Princess Dhonkamana, Maldives

Name: Classic Maldives (Male - Male)
Start: 2026-12-20
End: 2026-12-27
Location: Maldives

9.5 Exceptional

Nitrox available
Naturalist Guide
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly

from $ 183 / day Check dates

En-Suite bathrooms - Princess Dhonkamana

“It was again a great experience with a perfect crew and fantastic divers - Thank you!”
Ulf H, Germany

Highlights

Flexible itineraries to showcase the best diving depending on season
Ample social areas and 3 sun decks
Large cabins with canopy beds

Join the MY Princess Dhonkamana yacht for a luxury dive or snorkel trip in the Maldives. Offering week-long itineraries, she caters to 20 guests in 9 comfortable cabins. Guests have the choice of double, twin or triple cabins, each with canopy beds, private bathroom facilities and individually controlled AC units. Spread around the yacht is ample room for rest, relaxation and socialising. There is a large indoor salon and bar where snacks are served in the evening to accompany the aperitif, and the large covered al fresco dining area is where a variety of delicious cuisine and chef-prepared dishes are served. There are also 3 sun decks and terraces with loungers and sofas spread around the boat for further relaxation.

Maldives dive itineraries with the M/Y Princess Dhonkamana explore the Central, Southern and Northern Atolls. The itineraries are flexible and are designed day by day depending on the season and what guests want to see, to be able to offer the best possible diving. Expect to see large pelagic life, lots of sharks, turtles and stunning reefs. The MY Princess Dhonkamana is accompanied by a separate diving dhoni, giving more space on board and making the dive experience much smoother.

To reserve your space aboard the MY Princess Dhonkamana yacht, call us or book online today.

Choose your departure date

Date

Itinerary

Price

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04 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 1,880

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

11 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 1,880

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18 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 1,880

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25 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,113

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01 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,113

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

08 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,113

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

15 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,113

FULL

22 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,113

FULL

29 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,113

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

06 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,113

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13 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 1,880

FULL

20 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,330

Select Cabin available

Included: VAT, Environment Tax, Airport Transfer, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Welcome Cocktails, Beach BBQ, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Fishing, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide, Snorkeling Guide, Beach Towels, Cabin Towels, Deck Towels.

Required Extras: Fuel Surcharge (€120 / week), Mandatory Service Charge (€90-128 / trip).

Optional Extras: Gratuities, National Park Fees (€3-11 / trip), Rental Gear.

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

Naturalist Guide
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Air Conditioned saloon
Sun Deck
Nearly 1:1 Crew-to-Guest Ratio
Seaview Cabins
Naturalist Itineraries
Paid Internet
Non-Smoking Rooms
Custom built for diving
Charging stations
Indoor Saloon
Library
Outdoor Dining
Audio & video entertainment
Observation Deck
Fishing
Available for Charter
Local & International Crew
Separate Rinse for u/w Camera
Outside Showers
Leisure Deck
Daily housekeeping
Bar
Naturalist Guide

Food & Drinks

Fine Cuisine
Al Fresco Dining
Vegan Options
Vegetarian Options
Beer available
Wine Available
Full-board Option
Beach BBQ
Welcome Cocktails
Snacks All Day
Western Food
Set Menu Dinner

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
Shaded Diving Area
DIN Adaptors
Rinse Hoses
Dive deck
Tenders for diving

Languages Spoken

The crew speaks English, French, Spanish, and Italian.

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: 2008

Length: 31 meters

Beam: 10 meters

Cruising speed: 10 knots

Max guests: 18

Number of cabins: 10

Number of bathrooms: 9

Tenders: 1 Dhoni and 1 dive tender

Water capacity: 400 liters per hour

Princess Dhonkamana Reviews

9.5 Exceptional

Vessel

9.2
Crew

9.5
Food

9.8
Diving

9.5
Value

9.4

10 Exceptional
Patricia V
Switzerland

Magical
It was magical with lots of sharks, manta rays etc coming to the Maldives for many years and it's just a brilliant ambience - heartfelt thanks to Martina & the crew ❤️
Recommended for
Dive guide. Food. Ambiance.
20 Sep, 2026

