Formerly operating in the northern Maldives, the Amba now focuses on dive sites in the central and southern atolls, offering 7 night itineraries and extended 11 and 14 night adventures, all departing from Male.
She also operates special trips, one in December and January heading north for 14 nights (one way domestic flight required) and a unique Tiger Shark expedition in March/April - a 25 night itinerary including Fuvamulah in the deep south. The build of boat with its deep keel and weight makes it a very comfortable and quiet vessel as she cruises the different regions of the Maldives atolls. To participate in diving activities, guests must be qualified to 30 metres and Nitrox certified. Courses can be taken on board.
Facilities
A total of 8 roomy standard two-person cabins (6 x lower-deck and 2 x upper deck, with large windows) plus 2 luxury double cabins enables the boat to take 20 guests very easily.
The lower deck cabins have portholes, individually controlled A/C and ventilation, en suite shower. Choose from twin bed or double with single bed in the standard lower deck cabins. On the upper deck, there are two further spacious standard cabins, one with bunks and the other a double bed. They both have individually controlled A/C and large windows that allow for good ventilation (and lovely views!). The two luxury cabins feature a queen double and single bed. They have individually controlled A/C and panoramic windows overlooking the bow and ocean, plus direct access to a private sun terrace.
There is a spacious saloon equipped with comfortable sofas and chairs, a TV, DVD player and audio system. There is a bar on board the boat. Each cabin has a compartment in the saloon for valuables and battery charging. Spend time on the furnished sun deck or outdoor covered seating area at the stern of the main deck.
Specification
Length: 33 metres
Width: 10 metres
Engine: Volvo Penta 430HP, Speed 12 knots
Generators: 3 Fischer Panda (super silent), 1 x 22 KW Lombardini, Voltage 380/220 throughout
Dive Equipment Rental: The Amba carries a limited amount of equipment for hire - please enquire for more details
Navigation & Safety
Navigation: Radar and GPS
Safety: Life preservers, GPS, Oxygen and First Aid Kit, Compass marine radio. The vessel carries spare equipment for use in emergency.
Courses
Advanced Open Water and Nitrox courses can be completed on board. Ask the team for details.
Boat Features
- Nitrox Available
- Courses Available
- WiFi
Recommended for
- Singles
- Dive Clubs & Groups
- Experienced Divers
Amba
From £1,221 inc. accommodation, meals, diving.
View Departures Send Enquiry Speak to an expert. Call 01353 659999
At a Glance
- When to Go Jan-Dec
- Rental Equipment Yes (£)
- Guests 20
- Nitrox Free
- Internet Yes
- Group Discount 10 Guests
Highlights
- 10 night departures
- Far North departures
- Owner operated
- Internet available
- Manta rays
- Whale sharks
What's included?
Price per person typically includes:
- Full-board accommodation in a twin share lower deck cabin
- Water, tea and coffee
- Snacks
- Up to 3 dives per day (including 1 night dive per week)
- Nitrox
- Maldivian GST
Extras
- Please contact us for a flight-inclusive package
- 15 litre tank
- WiFi
- Crew gratuities
- Upper Deck cabin: please enquire
- Luxury Panorama Double: please enquire
- Single use - standard lower deck cabin: please enquire
Our Price Match Promise
At Regaldive we are committed to offering you the best possible value for money on all our diving holidays. That's why we offer you a price match promise. Learn more about our promise to you.
Gallery
Upcoming departures
Upcoming departures for Amba are listed below or view all departures on our Holiday Search where you can also sort/filter.
- Departure Date: 10 May 26
- Country / Itinerary: Maldives, Best of Central Maldives Tour
- Nights: 10
- Embark Disembark: Male Male
- Spaces Available: 7
Offer
£1,550
1938.00
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Maldives: Central Atolls (Male, Vaavu, Ari, Faafu, Rasdhoo)
- Typical number of dives on trip: 23 dives
- Minimum dive experience: 30 dives
- Required certification: AOWD or equivalent + Nitrox
- Additional costs to be aware of:
– 10% Service Charge (in advance)
– Green Tax (in advance, per night): €12
Cabins
Standard (2 Single Beds) Lower Deck
- Bed Type: Single
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 7
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
- Departure Date: 07 Jun 26
- Country / Itinerary: Maldives, Hanifaru Manta & Whaleshark Special-Baa & Raa Atoll
- Nights: 8
- Embark Disembark: Male Male
- Spaces Available: 5
£1,221
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Maldives: Northern Atolls (Baa & Hanifaru, Raa, Lhaviyani)
- Typical number of dives on trip: 20 dives
- Minimum dive experience: 10 dives
- Required certification: AOWD or equivalent + Nitrox
- Additional costs to be aware of:
– Green Tax (in advance, per night):
€12
Cabins
Standard (2 Single Beds) Lower Deck
- Bed Type: Single
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 5
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
- Departure Date: 18 Sep 26
- Country / Itinerary: Maldives, Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls
- Nights: 11
- Embark Disembark: Male Male
- Spaces Available: 10
£2,326
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Maldives: Central Atolls (Male, Vaavu, Ari, Faafu, Rasdhoo), Maldives: Deep Southern Atolls (Laamu, Gaafu & Addu)
- Typical number of dives on trip: 28 dives
