Prices are per person per trip and based on 2 persons sharing a cabin.
Exact pricing is available on the schedule here as prices vary dependant on the time of year, destination and the length of the trip and sometimes special offers are available.

3 meals per day, afternoon snacks,
Free Nitrox to qualified divers,
Unlimited drinking water, tea, coffee,
Complimentary glass of wine with dinner,
17 dives per week in total (2-3 dives per day but no diving on the arrival/departure day),
Tanks, weights,
Service of experienced Dive Guides,
Transfers for boarding and disembarking – Set times,
GST 12% and Green Tax,
1 BBQ night on a local island (if the weather and route conditions allow),
Land visit (unguided, transfers arranged upon request)

International or other domestic flights,
Dive insurance is mandatory as is your own personal dive computer (You can rent one for the trip if you do not have your own).
As well as the Mandatory Dive Insurance we highly recommend Trip and Travel Insurance on the off chance of missed or cancelled flights / lost baggage, documents, money or passport / Covid issues or any other unforeseen problems that could possibly occur.
Dive Assure Insurance offers cover for all these eventualities as well as complete Dive Insurance all in one package.
Diving Equipment,
15 litre tanks and other tank requests must be pre-ordered,
Alcohol and soft drinks,
12% GST for any on onboard charges,
All other services which are not included in the "The trip price includes" section.

If you book any trip at least 9 months in advance you can also take advantage of a 20 Euro on-board voucher and a chance for a FREE upgrade on selected departures (subject to availability on your arrival).
Non-divers are very welcome, the price is the same as divers but you get a free snorkelling kit to use + $50 voucher to spend on board.

Single Traveller information
Emperor Liveaboards guarantees same sex cabin share on all their Liveaboards.
If they can’t place you in a cabin with with someone of the same sex then they will give you a cabin all to yourself with no single supplement charge applied.
If you are a single traveller and would like to guarantee the larger double bed in a twin share cabin, a €35 per week supplement is charged to secure the larger bed.

If you would like to guarantee a single cabin for yourself then a single supplement charge of 50% of the price of the other place in the cabin would be applied.
For example if the trip is €2000 per person based on 2 persons sharing a cabin, to secure the cabin to yourself you would need to pay the regular €2000 + (€2000 x 50% = €1,000) = €3,000 total for your own single cabin.
If you are happy to share with another same sex diver then the price would be just the regular retail rate of €2000 per person.

Group Advantages - Free of charge persons
9 pay and 1 free, 16 pay and 2 free

Booking and Cancellation Terms and Conditions.
Booking deposit: 30% of your invoice total is required within 7 days of booking to confirm your booking.
Final payment of 70% is due to 90 days prior to the departure date to complete your invoice payment.
Individual bookings made less than 90 days before the departure date will be payable in full upon booking to confirm your booking.
Cancellation at any stage involves forfeit of monies already payed.

Diving Equipment Rentals per week paid in advance of the trip
(For payment on board a 12% sales tax and 10% service charge is applicable for all the below prices)
Full Set (regulator, octopus, BCD, wetsuit, mask, fins, dive computer) E 215
Regulator with octopus E 55
Computer E 65
BCD E 55
Wetsuit (shorty 3mm) E 45
Mask E 15
Fins E 20

Diving Courses paid in advance of the trip
(For payment on board a 12% sales tax and 10% service charge is applicable for all the below prices)
Advanced Open Water E 370
Adventure dives (Deep, Drift, Night & Wreck) E80 per dive
Nitrox Diver E 225

Full charter:
Booking deposit:
10% - within 7 days of booking - non-refundable
Second deposit:
20% 180 days prior to departure - non-refundable
Balance due
90 days before departure - non-refundable

There are 18 berths over 9 well appointed comfortable cabins including 2 sea view upper deck double or twin cabins, 2 main deck double or twin cabins and 5 lower deck twin or double cabins of which one can be a 3 person cabin with 1 double bed and one single bed all with en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning.
On the Lower deck: 4 cabins with Twin or Double beds and 1 family cabin suitable for 3 persons with a double and single bed.
On the Main deck: 2 cabins with Twin or Double beds.
On the Upper deck: 2 cabins with Twin or Double beds.
All twins have beds are side by side, not bunk bed style.

