Notes: Child policy: Children aged 12+ years old are welcome to join any Emperor Explorer II trip. Children under 12 (but not younger than 8) may be accepted on board for a full or private charter, subject to consent from the group leader. Parents (or a legal supervisor) need to always be with the child - in the water, onboard, or in the cabin. This means children must be accommodated in the same cabin as a parent. Child rates are the same as adult rates.
Dive experience: Central and Northern Atolls - you don’t need a minimum number of logged dives to join these trips but should be comfortable diving in currents as they can be unpredictable and strong. Many dives are below 18m therefore we recommend having advanced experience or taking the PADI Advanced Open Water course on board to maximise your enjoyment from the trip.
Southern routes - these expeditions are not for beginners, as many dives are below 18m and currents can be unpredictable and strong. We recommend that you have at least 100 logged dives and we require that you are a deep diver/advanced open water diver or equivalent to join these trips.
Divers with less experience will be able to join Emperor Explorer II liveaboard expeditions but may have to miss some dives if dive certifications and/or experience is not sufficient.
Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner (1 BBQ on deserted island weather permitting), snacks, drinking water, hot drinks, glass of wine with dinner, transfers to the boat from the airport, dives, 4 experienced English speaking divemasters, tanks, weights and weight belts, nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers, Green tax, sales tax.
Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment (incl. surface marker device and dive computer USD 271 per week, must be pre-booked), dive insurance (can be arranged on arrival). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival, with equipment ordered in advance (cash - EUR, GBP or USD, or credit card).
Optional extras: Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, 15 litre tanks (USD 88 per week), torch, non-scheduled airport transfers. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.
How to get there: Emperor Explorer II diving expeditions typically start from the harbour next to Malé International Airport. The boat stays moored in port on the first and last nights, which means arrival flights can land at any point on embarkation day without disrupting the schedule. 2 group transfers run from the airport to the vessel on Day 1, at 12 noon and 4 pm. Guests should head to the meeting point beside the help desk in the arrivals hall. For departures from Gan in Addu City, an Emperor Maldives representative in a branded shirt holding a sign will be waiting outside the international arrivals area. Additional travel guidance, including airline suggestions, is available in our How to get to the Maldives section.
The last dive of the trip is scheduled for around 1 pm on the penultimate day. Disembarkation follows at 7 am. A surface interval of at least 18 hours is required before any onward flight.
Non-diver rate: Non-divers receive a free snorkelling kit and a USD 50 voucher to spend on board.
Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - solo travellers may choose to share a cabin and pay the regular rate, or pay a supplement of 50% for their own cabin. No mixed gender sharing for solo travellers. Solo travellers can secure the double bed in a twin share cabin for USD 35 extra charge.
Dive clubs and group discounts: Please ask for details.
Whole boat charter rate (per night): Pay for 23 guests and 3 additional persons can join the expedition free of charge.
The Maldives remains one of the most dependable liveaboard destinations on the planet, and the Emperor Explorer II liveaboard was built to make the most of it. Launched as Emperor's Maldives flagship, this 44-metre, 4-deck vessel with a fibre hull was designed around space and comfort rather than squeezing in extra berths. With a maximum of 26 guests, there is room to move, room to spread out camera gear, and room to properly rest between dives. Emperor Explorer II expedition routes cover the classic central atolls through to the deep south, with channels, thilas and cleaning stations all within reach.
Onboard, the layout makes sense for scuba divers. The air-conditioned lounge on the main deck has comfy sofas, a TV, book, music and movie library, board games, an internationally stocked bar and the dining area. Up top, outdoor seating with deckchairs and beanbags catches the breeze, while the sun deck offers loungers for the surface intervals. Cabins on the Emperor Explorer II include 4 suites on the upper deck with queen-size double and single beds, 2 king-size suites on the main deck, and 7 lower deck cabins, each with en-suite bathrooms, individually controlled air conditioning and 2 cabin towels per guest.
Diving runs from a dedicated 24-metre dhoni with 3 staff, fitted with its own compressors, oxygen, comprehensive First Aid and AED, plus diving towels. This keeps tank filling, gear storage and entries separate from the main vessel, which matters on a week of 3 to 4 dives a day. There are 4 dive guides on board the Emperor Explorer II, and nitrox up to 32% is free of charge for certified divers via a membrane system. Tanks are S80 (11.1 litre) aluminium as standard, with C100 (13.2 litre) available on request, and all divers are required to carry a dive computer, SMB and reef hooks, plus a torch for night dives. PADI courses are available, from Discover Scuba through to Advanced Open Water and specialities.
The Emperor Explorer II liveaboard pricing follows a No Hidden Extras approach. Marine park fees, port departure fees, environmental (green) tax and bed (tourist) tax are all included in the cruise price. Meals are buffet style with local and international dishes, and water, tea and coffee are complimentary around the clock. Soft drinks, fresh juices and alcohol are chargeable onboard. Wi-Fi is available through data packages purchased onboard, though signal varies with location.
