Why you should choose Scubaspa:
Only 18 divers with the option to use any of the 20 spa services on offer at an extra charge, Gourmet cuisine from all over world provided by highly trained chefs, bartenders and baristas, morning Yoga and fitness room including treadmill and bike, 1Gb free internet, Jacuzzi, Movie night under the stars, Kayaks, Sup and other water sports and a BBQ dinner on the beach and much more.
The top 10 reasons to join a Liveaboard in the Maldives
Scubaspa Ying and Yang, identical sister boats, were launched in 2014 and are the largest vessels ever built in the Maldives.
Designed and sculpted using decades of experience in construction of sea vessels from the immense strength of its GRP hull and frame to the fine imported materials used to create a perfect balance of light and texture with spaciousness and intimacy, whilst advanced marine engineering ensures excellent sea going performance and comfort.
Although she takes up to 34 guests, only a maximum of 26 are divers (although this is rare it is 26) and groups are kept small and separared whilst diving and due to the size of the liveaboard it never seems even remotely busy.
Scubaspa Yang is an inspiration second to none, offering an unforgettable holiday of a lifetime on board a luxury safari vessel of the highest calibre.
Whether diving or enjoying daily treatments in the sumptuous Spa, you will receive the finest and very best from both worlds.
The Scubaspa experience will remain with you long after you journey home.
When is the best time to Dive the Maldives
Read the guest reviews


Scubaspa Ying - schedule
Scubaspa Ying - 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.
The trip price includes:
One of the packages below (Scuba, Spa or Scuba/Spa),
Transfer from and to the airport (Arrival and Departure)
Full board accommodation
1GB free data package per person
Welcome drink
Unlimited drinking water
Free canned juices & selection of teas and coffee every morning until the end of breakfast at 09:00AM
Snorkeling, equipment included
Yoga classes every morning
BBQ on a sandy island
Non-motorized water sports (kayak, paddle board)
Excursions
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.
Choose one of the packages below that is already included in your trip price.
Here is what is included in each 7 night package
#1 The "Scuba" package includes up to 17 dives per week also (includes tank and weights, available for certified divers only)
#2 The "Spa" package includes 8 Spa treatments per week.
#3 The "Scuba/Spa" package includes 6 dives and 4 Spa treatments per week (includes tank and weights, available for certified divers only)
Here is what is included in each 4 night package
#1 The "Scuba" package includes up to 9 dives per trip also (includes tank and weights, available for certified divers only)
#2 The "Spa" package includes 4 Spa treatments per trip.
#3 The "Scuba/Spa" package includes 4 dives and 2 Spa treatments per trip (includes tank and weights, available for certified divers only)
The 4-night package DOES NOT include the flight to Malé from Maamigili.
Flights can be found on: www.flyme.mv from Maamigili to Male, you will be transferred to the airport no later than 2pm on the Wednesday.
If you are a single guest travelling alone there would be a +25% Single supplement surcharge on Far North and Best of Maldives and +50% on Deep South Cruises, sharing with a stranger is not permitted on Scubaspa so you would receive your own private cabin.
A third person in a cabin (Sea Star Triple or Cowrie Suite) gets a 25% discount on the regular price
Equipment rental price per week
Computer - (mandatory to have) $60
Torch / Lamp $100
Jackets (BCD) $60
Regulator $60
Fins / Mask / Snorkel $100
Wetsuit $60
Nitrox 100
Items are available to rent per dive also, please inquire for the price
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
Scubaspa Ying - gallery
Scubaspa Ying - 360° experience
Scubaspa Ying - Promo Video
Scubaspa Ying - cabins
ScubaSpa caters to a possible 34 guests in 17 en-suite rooms (A maximum of 26 guests will be divers and the remaining Spa only guests).
For individual travellers there would be a +25% Single supplement surcharge, sharing with a stranger is not permitted on Scubaspa so you would receive your own private cabin.
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Main Deck Manta Suite
The 5 Manta suites have either king-size beds for a couple but ALL also have a twin bed option for 2 friends in separate beds and one suite has a queen-size bed.
Set on the main deck, Manta Suites are Scubaspa's premium cabins combining comfortable twin or king-size beds with thoughtfully appointed seating areas.
