With more than 1,200 islands spread across 20 atolls, the Maldives is a real paradise on earth for scuba divers. This amazing island nation is extremely rich in biodiversity and offers epic sceneries both underwater and at the surface.
Whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, manta rays and green turtles are only a few of the thousands of marine life species you will be able to spot while scuba diving in the Maldives.
While resting during your surface interval, you will instead be able to admire blue lagoons and the typical white sandy beaches overlooking crystal clear waters.
Diving from a liveaboard is probably the best option to discover the amazing underwater world of the Maldives. With more than 50 liveaboards, there are options for all tastes and budgets. Also note than diving from a liveaboard is generally way cheaper than scuba diving from a resort in the Maldives.
Overview
Maldives liveaboards offer itineraries ranging from 7 days to 14 days and encompassing the Far North Region, the Central Region, South and Deep South Regions. You will be able to discover world class dive sites including the BAA Atoll Biosphere Reserve (including the famous Hanifaru Bay), the Ari and South Ari Atoll (famous for whale sharks spotting) the Rasdhoo Atoll (famous for hammerhead sharks spotting) and many more.
For greater details on the various Atolls, check out my ultimate guide on Scuba Diving the Maldives.
Liveaboards itineraries start in most cases from the North Male’ Atoll, a few minutes’ walk from the Velana International Airport. Depending on the itinerary, you might need to book an internal transfer back to Malé International Airport.
Liveaboard diving in the Maldives is also one of the best ways possible to explore both the deep south and far north regions which are otherwise a bit difficult to reach.
Overview
| Liveaboard Name | Best for | Book Now |
| Scubaspa Yang | Luxury, Couples | Check Availability |
| Blue Force One | Cosiness, Luxury | Check Availability |
| Over Reef | Families | Check Availability |
| Princess Sara | Relaxed Diving | Check Availability |
| Aggressor II | Underwater Photography | Check Availability |
| Ocean Divine | Family Atmosphere | Check Availability |
| Adora | Solo Divers | Check Availability |
| Carpe Diem | Value Form Money | Check Availability |
| Nautilus | Authentic Experience | Check Availability |
| Seafari Explorer 2 | Comfort, Expeditions | Check Availability |
| Moonima | Eco-Conscious | Check Availability |
| Emperor Explorer | Private Charter | Check Availability |
| Amba | Long Itineraries | Check Availability |
| Emperor Virgo | Year-Round Itineraries | Check Availability |
| Princess Dhonkamana | Price | Check Availability |
I usually like to book my liveaboard trips on this website as they have a crazy fast and intuitive booking system and a super-efficient customer service. Note that Maldives Liveaboards are extremely popular, if you would like to secure your preferred boat or itinerary, I strongly suggest you book from 4 to 6 months in ahead of the departure date.
1. Scubaspa Yang – Best Luxury Maldives Liveaboard for Couples
Scubaspa Yang is a 50 meters (164 ft) luxury motor yacht winner of multiple awards such as the “best boat design” and “Maldives boating brand of the year”.
It offers the ultimate luxury liveaboard experience with different itineraries throughout the year. The liveaboard features a gym, a jacuzzi, a spa and an open-air cinema. It is one of the very few Maldives liveaboards I would recommend for scuba divers and non-divers alike.
Besides amazing dive sites throughout the Maldives, Scubaspa Yang offers multiple activities for non-divers: yoga classes organized every morning, complimentary snorkelling equipment, BBQ on a desert island and several other excursions á la carte.
The yacht can accommodate a maximum of 40 guests in 10 cabins and 9 suites. Given the ample spaces both inside and on the decks of the Scubaspa Yang, you will never have the impression that the boat is overcrowded. Even the SPA is the largest liveaboard SPA in the Maldives with 5 single and 1 double cabin spread over 300 square meters (3229 square ft).
In terms of diving, Scubaspa Yang is able to accommodate tastes for all divers. It is the only liveaboard PADI 5 Star Resort operating in the Maldives and it offers diving courses at all levels. Diving takes place from a 20 meter spacious tender boat (Dhoni) so that diving operations do not disturb guests onboard of the Scubaspa Yang. Dives are accompanied by expert dive guides and scuba instructors.
