Emperor Leo, Maldives

Name: Best of Maldives (Male - Male)
Start: 2027-01-09
End: 2027-01-16
Location: Maldives

9.1 Superb

Nitrox available
Free Nitrox
Jacuzzi / Hot Tub
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers

from $ 329 / day Check dates

“I already did a lot of liveaboards but this one was the best when it comes to service! ”
Steve M, Belgium

Highlights

All port, fuel, and park fees are included
Modern layout with double or twin cabins
Itineraries include The Best of the Maldives, South Central Atolls, and Deep South & Southern Sharks

The Emperor Leo liveaboard offers good value liveaboard diving year-round in the Maldives. She caters to 24 guests in 12 en-suite, air-conditioned cabins. There are eight double or twin cabins on the lower deck, three double or twin cabins on the upper deck, and one large executive suite. On the main deck is the large indoor salon with an entertainment area, bar, and dining room, which leads out to the front deck where the hot tub is. On the upper deck is an outdoor terrace to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sunset, and the upper deck has comfortable loungers for sunbathing in between dives.

The Emperor Leo dive itineraries explore some of the best dive sites in the Maldives. The ever-popular ‘Best of Maldives’ itinerary goes to the iconic sites of North Male, South Male, and Ari Atoll, where divers can enjoy channels, drifts, pinnacles, and the chance to meet mantas, whale sharks, and a wide variety of marine life. Diving takes place from the diving dhoni, giving ample room for getting ready and gear storage. Nitrox is free for certified divers.

Trips aboard Emperor liveaboards include all port and park fees, free Nitrox, and even complimentary wine, while you will never be charged extra for itinerary or fuel surcharges. What you see is what you pay.

Book online today to dive into the Maldives aboard Emperor Leo.

Choose your departure date

Date

Itinerary

Price

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10 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,860

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17 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,860

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24 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,860

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31 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,860

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

14 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,028

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21 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,028

FULL

28 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,028

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05 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,028

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12 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,028

FULL

19 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,141

Select Cabin available

26 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,141

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02 Jan

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,197

Select Cabin available

Included: VAT, Environment Tax, Port Fees, Airport Transfer, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Wine with Dinner, Beach BBQ, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Nitrox, Land Excursions, Snorkel Gear, Cabin Towels, Deck Towels.

Optional Extras: Gratuities ($150), Alcoholic Beverages ($5), Soft drinks ($3), Nitrox Course ($284), Rental Gear, Scuba Diving Courses ($101-466), WiFi internet ($31).

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

Pay by bank transfer or online with

Best Price Guaranteed

Boat features

Jacuzzi / Hot Tub
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers
Air Conditioned saloon
Camera Station
Paid Internet
Charging stations
Indoor Saloon
Library
Audio & video entertainment
Available for Charter
Daily housekeeping

Food & Drinks

Free Wine w/Dinner
Beer available
Wine Available
Full-board Option
Fine Wines Selection
Snacks All Day
Buffet style
Western Food
Local Food

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.

Diving

Nitrox available
Free Nitrox
DIN Adaptors
Rebreather Support
Tenders for diving

Languages Spoken

The crew speaks English, French, and Spanish.

Gear Rental

Equipment is available for rent on this boat. Please provide your rental needs on the booking form. If the rental gear is not included in the price, you will need to pay for it on board the boat. Show prices

Drawings & Vessel Layouts

Cabin Types

Boat Specifications

Year built: 2009

Year renovated: 2012

Length: 35m

Beam: 9.4m

Top speed: 12 knots

Cruising speed: 10 knots

Engines: 500 HP Mitsubishi

Max guests: 24

Number of cabins: 12

Number of bathrooms: 12

Tenders: Large diving dhoni fully equipped with compressors tanks & oxygen kits

Freshwater maker: 12000 liters per day

Boat navigation and safety

Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
Oxygen
First Aid Kits
Satellite & mobile phones
Bilge pump alarm
Crew trained in first aid

Emperor Leo Reviews

9.1 Superb

Vessel

8.7
Crew

8.9
Food

9.7
Diving

9.3
Value

8.9

9.6 Exceptional
Eric R
United States

No regrets on my first Maldives trip. The long plane ride (SFO-SIN-MLE) was the worst part.
Fantastic from stepping on the first boat (dhoni.) Met at the airport, then walked across the street to our dive boat, where we had our gear set up even before reaching the liveaboard boat.
Recommended for
Dive crew was fantastic. All creatures, great and small - Mantas being the greatest. Food was tasty and plentiful, with local flair.
08 Apr, 2026