• 

  Lower Deck Double
  The Lower Deck Double Cabins are approximately 10.5sqm with port holes and can either be in a Twin configuration for single divers or a double bed set up for a couple.
  All cabins are equipped with en-suite bathroom, individually controlled air condition and a hair dryer.

• 

  Lower Deck Double
  The Lower Deck Double Cabins are approximately 10.5sqm with port holes and can either be in a Twin configuration for single divers or a double bed set up for a couple.
  All cabins are equipped with en-suite bathroom, individually controlled air condition and a hair dryer.

• 

  Lower Deck Double
  The Lower Deck Double Cabins are approximately 10.5sqm with port holes and can either be in a Twin configuration for single divers or a double bed set up for a couple.
  All cabins are equipped with en-suite bathroom, individually controlled air condition and a hair dryer.

• 

  Lower Deck Twin
  The Lower Deck Twin Cabins are approximately 9sqm with port holes and can either be in a Twin configuration for single divers or a double bed set up for a couple.
  All cabins are equipped with en-suite bathroom, individually controlled air condition and a hair dryer.

• 

  Lower Deck Double
  The Lower Deck Double Cabins are approximately 10.5sqm with port holes and can either be in a Twin configuration for single divers or a double bed set up for a couple.
  All cabins are equipped with en-suite bathroom, individually controlled air condition and a hair dryer.

• 

  Upper Deck Twin / Double
  The Upper Deck Cabins are approximately 10sqm with sea view windows and can either be in a Twin configuration for single divers or a double bed set up for a couple
  All cabins are equipped with en-suite bathroom, individually controlled air condition and a hair dryer.

• 

  Upper Deck Twin / Double
  The Upper Deck Cabins are approximately 10sqm with sea view windows and can either be in a Twin configuration for single divers or a double bed set up for a couple
  All cabins are equipped with en-suite bathroom, individually controlled air condition and a hair dryer.

• 

  Upper Deck Twin / Double
  The Upper Deck Cabins are approximately 10sqm with sea view windows and can either be in a Twin configuration for single divers or a double bed set up for a couple
  All cabins are equipped with en-suite bathroom, individually controlled air condition and a hair dryer.

Due to the many and varied itineraries we have provided links to the PDF forms for each trip

The Best of the Maldives
Deep South and Southern Sharks
South Central
Hanifaru and the North
Sharktastic

Arrival and departure

Transfers to the boat on the first day:
Emperor arranges transfers direct from the airport to the boat at 12:00 (12pm) and 16:00 (4pm) on the day of departure and both timings are offered free of charge.
Guests arriving at Male Airport on the “check-in” day will be met by a representative of Emperor Maldives who will be wearing an Emperor Maldives T-Shirt and holding an Emperor Maldives sign.
The meeting point is near the Help Desk
Guests who use the midday transfer accept that the boat may not be fully cleaned or ready just yet due to the previous guests having departed that morning.
A light sandwich style snack will be provided for lunch.

If you do not wish to wait for one of the above transfers or you arrive after the last transfer, taxis are available for around $15, our airport representative will be happy to help you, however, please note that boarding may not be possible before 12:00 (12pm) due to the boat still being re-stocked and cleaned.

If you would like to arrive the day before your trip it is possible to stay in the Airport hotel which is on the same island as the airport (Hulhule island) or stay in another guesthouse on Hulhule Island for the night, we don’t recommend booking somewhere in Male as this involves a ferry or taxi ride to the next island and as it is the capital it is noisy and crowded and probably not what you would enjoy.
Planes do not fly late into the night so you will be able to sleep.
The boat moors in port on the arrival day and overnight on the first night, departing early on the morning following the check-in day.

Departure from the boat on the final day.
The boat moors near Male mid-afternoon the day before your departure date and remains in there overnight until check-out from the boat the following morning.
Check out is at 07:00 and guests will be in the airport by 07:30.
For guests continuing their holiday in the Maldives at a resort, hotel or another liveaboard, your on-going transfers need to be arranged by you from the airport.
The boat will not be able to arrange direct transfers from the liveaboard to resorts.

