Curated Island Experiences
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
Version 1.0 | Effective: April 2026
Republic of Maldives
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before booking any tour package or service with Maldives Diaries. By making a booking, submitting a deposit, or accessing our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions in their entirety. These terms constitute a legally binding contract between you and Maldives Diaries.
Maldives Diaries (hereinafter referred to as "the Company," "we," "us," or "our") is a duly licensed tour operator incorporated and operating under the laws of the Republic of Maldives, holding a valid Tour Operator Licence issued by the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Maldives pursuant to the Maldives Tourism Act (Law No. 2/99) and its successive amendments, including the Sixteenth Amendment (6 December 2025).
Maldives Diaries specialises in curated, limited-slot cultural immersion travel packages focused on inhabited islands of the Maldives. Our core offering encompasses authentic local experiences, cultural engagement with Maldivian communities, sustainable tourism, and carefully selected accommodation in licensed guesthouses and hotels on inhabited islands, combined with traditional leisure and marine activities.
In these Terms and Conditions, the following definitions apply unless the context otherwise requires:
"Agreement" means these Terms and Conditions together with the Booking Confirmation, Package Itinerary, and any supplementary documents issued by the Company.
"Booking" means a reservation made by a Client for a Package or individual Service offered by the Company.
"Booking Confirmation" means a written confirmation issued by the Company acknowledging receipt of the initial deposit and confirming the tentative reservation of a Package.
"Client" means any individual, group, or legal entity that makes or benefits from a Booking with the Company, including all persons named in the Booking.
"Company" means Maldives Diaries, its officers, employees, agents, subcontractors, and affiliates.
"Force Majeure Event" means any event beyond the reasonable control of either party, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, pandemic or epidemic, war, civil unrest, terrorist acts, government action, strikes, or infrastructure failures.
"Green Tax" means the environmental levy imposed on tourists pursuant to Maldives law, currently USD 6.00 per person per day at establishments with more than 50 rooms, and USD 3.00 per person per day at guesthouses with 50 or fewer rooms.
"Inhabited Island" means any island in the Republic of Maldives on which a local Maldivian community permanently resides, as distinct from private resort islands.
"Lead Passenger" means the individual who makes the Booking on behalf of all persons included in the Party, who accepts these Terms on behalf of all Party members and is the primary point of contact.
"Package" means any combination of services arranged by the Company, including accommodation, transportation, guided experiences, cultural activities, marine excursions, and related services.
"Party" means the Lead Passenger and all other individuals included in a single Booking.
"Service Provider" means any third-party supplier engaged by the Company to deliver any element of the Package, including guesthouses, transport operators, activity providers, and local guides.
"TGST" means Tourism Goods and Services Tax at 16%, levied pursuant to Maldives tax law on all tourist-related goods and services.
"Travel Documents" means passports, visas, permits, medical certificates, insurance documents, and any other documentation required for travel to and within the Maldives.
These Terms and Conditions apply to all Bookings made directly with Maldives Diaries through our website, email, telephone, or through any authorised affiliated foreign tour operator.
The Lead Passenger accepts these Terms on behalf of all members of the Party. It is the responsibility of the Lead Passenger to ensure that all Party members have been made aware of and have accepted these Terms.
If you are booking through a foreign tour operator that has an affiliation agreement with Maldives Diaries under the Maldives Tourism Act, the terms of that affiliation agreement shall operate alongside but shall not override these Terms.
These Terms may be updated from time to time. The version applicable to your Booking is the version in force at the time of Booking Confirmation.
All Packages offered by Maldives Diaries are subject to limited availability. Slot allocation is on a first-come, first-served basis upon receipt and confirmation of the initial deposit.
A Booking is initiated by the submission of a completed Booking Form, followed by payment of the required deposit. A Booking is not confirmed until the Company issues a written Booking Confirmation.
It is the Client's responsibility to verify that all details in the Booking Confirmation are accurate, including names, travel dates, package inclusions, and accommodation details. Any errors must be reported to the Company within 48 hours of receipt of the Booking Confirmation.
The Company reserves the right to decline any Booking at its absolute discretion without being required to provide a reason for such refusal.
All Bookings are subject to a minimum group composition as specified in the relevant Package description. Bookings falling below the minimum group threshold may be accepted at the Company's discretion at adjusted pricing.
All prices quoted are in United States Dollars (USD) unless explicitly stated otherwise. Prices are per person based on the occupancy specified in the Package description.
Package prices include only those items expressly listed as "Inclusions" in the Package Itinerary. Items not listed are excluded.
