Overview
M/V Emperor Voyager sails from Male and is a modern, spacious liveaboard built to a high standard, accommodating a maximum of 20 guests per trip.
There are 10 cabins for guests. Two twin bed cabins on the upper deck, 1 twin bed cabin on the main deck, 3 double bed cabins on the lower front deck and 4 twin bed cabins on the lower deck. All twin bed cabins have beds side by side. All cabins offer en-suite facilities, air conditioning and a fan. The main deck has a large outdoor dining table and a corner bar and drinks area. There are several tables inside for relaxing. On the upper deck is a home theatre and comfy sofas, whilst outside is the VIP lounge with sofas and chairs facing the sea where relaxation and aperitifs are the order of the day.
The sundeck is perfect for catching those sunrays and taking a nap in hammocks or deckchairs. There is a photography charging station on board but all diving is done from her large dhoni tender, giving you more living space on board.
FREE Nitrox as standard.
Click here for deck floor plan
Group Discounts
The FREE places below relate to the 'boat space' and do not include flights.
- 9 pay full price + 1 free
- 18 pay full price + 2 free
Specification
Type: Wooden hull, Year built: 2004 (refurbished 2014), Length: 30m, Beam: 9m, Engine: 360 Hp Doosan Daewoo, Generators: 2 x 27 KW Kohler / 1 x 25 KW Onan, Water Makers: 8 Tonnes/24h RO Plant, Large diving dhoni fully equipped with compressors, tanks and oxygen kits
Navigation / Safety
VHF radio, GPS chart plotter, Telephone, Mobile, Oxygen, First aid Equipment, Life Jackets, Life Rafts, Fire System
Equipment
Diving equipment rental is available but must be pre-arranged before arrival in resort to ensure availability. For prices, please see Schedules & Prices tab.
Please Note: SMB and dive computer compulsory on every dive.
Rebreather Diving? M/V Emperor Voyager is a Rebreather Friendly vessel. This vessel is able to support Poseidon MKVI, AP vision and manual Megalodon units. If you are intending to dive with a Rebreather please ensure that you contact us in advance so we can discuss your requirements.
Schedules & prices
Price includes: 7 nights cabin share (sold as male/male or female/female share if travelling alone), three meals per day plus afternoon snacks and one BBQ night on uninhabited island (subject to route and weather conditions), unlimited drinking water, tea and coffee, 17 dives per week (2-3 dives per day, one night dive, no diving on the first day), guide, tanks, air / nitrox fills and weights. Male city tour with local guide also included on request.
Flights available with Emirates, Sri Lankan, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, British Airways and other airlines - please enquire.
Groups and Full Charters - please enquire for special rates and free places.
Group Discounts
The FREE places below relate to the 'boat space' and do not include flights.
- 9 pay full price + 1 free
- 18 pay full price + 2 free
Supplements
- Guaranteed Single Occupancy Standard cabin: POA
- Upper deck cabin: from £86 per person per week
Equipment and other extras:
Please Note: SMB and dive computer compulsory on every dive.
- Rental equipment must be requested in advance to ensure availability.
- Diving Courses - please contact us in advance to pre-book.
- Wi-Fi: $20 per week (subject to signal strength in certain areas)
- All extras are to be paid during the sailing.
Please contact us for any technical diving and rebreather requirements.
A 12% sales tax charge is applicable on any payments made on board.
