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BYO BOARD OR BOOK ONE OF OUR SUPS
Flying with SUPs & Surfboards – What You Need to Know

We often get asked about traveling with boards, especially in light of confusing or conflicting information online and from other travelers. Recently, a guest raised concerns after hearing claims that airline policies had changed from January 1st, 2025, and boards would no longer be accepted. Based on our experience and research, we have not seen any official changes that support this claim.

Here’s what we can share from our own experience and that of our guests:

We’ve been flying with SUPs, longboards, and surfboards since 2017, and have never encountered an issue with major airlines—this includes travelers coming from Australia, the USA, Europe, and Africa on a wide variety of carriers. Most boards used on our trips are within the 9’0 to 9’6 range, which is typically manageable for airlines when packed well.

Airline baggage policies often reference total dimensions (L x W x H), with limits such as 200cm or 300cm. This refers to combined dimensions, not the maximum length alone. For example, 200cm in total dimensions might equate to something like 200cm x 75cm x 80cm, and does not necessarily prohibit longer items like surfboards—especially when the item is clearly categorized as sporting equipment.

It’s also worth noting that airline websites can be vague or overly cautious in their wording, but in practice, boards are very rarely “cubed out” or rejected due to dimensional calculations, especially when checking in as surfboards/SUPs. We strongly recommend referring to your board as a surfboard rather than a stand-up paddleboard to avoid confusion.

Our Airline Recommendations (Based on Experience):

From Australia:

• Singapore Airlines – A reliable option with generous allowances. We and our clients have successfully flown boards up to 9’6” with Singapore Airlines for years. They service Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane via Singapore to Malé. Their economy baggage allowance includes up to 30kg, but note that excess luggage is charged at $42 USD/kg and cannot be pre-purchased.

• Air Asia – Flying via Kuala Lumpur from Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast. They offer a sporting equipment allowance which can be pre-purchased—ideal for bringing multiple boards.

From the United States:

• Emirates – One of the most board-friendly airlines we know, allowing gear up to 300cm (10’). They fly regularly from Los Angeles to Malé via Dubai, with total travel time around 27 hours.

Please note: You may need to arrive the day before your boat departs to align with check-in and transfer times.

Important Disclaimer:

While we do our best to provide accurate and helpful information based on our own extensive travel experience, we cannot guarantee that an airline won’t challenge or deny specific items at check-in. Policies vary between airlines and can change without notice. Always double-check with your airline before flying, ensure your board is packed well within airline guidelines, and be prepared to adapt if necessary.

Moon Tours SUNOVA SUP Rental Terms & Conditions (Maldives SUP Surfing Holidays)

SUP Rental Agreement

Participants may bring their own stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or rent a SUNOVA SUP online for $400AUD. This rental fee covers exclusive use of a board for the duration of the tour and includes one minor deck repair if required. No refunds will be issued if the board is undamaged or unused.

Eligibility & Availability

  • SUP rental is only available to those who do not bring their own board.
  • Boards are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests must confirm availability and complete their booking online to secure a board.
  • Spare boards may be available in case of irreparable damage to a guest’s own board, but availability is not guaranteed.

Responsibilities & Liability

  • Renters must inspect the board before use and report any pre-existing damage to their guide or Moon Tours representative.
  • Renters are fully responsible for the board for the duration of the hire period. Any damage, regardless of how it occurred or who caused it, is the sole responsibility of the hirer.
  • Moon Tours is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen boards, nor for resolving disputes between guests regarding responsibility for damage.
  • Renters assume full liability for the rented SUP and agree to use it at their own risk.

Damage & Loss Policy

Renters are financially responsible for any damage, loss, or necessary repairs. Fees apply as follows: (Payment required on-site during the tour)

  • Minor repairs (small dings, minor damages): Minimum $50 USD
  • Major repairs (rails, structural damage): Minimum $100 USD
  • Total loss (snapped/creased board): Charged at current second-hand market value (board remains in guest’s possession as a memento)
  • The renter must pay Moon Tours directly for any damage. If they wish to seek reimbursement from another party, that is solely their responsibility.
  • In many cases, temporary repairs can be carried out on the boat to allow continued use; however, this does not negate the need for a full repair. If necessary, the board may require further repairs on land or be transported to Australia or Thailand for professional servicing.