The operator behind the Emperor Explorer II has been running day diving and liveaboard safaris since 1992, with a fleet that consistently attracts strong reviews. Guides most commonly speak English, German and Spanish. Transfers from Male or Gan airports to the boat are included on check-in day. For divers wanting a Maldives liveaboard with generous space, well-organised diving logistics and transparent pricing, the Emperor Explorer II liveaboard is a straightforward choice. Nitrox is included, the marine park fees are covered, and the dhoni setup keeps the dive operation running smoothly from the first check dive to the final safety stop.
The Emperor Explorer II has 13 guest cabins. There are 7 cabins on the lower deck - 6 with a double and a single bed, and 1 with a double bed. The main deck has 2 king-double/single bed suites, and the upper deck has 4 queen-double/single bed suites. All the cabins have en-suite bathrooms.
All the cabins have:
- Individual control air-conditioning
- Windows (upper and main decks) or portholes (lower deck)
- Private bathroom with hot water shower, toilet and hand basin
- Towels, toiletries. Hairdryers available on request
- Wardrobe, shelves, and mirror
- Daily housekeeping
- Reading lights
- Bedside cabinet in some cabins
- 220V electricity supply, 24 hours
- International-style 2-pin sockets
- Space for luggage
- Fire alarm, life jackets and fire extinguishers
No. of bathrooms / showers - 13 / 13 - hot water
Maldives Central Atolls (8 Days / 7 Nights - 20 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 Male, Rasdhoo, Ari atolls, Felidhoo, South Male
Day 1
Your liveaboard adventure begins the moment you board the Emperor Explorer II in Male. After a light, sandwich-style lunch served on deck, the tour leader will introduce you to the boat's layout, safety features, and the friendly crew. This is a relaxed and welcoming start, giving you the entire afternoon to settle in and explore. Dinner is part of your boarding day, complete with a complimentary glass of wine. Your first night will be spent in the harbour.
Core Days
The liveaboard diving schedule includes 2 morning dives, 1 in the afternoon, and a sunset or night dive, a relaxed rhythm that lets you explore the Maldives Central Atolls. The route starts in North Male Atoll, where coral-rich reefs and sheltered sites offer a gentle introduction. From there, the boat heads south to Rasdhoo, an atoll famous for early morning encounters with hammerhead sharks and graceful manta rays.
North Ari follows, with beautiful underwater topography, attracting grey reef sharks, turtles, and schooling fish. Diving in North Ari Atoll is a thrilling experience, known for its dramatic underwater landscapes and large marine life. Unlike other areas of the Maldives, North Ari's dive sites are defined by thilas (underwater pinnacles) and kandus (channels) where strong currents create a dynamic environment. South Ari is a highlight for many, and best known for its long, eastern reef where whale sharks are frequently sighted. Snorkelling with these gentle giants near Maamigili is often a key part of the itinerary. The area is a protected marine area, which helps ensure a high chance of sightings.
Later in the week, Emperor Explorer II reaches the quieter, less-trafficked Felidhoo Atoll. This is an ideal location for a night dive with nurse sharks and for spotting morays hidden in the reef. The circuit concludes in South Male Atoll, which is known for its fast currents, vibrant reef life, and the chance to see eagle rays.
Throughout your trip, expect to see a rich mix of marine life, including large fish like sharks and mantas, as well as a variety of reef fish, morays, and colourful corals. Don't miss Maaya Thila, a classic dive site where sharks and mantas frequently cruise by. The night dive with nurse sharks is an unforgettable experience, and snorkelling with whale sharks in South Ari is a true bucket-list moment.
On the last full day, the schedule includes only 2 dives as the boat begins its return to the harbour. That afternoon, the crew will rinse and hang your gear to dry, giving you time to reflect on the week’s incredible encounters.
Day 8
Check out from the Emperor Explorer II liveaboard takes place in Male and guests will be taken to the airport after an early light breakfast.
[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].
The Emperor Explorer II liveaboard serves all meals in the air-conditioned dining room, beginning with dinner on the day of boarding. The schedule for dinner varies based on the day's diving itinerary: around 7 pm on 3-dive days and approximately 8 pm on 4-dive days, after the final dive. The menu features a variety of International, Italian, and local South Asian dishes.
• Guests receive 3 main meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - with additional snacks provided throughout the day. Complimentary bar snacks, including biscuits and fresh fruit, are available, along with tea, coffee, soft drinks, and water which are served all day.
Sample Menu:
• Breakfast: Cold cuts, yogurt, fresh fruit, muesli, and various breads are typically included in breakfast. Eggs are cooked to order (poached, boiled, or fried).
• Lunch: Carrot soup, boiled potatoes, and rice might be featured for lunch, served with proteins such as fish fillet, chicken cacciatore, meatballs, and chicken wings.
• Dinner: Sweetcorn soup, grilled chicken, rice, vegetables, and 4 fresh salads are often included in dinner options, along with roast beef and pasta, plus a sweet dessert to finish.
Advance notice is required for the kitchen to accommodate specific dietary requests, such as vegetarian, vegan, and halal options.
Vegan options might include vegan lasagne, tofu curry, vegetables, rice, pasta, and French fries.
For an additional charge, you can buy alcoholic beverages like beer, bottled wine, and spirits, as well as chocolate bars and other treats.
You might also have the chance to set foot on land during the week for a tasty barbecue night of meat and seafood on a deserted island, depending on the liveaboard itinerary and conditions.
