The Maldives is one of the world’s greatest liveaboard destinations, with colourful coral reefs, thrilling drift dives and encounters with manta rays, whale sharks and schools of reef sharks. But with more than 150 liveaboards operating across the islands, choosing the right boat can feel overwhelming.
As a scuba writer and dive travel researcher, I’ve spent years comparing liveaboards, speaking with divers about their experiences, and following the industry’s leading operators. This guide brings together that research to help you find the best liveaboard for your budget and diving style.
Whether you’re looking for five-star luxury, incredible value or the ultimate shark itinerary, these are the Maldives liveaboards I recommend in 2026.
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Best Value
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Best for Luxury
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Eco Pick
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Primary Rating:
4.5
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Primary Rating:
5.0
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Primary Rating:
4.0
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Table of Contents
How I Chose These Maldives Liveaboards
There are more than 150 liveaboards operating in the Maldives, many offering similar itineraries and making similar claims. Rather than relying solely on operator marketing, I based these recommendations on extensive research, independent guest reviews, conversations with experienced Maldives divers, and each operator’s reputation within the diving industry.
When comparing boats, I considered:
- Recent guest reviews and overall satisfaction
- Quality of the dive operation and guides
- Cabin comfort and onboard facilities
- Value for money
- Safety standards and maintenance
- Itinerary options and marine life encounters
I review this guide regularly to reflect new liveaboards, refurbishments and changes across the Maldives fleet.
Best Maldives Liveaboards
Dive, sleep, repeat… You get the chance to live and breathe it with liveaboards in Maldives.
Here are my top Maldives liveaboards in 2026 (I recommend picking one from my top 6 choices that best suits you):
- Visits all of the most amazing Maldives locations
- Amazing shared areas with bars and lounges
- Tasty food and refreshments
- One of the more expensive liveaboard choices
If you’re looking to explore the Indian Ocean in style, then you’ll want to opt for the luxurious Emperor Serenity.
The Emperor Serenity has been designed to ensure divers can experience the best of Maldives. You can dive over 10 times in less than three days.
Take a deeper dive into the ins and outs of this liveaboard with my full Emperor Serenity Review
Maldives even has the word dives in it, could it be any more apt? You will get sight of manta rays, tiger sharks, whale sharks and more.
You will also be able to enjoy underwater pinnacles for experienced divers with drift dives.
This amazing boat stops off at all the sought-after dive locations, making it the number one choice. It is easy to book and you’ll love the interior of this classic liveaboard.
Some customers have been bemused with the lack of night dives, but this is often an obstacle for all liveaboards in the area, when they can, they do offer night dives (conditions permitted).
- Visits all main Maldives dive sites
- Lavish communal bar and lounge
- 13 cabins
- Gear and rental equipment
- En-suites
Guests No
26
Air Con
YES
Dives
17+
WiFi
YES
Nitrox
YES
Food
YES
- Visits the best spots
- Spa therapy, from massages to face-masks
- A jacuzzi with a view
- It is one of the most expensive options
Embrace a personalised lavish experience on the Scubaspa Ying, that extends further than just scuba diving.
Rightfully named, this boat provides you the chance to enjoy massages, freshly squeezed juice, the jacuzzi and a private beach.
The staff here are attentive and constantly work on ensuring your comfort – offering 5-star service.
One joy of the ocean is that you never know what you will encounter, but you can be almost certain that you’ll pass a shark or manta ray or two.
Make the most of the full-time spa therapists, you’re bound to return home refresh and revitalised whilst nurturing yourself with care and your biggest passion, I encourage at least a week to make the best of this yacht.
Thinking of booking? Make sure you take a look at my thorough first – Scubaspa Ying review!
- Visits the most famous Maldives spots
- Includes a stop-off at a private beach
- 4 decks - sun, leisure, dive & observation
- Jacuzzi with a view
- Gear rental
Guests No
40
Air Con
YES
Dives
9+
WiFi
YES
Nitrox
YES
Food
YES
- PADI 5 Star Rating
- 8 Spa treatments
- South Asian Travel Awards Leading Liveaboard 2016 – 2018
- It is not cheap
Sister ship of Scubaspa Ying, the Yang provides a heaven with Asian spa therapy.
This is a different version of the aforementioned boat. The Scubaspa Yang is a spa holiday with luxury that can be enjoyed by both divers and non-divers alike. If your partner’s not too keen on attempting the world beyond the waves, then they can sit back and relax during the day.
Beach visits, kayaking, stand-up-paddleboarding, BBQs and fishing can all be enjoyed. As well as embracing the dive camaraderie you can make the most of some beautiful dives sites in Maldives.
There have been many spottings of grey reef sharks and other majestic sea creatures during these liveaboard trips.