Pared back designs feature natural tones and materials whilst large oval panoramic windows set into the hull offer uninterrupted ocean views and total privacy.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Main Deck Manta Suite
The 5 Manta suites have either king-size beds for a couple but ALL also have a twin bed option for 2 friends in separate beds and one suite has a queen-size bed.
Set on the main deck, Manta Suites are Scubaspa's premium cabins combining comfortable twin or king-size beds with thoughtfully appointed seating areas.
Pared back designs feature natural tones and materials whilst large oval panoramic windows set into the hull offer uninterrupted ocean views and total privacy.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Main Deck Manta Suite
The 5 Manta suites have either king-size beds for a couple but ALL also have a twin bed option for 2 friends in separate beds and one suite has a queen-size bed.
Set on the main deck, Manta Suites are Scubaspa's premium cabins combining comfortable twin or king-size beds with thoughtfully appointed seating areas.
Pared back designs feature natural tones and materials whilst large oval panoramic windows set into the hull offer uninterrupted ocean views and total privacy.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Main Deck Manta Suite
The 5 Manta suites have either king-size beds for a couple but ALL also have a twin bed option for 2 friends in separate beds and one suite has a queen-size bed.
Set on the main deck, Manta Suites are Scubaspa's premium cabins combining comfortable twin or king-size beds with thoughtfully appointed seating areas.
Pared back designs feature natural tones and materials whilst large oval panoramic windows set into the hull offer uninterrupted ocean views and total privacy.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Main Deck Dolphin suite
The 3 Dolphin suites have queen-size beds, beautifully decorated, the Dolphin Suites are set on the main deck and offer queen-size beds with generous seating areas.
Earthy and blue fabrics complement the natural colour scheme whilst oval panoramic windows set into the hull offer uninterrupted ocean views and total privacy.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Main Deck Dolphin suite
The 3 Dolphin suites have queen-size beds, beautifully decorated, the Dolphin Suites are set on the main deck and offer queen-size beds with generous seating areas.
Earthy and blue fabrics complement the natural colour scheme whilst oval panoramic windows set into the hull offer uninterrupted ocean views and total privacy.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Main Deck Dolphin Suite
The 3 Dolphin suites have queen-size beds, beautifully decorated, the Dolphin Suites are set on the main deck and offer queen-size beds with generous seating areas.
Earthy and blue fabrics complement the natural colour scheme whilst oval panoramic windows set into the hull offer uninterrupted ocean views and total privacy.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Lower Deck Cowrie Suite
The Cowrie suite has a queen-size bed and sofa bed. (double or twin or triple occupancy)
The Cowrie Suite nestles snugly in the bow of the lower deck. This special suite has a unique shape with angled, panelled walls.
There is a queen-size bed and a lavish ruby-coloured sofa, that can be transformed into a comfortable third bed. As the Cowrie Suite spans the width of the bow it has four opening portholes, and the spacious en suite bathroom houses the largest shower on board.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Lower Deck Cowrie Suite
The Cowrie suite has a queen-size bed and sofa bed. (double or twin or triple occupancy)
The Cowrie Suite nestles snugly in the bow of the lower deck. This special suite has a unique shape with angled, panelled walls.
There is a queen-size bed and a lavish ruby-coloured sofa, that can be transformed into a comfortable third bed. As the Cowrie Suite spans the width of the bow it has four opening portholes, and the spacious en suite bathroom houses the largest shower on board.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Lower Deck Cowrie Suite
The Cowrie suite has a queen-size bed and sofa bed. (double or twin or triple occupancy)
The Cowrie Suite nestles snugly in the bow of the lower deck. This special suite has a unique shape with angled, panelled walls.
There is a queen-size bed and a lavish ruby-coloured sofa, that can be transformed into a comfortable third bed. As the Cowrie Suite spans the width of the bow it has four opening portholes, and the spacious en suite bathroom houses the largest shower on board.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Lower Deck Sea Star Cabin
The spacious 8 Sea Star Cabins are situated on the lower deck.
All have a queen-size bed and one features an additional second bed, for three guests sharing.
Sensuous driftwood sculptures blend with earthy and jewel tones to provide a relaxing setting.