The following taxes and levies are additional to Package prices unless explicitly stated as included:
The Company reserves the right to pass on any additional government-imposed taxes or surcharges notified after Booking Confirmation. Clients will be informed of any such additional amounts as soon as reasonably practicable.
Quoted prices are based on prevailing exchange rates and supplier costs at the time of quotation. The Company reserves the right to adjust prices in the event of significant exchange rate fluctuations exceeding 5% or documented increases in supplier costs.
A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total Package price is required to initiate a Booking. The deposit amount and payment deadline will be specified in the Booking Form.
The remaining balance of the Package price must be paid in full no later than 60 days prior to the commencement of the Package. Failure to pay the balance by the due date may result in automatic cancellation of the Booking and forfeiture of the deposit.
For Bookings made within 60 days of the Package commencement date, full payment is required at the time of Booking.
Payment methods accepted by the Company will be communicated at the time of Booking. The Company accepts no liability for any bank charges, conversion fees, or transaction costs incurred by the Client.
All payments must be made in cleared funds. Any payment returned unpaid by the Client's bank will result in an administrative fee, and the Booking may be treated as cancelled.
Receipts and invoices will be issued by the Company upon receipt of cleared funds.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to the Company. Cancellation is effective from the date the written notice is received by the Company.
The following cancellation charges apply, calculated as a percentage of the total Package price:
The foregoing cancellation charges reflect actual losses and pre-committed costs incurred by the Company with Service Providers and cannot be waived except in accordance with the Force Majeure clause.
No refunds will be given for unused portions of a Package, including unused accommodation nights, activities not undertaken, or meals not consumed, for any reason including early departure, illness, or changes in personal preference.
In the event of a documented Force Majeure Event directly preventing travel, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to offer the Client a credit towards a future Package of equivalent value, valid for 18 months. The granting of such credit is at the Company's discretion and subject to recovery of costs from Service Providers.
The Company strongly recommends that all Clients obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation for all risks, including medical, personal, and Force Majeure events.
The Company reserves the right to cancel any Package at any time prior to departure in the following circumstances:
Where the Company cancels a Package for reasons other than Force Majeure or the Client's fault, the Company will offer the Client the choice of: (a) a full refund of all monies paid to the Company; or (b) a credit towards an alternative Package of comparable value. The Company's liability for such cancellation is limited to the amounts paid by the Client to the Company.
The Company reserves the right to make minor modifications to Package itineraries without prior notice, including changes to accommodation within the same category, changes to activity sequencing, or changes to transportation routing, where such changes are necessitated by operational requirements, weather, or supplier issues.
Where a significant modification is required (defined as a change of destination, substantial reduction in the duration of the Package, or a significant downgrade in accommodation standard), the Company will notify the Client as soon as possible and offer the choice of accepting the modification or receiving a full refund.
Requests for amendments to confirmed Bookings must be submitted in writing. The Company will use reasonable endeavours to accommodate such requests but cannot guarantee their fulfillment.
Amendments are subject to availability and an amendment fee of USD 50 per change per person, plus any additional costs imposed by Service Providers as a result of the amendment.
Name changes are treated as a cancellation and re-booking and are subject to the cancellation charges unless the change is due to a legal name change supported by documentation.
It is the sole responsibility of each traveller to ensure they hold a valid passport with a minimum of six months' validity beyond the intended return date from the Maldives, and to obtain any required visas or travel authorisations for both the Republic of Maldives and any transit countries.
As of the date of these Terms, citizens of most countries are granted a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival in the Maldives. It is the Client's responsibility to verify current entry requirements with the relevant Maldivian embassy or consulate, and the immigration requirements may change without notice.
The Company accepts no responsibility for any loss, additional expense, or inconvenience arising from a Client's failure to comply with passport, visa, health, customs, or immigration requirements. Any costs incurred as a result of such failure will be borne entirely by the Client.
Clients are advised to carry a printed copy of their Booking Confirmation, as Maldivian immigration authorities may request evidence of confirmed accommodation.
Travel Insurance: The Company strongly recommends, and may require as a condition of booking certain high-risk activities, that all Clients hold comprehensive travel insurance that includes, at minimum: medical evacuation and repatriation, emergency medical and hospitalisation expenses, trip cancellation and curtailment, loss of baggage and personal effects, personal liability, and watersports and marine activity coverage (where applicable).
Medical Fitness: It is the Client's responsibility to ensure they are in good health and medically fit to participate in the activities included in their Package. The Client must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect their ability to participate in activities, at the time of Booking.