10 Exceptional
Corinne D
France

Wonderful cruise on a boat and with top staff and guide!
Superb cruise where everything was very good: value for money, dives, a top manager-guide, no surprises regarding possible extras, very comfortable boat, staff, quality of food, barbecue on the beach, happy hours every night...To recommend without hesitation!
Recommended for
The guide and manager Jules is passionate and fascinating, moreover very friendly and efficient!. The boat is very comfortable, the staff, the food, the happy hours... everything is very good!. Magnificent dives and wildlife await.
13 Dec, 2024

Translated from French

10 Exceptional
Emmanuel B
France

Absolute happiness
The boat is ultra comfortable, the food varied and delicious, everything is rhythmed in a perfect way, the crews and guides are kind, dedicated and ultra efficient, at the end of the stay the tip becomes a matter of course as their work is fabulous, a special thank you to Ismail our guide, who knows the ocean like the back of his hand and made us live intense emotions. Finally, particular attention is paid to the respect of nature and animals, a rather marked sense of ecology ends up delighting us.Thank you!
Recommended for
Night diving with mantas, whale sharks, barbecue on the beach
29 Jan, 2020

Translated from French

9.2 Superb
Giovanna S
Germany

Amazing 😊
This was my first liveaboard with emperor and I can totally recommend it.
Recommended for
Great Dive Guides, beautiful dive spots and great food
29 Jan, 2020

8.8 Fabulous
christian C
France

Manific
Swimming and diving with sharks and manta rays what a joy, the guides finally with real skills (a big thank you to Jules for his welcome and these skills), a really good staff with a great atmosphere. In conclusion, a manific moment.
Recommended for
The briefing, the dive sites, the friendliness
05 Jun, 2023

Translated from French

9.6 Exceptional
Marcos B
Spain

It couldn't be better
We were lucky enough to see everything we expected to see
Recommended for
Diving, food and price
06 Dec, 2017

Translated from Spanish

9.6 Exceptional
Cornelia S
Austria

Perfect liveaboard with a perfect team
Night dive with manta rays, super selected dive spots, great boat, spacious cabins, the food, the friendly crew
Recommended for
The dive sites, the crew and the group
27 Feb, 2020

Translated from German

9.2 Superb
Jeremie G
France

Very pleasant and relaxing week
Nice trip
Recommended for
The friendliness and professionalism of the dive guides. Marine life. Alexia and Maria.
24 Jun, 2025

Translated from French

9.2 Superb
Grace C
United States

Excellently organized and fun liveaboard
Great crew and surprisingly delicious and varied food (though some of it tended to run out...not sure if that was the boat's fault or some of the guests on board...). Overall great experience, saw mind-blowing dive sites and safety was very important to the boat manager and guides. Would definitely recommend this liveaboard to others.
Recommended for
Dive sites, food, comfort
02 Apr, 2021

10 Exceptional
Patree W
Thailand

Great experience
Really good time and top notch service from start to finish. Food had good flavor and variety and loved the Maldivian dinner on the last night.
Recommended for
Rooms, boat, equipment were really nice. Great staff and guides. Enjoyed the food a lot.
18 Feb, 2026

154 reviews

9.1 Superb
154 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

8.4 Very good
Bob J
Netherlands

Very friendly and good service of the crew and good guides.
Great experience. The service was very good. Equipment was good en reliable. Guides where very friendly, patient and secure. Food was good and had good variety. Great liveaboard for seeing the big stuff and having a luxurious time on the boat. Having the Dhoni besides the main boat makes a big difference in structure of the day and space on the main boat.
Recommended for
1. Seeing the big stuff; mantas, whale shark, sharks, rays, turtles. 2. Very good atmosphere with the group, crew and guides. 3. Good equipment, food and planning
28 Dec, 2015

