Emperor Leo, Maldives

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

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

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

My trip to Male and to the Maldives was a "lifetime experience"!

Seeing the whale sharks, and the manta rays! Those were the two reasons that I booked the trip. The city tour to Male was a "bonus" - something that gave me a good cultural experience, and a way to see how other people in the world actually live.

Recommended for

1. The diving was phenomenal! 2. The crew, service, and food was great! 3. The new friendships that I made with all of the other divers on the trip. We have all exchanged emails.

28 Nov, 2016

One of, if not the best, dive trips I've taken.

I arrived at the Male airport around 730 AM and waited for the ride to the Leo, as expected. There was a short boat ride to the Leo from the airport. During the trip to the Leo, we were instructed to remove our SCUBA equipment from our luggage and set it up. Upon arrival to the Leo, we were given liquid refreshments along with a short briefing followed by paperwork / documentation verification and cabin assignments. Every evening we were provided times for the next morning's wake-up call, briefing, and departure times to start the dive. Along with this, the information was provided in writing on a white board in the galley/common room. The process and procedures for the briefings and times are well coordinated and thought out. The dive site briefings were as thorough as could be and included options based on water current conditions and directions. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. They did a very good job at watching the divers and making sure everyone had the best experience possible, to include matching divers based on air consumption rates and certification levels. The boat crew was phenomenal to say the least. They have the process down to a science and never missed a beat. The meals were delicious and well prepared. The boat, including our cabins, was kept clean. Any maintenance issues that popped up were handled immediately. Now for the actual diving. I was not expecting the currents in Maldives and it took some getting used to. Also, I had some weight issues, as the salinity in the Maldives is a lot less than any place I had previously been. Once I got lined out, I was good to go. For most of the dives, visibility was pretty good, 10 to 20 meters on the low side. Pelagics on every dive, with loads of reef and nurse sharks, several whale sharks and manta rays. One of the best dives of my life was at a site called Fish Head. It's a dive with nurse sharks. There were 20 to 25 of them on one dive and they acted like a cross between dolphins and puppies. The closest thing I can say as a negative is there could have been a couple of additional dives. There was only one night dive during the week. Safety is always a top priority. Reminders about No Deco limits are given before every dive. Most of the dives are between 20 and 30 meters. Everyone dives on nitrox and is required to have reef hooks and dive computers. Divers sign or initial a nitrox log before the dive and provides dive depth, time, and pressure remaining at the end of the dive as a means of accountability. So all divers are logged in and out of the water. I have been in the Caribbean, Persian Gulf, Mediterranean and Red Seas. This trip is one of the best experiences I have had in over 300 dives. It is well worth going and I look forward to going again.

Recommended for

The three best things about the trip were the staff/crew, the accommodations, and the aquatic life.

12 Jun, 2019

Best of the Maldives

Nurse shark dive, Kuda Rah Thila dive site

Recommended for

Variety of dive sites, crew members, food

22 May, 2022