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Liveaboard Diving in Maldives

Liveaboard SCUBA diving in the Maldives offers some of the world's most pristine and colourful reefs along with luxury dive boats that satisfy the choosiest of vacationers.

Diving in the Maldives by liveaboard offers the best in many must-have tropical SCUBA experiences. Deserted, white sand islands peep out of the ocean by only two meters, stretching seamlessly into an underwater paradise of wildlife nourished by the Indian Monsoon current. The Maldives' crystal clear waters are home to mantas, whale sharks, and reef sharks, not to mention the brilliant flatworms and ghost pipefish who hide among its wrecks, coral gardens, channels, and pinnacles. Maldives liveaboards offer itineraries encompassing the world-class dive sites of North Male Atoll, Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll, Hanifaru Bay, Rasdhoo, and many more, including remote atolls in the far north and south where you'd be hard-pressed to see another liveaboard.

Liveaboards in Ari Atoll come for their submerged, volcano-shaped pinnacles, which attract immense amounts of big marine life. Diving in and near Ari Atoll can bring you face to face with manta rays, pelagic fish, and even hammerhead sharks at Rasdhoo Atoll to the northeast. Within Ari Atoll's 40 km length and 105 small islands, dive sites like the premier Maaya Thila, overflowing with reef life, or Donkalo Thila, one of multiple manta cleaning stations, are only accessible to liveaboards. The most dependable Maldives dive sites for whale sharks and manta rays are located in this area. Experienced divers will be best able to navigate the strong currents that bring the giants to Ari Atoll. Maldivian liveaboards to Ari Atoll are mostly MV luxury yachts.

The length of most liveaboard itineraries to Ari Atoll ranges from 7 to 12 nights. The best time to dive in Aril Atoll is the calm-sea season of December to May. The water temperature usually remains between 26-29 C, and visibility is at 15-20 meters. Budgets for liveaboards in Ari Atoll range between 200 to 400 euros per. day. Ari Atoll liveaboards depart from Male, reachable by short flights from nearby Singapore, Dubai, and Colombo, as well as longer flights worldwide. Places to dive in and around Ari Atoll are North and South Male Atolls, Rasdhoo Atoll, and sometimes Baa Atoll. Ari Atoll's liveaboard itineraries will often include a combination of the above.

Baa Atoll, in the Maldives' Northern Atolls area, offers an array of famously beautiful underwater landscapes and plentiful marine life. At Maavaru Kandu, you can dive below huge rocky overhangs festooned with luminous pastel gardens of blue, yellow, and green soft corals. Dhonfanu Thila and Dhigali Haa dive sites are underwater pinnacles known for their scenic whip corals, bushy black corals, and sea fans, as well as schools of snapper and regular manta rays. Hanifaru Bay even enjoys world-famous manta and whale shark aggregations during the plankton-rich months from August through November. Some diving in Baa Atoll is suitable for beginners with moderate currents. Liveaboards in Baa Atoll are mostly MV yachts and luxury yachts.

Nilandhe Atoll, on the western border of the Maldives' Southern Atolls, is a great destination for liveaboard diving. It comprises two atolls - the northern atoll is known for its big schools of fish, sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and eagle rays. The southern atoll is home to an abundance of protected areas teeming with marine life, including grey reef sharks, schools of fusiliers, snappers, sweetlips, and even tuna, turtles, and mantas. No matter your interests, Nilandhe Atoll will surely have something for you.

Fuvahmulah, in the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, offers an unparalleled diving experience. Diving into the crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs, exotic marine life, and the chance to spot elusive species like tiger sharks and oceanic manta rays. Fuvahmulah's most popular dive sites include Gahaa Kandu and Thoondu Point; divers are often surrounded by schools of colorful fish and vibrant coral formations.

The length of most liveaboard dive cruise itineraries to Baa Atoll ranges from 7 to 10 nights. Baa Atoll dive sites can be visited year-round, though the southwest monsoon from May to November can make the seas a bit choppy. The water temperature stays stable at 27-30 C. Budgets for Baa Atoll liveaboards range from 200 to 400 euros per day. Many liveaboards bound for Baa Atoll depart from Male. However, some depart from Hanimadhoo in the north and spend their whole itinerary in that area. Hanimadhoo can be reached by domestic seaplane from Male. Some itineraries on a Baa Atoll-bound liveaboard include North Male and Ari Atoll. Other itineraries may spend more time among Baa's uncrowded neighbors in the north: Lhaviyani, Noonu, and Raa Atolls.

