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Emperor Explorer II

Emperor Explorer II Itinerary

Northern Highlights (MLE)

11 days / 10 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 11 days / 10 nights
Number of dives 24
Experience Open Water - Minimum 30 dives
Insurance Required

Highlights

  • Exceptional circular route diving the central and northern atolls
  • Experience the diverse diving and dramatic wrecks of Lhaviyani Atoll
  • Possibility of encountering manta rays and whale sharks
  • Encounter the grey reef sharks and other pelagics in Rasdhoo Atoll
  • Dive in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll
  • Optional land tour to 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. The first dive is a check dive near the port. Following the first dive, we depart from Male Port and commence the itinerary. 

Days 2-9: 
A diverse marine mix of reef animals, hard and soft corals, abundant macrolife, turtles, manta rays, and various sharks awaits, where you can get up close at the cleaning stations without disturbing the locals.

North Male offers the renowned Lankan Manta Point, Kandu Oiy Giri (fish factory), and action-packed Finger Point Reef. North Ari offers one of the best-known dive sites, Fish Head. For a chance of regular grey reef shark sightings, it’s a visit to Rasdhoo Atoll in North Ari. Our extended 10-night trip also includes the best chances for whale shark and manta encounters in South Ari Atoll. 

Although diving is not permitted in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hanifaru Bay, we are allowed to go in and snorkel with manta rays in the lagoon. We also take you to manta cleaning stations in both North Male and Baa Atoll. Hopefully, these will give you sightings all week long. Of course, sightings cannot be guaranteed, but diving at this time means your chances are high.

Day 10: 
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 11: 
Depart for the airport at 07.00 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

Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/emperor-explorer-ii/itn-2305170815251-northern-highlights-mle-