For over 3 decades, the operator of the Princess Dhonkamana has been running liveaboard cruises across the Maldivian atolls. That kind of longevity in the Maldives dive industry is not handed out freely - it is built on a deep, first-hand understanding of the archipelago’s shifting currents, seasonal highlights, and the marine life that defines this corner of the Indian Ocean. When you step onboard this 31-metre vessel, you are tapping into that cumulative knowledge. The crew’s familiarity with the waters is evident in how they position the boat for night moorings, the routes they choose, and the quiet confidence with which they brief a drift dive. Choosing the Princess Dhonkamana liveaboard means opting for a cruise guided by decades of experience.
The boat itself is laid out for easy living between dives. Accommodation is split across 9 cabins, with 3 on the upper deck that let in natural light through sea-view windows. All cabins have private facilities and are furnished in a clean, understated style - nothing fussy, just comfortable spaces to unwind after a day of current-hooking and reef exploration. For groups or clubs booking the whole boat, 2 of the cabins can be configured for triple occupancy, bringing the total charter capacity to 20 divers without ever feeling crowded. Every part of the Princess Dhonkamana is designed with guest comfort in mind.
Above deck, the vessel offers 3 separate sundecks. One of them houses a Jacuzzi, a welcome prospect for loosening muscles after a deep dive or simply soaking up the late afternoon warmth with a book. The indoor saloon provides a cooler retreat, complete with a bar, a TV, and a library of movies for quiet evenings. Meals are served either in the open air on the main deck’s stern or inside, depending on the weather and your mood. Whether relaxing in the Jacuzzi or dining under the stars, life aboard the Princess Dhonkamana feels spacious and unhurried.
Diving operations are run from a separate dhoni, a dedicated support vessel that tows alongside. This is a setup regular liveaboard divers appreciate: compressors and tank storage stay on the dhoni, keeping the mother ship quiet and free of clutter. Your kit stays rigged on the dhoni for the whole trip, which streamlines the routine of gearing up and means more time spent looking at the water, less time wrestling with equipment. The dhoni also provides shaded seating and its own rinse tanks, so you can return from a dive and immediately swap stories without having to navigate past scuba gear on the main deck. This efficient setup is a hallmark of the Princess Dhonkamana liveaboard experience.
Itineraries with the Princess Dhonkamana cover both the classic central atolls - where encounters with manta rays and whale sharks are a genuine possibility - and the more demanding routes to the Deep South. Down there, the atolls are exposed to the open ocean, and the diving shifts towards stronger currents and bigger animals: grey reef sharks, silvertips, scalloped hammerheads at the right time of year. Safaris focus on both diving and snorkeling, and exploring some of stunning deserted islands and beaches for which the Maldives are famous. The Princess Dhonkamana’s long history in the region means they have the experience to judge when conditions are right for those southern passages, and when to adjust plans to keep the diving both safe and rewarding. Booking a trip on the opens up a wide range of possible adventures, from gentle reef drifts to adrenaline-filled pelagic encounters.
Ultimately, a week aboard this liveaboard is about access: to sites the operator has been visiting for 30 years, to a crew that knows the quirks of each channel and cleaning station, and to a style of onboard life that balances sociability with personal space. Whether you are ticking off a lifelong goal of diving with mantas in Hanifaru Bay or pushing further south in search of pelagic action, the Princess Dhonkamana liveaboard offers a proven, well-run base for exploring the Maldives at its most elemental.
There are 9 spacious cabins on Princess Dhonkamana. There are 3 double bed cabins on the upper deck, and 6 cabins on the lower deck - 2 with double beds, 2 with twin beds, and 2 with double and single beds. The upper deck cabins have seaview windows. All the cabins are en-suite (have private bathrooms).
All the cabins have:
- Air-conditioning
- Portholes (lower deck) or windows (upper deck)
- Private bathroom with hot water shower and hand basin
- Soap, towels and beach towel
- Minibar fridge
- Writing desk
- Bedside lights
- Bedside cabinet
- Wardrobe, shelves and mirror
- Bedding and luggage space
- Daily housekeeping
- 3 Prong UK-style mains outlet 230-240 volts - 24 hours per day
- Fire alarm, life jackets and fire extinguishers
No. of bathrooms / showers - 9 / 9 - hot water
Maldives Central Atolls (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 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: Rasdhoo, North Ari, South Ari, North Felidhoo, South Male atolls
Day 1
Your Maldives diving expedition begins as you arrive at Male International Airport. Upon boarding the Princess Dhonkamana liveaboard, you will be settled into your stateroom, you will be treated to a delicious welcome luncheon. The afternoon is dedicated to a comprehensive safety orientation and boat briefing, followed by dinner- the ideal time to meet your fellow divers and prepare your gear for the incredible week of scuba diving ahead.
