9 or 16 days London to London [FB (liveaboard only)]

Cruising on a liveaboard has to be the best way to dive the Maldives and the Black Pearl offers certified divers the opportunity to dive some of the Maldives beautiful and challenging dive sites and maximise the amount of time they spend in the water.

The Black Pearl is 29 metres in length, with a main deck made out of Balau wood, a sun deck and a cruise speed of 10 knots. She can accommodate 14 passengers in seven cabins, all air-conditioned and en-suite with one double and one single bed. Facilities include TV and Hi Fi system, bar, library and she also carries snorkelling and fishing equipment.

As the dive equipment and compressor stay on the Dhoni throughout the safari, there is no carrying heavy equipment or noise from the compressor on the liveaboard.

The Black Pearl's crew aim to show guests the most beautiful sites the Maldives has to offer, subject to weather and seasonal conditions, and so routes will be announced at the beginning of every safari, with more detailed briefings daily. Divers should remember to bring their log book and diving certification card and a medical check is recommended. After the first compulsory check dive, experienced divers will be able to dive alone in buddy pairs; otherwise dives are guided by an Instructor and dive guide, leading small groups. PADI courses are available, please discuss in advance of your trip.

The Black Pearl will take you on a tour of the legendary dive sites, pristine beaches and far-flung fishing villages of the Maldives, allowing you to explore the Maldives in comfort. Get face-to-face with the spectacular marine wildlife that has made this country a diver's paradise: mantas and many other kinds of rays, sharks of all types, moray eels, napoleon wrasses, turtles, blennies, gobies, lobsters and many more. Discover the colourful underwater landscapes inhabited by a multitude of marine creatures and see different parts of the country every day. With a bit of luck, you may even get to swim with pilot whales or whale sharks - an unforgettable experience for divers and snorkelers.