Best diving liveaboards in the Maldives

The Maldives is an idyllic island nation consisting of 26 atolls strung across 850-kilometres of the Indian Ocean – each of which boasts its own vast lagoon filled with reefs and dive sites. With so much exceptional scuba diving on offer, it's not surprising that the best way to explore the Maldives is on board a dive liveaboard. Their ability to cover the distances between atolls, and flexibility to follow seasonal marine life and weather, means that liveaboards are the perfect choice for that ultimate diving holiday. 

In this article, we’ve compiled a selection of the best liveaboards currently cruising the Maldives, based on our own first-hand experiences and valuable feedback from our guests. So, if you're ready to experience all that this country has to offer, keep reading to find your favourite vessel and start planning your trip today.

There are countless world-class liveaboards operating in the Maldives, but it’s fair to say that some simply stand head-and-shoulders above the rest. These vessels typically offer many – if not all – of the most sought-after facilities and services, making them highly popular among both dedicated and discerning divers. 

At a glance…

• Award-winning liveaboard designed by divers
• Dedicated dhoni, nitrox fills, camera facilities
• Certificate of excellence for shark diving operations
• 35-metres long, accommodates 20 divers in 10 cabins

The first of its fleet, the Carpe Diem offers scheduled dive safaris throughout the Maldives with a diverse selection of itineraries. Born from a passion for Maldives diving, the fleet was designed by divers, for divers, with comfort, convenience and luxury in mind. Luxurious, yet casual, divers will love their attention to detail, from skilfully-designed lounges and well-appointed cabins, to top deck luxuries. All three vessels and their friendly, professional crew offer an unparalleled liveaboard experience throughout the Maldives. Guests can explore the best dive sites, with exciting routes and itineraries that take into consideration the changing seasons, and highlight the best of the Maldives throughout the year. 

Boasting four beautifully designed decks, superb facilities, and experienced and dedicated staff, Carpe Diem creates dream dive holidays year after year. Divers enjoy a premier dive service based on experience and excellence, complemented by spacious, plush cabins, convenient camera facilities, and up to three dives per day at renowned Maldives dive sites with sharks and manta rays.

Luxury is a hallmark of the Maldives’ tourism industry, meaning the standards for style and opulence are high. As a result, divers joining liveaboard trips throughout the archipelago can expect elegant interior design, superior customer service and first-class facilities at every turn. In fact, many of the vessels operating in the Maldives are reminiscent of sleek superyachts, creating an exclusive atmosphere on board.

At a glance…

• Exclusive atmosphere, chic interiors, and world-class service
• Five-star luxury with Jacuzzis, top-shelf bar, and generous suites
• Dedicated dhoni, nitrox fills, and concierge-style service
• 42-metres long, accommodates 24 guests in 12 cabins

Blue Force One is a lavish liveaboard boasting superior standards of service that extend throughout its dive facilities, offering concierge-style attention and hands-on assistance above and below water. Dual staircases lead to the spacious swim deck and provide easy access to the dedicated dhoni where Individual storage space is provided for every diver. Plus, with extra perks for experienced ocean explorers, such as nitrox and designated areas for camera equipment, Blue Force One is, without a doubt, one of the most luxurious liveaboards in the Maldives.

Blending chic modern interiors and first-class service with adventurous Maldivian diving, Blue Force One is in a league of its own. Sublime comforts permeate every aspect of this vessel’s impeccable design, with facilities ranging from on-deck Jacuzzis to a disco-themed party room. And, boasting large in-vogue lounge spaces and roomy, perfectly-appointed cabins, Blue Force One delivers unbeatable five-star luxury. In fact, if it weren’t for the stunning ocean vistas, you might forget you were at sea at all.

The Maldives is renowned for indulgence, with many resorts offering industry-leading relaxation facilities. And, thankfully, liveaboard divers no longer have to forgo these salubrious facilities. More and more vessels within the archipelago are coming well-equipped with onboard wellness amenities, including hot tubs, gyms and spas.

