Why you should choose Moonima:
Experienced Maldivian Dive guides, Internet and Nitrox is available at an extra charge.
The top 10 reasons to join a Liveaboard in the Maldives
Moonima is a 30m Maldivian made motor yacht, one of the best superior class in the market, and with its 10 cabins comfortably accommodates 18 guests.
Moonima has been renovated in 2021 to the highest standards of safety and service, offering a cozy and pleasant atmosphere with spacious cabins, lounge areas and open spaces.
There are 7 standard cabins located on the lower deck, 5 of the cabins have double beds plus a single bed and can accommodate 2 guests and maximum 3 guests if required.
The 2 other standard cabins have only double bed. Each cabin on the lower deck is equipped with portholes.
On the upper deck there are 3 double cabins with a beautiful sea view window.
On board the Moonima there is a cozy and extremely pleasant atmosphere.
Relax on the different outside areas with a coffee or a draught beer or enjoy various cocktails and mocktails as you watch the sun set.
When is the best time to Dive the Maldives
Read the guest reviews


Moonima - schedule
Moonima - prices and what's included
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.
Please note: The minimum experience level requirement for trips on Mooninma is Advanced open water level and 50 logged dives for all trips.
The trip price includes:
Cruise 7 nights: Package 16 dives
Cruise 10 nights: Package 23 dives
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (in buffet style)
Mineral water, American coffee tea
Wi-Fi internet access (if available in navigation area)
Transportation to and from the airport
Maldivian GST 12%
Diving dhoni (with aluminum oxygen tanks 12 lt. And weights)
Island tours and barbecue on the beach (depending on the route)
The trip price does not include:
Flight ticket
Drinks (apart from Mineral water, American coffee tea)
Diving courses
Diving equipment rent
Maldivian green tax $ 6 per person per night to pay on the boat
Nitrox to qualified divers
Extra diving
Fishing trip
Tips (we suggest 10 US $ per guest per day)
Transport from and to the airport in speed boat or air in the calendar beginning of the cruise
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.
Everything not described in “The trip price includes”
Please note: Due to the 40% rise in fuel prices in the Maldives there will now, unfortunately, be a $15 a night fuel surcharge levied by the boat to be paid on board
For a single cabin, non sharing, please add 60%, if you are a single diver and happy to share with another diver of the same sex the price is as stated originally.
Triple share in the Junior suite or standard cabins is -10% on the above rates for the third person.
Triple share with teenager under 18 is -20% for the teenager
Triple share with child under 12 is -50% for the child
Non divers are charged the same price but non-diver guests can enjoy for free one of these special packages:
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.
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
Moonima - gallery
Moonima - cabins
There are 10 cabins for 18 guests with 3 on the Upper deck with a sea view and 7 on the Lower deck.
-
Double Upper deck cabin
On the upper deck there are 3 double cabins with beautiful sea view windows.
Each cabin has air conditioning, sea view windows and a private bathroom and shower.
These cabins are more suited for couples. -
Double upper deck cabin
On the upper deck there are 3 double cabins with beautiful sea view windows.
Each cabin has air conditioning, sea view windows and a private bathroom and shower.
These cabins are more suited for couples. -
Double or twin lower deck cabin
There are 7 standard cabins located on the lower deck
5 of the cabins have double beds plus a single bed and can accommodate 2 guests and maximum 3 guests if required.
The 2 other standard cabins have only one double bed.
Each cabin on the lower deck is equipped with Air conditioning, private bathroom and shower and portholes to let in the natural light. -
Double or twin lower deck cabin
There are 7 standard cabins located on the lower deck
5 of the cabins have double beds plus a single bed and can accommodate 2 guests and maximum 3 guests if required.
The 2 other standard cabins have only one double bed.
Each cabin on the lower deck is equipped with Air conditioning, private bathroom and shower and portholes to let in the natural light.
Lower Deck Cabins
There are 7 standard cabins located on the lower deck
5 of the cabins have double beds plus a single bed and can accommodate 2 guests and maximum 3 guests if required.
The 2 other standard cabins have only one double bed.
Each cabin on the lower deck is equipped with Air conditioning, private bathroom and shower and portholes to let in the natural light.
Lower Deck Cabins
There are 7 standard cabins located on the lower deck
5 of the cabins have double beds plus a single bed and can accommodate 2 guests and maximum 3 guests if required.
The 2 other standard cabins have only one double bed.
Each cabin on the lower deck is equipped with Air conditioning, private bathroom and shower and portholes to let in the natural light.
Upper Deck Cabins
On the upper deck there are 3 double cabins with beautiful sea view windows.
Each cabin has air conditioning, sea view windows and a private bathroom and shower.
These cabins are more suited for couples.
Moonima - itineraries
Specific itineraries depend on the time of year and the prevailing currents at that time of the year.
For your flight arrival times ideally you should aim to arrive around midday on the day of departure as due to a same day turn around of the boat the guests from the trip before will be departing in the morning. The rest of the morning the boat will be being cleaned and prepared for your arrival around lunchtime.
You can arrive on the day of departure as late as 10pm as the boat will not leave the Male area on the first day. Whatever time you arrive on the day of departure you will be met off your flight at the arrivals area by our boat representatives and taken to the boat, about 10 minutes from the airport.
If you would like to arrive the day before it is possible to stay in the airport hotel which is on the adjacent island (HulhulMale) as the airport (Hulhule island) or stay in another guesthouse on Hulhulemale Island for the night, we don’t recommend booking somewhere in Male as this involves a ferry ride to the next island.
If you stay on Hulhulemale island your hotel will then deliver you back to the airport the following day (the day of departure) where you will be met by the boats representatives and taken directly to the ship. Please check with your hotel / guest house if this is a free transfer as some of them charge for this service. Planes do not fly late into the night so you will be able to sleep.
1 week: - 6 days of diving.
Male North, Rasdhoo, Ari North, Ari South, Male South
Male North, Male South, Felidhoo
Male North, Ari North, Ari South, Felidhoo, Male South
10 days:
Male North, Rasdhoo, Ari North, Ari South, Felidhoo, Male South
Male North, Male South, Felidhoo, Mulaku
Male North, Lhaviyani, Baa
2 weeks:
Male North, Rasdhoo, Ari North, Ari South, Faafu, Dhaalu, Mulaku, Felidhoo, Male South
Male North, Lhaviyani, Noonu, Raa, Baa
Moonima - specs
Moonima - diving
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.