Equipment & Additional Costs

  • Paddles, leg ropes, and fins are not included in the rental. Guests must bring their own.
  • Spare equipment is available on board in case a guest loses or breaks their own.
  • Leg ropes are available for purchase at $60 USD if a guest loses or breaks their own.
  • Spare fins and paddles are provided free of charge if a guest loses or breaks their own.
  • If a guest damages or breaks a provided paddle, they will be charged a minimum of $250 USD.
  • Replacement fin sets:

     

    • Tri-fin: $100 USD
    • Quad-fin: $150 USD

By booking a rental SUP, guests acknowledge and accept these terms and conditions.

Travel Considerations

Moon Tours recommends that guests bring their own board if they have a specific preference. Traveling with SUPs is relatively straightforward, but guests should check baggage policies in advance.

Arrival & Departure Information

Our tours start and finish at Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé, Maldives—unless otherwise stated in your tour itinerary.

Arrival:

You’ll need to arrive in Malé by midday (12:00–1:00 PM) on Day 1. Most guests arrive the same day, with Singapore Airlines flight SQ452 landing at 11:50 AM, which aligns perfectly with our 1:00 PM boarding time. However, if you prefer to catch up on rest after a long flight, arriving the day before and staying overnight in Malé is a great option.

Departure:

On the final day, you can safely book return flights departing from 12:00 PM onwards. We aim to have everyone back at the airport by 10:30–11:00 AM, which aligns well with Singapore Airlines’ 12:50 PM flight (SQ451) and similar midday departures. If an earlier flights suits your travel needs please let us know in advance. 

Need Help With Flights?

If you’d like assistance with flights from Australia, our go-to agent is:

Brett Robinson | Helloworld Travel Leopold

Shop 31, Gateway Plaza

641–659 Bellarine Hwy, Leopold, VIC, 3224

📞 +61 (03) 5250 1210

📧 brett.leopold@helloworld.com.au

Let Brett know you’re travelling with Moon Tours and include your tour dates, who you’re travelling with, and your date of birth if you’d like a travel insurance quote as well. Brett books many of our clients and knows the ins and outs of our tour schedule.Guests Travelling from the USA or Europe

We regularly welcome guests from all over the world, including the USA and Europe.

Popular airline options include:

• Qatar Airways (via Doha)

• Singapore Airlines (via Singapore)

• Emirates (via Dubai)

Due to longer travel times, we strongly recommend arriving the day before your tour to allow time to rest before jumping on the boat and into the surf.

Staying Overnight Near Male International Airport 

You definitely don’t need a car—Malé and Hulhumalé are small islands. Everything is about 15 minutes from the airport. If you have some free time, it’s worth exploring to experience how Maldivian ‘city’ folk live and to gain insight into the local Muslim culture and lifestyle.

Hot tip: Rooms are generally comfortable but not always quiet—earplugs and an eye mask are travel essentials. They’ll help you sleep better and make you appreciate the tranquility of the boat even more!

Due to limited space on the islands, most rooms are compact, offering just enough space for a bed and bathroom. If you desire something more spacious or luxurious, you’ll need to either pay premium rates or consider staying at a nearby resort island.

Accommodation Options

Kurumba Maldives

For a luxurious stay, Kurumba Maldives is the closest 5-star island resort to Velana International Airport, just a 10-minute speedboat ride away. Located on Vihamanaafushi Island, Kurumba offers: 

• Elegant Villas and Bungalows: A range of accommodations from beachfront deluxe bungalows to expansive pool villas. 

• Diverse Dining Options: Eight restaurants serving international cuisines, including Japanese, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Thai.

• Recreational Activities: Snorkeling, diving, water sports, and a vibrant house reef to explore. 

• Wellness Facilities: A spa offering various treatments, yoga sessions, and fitness facilities.

Kurumba combines convenience with luxury, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking an upscale experience close to the airport. 

