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Emperor Explorer II

Emperor Explorer II Itinerary

Sharktastic (MLE)

8 days / 7 nights

About Emperor Explorer II

  • Flagship 44m liveaboard with four decks and spacious social areas
  • Dedicated 24m dive dhoni with compressors and safety gear
  • Air-conditioned ensuite cabins across lower, main and upper decks
  • Itineraries exploring best of the central and southern atoll

Emperor Explorer II is a modern Maldives liveaboard purpose-built for divers looking to explore the country’s exceptional diving without sacrificing on comfort. As Emperor’s flagship vessel, it suits divers who want a spacious liveaboard with plenty of room between dives, an experienced dive team and itineraries that explore the best of the Maldives’ classic dive sites. Between dives, guests can unwind across four generous decks, retreat to air-conditioned ensuite cabins, or relax in the lounge, bar and sundeck areas. And with a dedicated diving dhoni, free nitrox and seasonal itineraries that reach across the atolls, this liveaboard is the perfect for divers seeking a comfortable, dive-focused liveaboard adventure from the renowned Emperor fleet.

Learn more about Emperor Explorer II

Itinerary details

Length of trip 8 days / 7 nights
Number of dives 20
Experience Advanced Open Water - Minimum 30 dives
Insurance Required

Highlights

  • Circular trip combining popular central and south central atolls
  • High chance of snorkelling or diving with whale sharks
  • Experience some of the best channel diving in the Maldives at Vaavu
  • Meet the many manta rays of Meemu Atoll
  • Dive among dozens of grey reef sharks, possibly at night
  • Optional land visit in Male, the capital of the Maldives
Day 1: 
Once onboard there will be a safety briefing, crew introduction, complete and check dive paperwork, cabin allocation and boat orientation. Our boats moor in port on arrival day, departing early the next morning. 

Days 2-6: 
The first dive is a check dive near port. Following the first dive, we depart from Male port and commence the Sharktastic itinerary.

In this period the clean ocean water flows in from the eastern side of the Maldives, This means currents running from Sumatra, Indonesia to the Maldives bring with them not just fantastic visibility up to 40m but a mass of nutrients for fish to feed which in turn attracts an array of pelagic marine life.

The Channel Dives of the eastern coast of the Maldives are the main order of the day. These Kandus, as they are known in the local language (Dhivehi), attract grey reef sharks, dog tooth tuna and eagle rays as standard but look out into the blue, and you never know what surprises await. The outer walls and corners of the channels in Vaavu and Meemu have the bonus of beautiful overhangs draping in the blues, yellows and pinks of the majestic soft coral.

After the adrenaline-pumping channel dives of the eastern Maldives, we cross over to South Ari Atoll to look for the whale sharks around the Maamagili area and mantas at Rangali Madivaru (Dhivehi for Manta Place), among other great sites such as Kudarah Thila and Kudimaa Wreck.

Day 7: 
On the last diving day, 1 dive is available in the morning whilst observing the rule of no diving within 24 hours of reaching altitude. We return to port at approximately 13.00 and moor here overnight. There is the option of an afternoon land visit to stretch your legs and escape the boat whilst in port. Evening-time pack up diving equipment and settle any outstanding bills.

Day 8: 
Depart for the airport at 7:00 the following morning.

Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics and local regulations.

Transfer details

Departure

12:00pm

Male

Male Velana International Airport: MLE

Return

07:00am

Male

Male Velana International Airport: MLE

Choose your trip

21

Mar

2027

Sharktastic (MLE)

8 days / 7 nights
•
20 dives
from $3,761 /guest

Available

21Mar 27

Sharktastic (MLE)

8D / 7N
•
20 dives
from $3,761 /guest
Available

Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/emperor-explorer-ii/itn-200855-sharktastic-mle-