The 10 Best Liveaboards in the Maldives

Though the diving possibilities at land-based resorts are outstanding, liveaboard experiences provide an extra touch. These floating hotels give divers a chance to explore far-off locations, make the most of their dive time, and fully involve themselves in the underwater world of Maldives.

Starting from fancy yachts to diving boats made for that purpose, liveaboards are available in different styles and cost ranges. We will look at the 10 top liveaboards in the Maldives, each with its own special features and travel plans that guarantee a memorable diving experience in one of Earth’s most stunning underwater habitats.

Suggested read: Hotels in Maldives & Best seafoods in Maldives

Best Liveaboards in Maldives

1. Scubaspa Yang

The Scubaspa Yang is a top-notch liveaboard in the Maldives, combining luxury with diving superiority. This 50-meter long yacht has room for 40 guests across its 19 large rooms which contain all necessary facilities. Scubaspa Yang offers a special concept of being both a floating PADI 5 Star Dive Resort and also an aquatic spa resort.

For diving enthusiasts, there are four dives every day to explore famous dive sites in different atolls. The vessel has a big diving deck, Nitrox fills and skilled guides for diving. To unwind after a dive, visitors can use their time at the spa on the boat that provides various treatments. The boat has a hot tub, sun deck and gourmet food choices. Scubaspa Yang is unmatched in the luxury it offers for living aboard, with great service, comfortable stays and complete dive amenities.

2. Emperor Serenity

Emperor Serenity is a 40-meter luxury liveaboard that gives you the best mix of comfort and adventure. Designed to hold 26 guests in 13 nicely furnished cabins, this boat ensures an intimate and personal experience for everyone on board. The Emperor Serenity is famous for its roomy dive deck and separate area for cameras, which makes it a great choice among underwater photographers. It gives a maximum of four dives per day, even night dives are available. Nitrox is presented for divers with certification.

They provide itineraries that take you to the Maldives’ best dive spots, including Hanifaru Bay which is known for manta rays and whale sharks. The boat has a jacuzzi, sundeck and indoor saloon with entertainment systems. The crew are experienced in diving and some of them are marine biologists who add value to your underwater experience through their understanding of local sea life and ecosystems. Emperor Serenity’s blend of opulence, diving knowledge and diverse routes puts it among the best picks for Maldives liveaboards.

3. Maldives Aggressor II

A member of the famous Aggressor Fleet, the Maldives Aggressor II is a serious diving boat that measures 41 meters. It provides room for 22 visitors in its 11 staterooms, all having their own bathroom and climate control system. This liveaboard has advanced diving facilities such as a big dive deck, camera desk with charging points, and Nitrox filling station.

The Maldives Aggressor II gives you the chance for up to four dives each day, even night diving. It travels around various atolls and visits some top spots. After your dive, calm down on the sun deck or in a hot tub. You can also have tasty meals made by the chef while enjoying social time in lounge or bar area of this vessel. This is one of my favourite places to go diving off a liveaboard! The Maldives Aggressor II, having a crew that is well-trained in all matters of diving and includes experienced dive masters along with a marine biologist, guarantees a complete and superior dive experience.

4. Blue Force One

Blue Force One is a 42-meter luxurious liveaboard that combines modern design with diving functionality. It can accommodate up to 26 guests in 13 stylish cabins, each having their own private bathrooms and air conditioning. Blue Force One stands out because of its roomy layout and focus on making divers feel comfortable. The boat has a spacious dive deck, personal storage spots, camera room and offers Nitrox.

It gives various travel routes that go to the finest dive places in central and southern atolls of Maldives. Facilities on the boat have a jacuzzi, sun deck with chairs for relaxing under sunlight and an indoor salon for comfort. The knowledgeable team has diving experts who can speak many languages, adding more value by sharing their local understanding about diving spots. Blue Force One is also notable for its dedication to sustainability, incorporating environmentally friendly methods on board the ship. For those looking for a combination of lavishness and top-notch diving amenities, Blue Force One makes an excellent selection.

5. Carpe Vita

Carpe Vita, a luxury liveaboard of 38 meters, gives top-quality diving pleasure in the Maldives. It can house 20 guests within its roomy cabins that are divided into ten parts; each cabin has an attached bathroom and personal climate control system. This vessel provides great diving amenities like large dive deck space, specially dedicated camera room as well as Nitrox fills. Carpe Vita has schedules that are adjustable, and these include the finest diving places in different Maldivian atolls. You may also have an opportunity to see manta rays and whale sharks.

After every dive, guests can take it easy on the sun deck, use the jacuzzi or join in water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The food on board is a standout feature of this experience with chefs making both international and local dishes. Carpe Vita offers a complete liveaboard experience in Maldives thanks to its caring crew, cozy living arrangements and all-encompassing dive services.

6. Scubaspa Ying

Scubaspa Ying is another boat similar to Scubaspa Yang, providing the same luxurious experience and diving brilliance. This yacht, measuring 50 meters long, can house up to 40 people in its 19 beautifully arranged cabins. The special feature of Scubaspa Ying is its unparalleled idea that unites top-notch diving with spa luxury.