Core Days
The bulk of the trip involves traversing the central atolls of the Maldives, with the cruise structured to expose you to a different, signature underwater spectacle at each location. This varied route showcases the region's biodiversity, confirming its status as a premier world-class dive destination. It begins in the deep channels of Rasdhoo and North Ari Atoll, zones internationally celebrated for their powerful, nutrient-rich currents, which reliably draw in large, open-ocean species. Prepare yourself for truly exhilarating dives among hammerhead sharks, majestic manta rays, and a variety of other powerful pelagic fish cruising in the blue. This is the heart of the Maldives' famous big fish activity.
The Princess Dhonkamana then heads to South Ari Atoll, a marine protected area widely acknowledged as the prime location for encountering whale sharks. You will have the unique opportunity to watch these gentle giants glide peacefully through the water. Frequent sightings in the calm conditions here ensure this segment will be a particularly memorable part of your trip.
Diving in Felidhoo Atoll is characterised by dramatic channel topography and deep cuts, which serve as excellent feeding grounds for active reef sharks and other formidable fish. The undisputed highlight here is the signature night dive: an extraordinary event where dozens of massive nurse sharks, powerful giant trevally, and stingrays congregate for a captivating observation.
Completing the circuit, you will explore South Male Atoll, a productive hub of marine activity known for immense schools of fish and a consistent presence of pelagics. Here, divers often witness impressive gatherings of reef sharks and a richly diverse ecosystem.
Every trip aboard the Princess Dhonkamana liveaboard includes at least one thrilling night dive, granting a unique appreciation for the underwater world as nocturnal species emerge after sunset.
Day 8
After a last breakfast served onboard the Princess Dhonkamana, you will bid farewell to the crew and your new friends. The team will assist with your transfer back to Male International Airport.
[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].
A typical day aboard the Princess Dhonkamana liveaboard is carefully structured to balance exhilarating diving with ample time for relaxation and enjoying the breathtaking Maldivian scenery. The schedule is designed to maximise your underwater time while ensuring you are well-rested and well-fed throughout your liveaboard trip.
Your day starts early with a light breakfast at 6 am to get you ready for the first dive of the day. By 7:30 am, you'll be back on the boat for a full, satisfying breakfast to refuel after your morning exploration. The rest of the morning is yours to relax on the sundeck, go snorkelling, or take a short excursion before the second dive, which typically begins around 10 am.
Lunch is served at 12 pm, and it might occasionally be a special island picnic, giving you the chance to enjoy a meal on a secluded beach. The 3rd dive of the day is scheduled for 2:30 pm, followed by tea time at 5:30 pm, which features freshly baked cakes and biscuits. As the sun begins to set around 6:30 pm, you can try your hand at sunset fishing before dinner is served at 7:30 pm. To complete your comprehensive diving experience, at least 1 thrilling night dive is included in every trip, offering a unique perspective on the nocturnal marine life.
The cuisine on the Princess Dhonkamana is a key feature of the trip. The onboard chefs specialise in a unique fusion of Italian-style dishes and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You'll enjoy your meals served at the table, with dining options available in either the open-air upper deck (weather permitting) or the air-conditioned dining room.
* For breakfast, you'll find a wide selection of European and continental options, including fresh fruit, muesli, and an assortment of breads. You can also request made-to-order eggs and enjoy freshly baked cakes.
* Lunch and dinner menus typically include a tasty Italian pasta dish, a rice dish, and your choice of fresh fish, chicken, or meat, all served with fresh salads and cooked vegetables.
* Freshly baked bread and homemade cakes are available daily for all guests.
* Complimentary drinking water, tea, and coffee are available throughout the day. For an additional charge, you can purchase a selection of soft drinks, beer, wine, and spirits from the bar.
The crew of the Princess Dhonkamana works to arrange at least 1 special barbecue on a secluded beach during each trip. This memorable event offers a unique social gathering where you can enjoy a delicious meal with your fellow divers, all while relaxing under the stars with the sound of the ocean in the background.
"
Very friendly and caring team and crew, homogeneous group, varied itinerary, comfortable and well-equipped boat. Very good food.
Dive The World provided very good communication, with clear and detailed explanations." -
Lionel Aubry, France, 18 November 2025 ...
