If you have always dreamt of an unforgettable Liveaboards adventure set against the backdrop of a tropical paradise, then a liveaboard experience in the Maldives may be precisely what you’re looking for. The Maldives, a kaleidoscope of coral reefs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and stunning marine biodiversity, is a haven for divers and marine enthusiasts. And one of the best ways to explore this underwater wonderland is via a liveaboard.
What are 3 Essential Items for Your Maldives Adventure
What is a Liveaboard?
A liveaboard is essentially a floating hotel, offering you the comfort and luxury of a top-notch resort with the added advantage of mobility. These vessels range from simple dive boats to luxurious yachts, allowing you to cruise through the tranquil waters of the Maldives, hopping between the enchanting islands at your leisure.
How to Choose Your Liveaboard
When choosing your liveaboard, consider the type of experience you’re looking for. Do you want a budget-friendly boat focused on maximizing dive opportunities? Or are you looking for a luxury experience, with spacious cabins and lavish onboard facilities?
The Maldives offers a wide range of liveaboards to cater to every need and budget. The prices typically range from $200 to $500 per night, depending on the facilities and services.
Diving Liveaboard
These are specifically designed for scuba diving enthusiasts. Diving liveaboards take divers to remote locations, such as coral reefs, shipwrecks, or marine reserves, allowing them to explore diverse underwater ecosystems. These boats are equipped with dive gear, compressed air tanks, and often have onboard dive instructors or guides.
Why Choose a Liveaboard?
Liveaboards provide a unique opportunity to explore the Maldives’ diverse marine ecosystem. These cruises allow you to immerse yourself in the underwater world, with easy access to a wide range of dive sites. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, liveaboards in the Maldives have something to offer you.
The real magic of a liveaboard lies in the access it provides. You’ll wake up to a new dive spot each day, ranging from vibrant coral reefs to shipwrecks teeming with marine life. You’ll swim with manta rays, colorful fish, and even the occasional whale shark. And when you’re not diving, you can bask in the sun on the deck or enjoy the top-class facilities onboard.
Luxury Yacht Liveaboard
Luxury yacht liveaboards provide a high-end experience with top-notch amenities and services. These vessels are typically spacious and lavishly furnished, offering luxurious cabins, gourmet dining, spa facilities, and sometimes even entertainment options like onboard theaters or casinos. Luxury yacht liveaboards cater to individuals or groups looking for a more opulent and indulgent liveaboard experience
The Liveaboard Experience
Aboard a Maldivian liveaboard, comfort and luxury are at the forefront. These vessels come with well-appointed cabins, lounges, sun decks, and even spas. Delicious meals, prepared by onboard chefs, are included in the package, and many boats also have bars where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon.
The liveaboards operate throughout the year, allowing you to choose your vacation period. However, for the best diving conditions, the dry season (November to April) is recommended.
Top 5 liveaboard in the Maldives
Discover our curated list of the liveaboard experience in the Maldives, catering different budgets, blend of adventure and relaxation.
Please Note That The Price And Specifics Of These Itineraries Can Change Depending On The Season And The Liveaboard’s Schedule. Always Check Directly With The Liveaboard For The Most Up-To-Date Information.
1. Emperor Serenity
A 40 meter boat accommodates 26 guests in 13 cabins which is considered one of the most luxurious liveaboards in the Maldives. It typically hosts a 7-10 nights tour covering dives at North Male, South Male, and Ari Atolls. Prices were usually in the range of $2,272-$3570 per person, including full board and diving activities.
- World-class diving exploring top dive sites.
- Stylish cabins with AC, en-suite bathrooms, storage, and ocean views.
- Free Nitrox, professional dive guides
2. Scubaspa Ying
This unique liveaboard offers a combination of scuba diving and spa services. Typically, 4-7 nights itineraries are offered with a choice of focus on either diving or spa services. Prices for this luxury experience typically ranged around $1,539-$2,385 per person.
- Dive for mantas and sharks
- Welcoming to divers of all abilities
- Enjoy yoga, snorkeling, spa, sunset dinners, and entertainment.
3. Blue Force One
Known for its luxury facilities and fantastic diving itinerary. It has 12 cabins for 24 passengers distributed in 7 deluxe cabins, 1 master cabin, 2 junior suites & 2 master suites. Trips usually last 8 days and cover Male and Ari Atolls. Prices ranged around $1,790-$1,990 per person.
- Prioritizing comfort, promoting privacy and relaxation.
- Features outdoor dining, a full-service bar, and modern, hotel-like cabins.
- Not just a diving boat; offers a unique holiday experience.
4. Princess Sara
A luxurious liveaboard with modern amenities. All 10 guest cabins, ranging from standard to Master Suite, include private en-suite bathrooms. A standard trip usually lasts 7 nights and covers South Male, North Male, and Ari Atoll. Prices were usually around $1,504-$1,612 per person.
- Explore awe-inspiring dive sites in the Maldives.
- Enjoy a variety of water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and more.
- Relax in spacious cabins with private en-suite bathrooms and AC.
5. Carpe Vita
A 38-meter-long vessel with a dedicated and experienced dive crew. Trips usually include a 7-11day journey to the Maldives’ most famous atolls. Prices were generally around $1472-$2440 per person.
- Offers dedicated scuba diving, wave surfing, fishing and tailor-made trips
- Provides standard 3 dives per day on diving trips
- Spacious sun deck
