island trips with up to four guests.
Is there a toilet on board?
Yes — the Tide Explorer 38 has a private enclosed head. The Tide Express 22, being an open boat, does not; on island-hopping days there are stops where facilities are available.
I get seasick. Should I still come?
Very likely yes. Lagoon and inshore waters are usually calm, and the captain shapes the route around conditions. Take a standard seasickness tablet an hour before departure, keep your eyes on the horizon, and tell the crew — they have seen it all and will look after you.
Are non-anglers welcome on a fishing charter?
Absolutely. Shade, space and a gentle pace are easy to arrange, and non-fishing guests usually end up loving the day — swimming, snorkelling and the island stops in between.
Safety
What safety equipment is on board?
Life jackets in all sizes, VHF radio, first aid kit, searchlight and full navigation equipment — on every trip, no exceptions. Our captains are licensed and have spent their lives on these waters.
Can children come?
Yes. Children are welcome with properly fitted life vests and adult supervision, and we plan family days at a pace that suits them — calm waters, shade and plenty of stops.
Who decides if conditions are safe?
The captain — always. If weather makes a plan unsafe, we change the route, the timing or the day. No catch is worth the risk, and we will always tell you straight.
Weather & Seasons
What are the Maldives seasons like?
Two monsoons shape the year: the northeast season (roughly December to April) is drier and calmer, and the southwest season (roughly May to November) brings more rain and wind but also some superb fishing windows. There is good fishing in both — the plan just adapts.
What happens if it rains?
Tropical showers usually pass quickly. We adjust timing and route around them, and the day almost always goes ahead. Sustained bad weather is a different matter — see below.
What if you cancel my trip for weather?
If the captain calls off a trip for safety, we move it to the next possible day or work out the fairest option with you — you will never simply lose your trip because of weather. Exact terms are confirmed with your booking.
Family & Friends Trips
What is the family option?
Stay at your own resort or guesthouse, and we become your daily adventure partner — picking your group up for fishing, snorkelling, island hopping, sandbank picnics or camping nights, then bringing you home. One day or every day of your holiday.
How big can our group be?
Up to eight guests on the Tide Explorer 38 (five to six is the comfortable sweet spot) and four on the Tide Express 22. Larger groups can split across both boats and meet at the islands.
Do you plan celebrations?
Yes — birthdays, anniversaries, proposals and private sandbank dinners are all things we arrange quietly and well. Tell us the occasion and leave the staging to us.
Camping
Where do you camp?
On wild and uninhabited islands of the far north — our home waters around Shaviyani Atoll. Real castaway country: white sand, turquoise lagoon and nobody else on the island.
What is provided?
Everything: tents and bedding, cooking and camp setup, meals built around the day’s catch, drinking water, and a crew that stays with you throughout. You bring sunscreen and a sense of adventure.
Is island camping safe?
Yes. You are never left alone — the crew camps with you, the boat stays close, and we hold full communication and first aid on site. It feels wild; it is run carefully.
Diving & Ocean Activities
Who can join the Freedive Hunting Expedition?
Experienced freedivers, by eligibility. The expedition is subject to current Maldives regulations and to your experience level, both confirmed at enquiry — we will tell you honestly whether it is right for you and your dates.
Can we snorkel without any experience?
Yes — snorkelling is the easiest add-on to any trip. Gear is provided, the crew stays in the water with beginners, and the reefs do the rest.
Do you offer scuba diving?
Scuba runs through our trusted partner dive centres rather than in-house, for both certified and first-time divers. We fold it into your itinerary so it feels like one seamless trip.
What is a lobster dive?
A guided night-time or dusk dive with our watermen to hunt lobster by hand, then cook it fresh on the beach. Seasonal and by request — and yes, it is where our name comes from.
Booking
How do I book?
Message us on WhatsApp at +960 794 4177, send an enquiry through the contact page, or use the Expedition Builder. We confirm availability, send your quote and lock the dates once you approve.
How fast do you reply?
Within 24 hours, usually much faster. We are a small team on Maldives time (GMT+5) — if you message at night, you will hear from us in the morning.
Can I book through an agent in my region?
Yes — we work with trusted partners for China, Malaysia and Southeast Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Shared trips and single seats run through our hospitality partner, Chasing Tales. Booking direct with us is always available too.
Payment
How do I pay?
A deposit confirms your booking, with the balance settled as set out in your quote. Payment options — including bank transfer and card payment — are shared with your quote. All prices are in US dollars.
Is the deposit refundable?
Deposit and refund terms are stated clearly in your quote before you commit — no surprises. Ask us anything about the terms before you confirm; we would rather over-explain than have a misunderstanding.
Cancellation & Rescheduling
What if I need to cancel or change my dates?
Tell us as early as you can. With reasonable notice we are flexible — moving dates where availability allows is always our first preference over cancelling. The exact terms for your trip are confirmed in your quote.
What if the weather cancels the trip?
If we call off a trip for safety, we reschedule to the next possible day or agree the fairest option with you. Weather calls are ours to make and ours to make right.
Still Wondering?
Ask us directly
Season, group size, target fish, budget — some answers depend on your exact trip. Send us your details and we will advise the best option, honestly.