Built in 2014, The MV Adora liveaboard brings a contemporary feel to Maldivian waters, yet it is backed by the know-how of a long-established local operator. At 37 metres long, this tri-deck yacht strikes a fine balance: spacious enough to offer 4 spaces of relaxation, yet intimate enough to foster a good sense of camaraderie among a maximum of 21 guests. Whether you are absorbing the sunset from the upper deck with a drink in hand or swapping dive stories in the air-conditioned saloon, the atmosphere on Adora is one of unhurried sociability.
Adora's dedicated 20-metre dive dhoni provides a stable, separate platform, meaning the mothership remains a quiet retreat. With space for up to 30 divers, freshwater showers, and onboard tank fills, the rhythm of your day is smooth and practical. Complimentary nitrox is available for those wanting to extend their bottom times, and the dive team’s long experience with central atoll diving tours inspires confidence.
Accommodation is a genuine highlight. All 11 en-suite cabins, from the practical standard rooms to the ocean view suites with private balconies, feature amenities that add a layer of luxury to your liveaboard life with Adora. Minibars, flat-screen TVs, and modern bathrooms are standard, while thoughtful touches like 24-hour room service and quality toiletries make a difference after a long day of diving. The boat is purpose-built for scuba travellers, not as a converted afterthought.
Diving from the Adora liveaboard means waking up in the heart of the action. The central atoll routes are classic for a reason: renowned for clean currents, healthy reef structures, and the reliable presence of grey reef sharks, mantas, and Napoleon wrasse. Between dives, you can retreat to the sundeck, make use of the free wi-fi to share highlights with friends, or simply lose yourself in a book from the onboard library.
Ultimately, a successful liveaboard cruise is about more than the sum of its facilities, it’s about the quiet moments between dives and the confidence that you are in safe hands. With its blend of modern build, operator heritage, and genuine diver focus, the Adora liveaboard offers an attractive way to experience Maldives diving at its best.
Ari Atoll (8 Days / 7 Nights - 18 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, very popular, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: North Malé, Rasdhoo, North Ari, South Ari. Guided Male City tour.
Day 1
Upon landing at Malé International Airport, a crew member will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to the Adora liveaboard. Once all guests have arrived, the Cruise Director will host a welcome briefing to introduce the crew and outline the cruise. Light refreshments, including a small lunch, snacks, biscuits, fresh coconut, and soft drinks will be available to enjoy before dinner.
After you've settled into your cabin and set up your dive gear, there will be a check dive. This is a perfect opportunity to familiarise yourself with the water and ensure your equipment is functioning perfectly - highly recommended if it's been some time since your last dive. You'll then have time to freshen up with a hot shower and relax before the dinner bell rings, signalling that your first meal is served.
The Adora will remain in the harbour overnight and set sail for our first dive site the following morning.
Core Days
Ideal for avid divers and curious explorers, this itinerary blends world-class underwater action with a touch of Maldivian culture. Voyage through the renowned atolls of North Malé, Rasdhoo, North Ari, and South Ari, before capping your adventure with a guided tour of the capital city. This route offers a dynamic mix of pelagic encounters, thrilling drifts, and cultural insight.
Your liveaboard adventure begins in North Malé, where the currents funnel incredible marine life. Test your skills at thrilling drift sites like Okobe Thila, a pinnacle swarming with snapper and grey reef sharks, and experience the magic of Lankan Manta Point, where mantas circle cleaning stations.
Next, the action shifts to Rasdhoo Atoll, famous for its channel diving. Ascend at sunrise for a chance to see patrolling hammerhead sharks at Rasdhoo Madivaru. Later, drift along the walls at Veligandu Thila where eagle rays, schooling jacks, and robust coral formations are the main attractions.
In North Ari, you'll dive iconic sites such as Maaya Thila, a breathtaking night dive where white tip reef sharks hunt, and witness the immense biodiversity at Fish Head, a sanctuary for large nurse sharks and swirling trevally.