- Minimum dive experience: 30 dives
- Required certification: AOWD or equivalent + Nitrox
- Additional costs to be aware of:
– Green Tax (in advance, per night):
€12
Cabins
Standard (2 Single Beds) Lower Deck
- Bed Type: Single
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 8
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Standard, without Balcony(1 Double Bed)Upper deck
- Bed Type: Double
- Location: Upper deck
- Avble. Spaces: 2
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
- Departure Date: 01 Oct 26
- Country / Itinerary: Maldives, Best of Central Maldives Tour
- Nights: 11
- Embark Disembark: Male Male
- Spaces Available: 16
£2,326
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Maldives: Central Atolls (Male, Vaavu, Ari, Faafu, Rasdhoo)
- Typical number of dives on trip: 28 dives
- Minimum dive experience: 30 dives
- Required certification: AOWD or equivalent + Nitrox
- Additional costs to be aware of:
– Green Tax (in advance, per night):
€12
Cabins
Standard (2 Single Beds) Lower Deck
- Bed Type: Single
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 10
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Lux (with Balcon1 Double) Upper Deck
- Bed Type: Twin / Double (2 singles can convert to double)
- Location: Upper deck
- Avble. Spaces: 4
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Standard, without Balcony(1 Double Bed)Upper deck
- Bed Type: Double
- Location: Upper deck
- Avble. Spaces: 2
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
- Departure Date: 14 Oct 26
- Country / Itinerary: Maldives, Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls
- Nights: 11
- Embark Disembark: Male Male
- Spaces Available: 11
£2,326
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Maldives: Central Atolls (Male, Vaavu, Ari, Faafu, Rasdhoo), Maldives: Deep Southern Atolls (Laamu, Gaafu & Addu)
- Typical number of dives on trip: 28 dives
- Minimum dive experience: 30 dives
- Required certification: AOWD or equivalent + Nitrox
- Additional costs to be aware of:
– Green Tax (in advance, per night):
€12
Cabins
Standard (2 Single Beds) Lower Deck
- Bed Type: Single
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 9
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Standard, without Balcony(1 Double Bed)Upper deck
- Bed Type: Double
- Location: Upper deck
- Avble. Spaces: 2
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Liveaboard Information
Itineraries
The Amba liveaboard now operates primarily in the central atolls of the Maldives. She offers itineraries of 7 night departures touring the very best of the north Malé atoll, south Malé atoll and Felidhoo (Vaavu) atoll. Extended 10 & 11 night departures also take in the Ari & Rasdhoo atolls.
Occasionally, special extended itineraries for 14-nights or more, taking in dive sites farther afield.
Dive Information
Liveaboard diving in the Maldives is world-class, and it's become renowned as one of the world’s premier liveaboard destinations, and for good reason. This string of breathtaking islands and atolls stretches over 800 kilometres from north to south, starting near the southern tip of India and finishing near the equator - in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean.
Highlights include regular sightings of manta ray as they line up in a train to be cleaned, gentle whale shark, grey reef shark, eagle ray, turtle and more besides. While the focus for many visiting the Maldives is on the larger marine life, the dive sites also display exceptional biodiversity, from schools of snapper to leaf scorpionfish; there is always something exciting to see here.
Our carefully curated range of Maldives liveaboards operate throughout the island chain, offering classic itineraries along established routes out of Male along with itineraries to more remote locations. Supported by a ‘dive dhoni' carrying all cylinders, equipment and compressors, Maldivian liveaboards are a superb way to see and dive the very best of this Indian Ocean jewel.
Underwater highlights on most itineraries include a mix of reef, wreck and channel and drift dives. Expect to dive in warm water and see colourful corals and plentiful fish life. While not guaranteed, encounters with big fish such as reef sharks, nurse sharks, manta ray and if you're lucky, whale shark are relatively common throughout the year in this special diving destination, so keep your eyes peeled on the blue.
Liveaboards out of Male
Diving in the Maldives is spectacular throughout the year. One of the simplest and most satisfying ways to experience the incredible range of world-class dive sites is to hop on a liveaboard departing from Male. Most of our liveaboards offer classic week long diving adventures to the best sites of the nearby atolls. These trips are often known as the ‘Best of Maldives' and follow a flexible itinerary that takes account of local diving conditions. The boats will generally operate in both North and South Male atoll, North and South Ari atoll and include time at Rasdhoo and Vaavu atolls depending on your chosen boat.
Liveaboard Itineraries Beyond Male
Recent years have seen access to some remote atolls in the Maldives improve dramatically, and our liveaboard portfolio has evolved to cover these exciting new atolls. These include Baa, Raa, Lhaviyani and Rasdhoo in the north and Meemu, Laamu, Huvadhoo and Addu in the south. These atolls bring exciting new opportunities for experienced divers seeking exciting marine life encounters.