Each Sea Star Cabin is generously fitted with two opening portholes.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Lower Deck Sea Star Cabin
The spacious 8 Sea Star Cabins are situated on the lower deck.
All have a queen-size bed and one features an additional second bed, for three guests sharing.
Sensuous driftwood sculptures blend with earthy and jewel tones to provide a relaxing setting.
Each Sea Star Cabin is generously fitted with two opening portholes.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Lower Deck Sea Star Cabin
The spacious 8 Sea Star Cabins are situated on the lower deck.
All have a queen-size bed and one features an additional second bed, for three guests sharing.
Sensuous driftwood sculptures blend with earthy and jewel tones to provide a relaxing setting.
Each Sea Star Cabin is generously fitted with two opening portholes.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Lower Deck Sea Star Cabin
The spacious 8 Sea Star Cabins are situated on the lower deck.
All have a queen-size bed and one features an additional second bed, for three guests sharing.
Sensuous driftwood sculptures blend with earthy and jewel tones to provide a relaxing setting.
Each Sea Star Cabin is generously fitted with two opening portholes.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C.
Lower Deck Sea Star Cabin
The spacious 8 Sea Star Cabins are situated on the lower deck.
All have a queen-size bed and one features an additional second bed, for three guests sharing.
Sensuous driftwood sculptures blend with earthy and jewel tones to provide a relaxing setting.
Each Sea Star Cabin is generously fitted with two opening portholes.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C.
For individual travellers there would be a +25-50% Single supplement surcharge, sharing with a stranger is not permitted on Scubaspa so you would receive your own private cabin.
Lower Deck Cowrie Suite
The Cowrie suite has a queen-size bed and sofa bed. (double or twin or triple occupancy)
The Cowrie Suite nestles snugly in the bow of the lower deck. This special suite has a unique shape with angled, panelled walls.
There is a queen-size bed and a lavish ruby-coloured sofa, that can be transformed into a comfortable third bed. As the Cowrie Suite spans the width of the bow it has four opening portholes, and the spacious en suite bathroom houses the largest shower on board.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C.
For individual travellers there would be a +25-50% Single supplement surcharge, sharing with a stranger is not permitted on Scubaspa so you would receive your own private cabin.
Main Deck Dolphin Suite
The 3 Dolphin suites have queen-size beds, beautifully decorated, the Dolphin Suites are set on the main deck and offer queen-size beds with generous seating areas.
Earthy and blue fabrics complement the natural colour scheme whilst oval panoramic windows set into the hull offer uninterrupted ocean views and total privacy.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C.
For individual travellers there would be a +25-50% Single supplement surcharge, sharing with a stranger is not permitted on Scubaspa so you would receive your own private cabin.
Main Deck Manta Suite
The 5 Manta suites have either king-size beds for a couple but ALL also have a twin bed option for 2 friends in separate beds and one suite has a queen-size bed.
Set on the main deck, Manta Suites are Scubaspa's premium cabins combining comfortable twin or king-size beds with thoughtfully appointed seating areas.
Pared back designs feature natural tones and materials whilst large oval panoramic windows set into the hull offer uninterrupted ocean views and total privacy.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C.
For individual travellers there would be a +25-50% Single supplement surcharge, sharing with a stranger is not permitted on Scubaspa so you would receive your own private cabin.
Scubaspa Ying - itineraries
Arrival and Transfer:
The airport representative will be waiting at the arrival hall according to your flight arrival time or at the information desk, if arriving from an island
The first transfer /check-in will be organized at 12:30 PM
If the flight is later than 12:30 PM they will do their best to collect you at the soonest time possible and we will immediately arrange your transfer
As the transfer service will be shared with the other guests arriving at a similar time, please note that they cannot guarantee the wait time, it all depends on the arrival times of all the other guests on the trip
Travel from the airport to the location of the boat is organized by Dhoni boat (dive boat) & takes approximately 20 minutes.
In case of early arrivals, we encourage you to check the airport website https://macl.aero where you can find all thhe available facilities that you can enjoy of whilst waiting for your transfer to the boat.