The Company reserves the right, at its discretion or on the advice of a Service Provider, to exclude a Client from any activity where their participation would pose a risk to themselves or others.
Vaccinations: The Company does not provide medical advice. Clients are responsible for ensuring they have obtained all vaccinations recommended or required for travel to the Maldives, and should consult a qualified medical professional or travel health clinic prior to departure.
Pregnancy: Pregnant clients must disclose their pregnancy at the time of Booking. Certain activities, including but not limited to water sports, snorkelling with strong currents, and boat transfers, may not be suitable during pregnancy. The Company will advise of alternatives where available.
The Maldives has limited medical facilities, particularly on Inhabited Islands and in remote atolls. Serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to Malé or overseas. The Company accepts no liability for the adequacy or availability of medical facilities.
The core ethos of Maldives Diaries is respectful, responsible engagement with Maldivian communities. Clients booking with the Company are required to understand and abide by the following cultural and legal obligations, which reflect both Maldivian law and our own community commitments.
Dress Code on Inhabited Islands: The Republic of Maldives is an Islamic nation. On all Inhabited Islands, including all public areas such as roads, harbours, local cafes, markets, mosques, and community spaces, Clients are required to dress modestly at all times. As a minimum:
Individual island councils may impose stricter dress code requirements, and fines may be levied by local councils for violations. Financial penalties imposed by local authorities for dress code violations are the sole responsibility of the Client.
Alcohol Prohibition: The sale, consumption, and possession of alcohol is strictly prohibited on all Inhabited Islands of the Maldives. Clients must not bring alcohol onto any Inhabited Island or consume alcohol in any public or community space. Violation of this prohibition is a criminal offence under Maldivian law and will result in immediate termination of the Company's services without refund, and potential detention by Maldivian law enforcement authorities.
Narcotics and Prohibited Substances: The importation, possession, and use of narcotics and controlled substances is a serious criminal offence under the Laws of the Maldives and carries severe penalties, including imprisonment. The Company bears no responsibility for any Client who violates Maldivian drug laws and will cooperate fully with Maldivian law enforcement authorities.
Religious Respect: Clients must conduct themselves in a manner respectful of the Islamic faith and Maldivian religious customs. This includes:
Environmental Conduct: Clients must comply with the Protection and Conservation of Environment in the Tourism Industry Regulation and all applicable environmental legislation. This includes:
Community Interaction Guidelines: The Company will provide all Clients with a pre-departure Cultural Orientation and Community Conduct Briefing. Clients agree to actively participate in this briefing and to abide by the guidelines provided. The Company reserves the right to terminate a Client's participation in the Package, without refund, in the event of serious, repeated, or wilful breaches of the cultural conduct requirements herein.
Clients may photograph local scenes for personal, non-commercial purposes only. Commercial photography, filming, or content creation for brand partnerships, advertising, or media publication requires prior written approval from the Company and may require additional permits from relevant Maldivian authorities.
Clients must not photograph, film, or record individual community members, children, private residences, or places of worship without the express prior consent of the individuals concerned.
The Company may photograph or film Clients during Package activities for marketing and promotional purposes. Clients who do not consent to their image being used for marketing purposes must notify the Company in writing at the time of Booking.
Drone operation in the Maldives is regulated by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. Clients must obtain all required permits before operating any unmanned aerial vehicle. The Company cannot assist in obtaining drone permits and accepts no liability for any drone seized or penalties imposed for unauthorised drone operation.
The Company reserves the right to terminate the Package for any Client whose conduct is deemed, at the Company's sole discretion, to be endangering the health, safety, or wellbeing of other Clients, Company staff, Service Provider staff, or local community members; is in violation of Maldivian law; is disrespectful of local culture or religious practice; or is otherwise disruptive to the enjoyment of other Clients.
In the event of termination, no refund shall be payable, and the Client will be solely responsible for all costs of onward travel and accommodation.
The Company and its guides, staff, and representatives are not responsible for managing or mediating conflicts between Clients. Clients are expected to conduct themselves in a civil and respectful manner towards all persons encountered during the Package.
The itineraries provided for each Package are carefully curated and represent our best intentions at the time of design. However, Maldives Diaries operates in an island environment characterised by weather dependency, tidal conditions, inter-island transportation limitations, and community life rhythms. Itinerary flexibility is inherent and expected.
The Company cannot and does not guarantee the exact execution of every item on a stated itinerary. Weather conditions, sea state, mechanical issues with transport, community events, or unforeseen circumstances may require adjustments to be made to the sequence, timing, or content of activities.