Translated from German

10 Exceptional
Ronald W
Netherlands

Perfect and unforgettable experience in the Maldives on the Princess Dhonkamana
Well where will I start; It was my first liveaboard and my first time in the Maldives together with my 2 sons. The experience on and with the people of the Princess Dhonkamana was amazing! The stay on board is very comfortable and well equipped. We had a triple room with the three of us and we slept comfortably. The staff under guidance of the very friendly Martina was super. As you can read in the many reviews the food is amazing and very fresh. The divesites we have visited with our very nice and experienced divequide Ali where very good and sometimes because of weather conditions where easely and flexible adjusted. We have seen a lot of big and small animals; different (many) sharks, manta's, tuna, rays, turtles, coral, etc. We are spoiled now...The night dives where one of a kind. The route of the Central or Best of Maldives is beautiful. If you have any hesitations to book the Princess Dhonkamana don't! You will not regret it. Also thanks to the LiveAboard staff that responded always fast and very good. We will come back!
Recommended for
Perfect dive sites in the Maldives. Great boat with perfect food. Super friendly and experienced staff.
22 Sep, 2026

10 Exceptional
Océane F
France

UNBELIEVABLE!
This cruise aboard the Princess Dhonkamana was one of our most beautiful experiences thanks to the whole crew. They are kind, helpful, and do everything to make you feel good. Thanks to Martina, who was our guide. Fortunately she spoke French and always took the time to brief us. We felt confident and well supported thanks to her. In addition, he is a smiling, very friendly and passionate person. The food was just amazing, varied, the only downside is... that you will gain 3kg! Congratulations to the cooks, whether it was savory or sweet it was extremely good!The small stops on the deserted beaches were very popular as well as on the local islands to buy souvenirs. The dives were superb and above all varied. We were able to live several experiences that will remain engraved in our memory.In summary... We were afraid to embark on our first cruise, and finally we are already ready to leave! Thank you all, you have contributed to this wonderful memory.Special mention to Marion working at Liveabord who made this stay possible and who was very kind in following up on our file.
Recommended for
Various dives. Perfect crew. Excellent food.
02 Aug, 2026

Translated from French

10 Exceptional
Juan B
Argentina

One trip I hope to repeat!
Amazing trip! The staff did all of makes us super comfortable. Really nice boat and delicious food. Dive sites are in another level. Great experience
Recommended for
The whole crew. Food. Dives.
02 Jun, 2025

10 Exceptional
Ferdie R
Netherlands

An Unforgettable Maldives Liveaboard Experience
Honestly, this was one of the best experiences of my life. It was our first liveaboard, and we weren't quite sure what to expect, but Princess Dhonkamana exceeded all expectations. The crew made sure we enjoyed every moment of the trip. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, the dive sites were spectacular (with plenty of sharks, manta rays, and other marine life) and the food was outstanding. I would highly recommend this liveaboard to anyone visiting the Maldives
Recommended for
The crew. The dives. The food.
24 Sep, 2026

10 Exceptional
Sabine G
Germany

I will never go on another diving holiday again! For me, it was like a dream come true.
Just paradise-the Maldives in general-diving-to be on boat-my dream came true!
Recommended for
Relaxed atmosphere, food, diving
16 Jul, 2020

Translated from German

10 Exceptional
Stephanie S
Germany

Fantastic!!! I'll be back, next year :)
It was probably the best vacation of my life from start to finish, and I will never go on vacation in a hotel again,,, I discovered this way of vacationing ,,, on a dive boat ,,,, for myself and have already told the crew that I am planning my vacation with them again next year.
Recommended for
Manta diving, night dive, super nice crew
16 Sep, 2015

Translated from German

10 Exceptional
Kimberly M
United States

Amazing trip!
A wonderful trip overall. My friend had an injury early in the trip and the crew was amazing in looking after her and making accommodations to make sure she was comfortable
Recommended for
Crew. Food. Dives.
21 Oct, 2025