At a glance…

• Uncompromising luxury and incredible service
• Onboard spa with enticing treatments, yoga, and massages
• Dedicated, well-equipped dhoni and nitrox fills
• 50-metres long, accommodates 40 guest in 19 suites

Looking for the ultimate blend of adventure and indulgent relaxation? Well look no further than the award-winning Scubaspa and its twin vessels Ying and Yang. Setting new standards of indulgence in the industry with a unique ‘floating resort’ concept, these vessels deliver a truly sublime service based on excellence, experience and unparalleled relaxation. Scubaspa’s Ying and Yang are the only Maldives liveaboards to receive PADI 5-Star Dive Resort status, making them well-equipped to deliver the dive holiday of a lifetime. An accompanying 20-metre dhoni acts as the floating dive centre, featuring rental equipment, nitrox and multilingual instructors.

Offering countless other first-class facilities including sumptuous suites with panoramic ocean views, a gym, Jacuzzi, open-air cinema, and spacious al fresco dining, Scubaspa truly is a resort above the water. And, the onboard Asian spa – the largest of its kind in the Maldives – is ready to re-energize your body and soul with a menu of tantalising treatments and calming classes, from open-air massages to guided meditation and yoga. This really is as good as it gets!

With so many unbelievable diving experiences around every corner, an underwater camera is an essential tool when visiting the Maldives – how else are you going to prove your tales? And if you’re travelling with camera equipment and looking to get the shot of a lifetime, you need a liveaboard that’s up to the task.

At a glance…

• More dives than many other boats, with up to four tanks a day
• Luxurious extras include fine dining and free soft drinks, beer, and wine
• Three-tier camera table, blow-dry station, charging area, and rinse bins
• 41-metres long, accommodates 22 guests in 11 cabins

Maldives Aggressor II is one of the region's most impressive liveaboards, delivering the perfect mix of comfort and adventure, offering an array of impressive amenities and itineraries. Guests will enjoy this boat's modern and generous interiors, unparalleled customer service, and luxurious details, including an on-deck jacuzzi, delicious chef-prepared meals, and complimentary beer and wine.

The Maldives Aggressor II is the ultimate vessel for underwater photographers, offering hard-to-beat facilities for camera care and preparation. A three-tier camera table, blow-dry station, charging area, and fresh-water rinse bins ensure even the most avid photographers are well catered for. And, with a professional team of expert guides offering the same high standards of service above and below the waves, the Maldives Aggressor II makes capturing each epic image absolutely effortless.

Luxury may be the name of the game in the Maldives, but budget-savvy travellers can find a handful of affordable liveaboards operating in this once-in-a-lifetime destination. And, while affordable alternatives may lack some of the exceptional perks found onboard luxurious vessels, they often deliver a welcoming, social atmosphere with groups like-minded people coming together over a shared experience.

At a glance…

• Entertainment for non-divers, including a karaoke lounge
• Snorkelling, water slide, jet skis, parasailing
• Exciting itineraries, dedicated dhoni, and nitrox fills
• 50-metres long, accommodates 38 guests in 19 cabins

Infinity X is a large, modern motor yacht that was launched in 2019. Measuring 50-metres in length, it comfortably accommodates up to 38 guests in 19 lavish cabins. The vessel embarks on a superb selection of itineraries across the archipelago, including some of the country’s most exciting routes that are packed with prolific fish action.

Measuring 50-metres in length, Infinity X is a large, modern motor yacht delivering luxurious comfort at a surprisingly reasonable price. From sumptuous suites to salubrious lounge areas, including an inviting open-air hot tub, this vessel is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of guests without breaking the bank. And, with an array of onboard recreational amenities, it also packs plenty of punch when it comes to passing time. Alongside snorkelling gear, jet skis, and an inflatable water slide, Infinity X also features a large accompanying dhoni which functions as a floating dive centre.