The finale takes you to South Ari and a globally recognised marine sanctuary. Here, the highlight is the chance to snorkel with gentle whale sharks on their migratory route. Dive beautiful coral gardens and channel drifts like Rangali Madivaru, where you might spot mantas and grey reef sharks.
Please note: There is only 1 dive on the last full day of the trip. Your dive gear will have plenty of time to dry out before you check out the next morning, leaving you free to enjoy the city tour.
Day 8
All good things must come to an end, and sadly, this is your final breakfast on safari. Gather your belongings and bid a fond farewell to the incredible Adora liveaboard crew. They will then transfer you via dhoni back to Malé Airport.
Maldives Central & Northern Atolls (Express) (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: North Male, South Male, North Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll: Hanifaru Bay
Day 1
You will board the Adora liveaboard near Malé International Airport. Once all guests are on board, the cruise director will provide a boat briefing and introduce you to the crew. A light lunch and snacks are available to tide you over until dinner. After settling into your cabin and setting up your dive gear, you'll embark on a check dive, typically on the Kurumba House Reef in North Malé. This is an opportunity to test your equipment and get reacquainted with the water. The evening is yours to relax with a hot shower before the dinner bell rings. The boat remains in the harbour, setting sail for adventure the following morning.
Core Days
Dive into the heart of the Indian Ocean, across the Maldives' Central Atolls and the renowned Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This itinerary is designed for avid divers, promising a balance of thrill, beauty, and serenity. From your very first descent, you'll be immersed in a world of dazzling reef fish, majestic manta rays, and the gentle giants of the sea. Between dives, relax onboard the premium Adora liveaboard, enjoying expert guidance and stunning views that change with every nautical mile.
The adventure begins in the waters of North Malé Atoll, where you can expect unforgettable encounters at renowned sites. Descend into hubs of activity such as Hulhumale Shark Point, patrolled by reef sharks and the occasional great hammerhead, and experience the awe of watching manta rays glide into their dedicated cleaning stations. From there, the Adora moves on to the jewel of the Maldives, Baa Atoll. Baa is best known for the legendary Hanifaru Bay, a seasonal gathering place for immense numbers of manta rays and whale sharks. Watch the mantas as the tumble and roll in a plankton-feeding frenzy.
The liveaboard then continues to North Ari Atoll, a region famed for its stunning pinnacles (thilas) and adrenaline-filled channel dives (kandus). Prepare for spectacular encounters at Maaya Thila and Fish Head, with grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and massive schools of jackfish in the currents. You'll dive legendary sites where sharks are a common sight and even have the chance for a magical nocturnal manta dive, where lights attract plankton and the magnificent mantas that feed on them. The adventure includes exploring the sunken Fesdhoo Wreck that has become a thriving artificial reef.
Adora then heads to South Malé Atoll, renowned for its exhilarating drift dives and dramatic underwater topography. Riding the currents, you'll spot reef sharks, eagle rays, and barracuda, with sites such as Guraidhoo that offer further fantastic opportunities to encounter manta rays. Our final dives showcase the area's variety, from drifting along beautiful thilas covered in soft corals to exploring the captivating Kuda Giri Wreck, now draped in corals and home to bustling schools of fish.
Day 8
Enjoy your final breakfast on board the Adora. It's time to gather your belongings and bid a fond farewell to the amazing crew and liveaboard that has been your home before the dhoni transfer returns you to Malé airport.
Maldives Central Atolls
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, very popular, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: North Male, South Male, Felidhoo and South Ari atolls
Day 1
Embarking on the Adora liveaboard for this Central Atolls trip provides the quintessential Maldivian dive experience. Board near Malé International Airport, receive your crew introduction and boat briefing, and get your buoyancy dialled in with an essential check dive, typically held on the coral-rich Kurumba House Reef. Enjoy your first Maldivian sunset and dinner aboard while the liveaboard remains at anchor, prepared for an early morning departure.
