Liveaboard Diving in the Maldives

Maldives scuba diving is among the world’s best – hard and soft corals, swim-throughs, and 25 species of sharks. Particularly, the Maldives’ waters support the world’s largest known population of reef manta rays, and whale sharks are also seen year-round. Making it a dream destination for divers from all over the world.

Liveaboard scuba diving adventures here are remote, exotic, and exciting. The Republic of the Maldives consists of 1192 exquisite coral islands in the Indian Ocean, naturally divided by the equator into 26 small chains of islands, or atolls. It is an Asian country southwest of Sri Lanka and India, disconnected from the world and not easily found on most world maps. Each island has its own unique characteristics and all are protected from the deep waters of the Indian ocean with a surrounding healthy barrier reef and unique underwater topography encompassing outer and inner reefs, small coral pinnacles known as thilas, caverns, and walls.

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Maldives - Steve Frink


Divers will experience many awe-inspiring moments with life underwater ranging from the largest living fish species, the whale shark, to beautifully colored flatworms, anemones, turtles, and copious amounts of reef fish. With hundreds of dive sites, liveaboard diving in the Maldives has something to please even the most discerning and well-traveled divers. Abundant, vibrant, and prolific sites make for stunning photographers and videographers. In addition to the bucket-list central atoll itineraries, the liveaboard Emperor Explorer is a large, comfortable vessel offering specialty itineraries that feature remote atolls, exhilarating channel diving, and the chance to see elusive thresher sharks!

Maldives Weather and Diving Conditions

Scuba diving in the Maldives is outstanding year-round, and temperatures vary only slightly. Being located on the equatorial belt, severe storms are rare, however, there are two distinct monsoon seasons. Our specially designed central atoll itineraries cruise between the East and West sides of the islands during the Southwest monsoon season (May-October), and the Northeast monsoon season (November-April). Both timeframes possess uniquely different characteristics that can greatly influence what you see, and how you dive. Regardless of which itinerary you choose, both seasons will convince you that the Maldives’ reputation as a premier diving destination is well merited. It is little wonder why divers return home basking in amazement from the beauty in the Maldives.

Explore the Maldives Best Dive Sites

Want a closer look at the underwater highlights that make the Maldives a bucket-list destination? From swirling manta ray cleaning stations to deep coral pinnacles and shark-packed channels, the Maldives delivers dive sites unlike anywhere else. We’ve rounded up some of the most iconic spots across the atolls—including crowd favorites and hidden gems to help you plan for what you’ll see beneath the surface.

Explore the Maldives’ top dive sites ›

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