In terms of Itineraries, the Scubaspa Yang mostly offers 5- or 8-days itineraries that start from Male’ and encompass the Ari Atoll (both North and South Ari). This will provide you with great opportunities to spot many grey reef sharks, whale sharks and mantas.
Scubaspa Yang is one of the Liveaboards in the Maldives with the highest demand. I recommend you book your trip well ahead of time.
2. Blue Force One – Best Cosy luxury Maldives Liveaboard
The Blue Force One is definitely one of the most luxurious liveaboards in the Maldives. It can host up to 20 divers in 10 cabins, including a Junior Suite, Master Cabin and Master Suite. The 40 meters / 131 ft liveaboard has the highest ratio of guests to available space on board, making it one of the best liveaboards in the Maldives with a cosy atmosphere.
On the Blue Force One you will find two outdoor Jacuzzis, three sun decks, an upper deck bar, a living room with huge armchairs and 65-inch TV and disco room. In between your dives you will also be able to do some stand-up paddle, surf, and kayaking.
Scuba diving takes place from a 18m / 59ft Dhoni, fully equipped with rinse tanks, gas filling stations and nitrox compressor. All dives are accompanied by experienced guides who know the dive sites inside out. They are also willing to accommodate special requests such as specific dive sites.
In terms of itineraries, the Blue Force One, usually navigates the Central Atolls (North and South Male Atolls, Vaavu and Ari). This means you will have high chances of spotting hammerhead sharks and manta rays.
Note that the Blue Force One also organizes special routes such as the Manta Expedition, where diving with Manta Rays is almost always guaranteed.
Check out all the itineraries of the Blue Force One and book your trip well ahead of time.
3. Over Reef – Best Maldives Liveaboard for Small Families
If you are planning a liveaboard trip to the Maldives with your family and would like to have your own private boat experience, the Over Reef is definitely for you.
Maldives’ Over Reef Liveaboard is a charter-only catamaran with 3 cabin suites accommodating up to 6 guests.
When it comes to diving and itineraries, the Over Reef will offer you full flexibility. You can either choose a pre-selected itinerary or make your own itinerary. The most visited atolls with the Over Reef include the Baa Atoll, Ari Atoll, Vaavu Atoll and Huvadhoo Atoll.
By designing your own itinerary you can target specific pelagic species. For example if you would like to see mantas and whale sharks, you could design an itinerary targeting the Unesco Marine Bioshpere in the BAA Atoll together with the famous Hanifaru Bay.
Given its relatively small size, the Over Reef gets fully booked quite easily. Don’t wait further and secure your own private liveaboard experience in the Maldives.
4. Princess Sara – Best Maldives Liveaboard for Relaxed Diving
Princess Sara is a relatively new liveaboard operating in the Maldives. The 40m / 131ft mega yacht was built in 2018 and started operating as a liveaboard in the Laccadives Sea in the same year.
The Princess Sara can host up to 25 guests in 10 cabins offering different categories of luxury. Note that this is one of the very few liveaboards in the Maldives offering a 1:1 ratio of boat crew to passengers. This results in an extremely curated attention to details and customer needs.
Although the Princess Sara is less luxurious than the Scubaspa Yang and Blue Force One, there are still plenty of alternative activities to diving such as jet ski, kayaking, wakeboarding, stand up paddling and island-hopping excursions.
When it comes to scuba diving and itineraries, the Princess Sara offers a relaxed atmosphere with ample time between dives and with a relatively lower amount of dives as compared to other liveaboards in the Maldives.
That said, if you wish to do some additional diving, the dive guides will be more than willing to accommodate your needs.
Scuba diving from the Princess Sara takes place from a dedicated Dhoni, so that the relax onboard the yacht remains undisturbed.
Itineraries on the Princess Sara start and return to Male’ so that you will not need to book internal flights or transfers across Maldivian Atolls. The most common itinerary encompasses the Maldives’ Central Atolls of Male’ and Ari.
Check out the available itineraries aboard the Princess Sara.