Boat:
Length: 105Ft
Engine: 500HP
Generators: 2 x 33KW
Water Makers: 1.2 ton per day
Beam size(ft) 30
Draft size(ft) 8ft
Built refit 2012
Cruising speed 10
Maximum speed 12

Deck Formations:
Lower Deck: 5 Twin/DBL Rooms
Main Deck: 1 Single Cabin, Bar, Dining Area, Lounge Area.
Upper Deck: 1 Jacuzzi, 2 Twin/DBL Upper Deck Rooms,
Sun Deck: Numerous Sun Loungers.

Separate Diving Dhoni:
Fully equipped 45ft Diving Dhoni complete with Oxygen Kits, 2 x Coltri Compressors, 30 Tanks.

Crew:
Boat Crew: 12
Dhoani Crew: 3
Diving Guides: 2

Internet
WiFi internet is available onboard, though the availability and signal strength depends on the area. Internet may be not available at some places while cruising. Wifi access is USD 20 per week. Please, ask barmen for details while onboard. Please, note, we do not provide laptops/computers/other devices to use internet onboard, you should have your own computer to use our internet facility.

Tips
Gratuities are encouraged but are voluntary and based upon the quality of service your crew has provided. When settling your bill at the end of the charter, there will be 2 envelopes for gratuities, 1 for Dive Crew and 1 for Boat Crew, which will be divided equally among the respective members.

Communication
Emperor Explorer is equipped with satellite phone and internet, therefore, it is in constant communication with the outside world.
In the event of an emergency, family and friends may contact you at the above numbers.

Special occassions
If there is a special occasion such as Birthday or an anniversary coming up during the trip please let us know in advance. We are delighted to arrange a cake, which will be provided complimentary by the Company.

Electricity:
Plugs are the type G and 3 prongs. Emperor Explorer has 220V and 110V to accommodate a variety of guests’ requirements.

Maldives diving conditions
The Maldives has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons - a dry season from November/December to April/May, and a wet season from sometime in May to October/November.
Please note the "wet" season is not solid rain 24 hours a day and is mostly showers in the morning and evening with many days being sunny and the diving remains good all year.
Underwater visibility in the Maldives is determined by the tidal movements with incoming and outgoing tides.

Here is how each season effects diving in the Maldives:

Dry Season (November/December to April/May):
This is the peak tourist season in the Maldives, with generally calm seas, warm temperatures, and low humidity.
The dry season is considered the best time to visit for diving, as the water is clear and the visibility is excellent.
The chance to see larger pelagic species such as whale sharks and manta rays is also higher during this season.
However, as this is the peak season, prices for liveaboards and resorts tend to be higher.

Wet Season (May to October/November):
The wet season in the Maldives is characterized by more rain, higher humidity, and slightly rougher seas.
However, the water temperature remains warm, and the diving can still be excellent, especially in the southern atolls.
During this season, there may be fewer tourists, and liveaboard and resort prices can be more affordable.
The wet season is also a great time for macro diving, with an abundance of smaller critters like nudibranchs and seahorses although the big pelagics are still around but due to the visibility being lower (15-30M) they are not as easy to see.

In terms of the best time to go to the Maldives, it ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities.
If you prioritize excellent visibility and the chance to see larger pelagic species, then the dry season from December to April may be the best time to go, despite the higher prices.
However, if you are more budget-conscious and don't mind less visiblity, although it is still 15-30M (50-100 feet), then the wet season from May to November may be a better option for you.

As for prices, liveaboard prices can vary widely depending on the time of year and the level of luxury you are looking for.
In general, liveaboards tend to be more affordable during the wet season and can be a great deal during the shoulder seasons (May to June and September to November).
The air temperature varies little with an annual average of 30C (90F) and minimum of 26C (80F), while the water temperature ranges from 26C (80F) to 30C (86F).
Please note: A lot of Liveaboard prices can be higher during peak periods such as Christmas, New Year's and Chinese New Year.

The Maldives offer the best that diving and snorkelling has to offer, Manta rays are guaranteed on pretty much every trip and there are a myriad of sites where you can see these beautiful creatures of the sea.
All of our liveaboards will give you the best experience possible dependant on the current conditions on your trip and all our boats are liveaboards for people enthusiastic or serious about their diving but also welcome snorkellers and non-divers who will have their own separate itineraries.
One of the highlights of any Maldives safari is the possibility to see one of the gentle giants of the ocean.
Whale sharks are unusually common in the Maldives and are seen nearly year round in some areas and the liveaboard staff will do their utmost to give you this chance encounter of a lifetime.
Diving from a liveaboard in the Maldives is without doubt one of the cheapest and easiest ways to experience the best that the Maldives has to offer and visit and discover more areas and better sites than diving from a land base.