Itineraries
Whether you are looking to visit the renowned and established sites close to Male or want to discover remote atolls in newly-chartered waters, Regaldive operate a number of liveaboard itineraries so you can choose your ideal Maldivian diving experience.
Please note that liveaboard itineraries can change without notice. The itinerary will depend on several factors including, but not limited to, weather, diving ability of guests & the number of other boats already present at the various dive sites. All dive sites visited are subject to weather conditions and are at the discretion of your dive guides and vessel captain.
Liveaboard & Island Combinations Tailormade
We offer tailormade holidays to the Maldives. This means that we can organise your holiday based on your requirements. We can also offer a twin centre option of a liveaboard and island based holiday in the Maldives. Alternatively, many guests choose to combine the incredible sights in Sri Lanka with either an island or liveaboard in the Maldives. Enquire with the friendly Regaldive team for further details.
Groups
For anyone travelling as a group of friends, with a dive club or even an extended family there are often group deals available, along with full charters. To find out the best option for your group or dive club, the experienced and friendly Regaldive team are happy to do the work for you and provide curated recommendations; all part of the service!
Planning your Holiday
Flight Options
Direct flights from the UK are available numerous times a week, although may not tie in perfectly with your liveaboard dates. Indirect flights are available on a daily basis with various airlines.
If domestic flights are required, these can be arranged as part of your holiday package. Times and schedules vary, and overnight stays pre and post liveaboard are highly advisable.
Internal transfers to your liveaboard
Your boat is reached either by speedboat transfer or internal flight from Male airport. Transfers are organised as part of your holiday package, unless requested otherwise.
Most liveaboards that opearate out of Male will organise a transfer using a dhoni that will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the boat. Liveaboards operating from other areas will have either a speedboat transfer or pressurised flight.
Inter Atoll Flights - Haa Alifu
Transfers to Haa-Alifu in the North involve an internal pressurised flight from Male. This is arranged and costed as part of your travel package to the north of the Maldives, unless otherwise requested.
Hulhule Airport Hotel - Day use & overnights
International and internal flight schedules occasionally make fairly long connection times in Male Airport inevitable. The Hulehule Airport hotel offers inexpensive day packages to non-residents for use of their beach, pool, showers, left luggage and other facilities. Pre-booked packages are available with Regaldive, for day use with and without a room, and overnight stays (refer to separate webpage on Hulehule Airport hotel).
Visas
Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.
Passports
Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.
If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.
Vaccinations & Health Advice
Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.
We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.
For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.
Client Reviews for Amba
An Enjoyable Trip with Some Excellent Diving
We had a good week, Amba is a very comfortable and well run boat and the cabins are a good size, common areas are comfortable and the food was first class and very varied. The Dhoni used for the diving is very well planned and gives plenty of space for gearing up. Diving is described as 'challenging' and that turned out to be true with some hard swimming against the current at times, a reef hook is an absolute must. Nevertheless an enjoyable trip with some excellent diving. As mentioned by another reviewer it should be noted that most the other divers were mostly German, Austrian and Swiss, not British, and language was a barrier at times, but this is no way affected the trip.
Amba
I had a week on Amba and a week on Sheena in early January 2015 and can recommend both, though I thought Amba had the edge on food, boat, diving, and service. I started going to the Maldives in the mid-nineties and have visited 17 times, but in the last decade the experience has been less good than the first. The diving in the far north reminded me of my memories of the Maldives at their very best: abundant life, including lots of big stuff; superb corals; sometimes strong currents but that's what you need for the best life; awesome visibility with incoming current. The owners pair for guiding (he takes the group, she spots and signals from shallower depth) and this works extremely well. As far as I recall we never saw another dive boat on the whole trip. Life on board? I'm a middle-aged geezer and I like my comforts; Amba has those and I recommend it without reservation.
Highly Recommended
We had a delightful weeks diving on MV Amba. The owners Nicole and Franco were charming as were all the crew. The diving was excellent, well guided and well organised. This was our fourth liveaboard in the Maldives and I would highly recommend this boat.
Maldives
Thank you all so much for your help and advice, and for making my husband 50th birthday so very special. Absolutely first class service from the office and from the rep at Male, best we've ever had.
Maldives - Amba trip
Thought it was about time we got in touch to say what a wonderful two weeks we had doing the Northern Itinerary in the Maldives on MV Amba. Everything went ahead as planned, without too much delay at Male airport. The boat is huge and very comfortable, designed with stability in mind. Franco and Nicole as dive guides and hosts were fantastic and very accommodating. The diving was excellent. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend this trip to others but they need to be aware that the divers were mostly German, Austrian and Swiss, not British, and language was a barrier at times. But with good will among the guests, this can be surmounted. We had a great time and the food was wonderful. Thank you
Amba
Michael and I had a fantastic time in the Maldives. Thank you for all of your help in making it possible. Thank you as well for the bottle of wine that was waiting for us in our cabin. The crew of the Amba were all great and it was so nice to have dive sites all to ourselves. We did get to see mantas and a lot of different sharks. There was just so much to see, it was beautiful. We'd both love to go back! Many thanks again.
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