Hulhulé Island Hotel

Located on the same island as Velana International Airport, Hulhulé Island Hotel offers:

• Proximity: A short shuttle ride from the airport.

• Comfortable Rooms: Modern amenities with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

• Facilities: Outdoor pool, private beach area, spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options serving both local and international cuisine.

• Convenience: Complimentary airport transfers and the only hotel on the mainland where alcohol is served, making it a popular stop for a pre-boat drink.

Hotel 78 (H-78)

Our go-to for an overnight stay in Hulhumalé. They consistently deliver:

• Clean, Modern Rooms: Comfortable accommodations with contemporary amenities.

• Great Service: Friendly and attentive staff. 

• Delicious Breakfast: A mix of Western and local dishes, highly recommended. 

Coconut Tree Hulhuvilla Beach

A simple, clean option in Hulhumalé offering:

• Air-Conditioned Rooms: Equipped with satellite TV and free Wi-Fi.

• Basic Breakfast: While included, we recommend exploring nearby cafés like Family Room or Bread Matters for a more satisfying meal.

• Convenient Transfers: Airport shuttle or taxi can be arranged with reception for about $10 USD each way.

Simry Beachside Maldives

Located next to Coconut Tree, Simry offers:

• 3-Star Accommodation: Comfortable rooms with essential amenities.

• Additional Services: Massage services, room service, and an in-house restaurant.

• Proximity: Within a 10-minute drive of the airport.

SUP/Surfboard Storage Tip

If you’re traveling with a SUP or surfboard, it’s easiest to store it at the airport and pick it up again when we meet there for boarding. This way, you won’t need to manage bulky equipment during your overnight stay.

A Note About Alcohol

Alcohol is not available anywhere on the mainland—except at Hulhulé Island Hotel and Kurumba Maldives. If you’d like a drink before heading out to sea, these establishments are your best options.

We generally disembark the yacht and transfer to the airport via dhoni at around 9:00 AM on the final day, allowing plenty of time to connect with midday departures.

If you need to leave earlier, please let us know well in advance so we can organise a private transfer.

 

Please note: private transfers are at your own expense.

Everyone’s welcome—you don’t need to be a surfer to enjoy a Moon Tours adventure! We have always had our non surfing partners, family and friends in mind. 

Our trips are designed to be as inclusive and enjoyable as possible, whether you’re chasing waves or just soaking up the sun. Bring your partner, family, or friends—there’s plenty onboard to keep everyone entertained.

Not surfing? No problem.

Guests can enjoy:

• World-class snorkelling

• Fishing off the side or from our support dhoni

• Flatwater paddleboarding

• Our newly added inflatable water slide and swim platform off the rear deck

• A massive open-air sundeck perfect for relaxing, reading, or socialising

• A stylish air-conditioned lounge and dining area

• Multiple outdoor chill-out zones to find your own slice of paradise

• Filtered drinking water, along with instant tea and coffee available 24/7

We tend to attract a wonderful crew, with many of our surfers aged between 50–70, so whether you’re a seasoned wave-rider or new to ocean adventures, you’ll be in great company.

Prefer a drink over a downwinder?

You’ll love our fully stocked bar, serving everything from ice-cold beers to cocktails, which can be enjoyed anywhere on board—whether you’re lounging on the deck, cooling off by the swim platform, or enjoying that perfect sunset drink.

Not surfing? Even better.

Ask us about our 50% off non-surfer rate—ideal for partners or friends who want to relax, recharge, and enjoy the adventure without getting salty.

Families Welcome

Children 13 years and older are welcome on board. Younger kids may be considered on application.

Travelling as a group?

If you have 10 or more in your crew, ask us about group discounts or the option to privately charter the yacht—perfect for family milestones, birthdays, or just a getaway with your favourite people.

We now have fast and reliable Starlink Wi-Fi onboard, available in the communal areas such as the shared lounge and sundeck. It’s great for staying in touch, checking emails, and sharing those magic moments from the trip.

However, please note that Wi-Fi coverage may not extend throughout the entire boat and will not work on the dhoni or on land away from the boat.