Date |
Itinerary |
Embark |
Notes |
Price |
Enquire |
27 Apr 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 6 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1752 |
ENQUIRE |
30 Jun 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 13 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1752 |
ENQUIRE |
07 Jul 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 9 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1752 |
ENQUIRE |
14 Jul 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1752 |
ENQUIRE |
21 Jul 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1752 |
ENQUIRE |
18 Aug 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 8 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1752 |
ENQUIRE |
07 Sep 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 14 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1752 |
ENQUIRE |
21 Sep 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1752 |
ENQUIRE |
28 Sep 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 17 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1752 |
ENQUIRE |
05 Oct 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 10 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1752 |
ENQUIRE |
19 Oct 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1752 |
ENQUIRE |
09 Nov 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 9 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1898 |
ENQUIRE |
16 Nov 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 8 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1898 |
ENQUIRE |
30 Nov 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1898 |
ENQUIRE |
07 Dec 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 8 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1898 |
ENQUIRE |
14 Dec 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1898 |
ENQUIRE |
21 Dec 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1986 |
ENQUIRE |
28 Dec 2024 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1986 |
ENQUIRE |
04 Jan 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 18 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1871 |
ENQUIRE |
18 Jan 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 6 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1871 |
ENQUIRE |
01 Feb 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£2079 |
ENQUIRE |
08 Feb 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 12 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£2079 |
ENQUIRE |
15 Mar 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 6 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£2256 |
ENQUIRE |
22 Mar 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£2079 |
ENQUIRE |
29 Mar 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£2079 |
ENQUIRE |
14 Jun 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
21 Jun 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
28 Jun 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
05 Jul 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
12 Jul 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
19 Jul 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
26 Jul 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
02 Aug 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
09 Aug 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
16 Aug 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
23 Aug 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
30 Aug 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
06 Sep 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
13 Sep 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
20 Sep 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
27 Sep 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
04 Oct 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
11 Oct 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
18 Oct 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
25 Oct 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1672 |
ENQUIRE |
01 Nov 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1792 |
ENQUIRE |
08 Nov 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1792 |
ENQUIRE |
15 Nov 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1792 |
ENQUIRE |
22 Nov 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1792 |
ENQUIRE |
29 Nov 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1792 |
ENQUIRE |
06 Dec 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1792 |
ENQUIRE |
13 Dec 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1792 |
ENQUIRE |
20 Dec 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1871 |
ENQUIRE |
27 Dec 2025 |
Best of the Central Atolls |
Male |
Route: Best of Maldives, 7 Nights. 20 spaces available. 30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced. |
£1871 |
ENQUIRE |
Dive info
Diving in the Maldives is influenced by the seasons. The quality of individual dive sites and marine parks is determined by the ebb and flow of seasonal currents, which in turn affects both the underwater visibility and the marine life. Liveaboards follow these seasonal variations, taking divers to the best sites for the time of the year.
Regaldive operate a range of liveaboards throughout the Maldives. These include classic itineraries following established routes out of Male to new itineraries in remote atolls where the dive sites have only recently been established. Maldivian Liveaboards are supported by a ‘dive dhoni’ where all dives are conducted from. The dhoni carries all cylinders, equipment and compressors.
Classic Liveaboards out of Male
Diving in the Maldives is spectacular throughout the year and one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to experience the incredible range of world class dive sites is to hop on a liveaboard departing from Male. Amba, MV Emperor Leo, MV Emperor Voyager, MV Emperor Serenity, MV Keana, MV Emperor Virgo, MV Ari Queen, MV Emperor Explorer, MY Blue Voyager, Mariana, Moonima, MV Carpe Diem, MV Carpe Vita and MV Carpe Novo offer classic week long diving adventures to the best sites of the nearby atolls. These trips are 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.
For any divers who simply want a classic week long Maldivian dive adventure with the convenience of departing and returning to Male please look for the ‘Best of’, ‘Central atolls’ or ‘Classic’ trips in the ‘Schedules & Prices’ tab.
Liveaboard Itineraries Beyond Male
Recent years have seen access to some remote atolls in the Maldives improve dramatically. Regaldive feature liveaboards that cover these exciting new atolls including Baa, Lhaviyani, Rasdhoo in the north to Meemu, Laamu and Huvadhoo and Addu in the south. These atolls represent the new ‘frontiers’ of diving in the Maldives and lie well beyond traditional tourist maps. Diving in these locations can be challenging with strong drifts and diving in the blue. Liveaboard itineraries to these areas range from 7 to 14 nights and often include a domestic flight.
SOUTH ATOLLS MALDIVES
As liveaboard operators explore further and create new itineraries, so the range of diving adventures increases. The south atolls of the Maldives are renowned for their exhilarating shark encounters and many boats sail to this region operating itineraries for the first few months of the year visiting sites in the Laamu and Huvadhoo atolls as well as Fuvamulah and Addu, the most southerly. Many of the trips offer exploratory dive sites that have been seldom dived. This is challenging and pioneering diving, characterised by waters that are abundant in the marine life one expects from the Maldives. These itineraries are best suited to experienced divers and to join, divers must be Advanced certified with a minimum of 100 logged dives.