- Visits the best Maldives spots
- Lots of beach stop-offs and snorkeling in lagoons
- 4 decks - sun, leisure, dive & observation
- Jacuzzi
- Has its own dive dhoni
- Gear rental
Guests No
40
Air Con
YES
Dives
9+
WiFi
YES
Nitrox
YES
Food
YES
- Excellent value for money
- Modern spacious vessel
- Experienced dive team
- Great itinerary options
- Popular sailings fill quickly
- Busy dive sites in peak season
If you’re looking for a premium Maldives liveaboard without venturing into ultra-luxury pricing, Maldives Legend X is one of the most impressive new additions to the fleet. Completely redesigned and refurbished in 2024, the 40-metre yacht accommodates just 26 guests across 13 spacious cabins, including VIP suites and sea-view cabins with panoramic windows. The interior has a modern boutique-hotel feel, while outside you’ll find multiple relaxation decks, a jacuzzi, comfortable loungers and plenty of space to unwind between dives.
Guest reviews consistently praise the friendly Maldivian crew, excellent dive guides and smooth organisation throughout the trip. Divers frequently mention the spacious cabins, high standard of food and relaxed atmosphere on board, with many describing it as one of the best liveaboard experiences they’ve had.
The separate dive dhoni also keeps the main yacht quiet and uncluttered between dives, making it a great choice for photographers and anyone who appreciates a more comfortable experience.
- Completely refurbished in 2024
- Spacious accommodation
- Multiple sun decks and stylish lounge
- Separate dive dhoni
- Excellent guest reviews
Guests No
26
Air Con
YES
Dives
18+
WiFi
YES
Nitrox
YES
Food
YES
- Explores the best of the Maldives atolls
- Lots of support for new divers
- Upgrade opportunities available
- Can be quite expensive
The fabulous Emperor Explorer is a scuba diving leviathan, offering a huge 42m of living and sailing space! It freely welcomes up to 26 people across 13 different cabins, with private areas and individual AC. There’s several relaxation areas and an open terrace for you to enjoy from scuba dive to scuba dive.
This highly popular Maldives liveaboard provides scuba divers with access to world class dive sites across the Male Atolls, offering amazing chances to dive with local manta rays across seven spectacular days.
The Emperor Explorer offers all newbie and experienced divers could demand, a diving holiday complete with nitrox and equipment you’ll need on the go.
- "Sharktastic" trips available
- Air-con available in every cabin
- Lots of relaxation space
- Equipment and nitrox available
- Al fresco dining available
Guests No
26
Air Con
YES
Dives
18+
WiFi
YES
Nitrox
YES
Food
YES
- Lots of chances to see barracuda, whale sharks and more
- Can be affordable in certain seasons
- Complimentary refreshments
- Often very popular, limited spaces!
The Maldives Aggressor II is one of the best-loved liveaboards in the Maldives, largely thanks to its focus on sailing through the marine paradise of the atolls – there are some truly magnificent creatures to watch across dive trip to trip, and with private staterooms and AC available, you can always be sure of a relaxing rest on the back of each Liveaboard trip.
The Aggressor II sails across the year, making it more than just a seasonal visitor. There are three different itineraries to choose from, and you also have access to equipment and nitrox – with spare kit, camera tables and more available to use. The night dives are not to be missed!
Check out gorgeous whale sharks, wrasse, manta rays, parrotfish and more – these are the best dives for animal lovers!
- Wonderful 5-star dive liveaboard
- A choice of three different liveaboard itineraries
- Opportunities to learn how to dive
- Strong focus on exploring marine life
- Dive insurance and transfers available
Guests No
22
Air Con
YES
Dives
18+
WiFi
YES
Nitrox
YES
Food
YES
- Recently refurbished and refitted
- Wide choice of dive itineraries
- Affordable on average
- Some add-ons are chargeable
This is the liveaboard Maldives budget option – that still delivers world-class cruises and is by no means cheap when compared to other destinations.
Any diving trip on the Emperor Leo promises to be an interesting one, and whether you are taking in the biodiverse dive sites around the North Male Atoll or towards the deep south, this is one of the best liveaboard diving experiences in the Maldives to give you the ‘greatest hits’.
With 12 roomy, airy cabins available, the Emperor Leo also serves as one of the comfiest and luxurious dive boats for its pricing – which is amazingly reasonable! There’s ample room to sunbathe and relax in between your diving adventures, too.
This also happens to be one of the top Maldives liveaboard trips for dive safaris – if you’re especially enamoured with the reef sharks and other elasmobranchs of the Indian Ocean atolls, there is a lot to see and enjoy.
- Roomy entertainment saloon on board
- Free nitrox when fully qualified
- Hot tub provided
- Takes you around the 'greatest hits' of the Maldives and atolls
- Lots of gear storage
Guests No
24
Air Con
YES
Dives
18+
WiFi
YES
Nitrox
YES
Food
YES
- A sizeable dive boat that's also pretty private
- Takes you around the highlights of the Maldives
- Dive guides and support available
- Can be very popular - tricky to book in advance!
The Azalea is a perennially popular Maldives liveaboard that gives you the chance to dive across the stunning Male Atoll, Baa, Ari Atoll and more – great for swimming amongst some truly spectacular wildlife.
One of the big selling points of the Azalea has to be the amazing jacuzzi on board, too – and there’s lots of dining space, as well as roomy, relaxing cabins. This is a fairly large boat but only welcomes 16 guests across 9 cabins – making it a fairly private experience, too.
