While its possible to dive remote and challenging atolls in the Maldives, newbies will find plenty of sites suited to their skill level, too. There are a few shipwrecks around the Maldives and even some sheltered scuba diving to be had within lagoons. For more of ourliveaboard recommendations, check out these popular articles: Caribbean| Bahamas| Belize|Cuba|Turks & Caicos, North Pacific|Galapagos| Guadalupe|Socorro |Cocos, South Pacific|Australia|Palau|Fiji|French Polynesia|PNG|Solomon Islands, South East Asia|Raja Ampat|Komodo|Similan | Tubbataha|Burma, Red Sea & Middle East| Egypt|Sudan|Oman| Djibouti, Indian Ocean|Seychelles| Visayas| Truk Lagoon. This Maldives liveaboard is a 33 metre (108 feet) dive boat for up to 22 guests across 10 cabins (inc. double cabins, twin cabins, triple cabins, double cabin with one single bed), and has 11 bathrooms. No problem. . Factor in to your budget a decent tip to give the boat/kitchen-staff at the end. jacuzzi and luxury bar as well as massive cabins with beautiful internal lighting. This is also the cheapest mid-price Maldives liveaboard. making sure your gear is functioning properly. While the Maldives may be best known for large pelagic life and all the whale sharks and mantas you can point your camera at, there a few wrecks here too. Uh oh, you just put too many ideas in my head. A large ship with 19 cabins, the Scubaspa Yang has three decks to provide enough room for everyone. This is largely due to the fact that the owner: Shad, runs this liveaboard as a passion project something that is extremely obvious. As well as the longer 10 night trips, 7 night trips are also available. At Diving Squad, were proud to include firsthand reviews of Maldives liveaboards weve been on ourselves, with original movies and photos we created to show you what it was like. No credit card fees. The entire crew go above and beyond to create an incredibly laid back and tranquil vibe whilst the dive guides maintain professionalism to the highest degree and are incredibly knowledgeable of the local marine ecosystem. During my trip in the Central Maldives I only saw another groups of divers on two out of twenty dives. One of the most popular Maldivian liveaboards of all time, Scubaspa Yang is the only one that is also classed as a five start PADi resort. Get Nitrox certified. After all, Maldivian hospitality is some of the best in the world. Although themajority of liveaboard trips run between December and May. Breakfast is eggs, pancakes, toast, spam and fruit. Cleaning stations like Orimas Thila are perfect for observation and photography, as the sharks hover motionless, patiently waiting their turn. And on the upper deck, youll find a luxurious al-fresco dining room, a fully equipped main bar, and a spacious sun deck. Several operators still run liveaboard trips with modified itineraries to visit atolls which are better protected during the wet season. Despite being included as one of our budget liveaboard options, the Carpe Novo still offers you a luxury experience. The dive itineraries are thoughtfully planned out and incredibly varied we saw manta rays at feeding stations (as well as on manta night dives), were engulfed in swarms of stingrays and nurse sharks, witnessed hundreds of grey reef sharks and endless fish and critters whilst diving a varied underwater landscape of coral-adorned pinnacles, canyons and shipwrecks. You can check the latest and best deals on Maldives liveaboards using Liveaboard.com below, which opens in a new window: From the table of all Maldives liveaboards below, there are a few stand-out boats to choose from. Like manta rays, nurse sharks are harmless to divers with tiny mouths and incredibly laid back attitudes. Maldives Liveaboard Diving Cruises - Dive The World Like the rest of the Aggressor fleet, this liveaboard features plenty of luxury amenities like complimentary beer and wine, an on-deck jacuzzi, and some of the most comfortable cabins around. Sun Island 5. islands are also rich in a warm and exotic culture. After that its time to dive: Theres a truly insane variety of marine life in the Maldives. So its a great spot if you want quieter dive sites. Of course, this depends slightly on the level of luxury youre looking for. Despite having a truly luxurious feel with massive cabins (some featuring private balconies), a gorgeous indoor saloon rammed full of giant shark teddies plus an awesome outdoor lounge and partially shaded sundeck with hammocks, beanbags and a hot tub; Soleil 2 is actually one of the cheapest liveaboards in the Maldives! Duke of York is a sleek and modern, mid-priced