Liveaboard itineraries in the southern atolls often begin and end in the region and involve a domestic flight from Male to reach the boat. In addition there are some extended itineraries available which begin or end in Male as the boats move to ensure they are in the best locations throughout the year offering divers the best experiences.
Liveaboard and 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.
For Sri Lanka options, click here
Diving in the maldives
Underwater highlights on most itineraries will include a mix of reef, wreck and channel and drift dives. Expect to dive in warm water and see colourful corals and fish as well as encounters with sharks, manta rays and if you’re lucky, whale shark.
Diving in the Maldives can be challenging, and as such it is recommended that divers have a minimum qualification of PADI Advanced or equivalent, with 40+ logged dives, although experienced Open Water divers are not precluded.
Diving is encouraged to be undertaken in individual self-sufficient buddy teams and small groups, though you may of course choose to follow the guide for ease of navigation. Diving in the Maldives is regulated, as such all divers must wear a computer and carry an SMB. At some sites the recommended depth is beyond 18 metres so advanced and/or deep diver certification are required. Maximum depth on any recreational dive is 30 metres.
GROUPS
For anyone travelling as a group of friends, with a dive club or even an extended family there are often group deals available on the liveaboards with free spaces available and special deals for full charters. Ask the team for further details.
If you're looking for a small group diving experience but not on a liveaboard, we have a very special trip idea.Get the liveaboard experience from land with our new small group trip - Maldives Whale Shark Extravaganza. Staying at the Boutique Resort, it's the perfect base for diving with manta rays and whale sharks.
Alternatively, our Maldives Manta Ray Extravaganza is a 10 night liveaboard safari. Dive the northern atolls and snorkel in Hanifaru Bay amongst the mantas during their annual aggregation. This exclusive adventure is expert led by marine conservationist and cameraman Danny Copeland.
Click here for GROUP LIVEABOARD OFFERS
Flight Options
Emirates via Dubai from Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow. Other regional departures may be available; supplement may apply. Regaldive's prices are currently based on Emirates. Supplements may or may not apply for other airlines dependant on seat availability.
Sri Lankan via Colombo from Heathrow, Qatar Airways via Doha from Heathrow and Manchester, Oman Air via Muscat from Heathrow, British Airways from Gatwick.
Charter Flights: Flights are direct, once a week for 7 and 14 night durations, usually flying overnight on outbound. Charter flight days may not match all the liveaboard departure days, with the exception of Carpe Diem.
Internal transfers to your liveaboard
Your boat is reached either by sea plane, speedboat transfer or internal flight from Male airport. Transfers are organised as part of your holiday package, unless requested otherwise.
Seaplane and Boat Transfers
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 baot. Liveaboards operating from other areas will have a either a speedbaot transfer, seaplane or pressurised flight.
If you are transferring by seaplane you should be aware of the following:
- Seaplanes do not operate a fixed departure schedule, but are planned daily according to the islands / boats requirements. The planning is carried out locally 24 hours in advance.
- Seaplanes often pick up and drop off guests from a number of islands on a single transfer run.
- Seaplanes only operate during daylight hours, generally 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
- You may have to wait for a short duration after arriving in Male. On departing, the islands will transfer you back to Male as late a local logistics on that day will allow.
- On departing your island resort your return seaplane transfer time will be confirmed the day before departure by your resort.
- If you have a late international flight departing home, it is highly advisable you ask Regaldive to reserve a day use package for you at the Hulhule hotel.
- Seaplanes are not pressurised flights.
- Seaplanes typically operate a strict weight policy of 20kg for hold luggage.
- Excess luggage is currently $2 per kilo to the island and $4 perkilo on the return.
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).
Passports
Passengers travelling to the Maldives must have six months valid on their passport from the date of return to the UK.
Visas
A free 30 day permit is given to British travellers on arrival in Male. Other nationalities should consult their consular website.
Vaccinations
Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic or local GP. Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to the Maldives, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio.