If you need a decent, consistent connection for work, we recommend purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival. Ooredoo is our preferred provider for better coverage and reliability. Their store is just 20 metres to the right after you exit the arrival doors at Malé International Airport.

Typical local SIM card packages: (prices may not be up to date)

• USD $30 for 20GB (valid up to 30 days)

• USD $50 for 50GB (valid up to 30 days)

This gives you more control and ensures you can stay connected when and where you need it most.

There most definitely is! While our SUP trips are designed with a focus on accessible, user-friendly waves, there’s still plenty of opportunity to challenge yourself—especially as we move out of the central atolls and explore more remote reef passes where conditions can fire up.

You can absolutely test yourself when the swell picks up, or if you decide to sit deeper on the take-off or chase some of the shallower inside sections. Some days, the reef breaks will serve up faster, more powerful walls and even a few hollow sections to keep advanced riders frothing.

That said, this is a stand-up paddle surf trip, so we don’t go out of our way to hunt down critical, heavy, barreling waves. Our aim is to score long, clean walls with deeper water take-offs, perfect for linking turns and maximising your wave count—especially on a SUP. We’ve found this style of wave keeps everyone stoked and safe, while still allowing room to push your limits when the conditions line up.

So if you’re looking to get more out of each session and challenge yourself when the moment arises, you’ll definitely find opportunities—you just have to pick your line.

Your trip will come up fast, as it does you will see reminders come through your inbox with your balance becoming due 90 days prior to travel. You have a number of ways to pay the balance.

INTERNATIONAL BANK TRANSFER

You will find our USD banking details on the invoice. This is an international transaction, please select the sender to pay fees as only the amount received in our account will be applied to the invoice.

AUD bank transfer (Australian residents only $50AUD fee to be added to the transfer amount) 

You will find our AUD bank details on the invoice also.

Please use the NAB foreign exchange calculator (link below) to work out how much AUD you need to transfer and then add $50AUD so we can transfer it into our USD account for you. *You may get better rates doing the international transaction yourself but for some, this is simply easier and less hassle.

*The AUD / USD rates fluctuate by the minute, while we endeavour to transfer the AUD funds we receive as soon as possible the rate may have changed in the meantime therefore the rate and amount you send us is not 100% guaranteed to cover the USD amount required. Generally, it’s going to be close but if there is a shortfall we may ask you to make another AUD transfer.

https://www.nab.com.au/personal/travel-and-overseas-banking/foreign-exchange-rates

Wise money transfer. Money transfer services likewise have become more popular and generally offer better rates than regular banks. A number of clients have used this service with good results but you need to do your own research and decide if this type of service are good for you. We can’t advise you on this.

https://wise.com/au/send-money/

Credit or Debit card. 

We accept Visa and MasterCard BUT there is a 4.5% merchant fee that can’t be avoided on USD transactions which will be added to the amount being paid.

It is a requirement of Moon Tours that you have private travel insurance which covers cancellations,  emergency medical attention and evacuation, the rest is important but inconsequential compared to the aforementioned if you need it. Moon Tours insurance does not cover you. We recommend you invest in Travel Insurance as soon as you have booked and confirmed your holiday. Brett from Hello World can assist if you chose.

When choosing your cover you might first look at your equipment cover when actually you should be looking at medical cover and emergency medical evacuation. This is the number one thing to consider when booking any travel insurance.

We recommend Cover More if you’re travelling from Australia.

Click here >> TRAVEL INSURANCE – COVER MORE

 

If you’d like assistance with travel insurance, our go-to agent is:

Brett Robinson | Helloworld Travel Leopold

Shop 31, Gateway Plaza

641–659 Bellarine Hwy, Leopold, VIC, 3224

📞 +61 (03) 5250 1210

📧 brett.leopold@helloworld.com.au

Pack your favorite SUP. It’s easy to travel with boards up to 9’6, with some airlines claiming up to 9’8 and even 10′ – make sure you check with your airline before booking flights.

For easy traveling with multiple SUPs, we use and recommend ‘ Flying Objects SUP roller bags’ they come in a few sizes 8’0, 8’6, 9’0, 9’6. Check with your local SUP shop.

