Diving Safari in Maldives - Best Deals

The Maldives is a place for lovers of rays, whale sharks and tropical waters. You can meet nurse sharks, reef sharks, dolphins, barracudas and other inhabitants of the reefs . And at the same time enjoy all this beauty in a luxurious environment, sailing between islands and dive spots on a luxury yacht.

The best way to discover the underwater beauty of the Maldives is to go on a liveaboard diving safari among 1,192 islands. Itineraries cover world-class dive sites: North Male Atoll, Ari Atoll , Baa Atoll, Hanifaru Bay , Rasdhoo and many more, including remote atolls in the far north and south. It is impossible to cover everything if you just stay at one resort .

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What You Need to Know About Liveaboards in the Maldives

Liveaboards in the Maldives usually depart from Male, the capital of the islands , using the port of Hulhule as a departure point. You will be met at the airport by cruise representatives. However, some routes start in the north or south of the country and require short flights from the international airport.

The vast majority of cruises cruise the central region called the Central Atolls of the Maldives. This is not only due to the proximity to the international airport. The North Male, South Male and Ari Atolls offer many magical dive spots, quite compactly located in a small area. Cruises to the Northern and Central Atolls of the Maldives include the Central Region, Baa Atoll and its famous Hanifaru Bay , where you can encounter whale sharks, manta rays , many reefs and schools of fish.

There are also other itineraries that head a little further south after the central atolls. These cruises to the southern and central atolls of the Maldives usually include the atolls of Rasdhoo , Meemu and Felidhoo .

• The Maldives liveaboard duration is 7-8 days, but some more remote routes can last up to 14 days .
• The best time for diving is from January to April. This is when the northeast monsoon arrives, bringing excellent sea conditions and plankton-rich waters. This attracts manta rays and whale sharks to the atolls.
• You can dive in the Maldives in any season . Manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, reef sharks and hammerhead sharks live on the reefs all year round.
• Manta rays are found in greater numbers during the southwest monsoon, most shark species in the Maldives They are more commonly seen during high tide, with hammerhead sharks rising into shallow water at sunrise.

Please note that some Maldives itineraries are only suitable for intermediate and advanced divers due to strong and unpredictable currents. Be sure to ask for a description of your skill requirements before booking a tour .

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Cost of a liveaboard in the Maldives

Many yachts offer liveaboard diving. The minimum cost per day is $200-300. Taking into account a week-long trip, the average price of a liveaboard diving package is at least $2,000 , while a 2-week trip can be around $5,000. When choosing a package, pay attention to additional fees. For example, sometimes they charge extra in the form of tips or additional services. Check whether the price includes nitrox , fuel surcharges, environmental tax, marine park/environment fees, GST, boat transfers, etc.

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Maldives Liveaboards

Best Liveaboard for Non-Divers: Scubaspa Yang

50-meter Scubaspa Yang is not just a boat, but a floating resort, one of the best in the world. Simply a five-star PADI dive resort and wellness center on the water! The spa center takes up an entire deck of 300 square meters. When booking your tour, you will have to choose which combination of spa and diving suits you best. You can go diving, combine diving and spa treatments, or just choose the spa for the whole week. If you are traveling with a partner who is not a diver, this ship is a great choice.

At Scubaspa Yang features 19 cabins. Onboard yoga and an Asian-inspired spa will make your experience unforgettable. Enjoy a delicious barbecue on an uninhabited white sandbank, then go snorkeling in the lagoon. Enjoy first-class service while you dive to your heart's content !

Scubaspa Yang is accompanied by her own dive dhoni , which will allow you to dive with exceptional ease. There are 5 experienced dive instructors on board.

Scubaspa Yang

Best Luxury Liveaboard: Maldives Blue Force One

The 42-metre vessel offers year-round diving trips to the incredible reefs of the Maldives. With the exception of some seasonal excursions to the south, it explores the central atolls, where divers can expect encounters with manta rays , hammerheads and whale sharks. All dives are carried out from a special 18-metre dhoni .

On board the Maldives Blue Force One offers resort-level luxury. The yacht features 11 staterooms, with an outdoor dining area that allows guests to make the most of the seaside setting. All staterooms have full bathrooms, and suites have private Jacuzzi tubs for two . Meals are served buffet style outdoors, weather permitting.

There are 2 guest Jacuzzis - in the bow and stern, 3 sunbathing areas with sun loungers, an open-air bar on the upper deck. The spacious salon is equipped with sofas, armchairs, a large screen, a music cinema system . For water sports there is a kayak, fishing, SUP- surfs and an inflatable banana boat Jobe . The trip includes a visit to a fishing village, an island and a sand spit.

The yacht is equipped with semi-closed rebreathers Horizon and underwater scooters Divertug Tek 12.

Maldives Blue Force One

Best Mid-Range Liveaboard: Emperor Leo

The comfortable yacht offers trips to rarely visited places, including the southern atolls. The boat can travel 24 divers in 12 cabins of different classes, with two single or double beds. There is one executive suite. On deck, guests can relax in the Jacuzzi, lounge on the sun loungers and enjoy drinks in the main bar. The onboard restaurant serves Western and Asian cuisine. There is a large, luxurious dining room with a bar and TV where guests can eat and relax.

Divers descend from a 20-metre dive boat , with each route offering excellent conditions for observing the beauty of the ocean.

Emperor Leo

Best Budget Safari: MV Ari Queen

One of the world's best budget safaris MV Ari Queen will show you the best diving spots in the Maldives at an affordable price. The yacht is well equipped for scuba diving. Two dive professionals accompany all dives, and the spacious deck has enough space for all gear. One dive is planned on the first day and three dives on each subsequent day. In total, passengers dive 17 times per trip. Sometimes this inexpensive safari offers two-week itineraries.