Reviews
Have you stayed here? Why not share your experiences by adding your review?
Write a review
Everything went as planned
"Everything went as planned with flights, transfers and pre & post liveaboard accommodation. My time on the Emperor Voyager liveaboard, brilliant crew and diving."
Joanna
The whole trip was more than we expected!
"The whole trip was more than we expected. This was our first dive trip where the tour operator included activities beyond the diving. The local island trip, BBQ on the beach, visit to Male and night snorkelling from the boat were lovely additional touches.
The transfers and ground arrangements were very good: when we left Emperor Voyager Chris came into the airport with us and made sure everyone knew where they were going.
The accommodation aboard the boat was great and very spacious. The added touch of “Happy Honeymoon” decorations on our bed was lovely, and the food was varied and always tasty.
All of the crew and dive guides were very helpful throughout the trip. Chris was brilliant and his manta ray presentation was informative and very interesting.
The dive sites were brilliant and varied with lots of marine life - we were even treated to a wreck! We saw Manta Rays, turtles and sharks, with one of the highlights being a sunset dive with approx. 20 nurse sharks
Our favourite memory from the holiday was spending a whole hour long dive hooked on at a cleaning station watching Manta Rays. They even gave us one final swim past as we were ascending. This was definitely a big tick on our diving bucket list.
Everyone at Regal was very helpful and we would definitely book with you again in the future. "
Fleur & George L. - Newark
27 years of diving | Best dive safari to date!
"Emperor Voyager followed by Eriyadu Resort – Beach Club rooms
We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday. Everything was as good, if not better, than we expected and we were very impressed with the Emirates flights. The Eriyadu apartment had recently been refurbished and was well positioned for the best part of the reef for snorkelling, which was exceptional, and the beach. Chris on the boat and the staff at resort were superb.
Emperor Voyager was great - we had a fantastic cabin on the first deck with large windows and plenty of room and storage. The food onboard was excellent, cabin services great - it would have been nice to have free soda drinks, but they are quite expensive out there though.
The crew was always ready to help and Chris the guide / boat manager was one of the best and most knowledgeable I have come across and in my 27 years of diving .
Dive sites were well chosen and none were disappointing. The sights will live with us forever - amazing! Our favourite memory from the holiday was that of the manta rays on the cleaning station.
I was very happy with the service and value for money from Regal dive, and would look to book with them in future.
It's my best dive safari to date!"
John and Suzanne - UK
The Whale Shark and Mantas Came so Close!
"All of the crew on the liveaboard were excellent, the guides were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, as were the crew. The dive sites were good, although some were hard work due to the current, but thoroughly enjoyable and well worth the effort.
We went to the Maldives in the hope of diving with a whale shark or Mantas. The guides made sure we got both!! The Whale Shark and the Mantas came so close to us that we could have reached out and touched them, it was amazing. Neither of us could pinpoint a favourite memory, as we had several amazing experiences.
We had no problems at all, everything ran smoothly, flights, transfers, accommodation etc. The transfers were excellent, as was the accommodation both on the island and the liveaboard. Both venues offered excellent food and service, especially the liveaboard.
As for Regaldive's services, you made everything so easy, the booking, travel insurance, dive insurance, the whole package. Everything went like clockwork and I would not hesitate to use you again, in fact I have already recommended you to a few people at work.
Please accept out thanks and please pass this on to anyone else who was involved in arranging our holiday."
Sean Taylor - UK
Excellent Honeymoon
"Out of this world.. Has actually ruined some subsequent holiday dives due to the high standards I now have. Nigel sorted everything out for the Wife and I, all I had to do was turn up on time, very relaxing and stress free.
We spent 7 Nights on the MV EMPEROR VOYAGER followed by 5 (Water Villa) Nights on Reethi Island in October/November 2016.
My Wife is a non-diver and not a confident snorkeler, so there was very little to do on-board, bar read and sunbathe (her idea of heaven).
Now onto the Important part, the diving, It was a bit of a rough crossing from North Male to North Arai, but absolute worth it we saw quite a number of Manta Rays and Devil Rays. A few of the dives even had us seeing Black tipped reef sharks (they didn't come to close to me :( ) and the night dive with the Nurse sharks was quite indescribable as they came closer than an arms length.
