Princess Dhonkamana, Maldives

Name: Classic Maldives (Male - Male)
Start: 2027-01-31
End: 2027-02-07
Location: Maldives

9.5 Exceptional

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

from $ 184 / 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

Select

15 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,068

FULL

22 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,068

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

29 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,068

FULL

06 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,068

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

13 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

€330 OFF on Double Cabins only! Rates included discount. Promo valid until November 20, 2026. T&Cs apply.

$ 1,471 Deal %

Select Cabin available

20 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

€405 OFF on Double Cabins only! Rates included discount. Promo valid until November 20, 2026. T&Cs apply.

$ 1,828 Deal %

Select Cabin available

27 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,931

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

03 Jan

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,497

FULL

10 Jan

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,279

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

17 Jan

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,497

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

24 Jan

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,497

FULL

31 Jan

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,742

FULL

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
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
Moana M
Germany

Great experience!
Beautiful and very well organized liveaboard. On each dive, we were able to observe many species of sharks. We were also lucky enough to see many manta rays and a whale shark. Some dives were stronger drift dives. Many thanks to Martina our professional dive guide. She showed us a lot and gave us great support when we had difficulties.We will be very happy to come back!
Recommended for
Manta rays and whale sharks. Varied program. Professional dive guides.
02 Nov, 2025

Translated from German

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
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
Kelsey W
United States

Perfect trip every time with the mantas, turtles, and whale sharks!
I am so grateful for my experience on the Macana boats. This was my fifth time, and I could not be happier. The food, the staff, and the beautiful sea life make my heart happy. I truly love experiencing the manta rays, turtles, and whale sharks each time I come. I highly recommend every single time!
Recommended for
Snorkeling with manta rays, turtles, and a baby whale shark. Amazing food. Wonderful staff.
05 Oct, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
Johnathon W
United States

Worth it!
Excellent diving safari. Crew and Guides were exceptional and were safe, friendly, and fun. Food was great.
Recommended for
Sea life. Boat crew. Price.
02 Dec, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
Adam K
Poland

The best start to a Maldives adventure I could have ever dreamed of.
My recent week on Princess Dhonkamana was phenomenal. Every moment, from the perfectly planned dives to the delicious Italian feasts (you have to watch out, otherwise you may bring back few kilos extra from this trip), was unforgettable. Even though we didn't spot a whale shark, every dive during our week-long safari was incredible. The encounters with manta rays, reef and nurse sharks will stay with me forever. Guides enthusiasm and expertise made every dive both safe and awe-inspiring. I don't have enough words to thank the entire crew for their great care and hospitality. If you’re looking for a dive trip that combines incredible underwater adventures, top-notch service, and fantastic food, I can’t recommend Princess Dhonkamana highly enough.
Recommended for
Amazing dives.. Very friendly atmosphere on the boat.. Phenomenal food like in an Italian restaurant..
21 Nov, 2024

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

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

88 reviews

9.5 Exceptional
88 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

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
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

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
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

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

10 Exceptional
Adam K
Poland

Even better the second time!
It was my second trip with Macana on Princess Dhokamana, and somehow I enjoyed it even more this time! As always, the boat and the crew were fantastic. This time we stayed in a cabin on the upper deck, which made the whole experience even more comfortable and enjoyable. I can totally understand why some people say they come to Macana mainly for the food — the authentic Italian cuisine is simply unbeatable. This trip, though, was all about diving for me. The entire dive team does an amazing job, but we were especially lucky to be in Aya’s group. He’s an incredible guide — calm, focused, always in a good mood, and with an unbelievable eye for marine life, especially sharks! We had such a great time, and I honestly wouldn’t hesitate to come back to Macana for a third trip.
Recommended for
Guide and dives. Crew and hospitality on boat. Value for money.
14 May, 2026

10 Exceptional
Michael B
Switzerland

A great experience!
A great week with a very familiar atmosphere on the boat. The diving program has been adapted to the respective conditions - very flexible. Rental equipment: I was lucky and got a brand new BCD. Recommended: Nitrox. All the diving equipment stays on the dhoni (support boat) - that's great. Professional crew. Culinary top - a big compliment to the kitchen!
Recommended for
Night diving with manta rays. Eagle rays and various sharks. Atmosphere on the boat.
27 Dec, 2024

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
Pat H
Germany

Best Diving of Maldives
I love the dives, on this trip, I gained more extra experience in diving. We have seen a massive group of Gray Reef Sharks at the channel dive, which is for me a mega highlight. Mantas at cleaning station ..Mantas again at night just at the back side of the boat .. Alimatha Nurse Sharks at night dive. 2 Octopuses in one dive, 2 Hawkbill Turtles in the same area. Our boat is always alone and never mixes with another liveaboard boat. We have every time all dive sites for ourselves. This boat is really know when and where to go because we have exactly see many things underwater in the right time , right place.
Recommended for
Boat .. Food .. Diving with Sharks , Mantas Madness , Eagle Rays and Giant Sting Rays
14 Oct, 2022

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
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

9.6 Exceptional
Ryan V
United States

Perfect liveaboard trip.
The diving was fantastic with guides going above and beyond to choose beautiful and fun routes on the sites. The family style Italian meals were fun and the crew were very helpful for the fishermen on board as well.
Recommended for
Wonderful diving, great Italian food and fishing.
21 Dec, 2023

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

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

9.6 Exceptional
Inge L
Netherlands

Would recommend to everybody!!
We had an amazing experience. The crew was incredibly helpful and prepared amazing food.
Recommended for
Marine life. Food. Good vibes.
06 Oct, 2024

10 Exceptional
Bruce K
United States

Great Trip
This was a fabulous trip with a great crew and great diving. Highly recommend.
Recommended for
Whale Sharks, Manta Rays, Amazing Night Dive
13 Sep, 2018

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
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
Jacqueline A
Austria

Great Cruise with amazing diving experiences and maritime environment which should definitely be way more cared for and protected! (Plastic trash on islands)
Diving, food, islands
Recommended for
Sharks, Mantas and lonely islands
04 Sep, 2021

10 Exceptional
Louise H
United Kingdom

Awesome adventure!
Excellent. Should note however this is a predominantly Italian boat so be prepared if not an Italian speaker (although all guides speak English too). Food is all Italian - would be nice to have some local Maldivian food on occasion too. Other than this, trip was perfect, diving awesome. Great crew on board, Super welcoming and friendly, very well organised. I'd go back in a heartbeat!
Recommended for
Guides, food, friendliness
15 Feb, 2016