M/V Emperor Leo

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!

Flight Options

Direct flights from the UK are available numerous times a week, although it 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.