10 Exceptional
Carla S
Portugal

Unforgettable!
All! But the Night Dive was splendid! The friendliness of the divers and the staff! Finally everything was perfect! 🤩
Recommended for
Diving, instructors, meals
13 Dec, 2021

Translated from French

9.6 Exceptional
Kristina G
Germany

Wonderful trip with wonderful crew
Amazing trip with amazing dive spots ( manta cleaning station with 4 mantas , lots of sharks and other beautiful spots) . Martina (marine biologist and manager of the trip) was a really friendly helpful and caring, she really did an amazing job
Recommended for
wellcoming and warm atmosphere. Amazing activities, very special dive spots. Extraordinary crew.
06 Oct, 2024

88 reviews

9.5 Exceptional
88 Verified Reviews

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10 Exceptional
Nicole M
Germany

Pleasure for the senses on board and under water
Great crew and dive guides. Excellent briefings and lots of additional information about the underwater world
Recommended for
Detailed briefings before the dives. Food, a dream. Crew - friendly and helpful.
18 Oct, 2025

10 Exceptional
Alexandre G
Switzerland

One of the best moments of my trip to Asia
All the staff made it possible to make this week unforgettable! We were very attentive 24 hours a day!The dives were amazing (thank you Aya). The food was delicious and the service top notch!A real dream life during this week!
Recommended for
The staff has board and Dive Master. Organization from start to finish. Safety and atmosphere.
26 May, 2025

10 Exceptional
Bryce N
Australia

Amazing food
Great value for money. Great food. Diving was fantastic following a sublet itinerary as every other live aboard. A couple of things to mention. They use steel tanks which are heavy if you're used to Aluminium. They use 28% nitrox, which is fine but I would rather more. We often got close to our NDC limits.
Recommended for
The food, the diving, did I mention the food
14 Sep, 2022

10 Exceptional
xiaobo H
China

Amazing dive trip
We saw the manta, white tips shark, nurse shark, Eagle rayan so on. Very very very good.
Recommended for
Delicious food, amazing dive point, friendly staff.
13 Sep, 2018

8.8 Fabulous
Ryan V
United States

Great diving in central Maldives
5th trip with the company. They do a great job planning a fun diving itinerary in the Maldives
Recommended for
Best dive guides in Maldives. Fun atmosphere. Good Italian food.
08 Dec, 2025

10 Exceptional
Kelsey W
United States

Experience of a Lifetime
I’ve been fortunate to experience both the Princess Dhonkamana and Princess Haleema. Both weeks were such a breathtaking experience. The staff and boat crew are simply amazing and do everything possible to ensure all guests are happy and comfortable. The food is wonderful, and the chef takes such pride in making sure every guest has something to enjoy. The diving/snorkeling guides are also incredible and take the time to bring the guests to the most beautiful sites to see an array of fish, mantas, turtles, and sharks. I can’t recommend these boats highly enough, and I will keep going back!
Recommended for
Diving/snorkel guides, amazing food, swimming with Manta rays
09 Oct, 2023

10 Exceptional
sonia M
Germany

Unforgettable
Loved every single day. The will of the guides to make us have an amazing experience, adapting to our diving experience and to the daily conditions so that we can maximize the ocean experience. BRAVO!
Recommended for
Companionship, discovering, immensity of the ocean
02 May, 2021

10 Exceptional
Zorian C
Poland

Perfect! Will be back soon! Grazie Mille!!!
Amazing trip. Ornella and entire crew: guides, captains, chefs, cleaning staff, biologist, technicians, all crew are fantastic people and great professionals. We had fantastic dives in some of the most iconic spots in Maldives. Entire organisation from the very beginning at the airport pick to until the very end was spotless. Food quality is just amazing, lots of delicious Italian dishes, Maldivian buffet, fresh fish… every meal was adventure. The MV Princes Dhonkamana is specious and comfortable boat with all you need for beautiful scuba adventure. Big thanks to Macana Dive and all crew members, and also other divers for unforgettable experiences. We will dive together again for sure. I can only highly recommend Macana Dive as operator and the MV Princess Dhonkamana boat. Everything was perfect!
Recommended for
Exceptional Crew. Great Diving. Amazing Food.
03 Dec, 2024