Core Days
The heart of the trip focuses on the iconic dive sites of North Male, South Male, Felidhoo, and South Ari Atolls, a region renowned for consistent warm water, exceptional visibility, and an incredible density of both reef fish and powerful pelagic life. North Male’s sites are a proving ground for large animal sightings. Here, deep drop-offs and current-swept reefs provide the perfect stage to witness majestic manta rays. Experienced divers often spot Napoleon wrasse, cruising hawksbill turtles, and exciting schools of giant trevallies and barracuda.
Exploring South Male Atoll offers a contrast with dramatic channel dives and vibrant gardens of soft coral. The atoll’s protected pinnacles (thilas) are natural sanctuaries where diverse reef life shelters from the surrounding currents, making for fascinating observational dives.
Adora's pursuit of the spectacular leads you to South Ari Atoll, a world-class location for megafauna. The submerged thilas in this region are famous for drawing in juvenile and adult whale sharks, offering a good chance of unforgettable encounters. For those seeking adrenaline, the channels often host sightings of schooling hammerhead sharks and the dependable presence of grey reef sharks, solidifying the platform’s reputation for premier big-animal action.
The final full day is concluded with a single dive to ensure all your equipment has ample time to dry. An organised excursion to Malé City includes a fascinating look at local life and a visit to the active fish market.
Final Day
Disembarkation from the Adora liveaboard follows your final breakfast on board, concluding your dive safari near Malé International Airport.
Maldives Central, Southern & Deep South Atolls
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: Fuvahmulah, Huvadhoo, Addu Atoll, South Male, Felidhoo, Meemu, Thaa, Laamu atolls
Day 1
The expedition into the Maldives Central, Southern and Deep South atolls with the Adora liveaboard commences upon your arrival at either Malé or Gan International Airport. Following a welcome briefing and settling in, divers complete their essential check dive, frequently conducted on the Kurumba House Reef, a perfect spot to test gear and regain trim. With the crew introduced and the first meal enjoyed in the air-conditioned saloon, the vessel prepares to sail under the cloak of night.
Core Days
This far-reaching liveaboard cruise targets the true highlights of Maldivian scuba diving, a world of consistently warm, high-visibility water. The focus shifts dramatically in the Deep South atolls of Fuvahmulah, Huvadhoo, and Addu. Fuvahmulah is an oceanic cleaning station known for attracting numerous large shark species. Divers here have a genuine opportunity for encounters with thresher sharks, oceanic whitetips, and sometimes tiger sharks. The action is dynamic, with large schools of tuna and resident whitetip and grey reef sharks often observed hunting in the blue.
As the Adora liveaboard tracks back towards the centre, the diving landscape evolves to include the current-swept channels and thilas (pinnacles) of Felidhoo, Meemu, Thaa, Laamu, and South Male. The channels function as natural funnels, concentrating marine traffic and sustaining rich displays of colourful soft corals. The sheltered thilas are a haven for schooling reef fish, offering a quieter counterpoint to the oceanic blue. A popular high point is the famous night dive at the Alimatha house reef in Vaavu Atoll (Felidhoo). Here, under the jetty lights, a notable gathering of nurse sharks, reef sharks, giant trevallies, and sting rays creates a truly memorable underwater show.
The final full day is restricted to a single dive near Addu Atoll, allowing necessary drying time for all scuba equipment. A complimentary land excursion on Addu provides a moment to connect with local life above the surface.
Final Day
Following your last breakfast on board, your memorable dive cruise with Adora concludes with disembarkation at either Gan or Malé International Airport.
Maldives Deep South Atolls
Trip highlights: whale sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Fuvahmulah, Huvadhoo: Viligili Kandu, Koodoo South, Koodoo feeding, Koodoo Kandu, Gema Out, Mareha Kandu, Nilandhoo South; Addu Atoll: Manta Point, Crazy Corner, British Royalty Wreck
Day 1
A representative will meet you at Gan International Airport and transfer you to the Adora by dhoni. Once onboard, the cruise director will give a boat briefing and introduce the crew. After cabin allocation and gear set-up, a light lunch is served, with snacks, fresh coconut, and soft drinks available throughout the afternoon. Enjoy a hot shower and some relaxation before dinner is announced in the air-conditioned saloon.