The boat has a dive center equipped with Nitrox fills and a big dive deck. You can do up to four dives each day, exploring different places in the Maldivian atolls. The spa on board is very nice, where you can get various treatments in a peaceful environment. Additional amenities include a yoga studio, sun deck with loungers, and a jacuzzi.

The crew has a lot of experience in diving and spa work, with dive instructors and spa therapists ready to assist you throughout your trip. If you are looking for a personal touch while enjoying both diving adventure and relaxation time, then Scubaspa Ying is perfect for you.

7. Emperor Explorer

Emperor Explorer, which is a current 42-meter liveaboard, has been made for delivering luxury diving experiences in the Maldives. It can host up to 26 guests within its 13 cabins that are well equipped with bathrooms and air conditioning facilities.

This boat is big and roomy, has good diving arrangements like a large dive deck, camera recharging points plus Nitrox. Emperor Explorer gives different routes that cover main diving spots in central and south areas of atolls. You may also get chances to dive with manta rays as well as whale sharks while on the journey.

Facilities on the boat consist of a hot tub, large sunbathing area and cozy indoor lounge. The crew members are experienced in diving; they also provide valuable insights about marine life and local environments during their briefings. Emperor Explorer is an ideal option for serious divers in the Maldives due to its luxurious living arrangements, expert dive services and diverse travel plans.

8. Nautilus Two

Nautilus Two is a 37-meter liveaboard, it gives an intimate and custom diving experience in the Maldives. It can hold up to 18 guests with its 9 cozy cabins that have private bathrooms and air conditioning for your comfort.

The boat has a welcoming setting and careful touch. The dive deck is orderly, with personal storage spots and a camera desk. Nautilus Two provides versatile schedules that encompass various underwater areas in separate atolls, suitable for different skills. During breaks in diving, the visitors have a chance to unwind on the sun deck, savor their time at the outdoor seating spot or converse with others inside in saloon.

The crew, they are all experienced and the boat has knowledgeable dive guides. This means there is a personal touch and local knowledge that can make your diving experience even better. If you want to have a liveaboard experience which is more private, where good diving and individual service are important, Nautilus Two could be what suits you.

9. Ari Queen

Ari Queen, measuring 33 meters in length, is a classic Maldivian boat designed in the dhoni-style. It accommodates 16 guests across its 8 snug cabins, all featuring private bathrooms and air conditioning units for comfort.

What makes Ari Queen unique is its blending of traditional style with contemporary diving amenities. The boat has a large dive deck, Nitrox fills and a dedicated camera room for underwater photographers. Ari Queen is known for its itineraries in the Ari Atoll that concentrate on showing the variety of marine life there, like manta rays and whale sharks.

The vessel’s smaller size gives you entrance to dive sites that are more hidden away. On the boat, there is a sun deck, indoor saloon and dining area where they serve food from both domestic and international cuisines. Ari Queen provides a liveaboard experience in Maldives with an intimate feel due to its small size, knowledgeable crew members, and cultural immersion opportunities.

10. Blue Voyager

The Blue Voyager, with a length of 37 meters, is a liveaboard combining modern luxury and great diving set-ups. It has room for 26 people in total – this includes 13 big cabins that each have their own bathroom as well as climate control systems for personal adjustment. This boat is known for its focus on providing comfort to divers. It has a big dive deck, room for cameras and you can get Nitrox too.

Blue Voyager gives you a range of trips that cover the main and southern atolls of Maldives, including well-known places for manta rays and whale sharks. It has a jacuzzi, big sun deck and an indoor lounge with fun systems.

The crew who are skilled and can speak many languages, along with their understanding about local sea life as well as diving places, add to the enjoyment of diving. The focus on environmental methods also makes Blue Voyager attractive for divers who care about the planet. If you want a contemporary and cozy liveaboard that offers great diving amenities, then Blue Voyager is one of your best options in Maldives.

FAQs

Q1: What is the best time of year for liveaboard diving in the Maldives?

Usually, the finest timing is during December to May because seas are more tranquil and visibility is excellent. But, various seasons provide different opportunities for encountering marine life.

Q2: Are Nitrox fills available on Maldives liveaboards?

Typically, Nitrox fills are available on most liveaboards in the Maldives. For divers who have certification, this service is often given without any charge. Make sure to check with your chosen liveaboard before making a booking.

Q3: How many dives per day can I expect on a Maldives liveaboard?

Liveaboards typically provide 3-4 dives per day, which may incorporate night diving as well. The specific count could be subject to the schedule and atmospheric elements.

Q4: Are liveaboards suitable for non-divers or snorkelers?

Certain liveaboards are designed for non-divers too, offering options like snorkeling and other activities. Policies can differ, so review the details of each liveaboard.

Q5: What certifications are required for liveaboard diving in the Maldives?

For most liveaboards, you need to have Open Water certification and a minimum of 20-50 logged dives. If people want to go to particular dive sites, it is suggested that they have Advanced certification.

Q6: Can I rent diving equipment on Maldives liveaboards?

Usually, most liveaboards provide diving equipment for rent. However, it is suggested to reserve beforehand. Certain items such as computers might have to be brought by you.

Q7: Are there any age restrictions for liveaboard diving in the Maldives?

Age limitations change depending on the liveaboard, usually accepting divers who are 18 years old or more. Some may permit younger divers if they have permission from their parent/guardian.