livaboard with three huge, partially-shaded sundecks, an indoor lounge / bar / dining zone with TV entertainment system and an onboard spa where guests can enjoy massage services. Now, when you do all this after clicking through one of those green links on Diving Squad, we get a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to yourself. After that comes the fun part!!! is truly phenomenal: especially on the eastern side of the atolls, where divers can enjoy up to 35 meter visibility! Were constantly updating our content, so you can rest assured that what youve read today reflects the very latest information regarding Maldives liveaboards in 2023! The Maldives in the Indian Ocean is a destination for lovers of manta rays, whale sharks and tropical waters. Typically theyre highest in number between May to November, but you can definitely spot them all year round! Sheltered lagoons around Medhufushi Thila are excellent for spotting whale sharks and mantas feeding in the shallows. The chefs aboard the Maldives Aggressor II know how to keep you fuelled for your diving adventures. Or unwind with one of the movies on the HD entertainment system in the spacious indoor saloon. If youre looking for a more off-the-beaten track experience, then we recommend heading south. And with value-for-money prices, dive cruises are a far more affordable way to explore the islands than a stay at a luxury resort. When you purchase something through an outgoing link, we might earn an affiliate commission. Explore the Maldives' world-class scuba diving onboard a dive liveaboard, with itineraries that include famous destinations such as Baa Atoll, Male Atoll and Ari Atoll. These differing routes explore one or two of the five Maldivian regions. A very large, partially shaded terrace offers outdoor dining and there is also a spacious sundeck for working on your tan! Good luck and have an amazing trip! Night dives are only carried out when staff are sure you have a good chance of seeing something good. If youre up for an adventure, longer voyages lasting up to 14 days are a great way to explore the region in depth. 15 Best Liveaboards in the Maldives (2023) | Diving Overload This area in eastern Baa is a carefully controlled marine reserve. The most famous sites like Fish Head, Broken Rock, and Hammerhead Point are cant miss additions to any itinerary. The best way to discover the Maldives underwater marvels is to go there with a liveaboard boat between the 1,192 of islands. Aris dive sites are a series of submerged pinnacles, rising from the ocean depths. Food on the ScubaSpa Yang is an experience in itself. But, current fanatics and underwater photographers will delight in the challenging conditions and uncrowded dive sites well off the tourist track. Maaya Thila 4. If youre looking for a mix of outstanding luxury and comfort, or have a non-diver in your party, its hard to beat the Maldives Blue Force One. As well as this there are also many extra activites including kayaking, starlit bbqs, movie nights and daily yoga classes. Whether youre hoping to explore deepwater pinnacles and cleaning stations, get your blood pumping in powerful currents, or just take it easy on the reef; youll find what youre looking for here. making sure your gear is functioning properly. This boats best of itineraries hit all the regions top sites, and a flexible schedule allows for multiple tanks when sharks and rays are sighted. Sleeps 21 divers across 11 cabins with en-suites, air-con and some have balconies. Some islands and marine parks also have national park fees that are not included in most liveaboard/dive safari packages. An outdoor dining area allows guests to make the most of the idyllic surroundings as they dine. Plus theres a selection of fruit juices, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and local beer and wine all complimentary throughout your trip. The deep south includes Huvadhu, Addu, and Fuvahmulah atolls. With no surrounding coral barrier reef, ocean depths can reach thousands of feet, just a short distance from the beach. Speed boat to Fulidhoo: $50usd 1.5 hours Fulidhoo Guest Houses: $40 - $100 per room, per night Meals: $5 local meals Diving: Boat dives with Fulidhoo Dive $58 (inc service charges - there are a lot of those hidden taxes in the Maldives, so beware when looking at prices). Well start from the very beginning by coveringhow to bookyour chosen liveaboard! . Be present. 