5. Aggressor II – Best Maldives Liveaboard for Underwater Photography
Aggressor’s fleet is very well known worldwide for their amazing liveaboards throughout the most sought-after diving destinations. And their operations in the Maldives are no exception.
The Maldives Aggressor II is a 41m / 135ft luxury liveaboard scheduling trips in the Maldives throughout the whole year. The yacht caters for 22 guests in 11 cabins of different categories. The Agressor II is active throughout the year with amazing itineraries covering all the Maldives:
- Deep South (Male – Kadhoo) in January
- Southern Hemisphere (Kadhdoo – GAN) in February
- Central Atolls in March through beginning of August and from September through December
- Best of Northern Maldives (Lhaviyani) from mid- August to September
Diving amenities include a large swim platform with personal lockers for gear, air/nitrox fill stations, rinse tanks, three-tier camera table with low-pressure air hoses and 2 warm freshwater showers. Given all the different destinations, you will definitely be able to spot all the big pelagic species in the Maldives.
Both the crew and diving professionals on the Aggressor II are used to support underwater photographers. It is in fact one of the very few liveaboards with a three-tier camera table available for divers.
If you are into underwater photography, check out the available itineraries and rates aboard the Maldives Aggressor II.
6. Ocean Divine – Best Maldives Liveaboard for Family Atmosphere
The Ocean Divine was recently renovated and is one of the liveaboards in the Maldives with the newest interiors. It can host a total of 16 guests in 8 cabins. Diving takes place from a dedicated Dhoni so that the full space on the 34 meters / 112 feet Ocean Divine is entirely dedicated to guests relax and wellbeing.
The Ocean Divine is quite famous as it is the only liveaboard in the Maldives where the owners join every single trip. Combined with the super dedicated dive guides (usually a couple as well), this gives your experience in the Ocean Divine a cosy family touch.
Diving from the Ocean Divine is usually accompanied. The dive guides Gilliam & Anna or Pablo and Xanath (depends on the season) really do the extra mile to make each dive as unique as possible. In case you would like to dive on your own as a buddy team, this is also possible and you can still enjoy the super detailed briefings from the dive guides.
In terms of itineraries, the Ocean Divine offers 8 Days / 7 Nights routes among the Central Atolls, this is definitely perfect if you are short on time and do not want to take internal flights or connections. All routes depart and arrive in Male.
Despite the Ocean Divine travels only through the Central Atolls (North and South Male, Vaavu, Ari and Rasdoo), you will still have great opportunities to spot large pelagic species, particularly grey reef sharks, whale sharks and mantas.
Check out the rates and current itineraries aboard the Ocean Divine.
7. Adora – Best Maldives Liveaboard for Solo Travellers
The 37 meters / 121 feet Adora was built in 2014 and is operated by one of the oldest liveaboard management companies in the Maldives. The Liveaboard caters for 21 guests in 11 cabins and is one of the very few liveaboards in the Maldives offering a superior cabin specifically crafted for solo travellers.
If you manage to book the Adora’s single cabin, needless to say, you will not have to pay additional fees to have a cabin on your own.
Diving operations from the Adora take place from the 20m / 66 feet fully equipped Dhoni.
In terms of itineraries, the Adora offers several options throughout the year with a focus on the Central Atolls and Southern and Deep South Atolls. With such a breath of itineraries, you will be able to see grey reef sharks, Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Trevallies, Tuna and much more.
Note that the Adora has an ongoing promotion throughout the year offering a Group Special. If you pay for 12 guests you will get an additional guest for free.
Don’t wait further and book your dream Liveaboard holiday in the Maldives on the Adora (the single room is almost always fully booked)!
8. Carpe Diem – Best for Value for Money
The Carpe Diem is the flagship yacht of the Carpe Diem Fleet, one of the most famous Liveaboard operators in the Maldives (you might have heard of Carpe Vita and Carpe Novo as well).
The carpe Diem is a 35 meters / 115 feet safari motor yacht catering for a maximum of 20 guests in 10 cabins. The cabins are spread over 3 decks and vary in level of comfort and luxury. However, each cabin has en-suite bathroom and AC. Social areas are spread out over the 3 decks and include an indoor salon, outdoor terrace and dining area, and sundeck with loungers.