Longer dive safaris include Lhaviyani, Felidhoo, Vaavu, and Meemu atolls, whilst, during January-March, several Maldives dive liveaboards focus their attention on Huvadhoo Atoll in the Deep South close to the Equator. No matter which dive trip you choose, you can be sure to see healthy corals surrounded by colorful reef fish and plenty of pelagic fish action on every dive.

More about the Atolls of Maldives

Jump off the plane and hop on a boat for a classic Maldives dive trip in the Central Atolls.
Grab your bunk on an exclusive Far North Atolls liveaboard for untouched, pristine diving.
Drift dive the Southern Atolls in serenity and witness Maldives' marine life with exceptional visibility.
Crack the Maldives' best-kept secret- tiger sharks and oceanic whitetips in the Deep South.

Tips for Travellers

The best time to dive in the Maldives is all year. However, some people prefer to avoid monsoon season, which hits the area in April and continues to rain through October. The water temperature typically ranges between 26 to 30 degrees Celsius (80 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit), with visibility from 20 meters (65 feet) to as far as the eye can see. Water depths include shallow reefs, deep walls, and everything in between, ensuring every diver can find their perfect dive. For the more intrepid diver, there are slow currents in many areas, and extremely strong currents jetting through the atoll pass for the more experienced thrill seeker. Whatever your tastes, Maldives has the diving suited just for you, which can be enjoyed in mild outside weather ranging from 24 to 33 degrees Celsius (75 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit).

In the Maldives, additional liveaboards fees usually include gear rental (not covered by your trip price), which can be in the vicinity of 40 USD per person per night. Every diver must also independently purchase dive insurance before getting in the water. Some other fees like extra alcoholic drinks and special gear such as torches may incur additional charges. In the Maldives, a new Green Tax of 6 USD per person per night applies for every tourist in the country. Some islands and marine parks have national park fees that are not included in liveaboard packages, like Hanifaru Bay's park entrance fee of 20 USD per person. Nitrox is offered on virtually every Maldives liveaboard- some as a complimentary service, and some for a fee. Depending on the route, a fuel surcharge per person per night may be added. This surcharge usually ranges from 10 to 15 USD per night. If you have any questions about extra fees in the Maldives, don't hesitate to contact us directly. We are here for you.

Minimum logged dives are required by many Maldives diving liveaboards, Scubaspa Yang and Ying being the exceptions. Ocean Divine requires 20, MV Orion and Amba require 50, and Carpe Vita requires 100. Safety briefings on boats like Scubaspa Yang and Ying are conducted on day one. Check dives on Maldives liveaboards are often held in Male on the first day.

The official language of the Maldives is Maldivian or Dhivehi.

A free 30 day visa is issued on arrival to all tourists in the Maldives. However, tourists must possess a valid passport, a valid outbound ticket and either a reservation confirmation in a hotel or enough funds to cover expenses for the duration of their stay (30 USD per. day).

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to the Maldives unless you have been in a country with increased yellow fever risk sometime in the nine days previous to arrival. In such cases, you must have proof of a yellow fever vaccination. We recommend standard protection against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, influenza, typhoid and hepatitis A. There is no endemic malaria risk in the Maldives. However, the rainy season (May through September) elevates the risk of dengue fever. For advice on Malaria and Dengue, seek professional medical advice before travelling.

Electricity voltage runs at 220-240 volts; the standard socket is UK-style three-pin, but many resorts have universal sockets to accommodate non-UK tourists.

The Maldives is the smallest Asian country by land area (300 square kilometres) and population, but its underwater offerings are comparatively huge- 90,000 square kilometres of ocean. Fewer than 300 of its roughly 2000 islands are inhabited, leaving the rest of the white-sand paradises to sharks and corals, and the lucky divers who visit them. At a maximum height of about 2.5 meters above sea level, the Maldives is at incredibly high risk from global warming, which contributes to its activism for carbon-pollution reduction worldwide. Thirty one protected areas exist in the country, and incredible coral restoration projects are common.