24 divers can travel with the boat in 12 air-conditioned cabins. If youre looking for the most luxurious diving holiday possible in the Maldives, Scubaspa Yang is right for you. One of the most luxurious liveaboards in the world, Scubaspa Yang is one of the biggest and most comfortable ships ever built in the Maldives. For the majority of the year, aside from a select number of seasonal jaunts into the south, this 42-meter, motor yacht explores the central atolls, where encounters with manta rays, hammerheads and whale sharks are commonplace. Plus there is an onboard spa where you can pay for massages! Although you will find some extended itineraries to the deep south that start from central, covering all the best spots in the center, south and deep south. But, anything can happen in the Maldives. Comprised of the atolls of Laamu, Thaa and Meemu, this area is also well known for drift dives and a varied, exciting underwater landscape. As well as ample space to unwind with a large air-conditioned saloon, elegantly designed terraces, and a spacious sundeck complete with a hot tub. What else do Liveaboards in the Maldives offer other than diving? Most diving liveaboard itineraries in the Maldives are around 7-10 days. As well as trips to the most iconic dive spots throughout the Maldives, MV Carpe Novo also offers specific manta-focused itineraries for fans of these charismatic creatures. Carpe Novo boasts an inviting indoor lounge where you can simply relax, enjoy a book from the onboard library or make the most of the HD entertainment system. Luckily for you, the luxury liveaboards here visit has 26 different atolls and enough dive sites to keep you occupied for a lifetime. Trip length varies from 7 10 nights. The crew and staff are extremely experienced and reliable and they approach their work with a professional yet fun-loving attitude which is regularly noted in reviews. A newer and somewhat fancier addition to the mighty Emperor fleet, the Emperor Explorer is an extremely classy and spacious yacht that was only constructed in 2019. Higher levels of tourism does mean more dive boats. It can be either more like the dry or wet season and vary by the year. Liveaboard.com is a huge collection of liveaboards in countries all over the world, including the Maldives. Think about it: When you take into account the additional cost for the accommodation on top of your diving youll find that a liveaboard trip offers you much more for your money than diving from a resort. Even the non-divers are also looked after with free snorkeling equipment and a $50 voucher to spend onboard. Best of all, with just 12 divers onboard, you can expect uncrowded dive sites and plenty of individual attention above and below water. Here, youll visit coral atolls specifically in search of these gentle giants and more. These voyages typically include time around Ari, Male, and Baa. complete guide to scuba diving in the Maldives. If youre looking for the perfect balance between entertainment and relaxation, Blue Force One is the best liveaboard for you. Most routes extensively cover the famous central region of the Maldives although also sometimes feature the more rarely visited southern region and range in length from 7 to 11 nights long. Among the large variety of trips to choose from (more than most other liveaboards), itinerary length ranges from 7 nights which is the standard length for a liveaboard trip to 10 nights for those who want to prolong their holiday. Unlike the rest of the Maldives, the Gnaviyani Atoll consists of a single island called Fuvamulah. If you hire a private dive guide for an additional fee, its also possible to complete scuba certification courses throughout the trip! The majority of liveaboards in the Maldives cover the central region, so youll have plenty to choose from. It is also home to one of the planets largest gatherings of breeding whale sharks, in the legendary Hanifaru Bay. Without a doubt, the best way to experience this slice of underwater heaven is on a liveaboard. Plus there is an onboard spa where you can pay for massages! While it is possible to island hop by sea plane, diving from a liveaboard is often a much more cost effective way to see the best dive sites. How many dives do I need to have for a Maldives liveaboard? from $ 235 / day 9.3 Superb 124 Verified Reviews Nitrox available Flexible Booking Outdoor Dining - Blue Force One Indoor Saloon - Blue Force One Indoor Saloon - Blue Force One Indoor Saloon - Blue Force One Indoor Saloon - Blue Force One Deluxe Cabin - Blue Force One Deluxe Cabin - Blue Force One Deluxe Cabin - Blue Force One Blue Force One offers 4 different types of ensuite cabins including a family suite, all beautifully designed with your comfort in mind. Youve