Core Days
The Adora liveaboard takes you into the Maldives' most remote southern waters, where the diving is raw, current-swept, and packed with pelagic action. The trip begins in Addu Atoll with a check dive at Gan Corner, before moving to Manta Point and Maa Kandu, sites known for regular manta encounters and the chance to explore the wreck of the British Royalty, a WWII oil tanker now encrusted with corals and home to large groupers, lionfish, and schools of batfish.
From Addu, the Adora heads to Fuvahmulah, the undisputed highlight of the route. Here, the island's steep drop-offs attract a remarkable concentration of apex predators. Tiger Zoo offers the chance to observe tiger sharks in their natural environment, while other sites around the island deliver encounters with thresher sharks, oceanic whitetips, grey reef sharks, and schools of tuna. The diving is deep, the currents can be strong, and the rewards are unforgettable.
The middle part of the trip focuses on the channels and reefs of Gaafu Alif and Gaafu Dhaalu (Huvadhoo). Viligili Kandu, Kooddoo South, and Nilandhoo South are classic channel dives where grey reef sharks patrol the walls, eagle rays glide past, and schools of barracuda and trevally hunt in the current. Kooddoo shark feeding offers a unique opportunity to observe feeding behaviour, while sites like Mareha Kandu and Gema Out feature vibrant coral gardens and the full spectrum of reef fish. Most days offer three dives, with one night dive included during the trip and extras available on request.
Final Day
After breakfast, gather your belongings and say goodbye to the crew before the Adora arrives at Kooddoo Airport for your domestic flight back to Malé.
Please note that the trip sometimes runs in reverse or uses different ports. Check the departure information for your specific dates.
Maldives Far North & Northern Atolls
Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: North Male, Lhaviyani, Noonu, Shaviyani, Haa Dhaalu, Raa and Baa atolls
Day 1
A representative will meet you at Malé International Airport and transfer you to the Adora by dhoni. After a warm welcome, the cruise director will give a full boat briefing and introduce the crew. Once you have settled into your cabin and set up your dive gear, a check dive is offered at Kurumba House Reef in North Male, a perfect opportunity to test your equipment and refresh your skills. A light lunch, snacks, fresh coconut, and soft drinks are available throughout the afternoon. Enjoy a hot shower and some relaxation before dinner is served in the air-conditioned saloon. The boat departs the following morning.
Core Days
The Adora liveaboard heads north, leaving the busier central atolls behind to explore some of the Maldives' most remote and untouched waters. The itinerary spans seven atolls: North Male, Lhaviyani, Noonu, Shaviyani, Haa Dhaalu, Raa, and Baa. Each offers a distinct character, from the vibrant channels and soft coral gardens of Lhaviyani to the pristine, little-visited reefs of Shaviyani and Haa Dhaalu. The dive sites are varied: expect exhilarating drift dives in channels, exploration of submerged pinnacles (thilas) that shelter abundant fish life, and the chance to dive one of the region's most famous wreck sites: 2 wrecks near Lhaviyani, one lying in shallow water and the other at 30 metres, both encrusted with corals and teeming with marine life.
Further north, at Shaviyani Atoll, you will find healthy, untouched reefs and thrilling channels that attract grey reef sharks and eagle rays. Haa Dhaalu offers serene sites with vibrant coral and reef species, a true frontier for divers seeking solitude. Moving back south, Raa Atoll delivers more classic thila diving, while Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a highlight. The night dive is conducted here, and the atoll is home to 5 of the world's 7 marine turtle species, alongside frequent manta ray and whale shark sightings. Throughout the trip, the Adora offers up to 3 dives a day, with one night dive included and extras available on request.
Final Day
After breakfast, gather your belongings and say goodbye to the crew. A guided visit to Malé's fish market is offered before you are transferred by dhoni to Malé Airport for your onward flight.