10 Exceptional
Daniel Z
United States

An UnforgettAn Unforgettable First Liveaboard Experience!able First Liveaboard Experience!
Our trip on the Emperor Leo was our very first liveaboard experience—and it far exceeded our expectations in every way. From the moment we stepped aboard, we were welcomed with warm smiles, professionalism, and top-notch hospitality. The boat itself was stunning—immaculately clean, beautifully maintained, and thoughtfully designed. Our cabin offered the most incredible ocean view, making every sunrise and sunset a breathtaking experience right from our room. The food was absolutely delicious, featuring freshly caught fish, tropical fruits, and irresistible desserts. After each dive, we were treated to refreshing juices or freshly baked cakes, a small touch that made a big impact. The dive crew was outstanding—experienced, friendly, and always ready to help. They made every dive safe, fun, and memorable. One of the magical touches of the trip was the nightly light setup behind the boat, where we could watch mantas, dolphins, and nurse sharks right from the deck. It was surreal. Beyond the diving and the boat itself, one of the highlights was the amazing people we met—fellow travelers who quickly became friends. This journey was truly unforgettable, and we loved it so much that we've already booked our next trip. If you're considering a liveaboard in the Maldives, Emperor Leo is the perfect choice. Highly recommended!
Recommended for
Exceptional Hospitality and Delicious Food – From fresh seafood and tropical fruits to post-dive snacks like cakes and juices, every meal and gesture made us feel pampered and well taken care of.. Top-Notch Diving Experience – The dive crew was incredibly skilled, supportive, and knowledgeable, making every dive safe, exciting, and seamless.. Unforgettable Atmosphere Onboard – The beautiful, clean boat, ocean-view cabins, nightly marine life viewing, and the friendships we made created a warm, memorable atmosphere that we’ll never forget..
02 May, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
Anne G
United States

Wonderful experience diving!
The dive masters did a great job at finding us good dive sites and plans for the conditions. Maldives is known for crystal clear water, which isn't what we had, but we were able to get some incredible dives in anyway. The guides did a great job managing a group with varying skills, languages, interests, and attitudes. We saw manta rays, sharks, many turtles, fish, and so much more. An unforgettable trip! The crew made a good effort to make Christmas and New Years special while we were on the boat. Thank you Leo crew!
Recommended for
Great food, guides, and comfortable bed.
24 Jan, 2017

8.4 Very good
Nadia B
Uruguay

Good value for money
Everything was perfect.
Recommended for
the dive sites. the boat and the amenities. the crew and the guides.
29 Mar, 2025

8.4 Very good
Chieyu L
United States

Great crew and channel dives but would have liked a bit more variety.
The channel dives were great for seeing sharks and big schools of fish. The boat itself is clean and comfortable, though the below-deck rooms are kind of humid. Great crew and guides, just would have liked a bit more variety in the site selection. Corals are just so-so.
Recommended for
Divemasters were all great; Cabins comfortable and clean; Good crew
03 Apr, 2019

10 Exceptional
Lucas M
Germany

The crew and the dive team were very professional and the diving was beautiful.
The highlight was having lights on the back of the boat and the mantas came to feed on the plankton. As soon as there were mantas, we jumped in the water and had an amazing dive.
Recommended for
Crew from the boat, channel diving, mantas behind the boat.
05 Aug, 2022

10 Exceptional
carme R
Spain

It has been an unforgettable experience, the best diving week of my life
It has been an amazing week where we have dived with many sharks, turtles, mantas, rays and all kinds of beautiful fish and corals in Maldives. I've been lucky enough to be with an amazing group of people who have been like my family and we've had a great time. The Dive Guides have been very professional and at the same time approachable!! I'm going to miss them. I recommend going on the Emperor Leo boat without any hesitation!
Recommended for
The underwater life, the diveguides, the friendliness, the service on board
12 Jan, 2018

10 Exceptional
Stephane O
France

Safari requins
The program of this diving safari is its great strength. In 2 weeks and 36 dives, we observed a very rich and varied pelagic fauna, with tiger sharks and manta rays as a highlight.
Recommended for
The program of the dives. The comfort of the boat. The professionalism of the crew.
03 Mar, 2025

10 Exceptional
ANNE B
France

Great diving, great organization, great manager, Jules
All the dives were fabulous, I remember the amount of colors, the variety of fish corals, and the superb side of the manta and shark ball
Recommended for
Rhythm all week long but also the soothing and reassuring side of Jules
27 Jun, 2023

10 Exceptional
Anuniti Anil A
India

One of the best diving experiences
We had an amazing one week with Emperor Leo. The dive guides were fantastic, the crew was friendly and the cabins were comfortable- making the whole experience memorable. We saw everything from mantas, eagle rays, dolphins, whale shark, a variety of reef sharks, etc.
Recommended for
Crew, Great diving, Food
20 Jun, 2023