Where an activity cannot proceed as planned, the Company will use reasonable endeavours to provide an alternative activity of comparable nature and value. No refund will be given for activities not conducted due to weather, sea conditions, or other circumstances beyond the Company's control.
Water-based activities including snorkelling, diving, surfing, fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, dhoni cruises, and similar activities carry inherent risks and are offered subject to the following terms:
All water-based activities are subject to weather and sea state conditions as assessed by the qualified guide or instructor. The decision to proceed with, modify, or cancel any water activity rests with the lead guide or instructor and is final.
The Company is not a dive operator. Where diving activities are included in a Package, they are delivered by a third-party licensed dive centre. The dive centre's own terms, safety briefings, and liability waivers apply.
Maldives Diaries curates and coordinates Packages using the services of third-party Service Providers, including licensed guesthouses, transport operators, activity providers, local cultural guides, and restaurants. The Company exercises due diligence in selecting Service Providers who meet relevant licensing and quality standards.
Notwithstanding the Company's selection process, Service Providers are independent entities. The Company does not own, operate, supervise, or control any Service Provider, and the Company is not an agent of any Service Provider.
The Company's liability for the acts, omissions, negligence, or default of Service Providers is limited to the extent set out in the Limitation of Liability clause. Clients may have separate rights of action against Service Providers directly.
Accommodation standards on Inhabited Islands, particularly in remote atolls, may differ from international hotel standards to which Clients may be accustomed. Guesthouses on local islands offer authentic, community-based experiences. The Company takes care to set accurate expectations in Package descriptions and encourages Clients to enquire about accommodation standards before Booking.
Inter-island and inter-atoll transportation in the Maldives is provided by a combination of scheduled domestic flights, seaplanes, speedboats, ferries, and traditional dhonis. The Company coordinates the transportation elements included in each Package based on the most suitable and logistically feasible options.
Seaplane operations are weather-dependent and typically operate only in daylight hours. Seaplane schedules and availability are controlled entirely by the seaplane operator and are subject to change. The Company cannot guarantee seaplane schedules and accepts no liability for delays, rerouting, or changes imposed by the seaplane operator.
Domestic flight and ferry schedules may change. The Company will use reasonable endeavours to keep Clients informed of known changes, but is not liable for schedule changes made by transport providers.
Clients are responsible for arriving at all departure points on time. The Company accepts no liability for Clients who miss departures due to their own delay.
Baggage allowances on domestic flights and seaplanes are strictly limited. Clients must comply with the baggage restrictions of all carriers. Excess baggage charges are the sole responsibility of the Client.
Meals included in Packages are specified in the Package Itinerary. Unless stated, the standard menu includes local Maldivian cuisine and may include seafood, fish, and other local produce.
Clients must notify the Company of all food allergies, intolerances, and dietary requirements at the time of Booking. While the Company will make reasonable efforts to communicate these requirements to Service Providers, the Company cannot guarantee that all dietary requirements can be fully accommodated on Inhabited Islands where menu options are limited.
Clients with severe or life-threatening food allergies are advised to carry their own emergency medication (e.g., epinephrine auto-injectors) and to exercise personal vigilance, as the Company cannot guarantee allergen-free preparation in all locations.
Clients acknowledge that travel to and within the Maldives involves inherent risks, including but not limited to: marine hazards such as currents, marine fauna, and weather; physical activities including water sports and trekking; travel by small vessel; limited medical facilities in remote locations; exposure to unfamiliar environments and climates; and changes in political or environmental conditions.
By confirming a Booking, each Client voluntarily accepts these inherent risks and assumes full responsibility for their personal safety, health, and wellbeing.
Clients are required to sign a Risk Acknowledgement and Release Form prior to commencement of the Package. Failure to sign this form will result in the Client being excluded from participation without refund.
Each Client agrees to fully indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Maldives Diaries, its officers, employees, agents, guides, and affiliated Service Providers from and against any and all claims, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including legal fees) arising out of or relating to:
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, including the Maldives Tourism Act, the Company's total liability to any Client arising out of or in connection with a Booking shall not exceed the total amount paid by that Client to the Company for the relevant Package.
The Company shall not be liable for any of the following losses or damages, whether direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential:
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits any liability that cannot be excluded or limited by applicable Maldivian law or international convention.
The Company's liability for loss or damage to personal property during transportation is governed by the applicable terms and tariffs of the carrier and may be subject to international conventions.
In the event that a Client has a complaint regarding any aspect of the Package, the Client must bring the matter to the attention of the Company's on-ground representative or guide as soon as reasonably practicable during the Package so that prompt remedial action can be attempted.