10 Exceptional
Hoyoung A
South Korea

Very good, esp. if your an italian!!
Pros and cons... Pros 1) Food was awesome, delicious italian cuisine in the middle of the ocean every single day!! 2) Large rooms!! 3) Friendly and helpful staff, accomodated all our needs!! 4) WHALE SHARKS (more than one) and DOLPHINS!!! Cons... If you're from italy, or are fluent in italian(which I'm not), then definitely recommended. If not, some consideration may be needed, as most of the guides are italian and are not completely fluent in english (except Ali, who is a native and speaks english well enough). Overall, we had a great time!!
Recommended for
Great food, friendly staff, WHALE SHARKS!!!!
17 Feb, 2016

10 Exceptional
Dominik T
Germany

Great dive safari
Awesome! Everthing was perfect from beginning till the end. The crew is so friendly, helpful and experienced. We felt home from the very first moment. Dive spots are amazing. Even when the weather is bad the guides know unique dive spots. We can devinately recommend the princess Dhonkamana.
Recommended for
Crew. Dives - Manta rays and many shakrs. Food.
16 Oct, 2024

10 Exceptional
Agnes H
Austria

Couldn't have been better
Awesome dive sites, perfect food, very well managed, very nice and helpful crew. We loved it!
Recommended for
The diving, the food, the guides
23 Sep, 2022

9.2 Superb
Marek B
Poland

One of the best trips in my life
While you turn the phone off for entire week, you can focus on relaxing and Princess Dhonkamana and it's staff are everything to keep you out any worry. All perfectly organized, cooked, cleaned. Underwater na nurse sharks, white & black tips, rays, friendly mantas, napoleons, sleeping turtles, adorable anemones. Plus white sands and excellent weather (even during monsoon time).
Recommended for
Italian food. Organisation and staff friendliness. Excellent dive guide and diving group.
05 Dec, 2024

8.8 Fabulous
Matthew W
United States

A beautiful, friendly, feel-good experience with amazing dives
Dhonkamana has visiting the islands down a rhythm. The core is based around about three dives a day, and three square Italian style meals a day. Each day we jump to a new location such as an atoll and get in between 2-4 dives from her support dhoni, Savari. Dives are amazing, including pinnacles, coral reefs, cleaning stations, and much more. Maldives still have an abundance of color fish, sharks, mantas, and much more. Feasting from the on board chefs happen on the back deck, and we never wanted for ample good quality pasta, fish, meats, fruits and more. In between that we fit in some visits to tiny islands, beaches,sandbars, a local town, and a nighttime barbecue. The dive guides are capable and friendly and we even got some additional PADI training and certifications. The top dives were probably the night dive with a dozen car-sized mantas doing underwater flips to eat, and a pinnacle with thousands of yellow snappers. All this for a very competitive price too. No guarantees, but this trip the guests had a very friendly vibe and team spirit too. All told a Dhonkamana trip is an easy recommend.
Recommended for
The incredible dive sites and dive experiences. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere on board. The beauty of the islands and navigating between them (often on the sun deck).
24 Sep, 2024

10 Exceptional
Patarawan H
Germany

100+Sharks of Maldives in ONE DIVE! Guide is matter!!!!
This is my 3rd repeat Guest on Princess Dhonkamana and Maldives is not Maldives as I think I know them before! Because '' Ornelle '' our Queen of the Ocean who turn everything around and let me see Maldives a version that I have never seen before ( even I have did 7 x liveaboards in the past!) at Sharks Tank dive site was mind blowing scenario at 20+meters I can't believe how many Sharks keep cruising without end and at the sea bed countless of Giant Sting rays many of them flying on the sea bed , moment like this never happened to me before, Thank you Thank you. Manta point was always amazing and not even once to missed this! Bravo! Night dive with Mantas which the Manta flip her wings around our head was stay forever the BEST in my memory. Nitrox is totally no doubt recommend . Food & Drink : this first time I decided to buy drinks package and I will do it again next time. It is worth it as this is a VACATION!!!! Food always very good tasty and a lot! from start till dessert ! This trip for me .... Guide is matter! She does her very best with her amazing knowledge of the Ocean , I do really appreciated her and the TEAM who make this trip to be BEST dive of my life. Thank you Ornelle , Bea and a whole TEAM! You guys are the BEST.
Recommended for
Best Guide Best Crews. 100+Sharks! Mantas and night dive with Mantas. Food Food Food.
12 Dec, 2024