8.0 Very good
Jörn P
Germany

We had amazing dives with everything you could wish for and the crew took care of everything on board so that we had a holiday that we will certainly not forget.
To the dives you can only say: sharks, sharks, sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, turtles etc. what more could you want. Drift diving to a simple relaxation dive. The small groups in the water due to the high number of guides - really great. Thank youThanks to the rest of the crew - rarely had such great people. Nobody had to starve, the food was of very good quality and there was something for everyone. What they have come up with here, e.g. for New Year's Eve, the captain's dinner, the barbecue on the beach. Here there was one highlight after the other - similar to underwater. We will definitely be back!!!!!
Recommended for
1. The crew - everyone was more than nice and made us have a dream vacation - from the service, cook to the captain. 2. Rarely had such good food incl. shortlist for the breakfast eggs. 3. The dives were a dream, not only that a total of 4 guides were available, no we had all the big fish that was possible.
14 Jan, 2020

9.6 Exceptional
Andrew D
Australia

Superb
Absolutely superb trip. A clean,comfortable and well maintained boat. Varied and tasty food. Friendly, obliging and discreet crew. 17 interesting and differing dives including an extraordinary night dive with mantas. Rented scuba gear in flawless condition. Exceeded our expectations. Well done and thank you all.
Recommended for
Dive variety, fish life, dive guide
16 Jul, 2019

9.2 Superb
Nashreen S
Philippines

It was great
Nitrox divings, food, nice people
Recommended for
1) Variation of dive sites 2) Food was good 3) People on the boat are nice
01 Aug, 2017

10 Exceptional
Arpita S
India

Extremely exhilarating and comfortable as well!
The interaction with the sea creatures of course. The conversations with different people on board made me learn and experience several new things. All of this and many more things led to a truly wonderful and significantly memorable trip! Thereby, thank you Emperor Divers!
Recommended for
Firstly, the crew (staff, dive guides, etc…).Secondly, the system and well-organised protocols/ briefing. Lastly, the boat itself! for Leo’s a beautiful yacht
01 Jun, 2023

10 Exceptional
Vasilij S
Lithuania

Best Of The Best
I wanted to experience diving with a sharks and team somehow with their amazing magic made it possible! :) Super happy and already looking for the next trip with emperor :)
Recommended for
sharks people views
11 Jan, 2021

9.6 Exceptional
Nico W
Germany

Great experience
The liveaboard was amazing. The only thing was that we expected a bit more dives as liveaboard.com stated around 20-21 dives and we had 17. But the boat the crew the guides everything was super professional, kind and the food was amazing
Recommended for
Dive sites. Crew and guides. The group of guests.
19 Feb, 2025

8.0 Very good
Richard H
United States

Diving was a little different than what I expected.
The mantas were amazing. Huge nurse sharks at the jetty dive.
Recommended for
The crew is very service oriented. Excellent dive briefings. Cabins are nice sized without bunk beds!
02 Apr, 2019

10 Exceptional
Dain O
South Korea

Phenomenal dive experiences
I returned from my very first liveaboard adventure — and my first dives in the Maldives — aboard the Emperor Leo, and it absolutely blew me away. Every single expectation I had was surpassed. The three phenomenal dive guides, Alessia, Albert, and Maria, were true professionals who poured their passion and expertise into making sure we had unforgettable underwater experiences day after day. Even though I was traveling solo, I always felt completely safe and cared for, which allowed me to dive with total peace of mind and pure excitement. The cabin was spacious, spotless, and comfortable — the perfect place to relax between dives.
Recommended for
Professional dive guides and staff. Clean facilities. Healthy food.
01 Jul, 2025

10 Exceptional
Camila F
Brazil

Absolutely wonderful!
It was just amazing! I can 100% recommend Emperor Leo! We had everyday 3 dives and 1 day a night dive, we were super lucky and had very good conditions.. the crew was super friendly and took so good care of us. We can see that they do all with love. You think about sth and there is someone there for you. The diving in Malediven was really the best of my life. We had so much luck with Manta Ray in the station and feeding, on the night dive we also went snorkelling with them. Other than that the fish life is so rich in all the diving sites, beautiful soft coral, lovely for macro life.. so so many sharks.. just amazing. Just have to thank and thank one thousand times for the most amazing week!!
Recommended for
The sieving sites, the crew and guides, the comfort
04 Aug, 2022

10 Exceptional
Sean Percival Y
Spain

Amazing first liveaboard experience
It’s been an amazing week onboard the Emperor Leo. The crew were absolutely amazing and so were the dive guides. The boat itself is huge and very spacious. Would love to repeat this trip in the future!
Recommended for
Crew friendliness and service. Boat and cabin comfort. Food onboard.
15 Jul, 2026