Emperor Leo, Maldives

Name: Best of Maldives (Male - Male)
Start: 2026-12-12
End: 2026-12-19
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 $ 248 / 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

Select

12 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,837

Select Cabin available

19 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,837

FULL

26 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,837

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

03 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,837

Select Cabin available

10 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

Valid for a limited time only or until promotional spaces are sold out.

~~$ 2,837~~ $ 2,269 Save 20% -20%

Select Cabin available

17 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

Valid for a limited time only or until promotional spaces are sold out.

~~$ 2,837~~ $ 1,986 Save 30% -30%

Select Cabin available

24 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,837

Select Cabin available

31 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,837

Select Cabin available

14 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,011

Select Cabin available

21 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,011

FULL

28 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

Valid for a limited time only or until promotional spaces are sold out.

~~$ 3,011~~ $ 2,108 Save 30% -30%

Select Cabin available

05 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,011

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
Clémence V
France

At the top!
Awesome trip, no complaints! The sharks were there, life on board was pleasant. Sure, one day I'll put on the fins again aboard the Leo!
Recommended for
The quality of the dives. The quality of the meals. The boat.
12 Mar, 2026

Translated from French

10 Exceptional
Andrea K
Germany

Unbelievably great trip
All around perfect week with lots of great dives, delicious food, beautiful sunsets on the beach. Crew was very accommodating.
Recommended for
Swimming with nurse sharks, dives, very tasty food
28 Jun, 2024

Translated from German

10 Exceptional
James E
United States

Amazing
The week was an amazing adventure with awesome guides and other adventurers on the trip.
Recommended for
Great guides. Great food. Great diving spots.
09 Jun, 2025

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

9.2 Superb
Karoline W
Austria

Great liveaboard, anytime again
Dive guides great, whole crew super friendly, food sensational, rooms simple but clean, bathroom rather in need of renovation
Recommended for
Great reefs, manta rays, reef sharks, whale sharks,
22 Apr, 2023

Translated from German

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

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

8.8 Fabulous
Mikkel S
Denmark

End of Season Maldives Trip
Very large boat, lots of space onboard. Friendly crew and good setup for diving (gear handling and so forth)
Recommended for
Friendly Crew. Space onboard. Diving.
23 Jul, 2026

154 reviews

9.1 Superb
154 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

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
Ayush W
Australia

Great Live Aboard Diving Experience
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of food that was offered each meal. The Boat and Diving staff are just absolutely amazing. Great diving and dive spots, amazing shark encounters. Great experience for new/mid level divers with the infamous Maldivian currents.
Recommended for
People, Food, Diving & Sea Life
03 Jan, 2022

8.8 Fabulous
Dale W
Canada

Everything we expected it to be.
The diving was very good; especially the first shark dive, the first manta dive and the sunset dive. The beach BBQ was nice - unfortunately we were rained out half way through dinner, but it was still fun and a nice break from the boat. It was a very relaxed atmosphere on the boat which was just what we were looking for this trip.
Recommended for
1. Easy to get to from Bangkok (direct flight) 2. Location (what's not to like about the Maldives?) 3. A well organized itinerary and a very good crew that were available to attend to our every request.
03 Apr, 2019

9.6 Exceptional
Stacy T
United States

Great diving
Everything!
Recommended for
Friendly/helpful crew, delish food, great dive sites
22 May, 2022

10 Exceptional
Nicolas T
France

A first cruise with Emperor and not the last!
Exceptional dives, mantas, a whale shark and 30 degree water! Competent staff, comfortable cabins and top service! Thanks again!
Recommended for
Value for money / Marine wildlife / Competent staff
12 May, 2018

9.6 Exceptional
Andrea T
Italy

Worthy!
Every moment is special! But the night dive with Mantas is definitely something different, a must do once in a lifetime! Just incredible!
Recommended for
Diving, Guides and Crew
22 May, 2022

10 Exceptional
Scott H
United Kingdom

First liveaboard and won't be my last loved every minute of it.
Tiger sharks , oceanic mantas , bull sharks , wall of reef sharks... Great food everyday.
Recommended for
Marine life , guides , crew
22 Jan, 2024

9.2 Superb
Yuk Yee L
Hong Kong

The number of dives was relatively small, but most dives were incredible.
The variety of large marine life encountered while diving was amazing and unparalleled. The ship was clean and tidy, with ample space. The facilities and the diving equipment was neatly organized. Safety measures were comprehensive. The briefings before each dive were concise and clear, with instructions on how to use the hook and SMB provided as needed.
Recommended for
Dive experience. Cleanliness. Safety measures.
22 Jan, 2026

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

10 Exceptional
Maxim Y
Bulgaria

Great!
Great, and Tina and Oli are really comitted..
Recommended for
The whale sharks, the mantas and other sharks
27 Oct, 2015

10 Exceptional
Alizee M
France

I recommend 100%
I felt safe from start to finish on this cruise.The guides are perfect: they have an excellent knowledge of the environment and do everything to respect the fauna and flora. We have briefs to explain what we can see underwater: the behaviour of the animals, what to do and what not to do.I'm vegan and my partner is a vegetarian: they've been taking care of us all week.They did everything they could to make this cruising week amazing, and it was.The ocean is not a zoo, there is no guarantee of what you will see in the water. However, the guides do everything so that you can see beautiful things and above all: each dive is unforgettable: the sites are exceptional and you see sharks on every dive.We were also incredibly lucky to be alone with a whale shark and to see a manta ray at the back of the boat.We will be back!
Recommended for
Adaptability - Knowledge of the environment - safety
18 Mar, 2024

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

9.6 Exceptional
Oskar F
Sweden

An amazing experience
The variety of different marine lifes (sharks, manta rays, turtles and various reef fish) and the night dive (amazing - with full on action from predators searching the reef and all other small creatures which you rarely see during the days).
Recommended for
Diving, friendliness & service from staff and an overall great experience
27 May, 2019

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

9.2 Superb
Steve M
Belgium

Very nice and helpful crew, delicious meals and amazing dives!
I already did a lot of liveaboards but this one was the best when it comes to service! At the end of the trip they did even take care to clean our diving equipment and hang it out to dry.
Recommended for
Service from staff and instructors. Delicious food. Atmosphere.
12 May, 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

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

9.2 Superb
Christian S
Germany

Highly recommended due to excellent dive crew
We didn’t want to leave this liveaboard because the dive sites and especially the dive guides made this trip very special. The briefings were amazing. Never before did we get such detailed descriptions of the dive sites and so much additional information on the marine life there. We really had a great time. Especially the Manta night dive was an outstanding experience. We can highly recommend staying at Emperor Leo.
Recommended for
Manta Night Dive - Outstanding Diveguides - Really informative and funny briefings
18 Dec, 2023

10 Exceptional
Ana F
Mexico

Fantastic
The manager was fantastic, the entire screw made us feel super welcome, swimming with the whale shark was magical and the mantas were majestic! Absolutely fantastic food and the party with Maldivian music in the island was one of the best experiences. We are already planning the next one with emperor Leo again
Recommended for
The staff was brilliant, the dives were magical and the food was gorgeous
20 Jun, 2023

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