The yacht accommodates 24 guests in 12 cabins. The rooms have private bathrooms. There is a lounge with a TV, and on the terrace there is an open-air bar where you can enjoy sunset views while sipping a cocktail after a dive.

If you want to visit the traditionally expensive Maldives but are on a budget, consider MV Ari Queen .

MV Ari Queen

World Class Diving: Maldives Aggressor II

If you are looking for a world-class liveaboard, choose the Maldives Aggressor II. The Aggressor fleet operates in 16 countries and guarantees compliance. Itineraries include the best of the Maldives' diverse diving, including drift dives in Kandus , amazing reefs and soft corals, strong currents in Thilas . Up to four action-packed dives each day, as well as exciting night dives.

The vessel has 11 cabins and was refurbished in 2017. On board there are lockers for personal gear, spacious tables for cameras, Wi-Fi and nitrox (for an additional fee).

All-inclusive safari Emperor Serenity

Modern and elegant 5- star Emperor Serenity is a newcomer to the diving world, offering the most luxurious accommodation and exciting dives in the Maldives. On board there are 13 well-appointed cabins with en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning, which can comfortably accommodate 26 guests. Emperor Serenity boasts high quality rooms and spacious living spaces.

Amazing itineraries to maximise your chances of seeing manta rays , whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, reef sharks and guitar sharks . because the ship visits North Male, South Male, Ari and Felidhoo .

Dives are conducted from a large 24-metre bottom equipped with oxygen kits, compressors and cylinders. Nitrox is provided free of charge. Underwater photographers can use charging stations, an air gun, rinse tanks and a camera table.

Universal diving with Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem is a custom-built, elegant 35m yacht that focuses on service and quality. Year-round diving cruises in the Central Maldives will introduce you to the rich marine life including manta rays , sharks, nudibranchs and ghost fish. Itineraries are suitable for divers of all levels and include famous sites such as Manta Point , Fish Head and the Machafushi wreck .

The yacht has 10 cabins spread over three decks, accommodating up to 20 guests. The salon and lounge area are equipped with a TV and entertainment system. There are also three decks where guests can relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.

Manta Ray Trip with Scubaspa Ying

Cruise in style on the luxurious floating resort Scubaspa Ying in search of manta rays and sharks. Experience exciting drift and night dives with an abundance of vibrant corals and marine life. Practice yoga in the open air, then snorkel in sapphire waters. Relax in the Jacuzzi on the top deck or enjoy a massage at the 5-star onboard spa .

Year-round diving with Carpe New

Carpe New offers manta ray tours throughout the year . The yacht has 12 cabins, each equipped with TV/HD player, air conditioning, bathroom. Total capacity is 22 guests. The indoor lounge area features a large flat-screen TV, entertainment system and library. The upper deck features an al fresco dining area where guests can enjoy delicious cuisine and a fully stocked bar.

Carpe Novo

Luxury Holidays with Nautilus One

The 30-metre vessel can accommodate 16 guests in 8 double, triple or twin cabins, all equipped with en-suite bathrooms . Social areas include an outdoor dining area, a bar and a spacious sundeck with sun loungers. And the outdoor lounge is a great place to relax at the end of the day with a cool drink in hand. Nautilus Safari One offers dive cruises in the Maldives from October to May.

Luxury Vacation on the Nautilus Two

The spacious 43-metre safari liner Nautilus Two Maldives accommodates up to 24 guests in 12 cabins. Public areas include a lounge, bar, outdoor lounge, Jacuzzi, private dhoni for diving.

With an average cabin size of 20 square meters, Each is equipped with a double or single bed, a desk, a spacious wardrobe and air conditioning. There is a private bathroom with a massage shower. Meals are served in the living room, where a 5-meter fishing dhoni serves as the central buffet area, showcasing a varied menu of local delicacies and European dishes. The bow of the boat is a great place to enjoy the ocean views or take a dip in the Jacuzzi.

Princess of Donkamana

Embark on a luxury cruise in the Maldives with Princess Donkamana ! This beautiful vessel has been specially designed for divers, with 10 spacious cabins, each equipped with air conditioning, a safe for storing things and a private bathroom. The indoor saloon is also fully air-conditioned, equipped with entertainment systems and plush sofas. Divers and snorkelers will surely love the spacious dive deck with a platform, as it has all the necessary amenities - lockers for storing equipment, a charger for cameras, a place to hang wetsuits and a fresh water shower.

Princess Dhonkamana

Yacht for a large company Ocean Sapphire

35-meter yacht Ocean Sapphire was built in early 2012 and is equipped with all the amenities. It is perfect for accommodating 22 guests. The yacht has 11 spacious cabins, a Jacuzzi, an indoor salon with air conditioning and an entertainment system, two large solariums and a diving platform. Each cabin is equipped with air conditioning, comfortable beds, dressers and a private bathroom. The relaxation areas are equipped with sun loungers, and the diving platform has all necessary equipment. Three meals a day are provided on a buffet system. Guests can choose from a variety of beautiful routes.

Ocean Sapphire

Remote Atolls with Princess Halima

A beautiful 36m dive boat that cruises the Maldives all year round. The yacht explores the North Male, Ari , Vaavu and South Male atolls. It takes you to the remote southern atolls, to virtually undiscovered dive sites. This is a great opportunity to dive and snorkel alongside manta rays and whale sharks. 11 cabins accommodate 22 guests.

This is far from a complete list of diving safari options: the choice in the Maldives is huge! Choose the best package for yourself so that your acquaintance with the Maldives from the ocean side will be unforgettable!