Diving in the Carpe Diem takes place from a dedicated Dhoni with ample space to store and rinse your equipment and for gearing up. Nitrox is also offered free of charge for all certified divers. Diving operations are supervised by dive leader and instructor Munko assisted by divemaster Chill and instructor Reddey.
Itineraries aboard the Carpe Diem are 7 or 10-nights long and explore some of the best dive sites in the Maldives, including Kudarah Thila, Manta Point, Maaya Thila, Fish Head, and Machafushi wreck.
9. Nautilus – Best for Authentic Maldivian Experience
If you re looking for an authentic Maldivian Liveaboard experience, then look no further than the Nautilus.
The Nautilus Two is a 43 meters /141 feet yacht built in the typical Maldivian Dhoni Style. It can host 24 guests in 12 comfortable cabins. Besides offering an authentic Maldivian experience, the Nautilus Two is one of the Liveaboards in the Maldives with the largest cabins: average size of cabins is 20 m² / 215 ft².
This Liveaboard Dhoni also features an ample sundeck with enough space for all guests to relax. The lower deck offers many shaded areas in case you would like to cool off and protect yourself from the sun. Additionally, a jacuzzi is also available in the lower deck for all guests to enjoy and relax.
Diving operations are carried out on the Dheeriyaa, a dedicated diving Dhoni hosting all diving equipment, storage space for your personal equipment as well as the diving compressors. The Nautilus two usually organizes three dives per day including night dives. As in most liveaboards in the Maldives, additional dives are available upon agreement with the Dive guides and Cruise Director.
Depending on the season, the Nautilus Two navigates the central Atolls of the Maldives with a tendency to organize trips in the South Male and South Ari Atolls. This will provide you with quite some opportunities to spot whale sharks, grey reef sharks and mantas.
Check out the available itineraries and rates.
10. Seafari Explorer 2 – Best Maldives Liveaboard for Space and Comfort
If you are looking for a laid back liveaboard experience in a boat that is not overcrowded, then the Seafari Explorer 2 is definitely the best available option.
The recently (2020) renovated Seafari Explorer 2 is a modern 42 meters/ 138 feet liveaboard catering for 24 guests in 14 cabins. The yacht has several single cabins, making it a perfect liveaboard also for solo divers. Following the renovation in 2020, this liveaboard has been optimized to provide guests with spacious and comfortable accommodations. Together with the Nautilus Two, it is one of the liveaboards in the Maldives having the largest cabins.
The Seafari Explorer 2 offers itineraries throughout the Maldives, depending on the season. You will be able to book itineraries in the Northern Atolls, Central Atolls as well as in the Southern Atolls. Additionally, the Seafari Explorer 2 offers some topical itineraries, specifically designed to spot sharks, mantas and other pelagic species in the Indian Ocean.
For example, in late summer, the Seafari Explorer 2 organises a 10 Nights Mantas Expedition in cooperation with the Manta Trust Association. You will navigate through the Baa, Raa, and Lhaviyani Atolls in search of Mantas. The Itinerary is designed with the expertise of the Manta Trust Association.
If you are interested in specific expeditions,check out all the available itineraries and book your trip well in advance.
11. Moonima – Best Eco-conscious Maldives Liveaboard
The Moonima is a 30 meters/ 98 feet liveaboard, hosting a maximum of 20 guests in 10 comfortable cabins. It has been entirely renovated recently and the liveaboard is up to the most updated safety and comfort standards.
If we take the renovation into account, the Moonima is one of the newest liveaboards in the Maldives. Besides, it is one of the very few liveaboards offering an eco-conscious experience. The entire staff on board is well trained in eco-conscious activities and you will find recyclable straws at the bar and biodegradable shampoo in your en-suite bathroom.
On top of being eco-conscious on board, the Moonima also has standing collaborations with NGO´s like Parley for the Oceans and Manta Trust to help protect the delicate underwater marine life and corals.
Diving takes place from the dedicated dive Dhoni, ensuring dive activities do not disrupt tranquillity on board of the Moonima.
Itineraries on board of the Moonima are focused on the Central and to the least explored Northern Atolls of the Maldives.
