Emperor Explorer II Liveaboard, Maldives

Diving onboard Emperor Explorer II

Diving is conducted from a dedicated 24-metre dhoni with three crew, compressors, oxygen, first aid equipment, AED and space for guest dive gear. Emperor Explorer II carries four dive guides and typically offers three to four dives per day, with no diving on the first or final day. One night dive is normally available on each trip, although night diving is not available on southern itineraries. Divers are required to use a dive computer, SMB and reef hook for every dive, and a torch for night dives. Free nitrox up to 32% is available subject to availability, and nitrox courses can be completed onboard. Rental equipment is available but should be arranged before arrival.

Central atolls itineraries focus on many of the Maldives’ best-known dive areas, including North and South Male, Vaavu, Rasdhoo, North Ari and South Ari. These routes combine kandus, thilas, cleaning stations, reef dives and night dives, with possible sites including Fish Head, Maaya Thila, Moofushi, Lankan Manta Point, Rasdhoo Madivaru, Miyaru Kandu, Fotteyo Kandu and Alimatha. Marine life can include manta rays, reef sharks, nurse sharks, eagle rays, turtles, morays, trevally, tuna, schooling fusiliers, snapper, macro life and, in some areas and seasons, even whale sharks.

Deep South itineraries are more remote, and run between Addu, Fuvahmulah and Huvadhu during the season in January and February. These routes are more suitable for experienced divers interested in pelagic encounters, with possible encounters with tiger sharks, thresher sharks, silky sharks, silver tips, grey reef sharks, whale sharks, oceanic manta rays and hammerheads. Signature areas include Fuvahmulah’s south plateau, Huvadhu’s channels such as Vilingilli, Koodoo and Nilandhoo, and Addu’s HMS British Loyalty wreck, Maa Kandu manta cleaning station and Demon Corner. Deep South trips are not recommended for beginners, with many dives below 18 metres and currents that can be strong or unpredictable.

Diving in the Maldives

The Maldives is one of the Indian Ocean’s most rewarding liveaboard destinations, with 26 atolls spread across a vast stretch of ocean. The diving is known for manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, schooling fish and warm tropical water, with signature dive sites that include kandus, where currents bring pelagic action, thilas and giris, coral pinnacles that attract reef life, and even a few wrecks.

Central routes are ideal for divers wanting the best-known Maldives mix of manta cleaning stations, shark channels, thilas, reef life and night dives, while Deep South routes offer a more adventurous experience with fewer boats and a focus on sharks and channels with strong currents. Diving is possible year-round, but Deep South itineraries are only possible from December to March, when the southern atolls offer some of the Maldives’ most exciting shark and pelagic diving. Central atolls itineraries can operate throughout the year, with conditions and marine-life encounters changing with the monsoon seasons. Emperor Explorer II is ideal for divers who want a comfortable liveaboard run by a experienced operator.

Learn more about diving in the Maldives on the ZuBlu site.

ZuBlu’s dive travel experts will help you book the ideal trip onboard Emperor Explorer II, including your preferred cabin type, itinerary, diving, equipment rental, transfers and any special requests. Share your travel dates, group size, diving experience and budget, and we’ll recommend the best options for your trip.

We’ll also help with practical travel planning, including flight routes, arrival timings, embarkation details and transfers, making sure your itinerary works as smoothly as possible from start to finish.

Once you’ve finalised your plans, your travel expert will put a complimentary hold on your preferred cabin and send a final quote that includes accommodation, meals, diving, transfers, rental equipment, port fees or other extras. This quote will also show any costs paid in advance or onboard - there are no hidden fees - as well as a payment schedule and cancellation terms and conditions.

Your booking is confirmed once the required deposit, or full payment when necessary, has been received.

After confirmation, your dedicated guest concierge will take over and assist with flight routes, transfers, any personal information required by the liveaboard, and questions about your reservation. They are there to make the entire process as straightforward as possible.

Ready to start planning your trip? Talk to a travel expert now.

Getting there

Central Atoll itineraries on Emperor Explorer II start from and return to Male’s Velana International Airport, the main international gateway to the Maldives, while southern itineraries use Gan International Airport in Addu Atoll and Kooddoo Airport in Huvadhoo. On embarkation day, guests are met by an Emperor Maldives representative at the airport meeting point and transferred to the liveaboard.

Check-in starts from 13:00. If you are already in the Maldives before boarding, you will usually need to make your own way back to Male airport in time for the scheduled transfer, which departs at 16:00. Transfers between the airport and liveaboard are included on check-in day. If you miss the scheduled transfer or prefer not to use it, taxis may be available from the airport, and boarding may not be possible before 13:00.

Check-out is at 07:00, with guests normally arriving back at the airport by around 07:30. If your trip requires a domestic flight, allow plenty of connection time and check baggage allowances carefully, as domestic flight delays or baggage restrictions can affect liveaboard departures. To allow for delays, guests may add an extra day before the liveaboard when arranging international flights, especially for remote or southern routes. All guests must leave at least 24 hours between their final dive and flying.

Other activities

Snorkelling is available for non-diving guests where the itinerary, guide availability and conditions allow. Some sites and routes may not be suitable for snorkellers due to currents or open-water conditions. Snorkellers must complete a medical form before boarding, complete a self-assessment before entering the water, wear a flotation aid and snorkel only when conditions are suitable and the crew are aware of their location.

A private snorkelling guide can be arranged before arrival for an additional charge. Discover Scuba Diving may also be available on Emperor Explorer II, depending on the itinerary and instructor availability.

Good to know

• WiFi – Available when mobile signal allows, usually near land or in port; best for basic messaging and browsing.
• Mobile coverage – Variable across the Maldives, with slow or intermittent signal possible away from islands.
• Electricity – 220V and 110V power is available onboard.
• Plug type – UK-style three-pin sockets are used.
• Payments on the liveaboard – Emperor accepts cash in US Dollars and Euros, plus Visa and Mastercard; card payments are processed in US Dollars and may carry a surcharge.
• Currency – US Dollars are the most practical currency for visitors; the local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa.
• Time zone – Maldives Time, GMT+5 year-round.
• Dive insurance – Comprehensive dive and travel insurance is mandatory.
• Children – Children are welcome, but guests aged 15 and under must be supervised by a parent or responsible adult.
• Alcohol – Available to purchase onboard; guests cannot bring their own alcohol into the Maldives.
• Fees – Environmental taxes, bed taxes and port fees are included in the liveaboard package.