If the matter is not resolved to the Client's satisfaction during the Package, the Client must submit a written complaint to the Company within 30 days of the conclusion of the Package. Complaints submitted outside this period may not be considered.
The Company will acknowledge receipt of a written complaint within 7 business days and will endeavour to provide a substantive response within 28 business days.
Clients also have the right to lodge complaints with the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Maldives in accordance with the Maldives Tourism Act.
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Maldives, including the Maldives Tourism Act (Law No. 2/99 as amended), the Maldives Civil Law, and applicable regulations.
Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall first be referred to good-faith mediation between the parties within 30 days of written notice of the dispute.
If mediation fails to resolve the dispute within 60 days, the parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Republic of Maldives.
For Clients resident in jurisdictions with mandatory consumer protection statutes that confer rights which cannot be excluded by contract, such rights are preserved alongside these Terms.
Maldives Diaries operates in full compliance with the Maldives Tourism Act (Law No. 2/99 and its amendments), including the Sixteenth Amendment (gazetted 6 December 2025), which mandates Tour Operator Licences for all tourism-related travel agency services in the Maldives.
Foreign tour operators and travel agents who market, sell, or distribute Maldives Diaries packages are required by law to hold a valid Foreign Tour Operator Licence issued under the Maldives Tourism Act, and must operate through an executed affiliation agreement with Maldives Diaries as the locally licensed tour operator.
Bookings received from foreign agents without a valid Foreign Tour Operator Licence will not be processed. Maldives Diaries assumes no liability for losses incurred by any foreign operator or client resulting from non-compliance by the foreign operator with Maldivian licensing requirements.
All advertising and promotional materials produced or approved by Maldives Diaries comply with the Advertising Regulation of the Ministry of Tourism, including requirements for factual accuracy, alignment with licensed services, and respect for Maldivian cultural and religious values.
Third-party guesthouses, activity providers, transport operators, and local guides engaged by Maldives Diaries as Service Providers must hold all licences, permits, and approvals required by Maldivian law, including licences under the Maldives Tourism Act.
Maldives Diaries enters into written Service Provider Agreements with all principal Service Providers. Such agreements incorporate minimum service standards, insurance requirements, cultural conduct obligations, and compliance with applicable law.
Maldives Diaries reserves the right to substitute a Service Provider at any time where it determines that a Service Provider no longer meets the required standards, without this constituting a material change to the Package requiring Client consent.
Revenue from guesthouses and hotels on Inhabited Islands is subject to the provisions of the Sixteenth Amendment to the Maldives Tourism Act, which directs a portion of tourism revenues to local island and city councils. Clients' payments to Maldives Diaries are applied in a manner consistent with these provisions.
Maldives Diaries is committed to the principles of sustainable and responsible tourism. All Packages are designed to minimise environmental impact, maximise community benefit, and promote the long-term wellbeing of the Inhabited Islands visited.
Maldives Diaries complies with the Protection and Conservation of Environment in the Tourism Industry Regulation and any successor legislation.
All Clients are required to adhere to the Company's Environmental Code of Conduct, which is provided at the time of Booking and reiterated during the pre-departure orientation.
The Company does not market or offer activities involving the exploitation of marine wildlife, the collection of protected natural materials, or any practice inconsistent with the environmental policies of the Government of the Maldives.
All content on the Maldives Diaries website and in our marketing materials, including itineraries, photographs, written descriptions, logos, and branding, is the intellectual property of Maldives Diaries or its licensors and is protected by applicable copyright and intellectual property law.
Clients and partner agents may not reproduce, distribute, or commercially exploit any Maldives Diaries content without prior written consent.
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be severed from the remaining Terms, which shall continue in full force and effect.
These Terms and Conditions, together with the Booking Confirmation, Package Itinerary, and any Risk Acknowledgement Form, constitute the entire agreement between the Client and Maldives Diaries with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior communications, representations, and understandings.
No failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right or remedy under these Terms shall constitute a waiver of that right or remedy. A waiver of any breach shall not constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach.
For all booking enquiries, complaints, or notices under these Terms, please contact Maldives Diaries at:
Maldives Diaries
Email: info@maldivesdiaries.com
Phone: +960 XXX XXXX
Physical Address: Address, Malé, Republic of Maldives
Ministry of Tourism Registration No.: XXXXXXX
Disclaimer: These Terms and Conditions constitute a legal document. Clients are advised to read them carefully and to seek independent legal advice if any provision is unclear. These Terms do not limit any rights that cannot be excluded under applicable consumer protection law in the Client's jurisdiction of residence.