Departure:
Check out time from the boat is between 8:00-9:00 AM for the 7 night trips and 13.45 on Wednesday for the 4 night trips,
At the moment, we are not able to offer late checkout options,
The Dhoni boat will transfer all the guests back to the airport according to their itinerary,
Unfortunately, they can not offer boat transfer to another island directly, but can help to organize a private speed boat that provides such a service.
This can all be arranged by the cruise manager on board.
Best of Maldives tour
Subject to change dependent on weather or circumstances.
The Best of the Maldives itinerary aims to mix up big fish manta and shark dives with scenic reefs dives, hunting out the smallest reef fish, morays and macro life that are so abundant.
Cleaning stations allow you to get up close and personal with massive Maldivian manta, and dives at Manta Point, Dhonkalo Thila and Madivaru provide just such opportunities.
Maaya Thila is one of the best known dive sites in the Maldives and for a good reason.
This pinnacle is about 30m diameter that descends to reveal sharks and fish a plenty. Night diving here is hard to beat and should not be missed.
Log yet more pelagic sightings as grey reef sharks patrol the Ari Atoll area.
The boat will also take some time out along the route to look for whalesharks you can snorkel with - grab your fins as these gentle giants can move fast!
Saturday
10:00 Meeting at the airport and transfer to main vessel
10:45 Welcome aboard
10:50 Registration and cabin allocation
13:00 Lunch Buffet
17:00 Spa opens for info and reservations
18:00 Crew introduction and safety meeting with Cruise Manager
19:00 Welcome Dinner at Al Fresco Restaurant
20:00 Boat sails towards Coco Palm Bodu Hithi Resort area in North Male Atoll
22:30 Anchoring
Sunday
06:00 Morning test dive at Boduhithi Thila
07:00 Yoga Classes
08:00 - 09:30 Breakfast
12:15 Boat sails towards Rasdhoo Atoll
13:00 Lunch Buffet
15:30 Third Dive at Rasdhoo Madivaru Channel
15:30 - 18:00 Snorkeling, water sports and beach visit at Madivaru Finolhu
19:00 “Sunday Roast” Dinner at Al Fresco Restaurant
Monday
05:45 Morning dive at Kuramathi Kandu with hammerheads
07:00 Yoga Classes
08:00 - 09:30 Breakfast
09:00 Spa opens for treatments
10:00 - 13:00 Snorkeling, water sports and beach visit at picnic island
10:30 Second dive at Rasdhoo Madivaru
13:00 Lunch Buffet
14:30 Boat sails towards North Ari Atoll
17:30 Sunset Salutation Yoga at Forecaster Area
18:00 Night Dive at Maaya Thila
19:00 “Surf and Turf” Dinner
Tuesday
06:30 Morning dive at Fish Head with sharks
07:00 Beach Yoga Classes at Meerufenfushi Island
08:00 - 09:30 Breakfast
09:00 Spa opens for treatments
09:00 Boat sails towards Constance Moofushi Resort area
10:30 Second dive at Moofushi Manta Point
10:30 - 13:00 Snorkeling and water sports
13:00 Lunch Buffet
14:30 Boat sails towards Innafushi island
14:30 Third dive at Bulhalhohi Caves
18:30 Moonlight BBQ at sandy beach
Wednesday
07:00 Yoga Classes
08:00 - 09:30 Breakfast
09:00 Spa opens for treatments
09:00 - 12:45 First whale shark research trip, snorkeling and diving
13:00 Lunch Buffet
14:00 - 17:45 Second whale shark research trip, snorkeling and diving
14:30 Boat sails to Dhigurah Lagoon
19:00 “Mexican Fiesta” Dinner at Al Fresco Restaurant
20:30 Lecture presentation by Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme at Spa Deck
Thursday
06:30 First dive at Kudhima Wreck
07:00 Yoga Classes
08:00 - 09:30 Breakfast
09:00 Spa opens for treatments
10:30 Second dive at Broken Rock
12:30 Boat sails towards Alimatha area in Vaavu Atoll
12:30 BBQ Lunch at Al Fresco Restaurant
17:00 Snorkeling and beach visit at sand bank
18:00 Night Dive at Alimatha House Reef with nurse sharks
19:00 Italian Dinner at Al Fresco Restaurant
20:45 Starry Sky Movie Night at Sun Deck
Friday
06:30 Morning Dive at Miyaru Kandu with sharks
07:00 Yoga Classes
08:00 - 09:30 Breakfast
08:30 Boat sails towards South Male Atoll
09:00 Spa opens for treatments
10:30 Second dive at Kandooma Thila
11:00 Snorkeling and beach visit at Sexy Beach
13:00 Buffet Lunch
14:00 - 15:00 Local Island Maafushi trip
15:00 Third dive at Kuda Giri wreck
16:45 Boat sails towards Kurumba near Male
18:00 Sunset Cocktail
19:00 Farewell Pan-Asian Dinner at Al Fresco Restaurant
Saturday
06:30 - 08:30 Breakfast
07:00 First transfer to Velana International Airport
07:00 - 08:30 Check-out and bills with Cruise Manager
08:45 Last Transfer to Velana International Airport
Male to Kooddoo
Spectacular channel dive with Hammerhead sharks on the east side of the atolls
Magnificent night dive in Alimatha
Night snorkeling with Whale sharks!