probably read about Maldivian liveaboards having a dhoni. Guests can expect three tanks a day in some of the regions best sites, with free Nitrox for qualified divers. There are a range of cabin options including two single suites for solo travellers and huge ocean views as well as gorgeous wooden interiors. Perks like free Nitrox, rebreather support, and the freedom for experienced buddy teams to dive unguided, make this a top pick for underwater photographers and veteran divers. Generally speaking, the Maldives is recommended for divers with a decent level of experience (advanced open water with 50+ dives), however there are a few liveaboards that can also accommodate beginners. Most routes explore the southern atolls which boat epic drift dives and even more shark action as well as being less frequently visited by tourists than the more famous central region. And there you go thats a brief summary of all five of the major regions in the Maldives. The far north of the Maldives is the most remote and least visited region of the Maldives and, as a result, is arguably one of the best spots of a liveaboard in the Maldives. Find the best Dive Liveaboard in The Maldives: Best prices Guaranteed You are only required to have your open water certification without any minimum logged dives and can pay extra for your own private dive guide or to complete diving courses. Thoroughly rinse out your ears in between every dive to avoid aches and pains as the week progresses. Now lets check out the movie below to see an extended cut of one of the stars of the Maldives: Its hard to do justice to just how mesmerising these incredible animals are to witness in real life. Youll also find some great deals on liveaboards trips during this time. In fact, the Maldives is considered to be one of the best places in the world to see manta rays and whale sharks! Maldives liveaboards vary a lot in terms of the kinds of diving itineraries they offer as well cabins sizes and other onboard amenities. Here, divers can explore Jack's Corner, a well-loved cave at 24m/78ft carpeted in soft corals. And, while you are sure to encounter large pelagics elsewhere in the area, this atoll offers up some of your best chances. At the most northern point of the Maldives is the Haa Alifu atoll, a whopping 300km north of Male which has some incredible drift dives, several manta ray cleaning stations, the 80m long Madoo shipwreck, and is an excellent area to see leopard sharks. Most boats offer 8 day best of itineraries through the central and northern atolls. With 3 delicious buffet-style meals served in the spacious saloon and complimentary snacks and beverages available throughout the day, youll never go hungry.And dont forget there will be a beautiful sunset BBQ dinner on a deserted island. When youre on a liveaboard in the Maldives youll be making 3, sometimes 4, dives per day. If you wanna find the best Maldives liveaboard theres a few points to consider such as your budget, how much time you have and how experienced you are as a diver. Good time to sneak in a nap! For the second night dive, we saw countless dozens of nurse sharks; which swarmed around us much like the stingrays had during the feeding frenzy. The downside for this liveaboard is that it doesn't offer flexible booking.Accommodates up to 16 divers in 9 cabins, all with ensuite and aircon. There is a beach bbq one night, usually half way into the week. We highly recommend getting youradvanced open watercertification for liveaboard diving in the Maldives. There is a partially shaded lounge as well as a sundeck and outdoor with beanbags, sundecks and hammocks interspersed throughout. For experienced divers or those searching for a well-priced boat with a touch of luxury, the Emperor Leo is a great choice. The ones that say CHECK AVAILABILITY and which go blue when hovering the mouse over. The majority of liveaboards begin in the Male atoll and will often pick you up directly from the international airport. Certain dives follow certain themes sometimes youll visit manta cleaning stations, others you go on adrenaline soaked drift divesand on some you get to be part of a feeding frenzy. The Southern Atolls Marine Life of Maldives The Maldives is blessed with highly diverse marine life and healthy coral reefs. And it doesnt cost a cent extra. In this section Ill tell you everything that occurs when you go on the incredible experience of a Maldives liveaboard. The best time to dive in the Maldives is from January to April. Shaviyani is the most rarely visited atoll, with new dive sites still being discovered on a frequent basis.