Maldives Northern Atolls (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: North Male, Lhaviyani, Noonu, Raa, Baa, Hanifaru Bay
Day 1
A representative will meet you at Malé International Airport and transfer you to the Adora by dhoni. After a warm welcome, the cruise director will give a full boat briefing and introduce the crew. Once you have settled into your cabin and set up your dive gear, a check dive is offered at Fish Tank or Kurumba House Reef in North Male, an ideal opportunity to test your equipment and refresh your skills. A light lunch, snacks, fresh coconut, and soft drinks are available throughout the afternoon. Enjoy a hot shower and some relaxation before dinner is served in the air-conditioned saloon. The boat departs the following morning.
Core Days
This cruise is designed to maximise encounters with manta rays, focusing on the central and northern atolls where these graceful giants are most reliably found. The Adora liveaboard begins in North Male, where nutrient-rich channels and cleaning stations attract mantas, alongside grey reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and Napoleon wrasse. From there, the route moves to Lhaviyani Atoll, where soft coral gardens, pinnacles, and a famous wreck site of 2 vessels at different depths, offer varied diving with abundant marine life. Noonu Atoll adds further channel diving and thila exploration, while Raa Atoll provides more opportunities for pelagic encounters on its submerged pinnacles.
The crown jewel of the trip is Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here, the Adora spends several days exploring sites like Dhonfanu Thila, Dhigu Thila, and Kihavah Wall, where mantas are frequently sighted at cleaning stations. A night dive at Baa is a highlight. The atoll is home to 5 of the world's 7 marine turtle species, and the nocturnal activity is always rewarding. The tour also includes a dedicated visit to Hanifaru Bay, a protected marine area where, during the southwest monsoon, mantas and whale sharks gather in spectacular numbers to feed on plankton. While diving is not permitted inside the bay itself, the Adora offers guided snorkelling excursions here, allowing you to witness the famous cyclone feeding behaviour up close, an experience that few places on Earth can rival.
Day 8
After breakfast, gather your belongings and say goodbye to the crew. A guided visit to Malé's fish market is offered before you are transferred by dhoni to Malé Airport for your onward flight.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
On the MV Adora, the rhythm of each liveaboard trip is a comfortable, sociable one, set to the backdrop of the Indian Ocean and designed to keep you fuelled, relaxed, and ready for the next splash. Days onboard settle into a pleasant pattern. You might wake to the gentle sound of the anchor chain and the smell of brewing coffee. Breakfast is served before the first dive, a hearty buffet of international and local dishes to set you up for the morning. After working up an appetite on the first 2 dives, you’ll return to a substantial lunch - perhaps a fragrant Maldivian fish curry with coconut sambol, a Sri Lankan-influenced dhal, or a simple pasta dish. Meals are always buffet-style, encouraging you to eat as much or as little as you like, and menus change daily, reflecting the fresh produce available and the skills of the onboard cook.
Between meals, the Adora team ensures no one goes hungry. After each dive, you can expect a little something to tide you over: sweet biscuits with a cup of tea, slices of fresh tropical fruit, or even segments of juicy coconut, hacked open for a refreshing hit of hydration and natural electrolytes. There's always a pot of tea and coffee available, and drinking water is complimentary throughout the liveaboard cruise. As the day winds down, the boat settles into evening mode. Dinner is the main social event, a chance to swap stories of the day’s scuba encounters over another excellent meal.
Once a week, weather permitting, the crew hauls a BBQ onto a sandbank or a quiet island beach. Here, under a canopy of stars, you’ll dine on grilled seafood and meats - a true Maldivian liveaboard experience.
For those who enjoy a drink, the onboard bar is well-stocked with beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks, available for purchase to enjoy with your dinner or while relaxing on the deck afterwards.
The Adora liveaboard crew is experienced at catering to different needs. If you have a specific dietary requirement be it vegetarian, Halaal, or any allergies they just ask that you let us know in advance, so they can be sure to have the right ingredients on board.