Kooddoo to Gan
Best channel dives in Huvadhoo – with hammerheads, breathtaking big schools of reef sharks & adventurous strong currents
Thrilling snorkeling with Tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah - this place offers one of the most incredible drift dives in the archipelago.
This atoll has no lagoon unlike others in the Maldives. Surrounded by depths in the middle of the Indian Ocean the site offers unique conditions to encounter species like Tiger Sharks, Oceanic Mantas, Thresher Sharks, Hammerheads, Grey Reef Sharks and other big fishes,
Amazing dive in Manta point & 140 meters long ROYALTY WRECK – the biggest one in the Maldives torpedoed twice during WW II.
Kooddoo to Male
Spectacular channel dive with Hammerhead sharks on the east side of the atolls
Magnificent night dive in Alimatha
Night snorkeling with Whale sharks!
In our restaurant we present the best traditions of fine dining with an international flair. Our chef will be offering a varied cuisine combining fresh produce with the finest wines, whilst delicious refreshments are in constant supply throughout the day from the two bars onboard.
As you would expect, our boat crew are all highly professional both as individuals and as working unit, and so they should be. Our amazing crew views your safety and comfort as their primary concern. From your captain to his deckhands, from the cruise manager to your waiter, they all want to show you just how very important you are to us. We want you to return time and again, we want you to view Scubaspa as the place you come to when you need to “reconnect”. Our elite team is here to help that happen.
Once you get onboard we will guide you through the safety procedures that have been put in place for your safety and protection. There is nothing more important to us than that you enjoy your experience without coming to any harm.
Arrival and boarding
It is recommended to fly into the Male International Airport (MLE) on the day that your charter starts.
The airport is a ten-minute boat ride from the capital, Male. If you arrive on the day of your charter, you will be greeted at the airport and transported to ScubaSpa Yang on our Diving Dhoni.
If you fly in prior to your charter date, you should meet in the airport arrival area at a pre-arranged time on the day of departure.
Our Crew will have a sign that says “ScubaSpa”.
Please notify us of your arrival time and / or hotel reservations 30 days prior to travelling. ScubaSpa anchors off Male about 15 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.
Passports and documentation
Visitors must have a current passport (valid for at least six months on arrival), adequate funds to support themselves and a return airline ticket to travel to the Maldives.
Visas are issued upon arrival.
It is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure they have the proper documentation to travel to the destination and return to their country.
Please check with the appropriate consulate to ensure you have the proper documentation. Always check your passport and visa requirements.
We cannot assume responsibility for passengers not having correct documentation.
Scubaspa Ying - specs
- Hull material GRP
- LOA 50 m
- beam 11.2 m
- draft 2.5 m
- displacement 327 t
- tank capacities
- fuel 19000 ltr
- fresh water 22540 ltr
- grey/black water 11060 ltr
- engines 2 no CAT C9 Acert, 503 BHP
- generators 3 no CAT C4.4, 86 eKW/107KVA
- electricity 24 hr/day 220V/50HZ
- desalination plant 2 no Aquagiv 260 ltr/hr
- sewage plant 1 no RWO Biopur 6, 12m3/24hrs
- drinking water 1 no Aqualite 1200 + RO purifying system, 2 ltrs/min
Scubaspa Ying - 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.