The currents were pretty strong in some areas so you need to be happy with a bit of current on your dives, I'd also advise a reef hook to be brought, some practice before going out there would also benefit, having never used one it took me a couple of dives to get used to it.
I'd also bring my own dsmb with 30m of line, the on-board ones only had 6m of line and you spent most dives doing a safety stop in the blue. I preferred to deploy deep and then come straight up on it. A couple of the best dives we managed to do the safety stop on the top of the Thila.
There was a large focus on Mantas which while nice was a bit much for me (I primarily dive wrecks) once we'd done a couple of cleaning stations I got a bit board as there was a lot of sitting about watching them swim in circles.
The dive guides were all very knowledgeable and approachable and dive briefs were short and to the point and had some excellent pictures of the dive area. The Crew were great all i had to do was put my wetsuit on, everything else was handled, such a difference from UK club diving.. :) Unfortunately we didn't get to see a whale shark even though we spent a few hours sailing up and down looking.
Small tip about Dubai Airport Terminal C is a good 20+ min from Terminal A (if you sprint it can be done in ~15 min, I know this for a fact) It also has all the same shops as Terminal A. So don't be like me and think, "I'll just stay in Terminal A until 15 min before the flight as all the shops are here".
Another tip is if you are going on to stay some extra nights on one of the Islands, then only do the water villa for 1 night and then spend the rest of the nights in the Standard apartments, you'll get 1 or two extra nights for the cost saving and almost no change in quality. Ironically even though the villas are over the water the std / deluxe apartments have better access to the water, the ladder (yes ladder) from the water villa is quite steep and slippy whereas the apartments are about 10-20 yards from the water.
Big thanks again to Nigel for making it all happen. "
Ryan - Northern Ireland
Dive Boat and Crew Were Brilliant
"It was lovely holiday.
My room was good, dive boat and crew were brilliant and we had a great time. The only minus from the boat we had was that they were doing maintenance on the crew room and there was a smell of paint upstairs and when underway we seem to get a smell of faint smell of oil in our room. The accommodation was fine apart from the issue mentioned above.
Everything was ran smoothly - transfers were good, airport meeting staff organised a taxi and the tender came to get us.
Food was good, the only slight minus was that crew forgot about Zoe and that she was vegan though they fixed it from day 2
Regarding the itinerary, the dive sites were great, really a great tour of the Maldives, would come again and do the south atoll trip. The only minus was that the first and last night are spent in the Male harbour and the planes overhead get noisy and there not much to do when you arrive on the boat. I understand the issue, as people need to have their no fly limits to fly on the last day, but maybe we could have skipped the tour of Male and spent more time in the Atolls, or maybe we can have other option in Male to get dropped at the nearby beach. These are just ideas nothing that’s a big issue.
The dive centre staff were all great.
A highlight of the trip was Alimatha jetty, if you ever want a shark to come close enough it head butts you, this is great.
Oh, one other thing, with this trip was really surprised at the strength of the current and I know you mentioned reef hooks for equipment, but maybe just remind people that they will be needing them for sure.
"
Stephen-John Rado - UK
The Diving was Superb!
"Emperor Voyager Liveaboard Trip and a Land-Based Stay in Sri Lanka
Maldives Di & I last went to circa 20 years ago when there was about 5 liveaboards and did a similar route, now there is more like 75-100 liveaboards, so much busier and more like the Red Sea. However, the diving was superb and even Heather enjoyed her time on the boat. A lot of the dives were better than 20 years ago.
The transfers and ground arrangements were excellent. The accommodation was also excellent. The boat was only half full (11/20), so that helped as well. The food was excellent. The catered for both a vegetarian and a guest with a fish allergy on the boat. The liveaboard Staff and Crew were excellent.
The dive sites/itinerary were excellent. Few years ago went to Cocos on Aggressor on what turned out to be Jim Churches’ last photo trip. Simon was on the trip with us and bracketed his shots which meant he took about 200 pics on one dive. Jim commented it was the most he had ever known anyone take. Think we broke this record somewhat, as managed 401 pics without any bracketing in a one hour dive!!