Check out the available itineraries and rates aboard the Moonima.
12. Emperor Explorer – Best Maldives Liveaboard for Private Charter
If you are looking to charter an entire liveaboard for a large group, then the Emperor Explorer is definitely for you. Whether you are a dive center, dive school or a large group of friends, the Emperor Explorer can be privately chartered for a custom itinerary.
The Emperor Explorer is a luxury liveaboard accommodating 26 guests in 13 cabins. The 32 meters /138 feet liveaboard cabins have a private en-suite bathroom, individually controlled AC, fans, and plenty of storage. Cabins on the upper deck also have amazing sea views.
The liveaboard organized trips throughout the year but can also be privately chartered for your custom itinerary.
Standard itineraries include the Central Atolls of the Maldives as well as the Southern Route. Worth highlighting that the Emperor Explorer also offers itineraries that include Hanifaru Bay, giving you a guaranteed possibility to snorkel with Manta Rays in their amazing circular formation.
If you choose the Hanifaru bay Itinerary, note that the Republic of Maldives has banned scuba diving in Hanifaru and that only snorkelling will be allowed. That said, at Hanifaru you will be able to see Mantas in their natural environment and have the opportunity for some really close up pictures.
Note that to charter the Emperor Explorer, you will need to book substantially ahead of time as the liveaboard is quite popular both among groups and individual divers.
13. Amba – Best Maldives Liveaboard for Long Itineraries
If you are not short on time and would like to explore the underwater world of the Maldives thoroughly, then you should consider booking one of the itineraries offered by Amba.
The German run Amba is a 34 meters / 112 feet liveaboard catering for 20 guests in 9 comfortable cabins. The yacht has been recently renovated and is now up to the most modern standards of safety and comfort.
The Amba is run by extremely dedicated German owners and most of the staff has been working on the vessel for many years. They know the yacht inside out and are familiar to the many repeating guests (usually very experienced divers). Although most of the guests onboard the Amba are German, Austrian or Swiss, both the crew and dive guides speak perfect English. Dive briefings are always given in English and German.
Diving takes place from the spacious Dhoni, which always accompanies the Amba in every single trip. Divers may store their equipment directly in the Dhoni. For safety purposes, Nitrox diving is mandatory while diving from the Amba. The Liveaboard offers two to three dives per day, including one night dive per trip. In case you are not Nitrox certified, it will be possible to take the PADI Nitrox course during your first day in the Amba.
One of the amazing features of the Amba are the itineraries. The liveaboard offers 10 days itineraries throughout the year including the Central, Southern and Northern Atolls. Note that most dives form the Amba are drift dives, the liveaboard is recommended for experienced divers.
14. Emperor Virgo – Best Maldives Liveaboard for Year-Round Itineraries
If you don’t mind traveling to the Maldives at any time of the year, the Emperor Virgo offers amazing year-round itineraries. And you might even be able to get some amazing offers during Low Season.
The Liveaboard caters to 18 divers in 9 spacious cabins located in 3 different decks. Cabins located in the upper deck have extra large windows offering the opportunity for amazing pictures.
Diving from the Emperor Virgo take place from a dedicated dhoni, which gives plenty of room for gearing up, and storage and makes getting to and from the dive sites easy.
In terms of itineraries, the Emperor Virgo does the following routes, depending on the time of the year. The Best of the Maldives, Sharktastic, South Central Atolls, and the Deep South & Southern Sharks. All routes offer amazing dives with the chance of encounters with grey reef sharks, whale sharks, dolphins, turtles, as well as macro life.
15. Princess Dhonkamana – Best Price to Quality Maldives Liveaboard
If you are looking for a no nonsense liveaboard in the Maldives then the Princess Dhonkamana is definitely worth considering.
The princess Dhonkamana has the best price to quality ratio and offers one week long itineraries mostly in the Central, Southern and Northern Atolls.
The liveaboard caters for 20 guests in 9 cabins and has ample social areas.
Diving form the Princess Dhonkamana takes place from a dedicated dhoni in order to reach more easily the dive sites.
The details of each itinerary are designed on a daily basis, taking into consideration requests and wishes from guests.