This classic Maldivian liveaboard itinerary departs from Malé, offering some of the finest dive sites in the central atolls and the chance of a whale shark encounter.
Spend either one week or ten days exploring the North and South Malé Atolls and Ari Atoll. Trips do not follow a set itinerary, but rely on the expertise of the crew to show you the best dive sites for the time of year. Highlights include manta cleaning stations, whale shark encounters and mesmerising drift dives.
The itinerary below is based on a seven night 'Best of Maldives' trip on board the Emperor Voyager. Please contact us for suggested itineraries on other liveaboards.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Depart the UK for Malé
Day2: Arrive and transfer to your liveaboard
Set sail in the afternoon, making a check dive and getting to know your fellow divers.
Days3-8: Explore the best of the Maldives!
Spend five days exploring the finest dive sites of the North & South Malé Atolls and Ari Atoll.
Day9: Return to Malé and depart
Transfer back to the airport for your flight back to the UK. This may involve an overnight flight depending on schedules.
Please note: The above itinerary is a sample only and your actual liveaboard itinerary may vary. Marine park fees and fuel surcharges may apply. From price based on a twin share cabin.
Key info
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 9 daysfrom £2,595 pp
The central region comprises Malé and Ari Atolls, Felidhoo, Faafu and the smaller Rasdhoo Atoll. It is the most popular area for both dive resorts and liveaboards, with excellent shore diving from house reefs and large pelagics on drift dives.
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Ideal for viewing: whale shark, grey reef shark, Napoleon wrasse, spotted eagle ray, reef manta ray
Excellent for: Liveaboard diving, Resort based diving, Group diving, Shark diving, Whale shark, Manta ray, Learn to dive, Shore diving, Snorkelling, Underwater photography
This itinerary is available on the liveaboards shown below.
Please contact us for further recommendations.
Operating unique and exclusive itineraries to the far reaches of the Maldives, this comfortable vessel is suited to divers who enjoy extended diving adventures to a variety of spectacular locations.
Find Out More about M/Y Amba
This highly respected Maldivian liveaboard accommodates up to 24 divers in comfort and style. She operates itineraries in the central Maldives for much of the year, heading to the south between December and April.
Find Out More about Horizon III
Part of the Emperor Fleet, this stylish, modern liveaboard offers weekly itineraries year round to the some of the best diving spots in the Maldives, including the southern atolls in season.
Find Out More about M/V Emperor Leo
The contemporary MV Emperor Explorer liveaboard is making waves in the Maldives, offering stylish and spacious accommodation for 26 divers on itineraries around the Central and Southern Atolls.
Find Out More about MV Emperor Explorer
This traditional Maldivian vessel comfortably accommodates 18 guests. She spends most of the year delivering exceptional diving itineraries in the Central Atolls, with occasional trips to the deep south for shark encounters.
Find Out More about Moonima
Departing weekly from Malé, this modern purpose-built liveaboard explores some of the best dive sites in the Maldives. Diving is from the accompanying 20 metre long, customised dhoni.
Find Out More about M/V Emperor Voyager
The luxurious twin vessels of Scubaspa Ying and Yang offer a unique liveaboard experience, visiting the popular sites of the Maldives. Enjoy a week of fantastic diving or relaxing spa treatments, or a mix of both.
Find Out More about Scubaspa Liveaboards
This contemporary, spacious liveaboard has been purpose built, offering exceptional standards and facilities, bringing a class of her own to Maldivian waters. Dive the best sites throughout the year from here.
Find Out More about Emperor Serenity
This traditional Maldivian vessel comfortably accommodates 16 guests offering a choice of itineraries in the Central and Southern Atolls, encapsulating the best marine life encounters in season.
Find Out More about Mariana
Sophisticated and exclusive, the M/Y Duke of York liveaboard cruises the central and southern atolls of the Maldives throughout the year, as well as offering exclusive Manta Trust conservation trips.
Find Out More about M/Y Duke of York
A home away from home, the comfortable Carpe Diem liveaboard offers superb week long diving and snorkelling experiences in the central atolls of the Maldives throughout the year.
Find Out More about Carpe Diem
The latest edition to the Carpe Diem fleet, the luxurious Carpe Novo cruises the very best sites of the central and southern atolls of the Maldives throughout the year, offering exceptional service and diving experiences.
Find Out More about Carpe Novo
The flagship vessel of its small fleet offers unique itineraries based on the best pelagic migration patterns around the central atolls in the Maldives, accompanied by a custom built diving dhoni.
Find Out More about Carpe Vita