Sri Lanka very good, although the traffic is same as India so plenty of eye-closed moments although remarkably only saw 2 collisions.
A favourite memory from the holiday was the Mantas and elephants (but not together obviously!). Night dive with Mantas was awesome."
Andy Colls - UK
An Amazing Week
"We had the most amazing week on the Emperor Voyager. The boat is a bit tired now, but still very comfortable and relaxing. The crew on both the Emperor and the dhoni were very friendly and helpful, which made the diving so much easier. The food was good and there was plenty of it, the afternoon snack of cake or toastie were a nice touch. The guides were very good, knew their stuff, and showed us lots of interesting things big and small.
A real effort was made to show us mantas and whale sharks both of which we saw, despite their unpredictability. I liked the fact our journey was drawn on a map as we finished each day so we knew where we had been. We would definitely go back. Big thanks to everyone.
When I planned the holiday, I had an idea I wanted to go to see whale sharks in the Maldives, I had spent some time trying to work out what I wanted, which island, which liveaboard etc etc, but had really got nowhere other than a time of year to go. So, I contacted Regaldive who promptly sent a quote for a liveaboard and an Island where I had a good chance of seeing whale sharks. I then changed my mind and decided I would like to see the whale sharks on the liveaboard but find an island with a wreck close by. I found an island and Regal Dive sent me another quote. I then changed my mind on accommodation and again Regal Dive sent me another quote. They did not seem to mind that I kept changing my mind and I even phoned up to question the price and they were very happy to go through the quote with me.
In the end I was happy and we confirmed our holiday, every time I asked a question Helena was very happy to help. The holiday was excellent and all the paperwork provided made it a very smooth, very well organized holiday. Now I have been to the Maldives I can also see that the first recommendation was perfect for whale sharks.
Our Flights changed at Dubai, I would recommend checking in online. Although at Heathrow you stilled queued in the same long queue the connection at Dubai was very smooth. On the way back the guy at Male airport didn't seem to be able to check us in all the way through and we did get a bit lost in Dubai airport trying to find the connection check in desk. If the flights are delayed this can make the connection quite fraught. The other useful info is the flight to Male, also goes to Colombo, so Male is not detailed on the gate information.
"
Karen Brown - UK
One Word Says it all.....Fantastic!
"One word says it all.....fantastic. Apart from a rushed transfer in Doha on the way out, everything was spot on. Flights were good, plenty to pass the time, food, drinks and films. Boat was good,food and staff excellent (BBQ on the island was excellent), diving superb (UK quarries will never be the same again!), guides were excellent and knew their sites and points of interest.
Dohni and crew made everything so effortless. I thought I might struggle with 3/4 dives every day, but the system of leaving kit permanently set up on the Dohni made it all so easy. Got to see both Mantas and Whale Sharks which were the two things I went for, plus loads more bonus things.
Diving was well organised,night dives especially so. They practically guarantee Mantas the way they set up a feeding point to draw them in, safety was very good, dive briefs were clear and detailed, Nitox was analysed in front of you by Dohni crew every time, depth and time limits reinforced every dive, current checked by guide before we entered the water.
All three of us had a superb week and couldn't fault a single thing, it was buy one, get one free this year wasn't it! We would all like to take this opportunity to thank all involved at Regal, MV Voyager, the Dohni and Qatar airways for making the holiday such a fantastic and unforgettable experience."
Steve - UK
Great Week on Emperor Voyager
"We have just returned from a week aboard Emperor Voyager in the Maldives and it is really hard being back at work after such a great week!! We had a lovely time with good diving, excellent guides (Mario, Rauf and Helen) and a great, hard-working crew.
Double cabin was comfortable and food was good although some nights the meat could have done with a little less cooking and a starter might have been nice but overall not bad at all - we certainly didn't go hungry. Excellent food provided on the beach BBQ.
The diving was lovely with warm water and good pre-dive briefings with safety always at the forefront. Unfortunately we missed the Hammerhead but the night dive with the Nurse sharks and the Manta dive was exceptional and will always be remembered.
Would we return - oh yes - definitely.
Thanks to you all. "
Sandra Harsant - United Arab Emirates
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