Despite its reputation as a honeymoon hotspot, the Maldives is a fantastic destination for solo travel. With a huge number of islands to discover, and underwater environments to explore, lone travellers are free to sculpt their own experience, making lifelong friends along the way. And, while budget, dorm-style liveaboards may be few and far between in this luxurious destination, some of the Maldives’ most iconic vessels are still well suited to single divers.

At a glance…

• Long-running operator with over 25 years of experience
• High standards of service and meticulously arranged facilities
• Dedicated dhoni, nitrox fills, PADI courses
• 37-metres long, accommodates 21 guests in 11 cabins

Adora is managed by the Maldives Boat Club, one of the longest running, and most experienced operators in the Maldives, and it shows. This vessel was custom-built in 2014, and every detail on board has been meticulously crafted to deliver an unforgettable experience for guests. Owned by a Maldivian family who are committed to providing memorable adventures, this vessel aims to differentiate itself from other liveaboards by offering the highest standards of accommodation, facilities, and personalised service. 

When it comes to solo travellers, the convenience and comfort of Adora’s superior single cabin is just one of many little touches that set this vessel apart. What’s more, Adora is ideal for getting to know fellow guests, facilitating meaningful interaction through the masterful design of communal spaces and a warm and convivial atmosphere.

At a glance…

• Five-star luxury and seamless service with no detail overlooked
• Charter itineraries in Male, Ari, Vaavu, and Thaa
• Scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, and wakeboarding
• 20-metres long, accommodates six guests in three cabins

Long, adventurous boat trips through the Maldives may not seem like the most family-friendly endeavour, yet a small selection of top-quality vessels now cater to children. Whether it’s a scheduled, family-oriented expedition or a private charter experience, these itineraries ensure even the youngest guests have the time of their lives.

Fascination Maldives is a Falcon Cruiser built in 2008 and updated every year to maintain its luxurious standards. In fact, the yacht feels more like a five-star resort than a liveaboard, with sumptuous interiors, modern design, and world-class service. Of course, Fascination Maldives has also been fully refitted specifically for custom dive charters, and now comes equipped with a spacious, shaded dive deck and hot water rinse showers for maximum comfort before and after every dive. 

This salubrious power yacht offers intimate, private charters for up to six guests, making it perfectly suited to families. And, each bespoke itinerary is 100% customisable, allowing you to design your own Maldivian liveaboard adventure – be it diving, snorkelling, surfing, or all three. Boasting sumptuous solid teak interiors, oversized cabins, and a well-stocked bar, this vessel feels like your own five-star villa above the waves, complete with an onboard chef to keep your family well-fuelled. 

If you’re hoping to encounter manta rays in the Maldives, you’ll almost certainly want to head north during the low season from June to October. The northern atolls boast some of the Maldives’ best manta hotspots, including Baa Atoll’s Hanifaru Bay and Lhaviyani Atoll’s Fushifaru – among many more. Baa Atoll, in particular, makes this northern route worth its salt, delivering jaw-dropping manta ray congregations with spectacular reliability.

Famed for thrilling current-swept channels and open ocean dive sites, the southern atolls - often referred to as the ‘deep south’ - are the ultimate place to get up-close and personal with sharks. Addu Atoll’s aptly named Shark Hotel and Huvadhoo’s impressive Nilandhoo Kandu are great spots for an exhilarating shark dive. But when it comes to sharks, Fuvahmulah deservedly wears the crown, boasting guaranteed tiger shark encounters, year-round threshers, and seasonal schools of silvertips and hammerhead sharks.

For many people travelling to the Maldives, a taster of the country’s classic dive sites and underwater experiences is the ultimate way to go. No region is better suited to offer this than the central atolls. From the infamous pelagic-packed channels of Vaavu Atoll and South Ari’s whale shark encounters, to manta sites in North Male and Rasdhoo’s hammerheads – the central atolls truly have it all. Plus world-class sandbanks and islands to explore, and a handful of sensational wrecks, there’s little else you could possibly ask for.