  • Bring your shortboard, mini mal, foil, bodyboard whatever surf craft you like
  • Warm water/tropical wax
  • Leg rope; plus a spare
  • Fins; plus spares
  • Paddle; plus a spare if you have one
  • Fishing, rod lures
  • Comfortable and lightweight clothes for the tropics. Casual dress code, with one or two nice outfits for dinner party nights. Laundry is available on board so you can pack light. On local inhabited islands, it is respectful for all women to cover your shoulders and knees while walking the streets and visiting local establishments.
  • Sun protection UV Rash guards x 2 min – The sun is HOT. We would be very very surprised if anyone needed any kind of wetsuit or neoprene tops while surfing, paddling, swimming, and snorkelling. Should you like a wetsuit for diving we can provide one on the boat with prior notice.
  • Sun / Surf Hat & Sunglasses
  • Drink Bottles. You will be given your own reusable water bottle on board with access to unlimited filtered water and ice. If you have an insulated drink bottle do bring it along.
  • Hydralyte ia great to have in your water bottle while being active in the tropics.
  • Lots of sunscreen; please think ocean-friendly products, like SurfMud which also offers the best protection for your face.
  • Beach towels, bath towel, shampoo & soap are provided. BYO any other personal toiletries and medication. Please think of ocean friendly products when choosing your toiletries.

Whether you are arriving the day before your tour or you have a few hours to fill, you can store your boards at the airport in the luggage room upon arrival – $12 a day, we will pick them up when we board the yacht.

WHERE IS THE LUGGAGE
Easy to find, when you walk outside the arrivals doors turn left and you will see the storage office about 100 meters away. Next door to the public toilets.

Yes — all international travellers must complete the IMUGA Traveller Declaration online within 96 hours before arrival in the Maldives. This is a mandatory entry requirement and takes just a few minutes to complete.

🛑 Important: The form is 100% free. Never pay for IMUGA declarations — there are scam websites out there! Always use the official site:

👉 https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/traveller/declaration

You’ll need your:

 

  • Passport details

  • Flight info

  • Accommodation details

  • A passport-style photo and a copy of your passport page (optional but helpful)

 

Once submitted, you’ll receive a QR code confirmation — keep a copy to show on arrival.

✅ No need to complete a declaration for departure (as of August 2024).

Almost all Visitors get a 30 days Visa on arrival at no charge. Visitors entering the Republic of Maldives should fulfill the following requirement for the grant of an entry permit into the country. Valid international travel document issued by the Government of a Sovereign State. Return air ticket. Minimum of US$30.00 per person per day or confirmed hotel reservation.

*It is important to double check the Visa requirements of the country you are travelling from and your passport country of origin.

Lightweight clothing is best. Prepare for hot & humid conditions. To respect the Muslim culture women should dress modestly covering shoulders & knees however the airport is very westernized.

If you have time to spare you might like to visit the bustling Male City. Take the local ferry, approx $1US each way or a cab across the new bridge linking the two islands together, approx $10USD each way. The ferry ticket booth is in front of the Coffee Club/Burger King and taxis can be easily accessed at the airport taxi rank.

Alternatively, you can take a 15min bus ride around to Hulhule Male where it is much quieter. There are nice restaurants & cafes along the beach. Note there are no bikinis on this beach.

At the Hulhule Island Hotel by the airport, you can purchase a pool pass (bikini friendly) for a swim, a cold beer and somewhere to relax if need be. There is a frequent free shuttle to the hotel from the front of the airport.

Please let us know if you have dietary requirements and especially medical conditions like allergies. Gluten free is not a problem as a lifestyle choice or mild intolerance but if you are diagnosed celiac with severe reactions please let us know so we can make extra allowances.

Every meal served will give you a wide range of choices from light and bright, vegetarian to hot and heavy and carnivore suitable.

It’s always a good idea to have some cash, whether it’s USD or local Rufiyaa. You never know when you might need it.

If you are heading to Male or want to shop on local islands we recommend getting some local currency (Rufiyaa), it will come in handy. The coins, in particular, are quite attractive and make an interesting souvenir themselves, but the smaller denominations are rarely used or seen.

