We hope these will answer most of your questions. If not, please don't hesitate to call or email us. It is always recommended to read all paperwork given to you in your travel packet prior to departing for your destination.
Q: What is the deposit required and when is final payment due?
A: Within 2 weeks of a reservation being booked and confirmed is when a deposit of $200.00 will be required per person. Final payment in full will be required a minimum of 30 days prior to the travel departure date. If booking is made less than 30 days prior, payment in full will be required upon confirmation of the reservations.
Q: Can I get a refund if I cancel after payment has been made?
A: Our refund polices are primarily developed by our Travel Partners. In most cases you are eligible for a full refund, less a $25 administrative fee, if cancelled 31 or more days prior to travel departure date. On some specific trips which require a deposit at least 6 months prior to departure (Sipidan , New Guinea, liveaboards, etc.) there may be an additional penalty. Airfare Refunds: for cancellation or changes to your booked ticket, you will incur a $100 penalty fee per person / ticket. Continental may waive the penalty fee on a "case by case" basic due to emergencies but will require a Doctors Evaluation Letter.
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. The latest info that we have is that a No-Fee Passport is official. Passports are REQUIRED for all travel destinations to and from Guam. Passports must be valid for 180 days after your trip return.
Q: Can non divers go on the MDA group trips?
A: Yes! Non divers are welcome on all trips. The package price posted is for a diver, a non diver would be less expensive. Also other land tours maybe arranged.
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 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 shopand airport.
Q: Will I need to rent a car?
A: In most cases, no. the islands are small and taxi services are available for a small fee. Most islands you may hire a driver for the day to take you sight seeing, shopping or just a relaxing drive around the island. Your hotel front desk can usually arrange this for you. If you would like to rent a car, most of the airports will have that service.
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 is always paid directly to hotel or care giver. MDA is not responsible for the child care responsibilities, we can arrange it for you, but please review what your expectations are with the hotel / child care giver. If you have concerns or questions, please speak to the hotel once you are there.
Q: Can I use my Frequent Flyer Miles?
A: You may use your frequent flyer miles and let us book the other portions of your trip. Our travel desk can not book your airfare using your miles, but once your dates are secure, give us a call or email to book the rest. If you are going to use your miles please make your reservations far ahead, as there are many limitations on using them.
Q: I only have a short window of time to visit another island. What is the best choice for my money?
A: The easiest islands to travel to and from are: Palau, Philippines, and Saipan. Flights are everyday for these islands. 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 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 for the dive days only. We do not charge your for the travel days. See the Retail Department for the $40 unlimited rental.
Q: Are there any hidden costs after I book a MDA Trip?
A: There are two answers to this. Maybe and no depending upon whete 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 or see your packet information when given to you after travel arrangements have been made. 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 it's own special features, most commonly seen species, popular dive sites and appeal that make it unique. Micronesia is known for it's abundance of marine life, and the diversity of species, cultural appeal, and warm tropical temperatures ranging from 79 to 85 degrees.
A skin (.5mm wetsuit) or rash guard will usually do the trick. Diving in other destinations can be challenging, with drift diving, tide changes,etc., so please discuss with your captain or dive guide any of your concerns prior to entering the water. When boat diving on smaller islands, the boats maybe small, and may or may not have shelter/cover. It is bes t 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 art the location. No destinations in Micronesia or the Philippines requires that you tip anyone.
We recommend $10-15 per day for your boat crew, and this includes the dive guide. It is customary to put your tip into an envelope and give to thier supervsor prior to leaving the resort. You can get envelopes at the front desk.
For hotel staff all tips are divided equally. Fee free to ask the front desk if you have any questions. Tipping is a personal preference and you would do what you feel comfortable with doing.
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 mibnimum of $250 cash with you.
Dive permitrs and entry or departure taxes are always paid in cash. You may have tipping, misc food and shopping . Not all restaurants/ hotel accept credit cards, so please be prepared. Yap has NO ATM's. Pohnpei has ONE. 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, and sometimes American Express.
Q. What if I have a problem while I am there?
A. If you inquire a problem or issues while on the trip, bring it to the attention of the General Manager, Boat Captain, Manager of the dive shop, or staff supervisor. As an MDA client, they will do whatever is needed to correct the situation. Also please let us know of any issues or concerns you had on the trip, as MDA prides itself on using only the best the diving operators, reliable hotels and resorts, and 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 hote l/ resort for assistance. It is best to take with you aspirin, cold medicine, and small first aid kit for your own protection.
Q. What about bringing prescription medicines or alcohol into a country or island?
For medicines there is usually no problem whatsoever. 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 b t dive bags are rarely checked if you are going to a primary dive destination.
Q. What about bringing camera gear into a country or island?
Again, 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".
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