9.6 Exceptional
Michael B
Switzerland

Great experience - above and below the water
We had a great week (early October 2025) with Martina as Cruise Director. Dive guides were Agu and Ali. The 3 know the Maldives and the individual dive spots very well and always had the right timing. In addition to many reef fish, we were able to observe schools of rays, eagle rays, manta rays, various sharks and even a whale shark. The Princess Dhonkamana also has a lot to offer in terms of culinary delights. There was always fresh fish, Italian pasta, homemade bread, cakes & frog's fruit. Very positive and not a matter of course: allergies and intolerances are taken into account by the kitchen team when planning the menu. For our son there was always an extra portion of gluten-free pasta and gluten-free bread. Many thanks to the whole team - we would love to come back.
Recommended for
Dives. Eat. Crew & dive guides.
13 Oct, 2025

9.2 Superb
Howard B
New Zealand

Fabulous varied diving on a great boat.
I did the Classic Maldives trip in September and had a wonderful time. I was lucky that the boat was not full, so space aboard and on the dive dhoni was great. Martina did a fabulous job as Cruise Director and staff were all friendly and helpful. Saw all the hoped for larger creatures.
Recommended for
Martina's superb job as cruise director. Great variety of dive sites. Upgrade to my own ocean view cabin.
24 Sep, 2024

9.6 Exceptional
Kinga S
South Africa

Fabulous trip, highly recommend the crew
Marco & Valter run a tight professional ship, very well organised. They make all feel very welcome. We love how excited they get about their mama's pasta:) The focus was on the best dive spots and diving, which was perfect for completing our AOW.
Recommended for
diving, atmosphere on board, relaxed
12 Sep, 2018

9.6 Exceptional
Damian B
Poland

Fantastic journey to the world of dreams
A fantastic journey created by a dedicated and over-sympathetic crew lead by Mistress ;) and her daughter and a service team dedicated to our passion - diving. Maybe not the newest boat and not the biggest, but I dare say the best in terms of care and atmosphere. You will feel at home there. Those who have already been at least once on a diving safari already know that the appearance of the cabins or bathrooms is secondary (which does not mean that they are bad) other things count, the most important of which is the knowledge and experience of the captain and dive leaders. This is what you will find on this boat and will make the dives the best under certain circumstances and weather conditions. And one more thing at the end, if you don't like to eat or something like that then maybe choose another boat, because on this one you will be treated royally. Really! Finally, greetings in Polish to the entire crew: Pozdrawiamy Was serdecznie, Kochamy i dziękujemy za wspaniałą podróż: Damian & Krzysztof
Recommended for
A family atmosphere. eating. full care.
12 Dec, 2024

8.0 Very good
LAN W
China

Amazing diving experience for our holiday.
You will definitely enjoy your diving experience to see whale sharks, manta, nurse sharks, white tip sharks, tremendous fish groups, and other sea creatures.
Recommended for
So excited to see big things; friendly and professional staffs; nice Italian food.
15 Nov, 2022

10 Exceptional
Claudio S
Italy

Beyond expectations
Perfect diving cruise, beyond expectations from every point of view, touching 5 atolls with 18 dives all different from each other and well organized thanks to the team of dive guides and the ship's crew ... . Really good and plentiful cuisine on board. To be redone!
Recommended for
Diving, dive guide team, food on the boat
05 Aug, 2022

Translated from Italian