You can get major currencies exchanged at the airport on arrival at the forex exchange in the airport or withdraw local currency from one of the ATM’s. If you have any leftover at the end of the trip you can use it to partially settle your account on the boat.

USD are accepted almost everywhere in the Maldives but not great for buying ice cream at the corner store.

Settling bar tabs, dives, any additional expenses on board can be done so by using a credit card. Generally this incurs a 5% surcharge. Pretty standard around the world for overseas cards.

The boats and cabins are fitted with UK type G three pin square outlets. There are a few universal outlets on board and generally some universal adapters around the place.

Screenshot 2023 08 30 at 7.42.26 am 600x483 1

Duty-free alcohol will not be permitted to enter the Maldives, if you do purchase Duty-Free it will be taken off you on arrival and you can pick it up on your flight out.

Legally, if you’re 18 and not a Muslim, you can buy and drink alcohol on licensed boats and resorts. However since the Maldives is an Islamic nation, alcohol is effectively banned for the local population.

The only place near Male, aside from resorts, where people can drink alcohol is at the Hulhule Island Hotel, commonly known as HIH or the airport hotel.

See your doctor for some basic medications; pain relief, antibiotics for coral cuts, gastro-stop / Imodium and Azithromycin (prescription) in the event of severe diarrhea, nausea tablets if you are prone to motion sickness although rare on our tours.

We cap our own surfers at 12, so that everyone can get waves. The Maldives is known for it’s consistency, so the steady waves really keep everyone on rotation.

As for other boats and surfers, we leave the main central atolls asap and head south to quieter, way less crowded surf breaks. We often get breaks to ourselves or as we use one of the best and most respected surf guides from the Maldives, organise sharing the wave into 2 hour time blocks with other boats. That is not always possible, as island resorts and boats bring out surfers with no guide and very little etiquette. I’m always out there enforcing etiquette amongst ourselves and other surfers, but as you know it’s not always possible.

We do as whole have large portions of time to ourselves and as the trip goes, often people choose to sleep in or rest weary bodies, so the seasoned surfer can really get a high volume of waves without being greedy.

Swell size is consistently around 2-4ft, it travels far, so it has good period and energy, so generally not soft crumbly walls, but well shaped waves, prime for whacking and progression. It is not fiji or Indonesia and we don’t chase hollow, critical barrels, that is risky and survival surfing, although I have been barrelled many times and there are some waves that, if we go past will test how well you read waves. Atolls waves notorisly start at a steep peak and wind of down the reef wrapping back towards you, with fast and steeper sections. The inside is usually hollow and fast and I often advise guests to pull off before this section, if not confident.

It does also pull some swell and we’ve had it well over 6ft and plenty enough to get your hear rate up and check your legrope. I’ll attach some photos, but please peruse the website via the link to Jakes trip below. There is also a frequently asked questions tab on each trips page.

Again the Maldives are notoriously consistent, hence it’s a mecca of tropical surfing. It is monsoon season, which brings the swell, so you can get squalls and tropical storms that blow through, but primarily it is glassy to offshore. We wouldn’t go there unless the likely hood of amazing waves, is extremely high, which it is.

We can get in the water up to three times a day, with 2-3 hour windows. This often tests out the hardiest surfer and has most of us reaching for the Ibuprofen and massage gun by day 3. Atolls have tides, but can be surfed through, the only thing that really affects waves is the current at peak tide, can send a chop through the wave. The currents move in and out, but for SUP we can manage it better than surfers and a bit of current often clears out the surfers.

Quarters, Mushrooms, F1’s, rip tides, Mikados, just to name a few.

Reef surfing always comes with some risk. To be honest, the first aid kit on the boat has been hit and miss. It should be well-stocked, but I always pack my own small kit with broad-spectrum antibiotics, antiseptic, and a few basics—never hurts to be prepared.

We generally surf deeper water reef breaks, which limits contact. That said, there can be shallow sections or inside zones where you might get caught. Best thing to do is stay / lye on your board if you can.

The good news? The reef is mostly dead coral in the shallows—not great environmentally, but much more forgiving than live reef when it comes to cuts and infections.