Diving is carried out from a purpose built “diving dhoni” that will not anchor but will follow the divers from the surface.
This is the safest and most comfortable way to dive in the Maldives due to the wind and currents.
Every diver will have their own Dive Station with their own basket where for storing their diving gear, which will always remain on the diving dhoni.
This system leaves the main boat free to handle accommodations, meals and social activities in a quiet atmosphere with more available space for you to relax in.

Most guests make up to 3 dives a day, so some sort of protection is needed.
A 3mm wetsuit is normally comfortable and adequate for most people.
There is a law in the Maldives that the depth limit is 98 feet/ 30 metres.
Your Divemaster will requires proof of certification before the first dive.
Dive insurance is mandatory as is your own personal dive computer.
(You can rent one for the trip if you do not have your own).
As well as the Mandatory Dive Insurance we highly recommend Trip and Travel Insurance on the off chance of missed or cancelled flights / lost baggage, documents, money or passport / Covid issues or any other unforeseen problems that could possibly occur.
Dive Assure Insurance offers cover for all these eventualities as well as complete Dive Insurance all in one package.

Maldives dive sites

Kudarah Thila

Type of dive: Reef dive

Description: One of the best dive sites for soft coral and fish life.

The marine life here is so abundant, that the divers have named it ‘fish soup’. The thila is in a circular shape and can be covered in a single dive at different depths, if the current is not very strong.

Maaysa Thila

Type of dive: Reef dive / Night dive

Description: The thila is about 80mters in diameter.

The whole thila can be done at different depths in a single dive. There are manycaves and overhangs around the thila. The large rocks on the north eastern side have large black coral trees growing on them. The site is famous for the sharks and a great barracuda which reside here. The site can be dived at any time of the day, each with different activity going on the reef. The best chance to get close to these creatures is at night time, when they are hunting. You will see sharks, barracudas, rays and eels trying to grab a morsel.

Bathala Maaga Kanthila

Type of dive: Drift dive

Description: The northern tip of Magaa reef extends into Bathalaa Kandu and is home to a number of grey reef sharks and white-tip reef sharks. They can be seen patrolling along the reef looking for food.

Maalhos Thila (Blue Curves)

Type of dive: Drift dive / Reef dive

Description: The thila is known for the abundance of soft coral growth on the thila, particularly the blue/violet colored variety that grows on the ceiling of the caves and overhangs, thus the name ‘blue caves’. In addition a large variety of fish life can be observed here.

Rasdhoo Madivaru

Type of dive: Drift dive / Channel dive

Description: The reef on the southern side of Rasdhoo drops vertically to the ocean depths. The site is home to a school of Scalloped Hammerhead sharks (sphyrna lewini). In the early hours of the morning they rise from the deep waters off the atoll into the shallower depths, accessible to divers.

South Male Atoll - some of the more popular dive sites

Guraidhoo Kandu South

Type of dive: Drift dive / channel dive

Description: Since the eastern side of the channel is Open Ocean, large predatory fish can regularly be spotted here. This site is famous for sightings of sharks, schools of eagle rays and the occasional Sail fish and Hammerheads. The best condition to do the dive is when the current is flowing into the Atoll. The dive begins on the outer reef following the current into the atoll. Most of the pelagic species can be observed on the eastern side, where the reef drops off into the deep ocean.
At the end of the dive in the channel, along the reef you can find overhangs with plenty of soft coral growth and small fish.

Kandooma Thila

Type of dive: Drift dive / reef dive

Description: Located in a channel, the reef is subject to strong currents at times. The ocean currents carry lot of nutrients to the reef, supporting an abundance of sea life.
The site is well renowned for the soft coral growth, turtles, diverse fish life and invertebrates found on the reef. At the reef slope you may find sharks and eagle rays.

Embudu Kandu (Express)

Type of dive: Drift dive / channel dive.

Description: Similar to Guraidhoo Kandu, but more sharks are likely to be spotted here.
The currents can be very strong at times. The stronger the current however the better chance of seeing sharks. Under the guidance of an experienced dive guide, the dive can be managed done easily.