The Azalea crew is experienced and attentive, with guides to help you snorkel and even explore nearby land, too!
- Free WiFi and nitrox
- Huge variety of drinking and dining
- Cocktails on arrival!
- Runs year-round
- See nurse sharks, manta rays and more!
- Night dives available
Guests No
16
Air Con
YES
Dives
18+
WiFi
YES
Nitrox
YES
Food
YES
- A double-deck yacht with tons of space
- Separate dhoni available
- Chances to swim with sharks, turtles and dolphins
- Some elements of the trip are chargeable yet free elsewhere
The Emperor Virgo is a fantastic example of a great Maldives liveaboard that provides a huge amount of space to a handful of divers lucky enough to get on board! Offering upper and lower decks, the views are amazing – and yes, there’s private AC in each cabin.
Welcoming 18 guests, the Emperor Virgo boasts a separate dhoni so that you can get ready for drift dives and more off the boat itself. Diving in the Maldives on the Emperor Virgo will also give you access to the south central atolls and more besides.
Food and drink on board the Emperor Virgo is delicious and exclusive, too – and there’s lots of space to stretch out and relax.
- Nitrox is free to certified divers and guests
- Full board available
- Flexible dive insurance
- Education available from guides
- Sails all year round
Guests No
18
Air Con
YES
Dives
17+
WiFi
YES
Nitrox
YES
Food
YES
- A genuinely eco-friendly liveaboard diving experience
- Great for family trips
- Free niitrox on offer
- More of a family focus - may not be everyone's desired trip
The Eco Blue is an absolutely wonderful liveaboard that focuses on sustainability. Offering scuba divers and snorkelers the chance to see whale sharks, manta rays and reef fish up close, guests will also be able to take a cruise to enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking and more.
Diving in the Maldives has never been more eco-friendly (hence the name!). With sustainable products and facilities on board, and education on marine conservation engrained into their practices, it’s a great trip to take if you want to give a little bit back to the planet.
The talented liveaboard crew on board the Eco Blue will also provide you with two diving trips a day, with diving itineraries generally extending up to 14 nights.
In my opinion, every liveaboard should aim to be as environmentally conscious as the Eco Blue.
- Lots of different activities
- Brilliant approach to conservation and sustainability
- Dive guide available
Guests No
20
Air Con
YES
Dives
17+
WiFi
YES
Nitrox
YES
Food
YES
- Three decks with tons of space
- Outdoor dining available on board
- One of the biggest yachts active for diving right now
- It's pricey
- Books up fast
The Carpe Novo is an enormous three-deck yacht that remains bigger than most liveaboards, and it’s certainly the largest in its fleet. There are 12 cabins with space for 22 guests, and there’s even provision for single divers and guests if you’re going it solo.
Boasting a brilliant dive crew, scuba diving with the Carpe Novo takes you across several of the big atolls, with the chance to spy curious creatures such as hammerhead sharks in the Maldives crystal clear waters.
This yacht also comes with a handy dhoni where you can suit up and store things away – and there’s an amazing bar and al fresco dining zone available if you need to take a load off.
Guests No
22
Air Con
YES
Dives
18+
WiFi
YES
Nitrox
YES
Food
YES
When to Dive in Maldives?
The best time to dive in Maldives is between January and April. The season for liveaboards lasts from November through to May. However, some dive liveaboards in the Maldives such as Azalea run throughout the year.
Other FAQs
All Maldives liveaboards depart from the Male atoll – this is why you’ll need to fly into Male airport.
Night dives are part of most Maldives liveaboards but this is weather permitted. Check the liveaboard itinerary prior to booking.
There’s a diverse marine life with lots of big fish and impressive species. The amazing diving is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Maldives Dive Sites
Most of the top liveaboards in Maldives visit all of the famous dive sites.
Here are some of the dive sites in Maldives and locations you may visit:
- Maaya Thila
- Nassimo Thila
- Kandooma Thila
- Rainbow Reef
- Cocoa Thila
- Alimatha Jetty
- Banana Reef
- Manta Point
- Hanifaru bay
- Other remote atolls
- South ari atoll
- Baa atoll
Marine Life in the Maldives
You won’t be short of fish life in the Maldives – you will find an array of sharks and mantas.
Here are some of the big fish, pelagic species and other marine life you can expect to see:
- White Tip Sharks
- Eagle Rays
- Hammerheads
- Manta Ray
- Whale Shark
- Dolphins
- Turtles
- Octopus
- Lobsters
Maldives Water Temperature
Maldives’ water temperature remains hot all year round, offering the perfect dive conditions. The water has a high of 29°C and a low of 27°C.
Here is a chart showing the Maldives water temperature by month.
Maldives Liveaboard Including Flights
No Maldives liveaboards include international flights but there are three liveaboards that include the price of local flights via seaplane – Emperor Serenity, Emperor Virgo and Emperor Voyager.
How Long Should I Book For?
You can book an excursion for 3 days, 5 days or a period of your choice. Most divers opt for the previous, being able to enjoy up to 10 days in 3 days or over 15 in 5 days.
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