The MV Emperor Explorer liveaboard is a large 42m fibreglass hull motor yacht, constructed in 2019 and operating high quality liveaboard diving expeditions around the Maldives. With accommodation for 26 guests, the experience is tailored towards those who appreciate personal space, efficient operations, and the simplicity of an all-inclusive structure. From the moment you step aboard, the focus is on the diving ahead, supported by a crew with extensive local knowledge.
Accommodation aboard the MV Emperor Explorer liveaboard is practical and well-appointed, with a choice of 13 cabins spread across 3 decks. Suites on the upper and main decks offer the benefit of large sea-view windows, while the well-designed lower deck cabins provide a comfortable retreat with ensuite facilities. Between dives, the vessel offers multiple spaces to unwind. You might find yourself reviewing the day’s sightings from the shaded outdoor seating on the upper deck, sinking into a beanbag on the expansive sundeck, or simply enjoying the air-conditioned lounge with its library of films and books. For those needing to ease tired muscles, the upper deck spa massage room provides a welcome option for a range of treatments.
Diving operations are deliberately designed for minimal hassle and maximum bottom time. The vessel uses a dedicated 24-metre diving dhoni-a separate tender that serves as the mobile dive deck. This setup keeps the main boat quiet and free of compressor noise, while the dhoni is fully equipped with everything needed for a seamless dive flow: tank racks, rinse tanks, and oxygen kits. A team of 4 dive guides ensures groups remain small and suited to experience levels. Nitrox is provided free of charge, a significant advantage for repetitive diving, and photographers will appreciate the dedicated charging stations and camera table.
One key strength of the MV Emperor Explorer liveaboard lies in its ability to cover a remarkable diversity of dive environments. This is achieved by uniquely offering 4 dives per standard day. Whether you are drawn to the thrilling cleaner stations of Ari Atoll, the vibrant fish life of the South Male Atoll, or the chance to encounter larger pelagic species in deeper channels, the route is planned to maximise conditions and marine life opportunities. The use of the separate dhoni also means the main vessel can move efficiently between atolls, often overnight, ensuring you wake up in a new dive location ready to go.
Operator credibility here is built on decades of experience in the region. Emperor Divers has long been a fixture in the Red Sea and Maldives, and their flagship model reflects that accumulated knowledge in its service standards and operational transparency. The pricing policy is genuinely all-inclusive, with no last-minute fuel surcharges or unexpected port fees added to your final bill. For the single traveller, the same-gender share guarantee removes the usual financial penalty, making this a practical choice for those without a dive buddy.
The Emperor Explorer liveaboard appeals to scuba divers who value a straightforward, high-quality liveaboard experience. It provides the vessel, the expertise, and the elevated number of dives, to let the Maldives deliver its own magic. For a week of exploring currents, thilas, and kandus from a modern, well-run platform, it remains one of the most attractive options in the region.
The Emperor Explorer has 13 guest cabins. There are 7 Standard cabins on the lower deck - 5 with double/single beds and 2 with double beds. The main deck has 2 double/single bed suites. And there are 4 upper deck cabins - 2 with king-size double bed suites and 2 with twin bed cabins. All the cabins have en-suite bathrooms.
All the cabins have:
- Individual control air-conditioning and fans
- Windows (upper and main decks) or portholes (lower deck)
- Private bathroom facilities with hot water shower, towels, toiletries and hand basin
- Television
- Wardrobe and shelves
- Dressing table and mirror
- Reading lights
- Bedding
- 220V electricity supply with round 2-pin sockets
- Space for luggage
- Fire detectors
- Life jackets
No. of bathrooms / showers - 13 / 13 - hot water
Maldives Central Atolls (8 Days / 7 Nights - 22 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 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
Your 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, you’ll reach 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 snorkeling 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 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 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 barbeque night of meat and seafood on a deserted island, depending on the liveaboard itinerary and conditions.