Ports of Departure and how to get there

Male is the main liveaboard departure location in the Maldives, and the country's capital city, located on the southern edge of North Male Atoll (also called Kaafu Atoll). The main Male departure port is Hulhule, next to the Male airport. Liveaboards diving in the Central Atolls set out from here. North Male Atoll is the best known and explored dive area in the Maldives, long recognized as a world-class manta and reef shark destination with many longstanding, beloved dive sites of pinnacles, wrecks, coral gardens, and cleaning stations. Entry level divers can find offerings around Male, even though currents can be strong. Standard liveaboards departing from Male may visit North Male Atoll, Ari Atoll and Rasdhoo Atoll, and sometimes Baa Atoll as well. Other liveaboards may head south of Male Atoll to include Meemu (Malaku), Vaavu (Felidhu), and Thaa (Kolhumadulu) atolls.

Travellers bound for Male can take direct flights from Dubai, Singapore, and Colombo. Longer international flights from Europe, America, China, India, and Australia are all readily available, often connecting through the airports mentioned above. Flights to the Maldives are available on multiple airlines, such as British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Singapore Airlines, among others. From the UK, expect at least a 13 hour trip. From Germany or Australia, the flight duration is at least 12 hours. Divers arriving from the USA can fly first to Singapore, with a flight duration of 20 hours from Los Angeles.

Maldives Diving Reviews

9.1 Superb
1073 Verified Reviews

9.6 Exceptional
Danya C
United States

I loved the diversity of the diving. We were lucky to get whale shark interactions one day. The mantas were beautiful and abundant. Reef life is very healthy. Loved the shark wall dive, even with the very strong current! DM did a fantastic job briefing it for real expectations.

Diving Maldives in December on the Carpe Novo

8.8 Fabulous
Seth G
United States

Very beautiful country, we enjoyed our time in the Maldives.

Diving Maldives in May on the Carpe Novo

10.0 Exceptional
Benjamin V
United States

We did not have much luck with the cleaning stations, and the Lily Rock site was a total bust, but the rest of the dives made up for it. Many mantas, octopi, turtles, dolphins and a bunch of other colorful tropical fish were seen on every dive, and there were a couple cool wrecks. The whale shark that visited our boat at night was also an interesting character. I feel that safety standards were adhered to at all times and would recommend this to anyone else.

Diving Maldives in November on the Emperor Leo

10.0 Exceptional
Leopold S
United States

The Maldives is truly a wonderful place. Not only is the colors of the ocean and fish life amazing but so are the people.

Diving Maldives in December on the Scubaspa Yang

8.8 Fabulous
Courtney C
United States

Fantastic.

Diving Maldives in December on the Emperor Serenity

9.2 Superb
Daniel M
United States

Mind blowing.

Diving Maldives in December on the Carpe Vita

8.4 Very good
Daniel B
United States

We enjoy current diving to see bigger life underwater and more sharks. There was a lot of swimming to get to these spots and some divers ran out of air, ending our dives early so maybe drop us on the spots or switch divers around so people with more experience and better air consumption are together. But all in all we really enjoyed it

Diving Maldives in January on the Princess Dhonkamana

6.0 Review score
Eric H
United States

About half the dives were great. disappointed that we did not get more variety or some of the other locations originally listed in the itinerary. Enjoyed the new friends and the good dives.

Diving Maldives in March on the Orca M7

9.6 Exceptional
Robert L
United States

Great beach time on beautiful sand banks and small islands.

Diving Maldives in March on the Scubaspa Ying

8.8 Fabulous
Robert H
United States

Overall diving experience as outstanding. Some of the best diving we have ever done!

Diving Maldives in April on the Emperor Serenity

9.6 Exceptional
Roger B
United States

very good. Some challenging dives, as expected, but our dive guides and boat crews helped prepare us for them and made sure the dives were excellent all around.

Diving Maldives in April on the Emperor Serenity

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Liveaboard Diving in Maldives

More about the Atolls of Maldives

Tips for Travellers

Ports of Departure and how to get there

Maldives Diving Reviews

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