Q: What is the deposit required and when is final payment due?
A: Within 2 days of a reservation being booked and confirmed a deposit of $100.00 per person will be required.  Final payment will be required a minimum of 30 days prior to the travel departure date. If booking is made less than 30 days prior to departure, payment in full will be required upon confirmation of the reservations.  

On specific destinations or special group trips a larger deposit may be required, with full payment due months prior to departure (Sipidan, Philippines, liveaboards, etc.)  These special circumstances for deposit and payments will be explained upon booking.

Q: Can I get a refund if I cancel after payment has been made?
A:   Our prices to most destinations are very special prices that our dive and hotels partners have committed to. There are no refunds within 30 days of your departure. More specific information is on each destinations web page.

United Airlines will apply a $100 per person fee to change the date and / or name on the issued ticket or $150 per person fee for a full cancellation. .  On specific destinations a larger deposit maybe required, with full payment due at least 3 months prior to departure (Sipidan, Philippines, liveaboards, etc.).

Q:  I only have a military- no fee -passport, will this work to travel to the islands?
A: Yes. It is required that all travelers have an official passport for all destinations to and from Guam. Infants also require a passport.  Passports must be valid for 180 days after your trip return.

Q:  Can non divers go on the MDA group trips?
A: Absolutely! Non divers are welcome on all trips.  The package prices posted are based on divers and in most cases the non divers rates are lower.  Please let us know if there are non divers going on the trip and what they'd like to do.   We can also suggest a number of things based upon the destination you are choosing.

Q:  What happens when I get to my destination? How will I know where to go?
A: There will be a representative from the dive company and / or the hotel to meet you at the airport welcoming you to their island. Your hotel driver will take care of the luggage and take you to the hotel.

The dive operator may take your lunch order, give you pick up times along with general info. Your package will include transportation to the hotel, dive shop and airport. More specific information is on each destinations web page..

Q:  Will I need to rent a car?
A: No.  Hotel and tour transfers are included in your package. If you would like to sight see, taxi services are available for a minimal fee.  At most islands you may hire a driver for the day to take you sightseeing, shopping or just a relaxing drive around the island. Your hotel front desk can arrange this for you.  We can also pre book your car rental as well.

Q:  Are there any hotels that offer child care while I am diving?
A: Yes. There are many islands with resorts / hotels that can arrange child care services. This can also be arranged though our travel desk. Payment for this service is paid directly to hotel or care giver.

MDA is not responsible for the child care responsibilities.  Please review what your expectations are with the hotel / child care giver. If you have concerns or questions, please speak to the hotel manager once you are there.

Q: Can I use my Frequent Flyer Miles?
A: Yes, save money and book your flights with your miles.  Contact Continental Airlines directly to redeem your miles and let us book the other portions of your trip. 

Q: I only have time for a short trip. What is the best choice for my money?
A: We are fortunate to have daily service to many areas (Palau, Rota,Saipan, Philippines) and numerous flights to other areas every week. Visit each islands web page for package prices and find videos of what the destinations have to offer.

Q: Should I take my gear or rent it at my destination?
A: This is a personal preference but we recommend that if you have your own gear, take it!  Renting is always an option and most dive operators have a rental department. Tanks and weights are always included in your dive tours.

You are welcome to rent from our MDA rental department and pay $10 for the dive days only. We do not charge you for the travel days.

Q: Are there any hidden costs after I book a MDA Trip?
A: There are two answers to this.  Maybe and no, depending upon where you travel.  We make every effort to give you the exact costs and details on everything included in your vacation. However, there are some locations that require dive permit fees, departure taxes, and changes in the never ending fluctuations of airfare taxes.  

Each island has different requirements.  We can give you the latest information on each destinations web page. The dive permit fees are paid at the tour operator's location. Departure tax is paid to the airport / customs area. Cash is required.

Q: How is the diving?  What to bring & the water temperature.
A: Each island has its own special features, most commonly seen species, popular dive sites and appeal that make it unique. Micronesia is known for its abundance of marine life, and the diversity of species, cultural appeal, and warm tropical temperatures ranging from 79 to 85 degrees.  

Other detonations (Philippines, Malaysia, Australia) have a much wider range of water temperatures.  More specific information is on each destinations web page.

When boat diving on smaller islands, the boats maybe small and may or may not have shelter/cover. It is best to bring a rain jacket, flash light, safety sausage & dry bag with you on every trip.

Q. What is the policy for "tipping" the guides and hotel staff?
A. Tipping is up to each person and your personal experience at the location. No destinations in Micronesia or the Philippines require that you tip anyone. We recommend $5 - $10 per day for your boat crew, and this includes the dive guide. Hotel staff i.e.: housekeeping is usually $5 per day.   

It is customary to put your tip into an envelope and give to their supervisor prior to leaving the dive shop or leave in your hotel room for Housekeeping staff.   You can get envelopes at the front desk and or dive shop.  For hotel staff all tips are divided equally. Feel free to ask the front desk or dive shop if you have any questions. Tipping is a personal preference and we recommend you do what you feel is comfortable.  

Q. Cash, how much money should I bring?
A. Please read your vouchers very carefully. The vouchers will let you know what is included in your package. It is best to assume that you are going somewhere very remote and access to ATM's and banks will be difficult. We recommend that you bring a minimum of $250 cash with you.  

Some destinations may require a Dive / Water permit this may be paid via credit card to the direct dive shop. Entry or departure taxes are always paid in cash at the airport. You may have tipping, misc food and shopping.  Not all restaurants/ hotel accept credit cards, so please be prepared.  Yap and Pohnpei have one ATM.   So it is better to have cash with you. Do not rely on the hotel / resort for a cash advance, there is no guarantee that they can provide this service for you. Major credit cards accepted are Master Card and Visa.

Q. What if I have a problem while I am there?
A. If you have any problems while on the trip, bring it to the attention of the General Manager, Boat Captain, Manager of the dive shop, or staff supervisor.

Also please let us know of any issues or concerns you had on the trip, as we prides ourselves on using only the best diving operators, reliable hotels and resorts, and we expect above average customer service.

We will certainly follow up on any issue that has been brought to our attention, but it is important that the operators are aware of your concerns so when we communicate with them they'll know the situation as well.  If you need medical attention, please see the front desk or General Manager of the hotel/ resort for assistance.  

Due to the some of the remote destinations, it may be difficult to find basic items such as aspirin and/or cold medicine. You may want to take these items along, as well as a small first aid kit (band aids & ointment).

Q. What about bringing prescription medicines or alcohol into a country or island?
A. For medicines there is usually no problem.  A good tip is to label everything you have and what is for on a separate piece of paper to show customs if there are any questions. Some areas ban bringing in alcohol or cigarettes.  Bring prescriptions in their original container to avoid any issues.

Q. What about bringing camera gear into a country or island?
A. There is usually no problem with this if you are not a professional photographer or videographer. If you are a professional at some areas you can expect to pay a "duty" or "photographers permit fee".

Bring back up batteries as these smaller islands do not have everything you may need. If they do have batteries…they could be outdated.  Come prepared.

Please consult the information links on each specific webpage.