Princess Maani is a brand new liveaboard safari yacht in the Maldives, the crown jewel of the Top Class Cruising fleet, a highly respected dive operator that specialises in a familiar and friendly atmosphere. Maiden voyage in October 2024, with its 17 details-oriented crew members, it meets the highest standards in safety and service on its cruises through the central, southern and northern regions of the Maldives.
This large 41m wooden hull motor yacht can comfortably accommodate up to 28 divers in its spacious and elegant cabins, spread across 3 decks, each with its own private bathroom for maximum privacy and comfort. Options include a unique Family cabin, with an additional bed for a third person. Relish gourmet cuisine tailored to your tastes by the Princess Maani kitchen staff, whether you crave European delicacies or Asian flavors, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options readily available.You can enjoy the open-air dining that sets the stage for mesmerizing sunsets.
Many guests join these liveaboard cruises simply to snorkel, kayak and SUP. But you could opt take it easy in the air-conditioned saloon, or on the large sundeck that features 2 Jacuzzis. The saloon is home to the entertainment system with internet access, including plasma TV, DVD and Bluetooth music system, plus a charging station. There is an upper deck panoramic cocktail bar, and also Karaoke, marine biology lectures, and a range of books and games to keep you entertained between dives. The social areas are expansive, but happy hours are often spent on desert islands.
Diving is conducted by a generous number of 6 experienced dive guides from a separate 18m dive dhoni (210 HP), where equipment and tanks are stored and filled with air or nitrox from the 3 compressors, reducing the noise on board the mothership. Free nitrox is provided for EANx-certified divers, top-tier diving equipment is available for rent, and extra-large 13.5 litre scuba tanks are used by guests as standard, ensuring luxury meets the deep blue of the Maldives in unparalleled harmony.
In alignment with global conservation efforts, the Princess Maani liveaboard no longer offers whale shark 'swim' activities. This decision reflects growing concerns over the harmful effects of close-contact tourism on these endangered gentle giants, including such as increased injuries from accidental boat strikes. However, guests can still responsibly observe whale sharks while diving - a lower-impact alternative that reduces stress on the animals.
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: Lankan Paradise, Nassimo Thila, Banana Reef, Hulhumale wall, South Male: Gurahidoo MPA, Kuda Giri, Ari: Dhangethi Channel, Fish Head, Maaya thila, Bathala Thila, Moofushi Corner, Felidhoo: Myaru Kandu, Alimathaa, Fotteyo Kandu, and Rasdhoo atolls
Day 1
Arrive at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Male and meet the Princess Maani tour leader. A short dhoni trip from the airport and you are finally on board the fantastic liveaboard that will be your home for the next few days. A welcome drink and a detailed boat introduction will be given to you and the other guests that take part in this amazing diving adventure. Once you have been assigned to your cabin and enjoyed a buffet style lunch, if all guests have arrived in good time, the bell will ring to announce that your first dive is about to begin, a check dive at a nearby site. Back to the boat, a well-deserved hot shower, and more time to relax while waiting for dinner to be served. The boat departs the harbour only on the following morning.
Core Days
The cruise will have many highlights as the days go by. Some strong currents around the border of the atolls, called 'kandus' in the Dhivehi language, will bring large predators like whitetip and grey reef sharks, but also schools of tuna and oceanic manta rays. A 'thila' is instead an underwater island that can vary in size: it can be so small that you can dive all around it in just one dive, or so big that several dives can be planned. They are usually home to a beautiful array of soft and hard coral formations that attract a wide variety of marine life. Pufferfish, triggerfish, moray eels, and giant Napoleon wrasse, to name just a few of the colourful fauna that the Maldives Central Atolls are famous for. Looking for a better use of your wide angle lens? Manta rays frequent the atolls in large numbers, and whale sharks are a common sight in the waters of Ari Atoll.
3 amazing dives a day - 2 morning dives and an afternoon dive. Your day starts at 6:30 am with hot drinks and biscuits while listening to the dive briefing. The dhoni then takes you to the site where you will jump in with your group. A 2nd dive follows a bigger breakfast that includes fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurt, eggs, sausages, toast, beans, and cooked vegetables. Tea and coffee, drinking water, biscuits, bread/toast, cakes and fruit, are all available throughout the day. The chef is always trying to outdo himself and you can clearly see his culinary passion, especially the small bites (coconut pieces, mini sandwiches or local trifles) after the dives.
The food, prepared by a chef, cook and sous-chef, and served in the open-air or inside, is a mixture of European delicacies and Asian cuisine and never fails to impress its guests. Lunch and dinner are succulent fresh salads, rice and pasta, Sri Lankan curries for a taste of local cuisine, fresh fish, meat and lots of vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and spinach. Desserts such as rice pudding or crème caramel are always appreciated at the end of a meal, especially when you are on a vacation. Then enjoy a refreshing drink from the upper deck bar and a dip in the Jacuzzis.
A game of beach volleyball and a delicious barbeque on a deserted beach should be an occasion never to be forgotten.
Please note that there is only 1 dive on the last full day of the trip, before heading to Male for a tour of the city. Back onboard the boat in time for dinner.
Final Day
A last chance to enjoy a meal onboard, as after breakfast a dhoni transfer will take you back to the airport.
Maldives Central & Northern Atolls (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, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: Baa Atoll, Hanifaru Bay, Ari and Rasdhoo atolls
Day 1
Arrive at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Male and meet the Princess Maani tour leader. A short dhoni trip from the airport and you are finally on board the fantastic liveaboard that will be your home for the next few days. A welcome drink and a detailed boat introduction will be given to you and the other guests that take part in this amazing diving adventure. Once you have been assigned to your cabin and enjoyed a buffet style lunch, if all guests have arrived in good time, the bell will ring to announce that your first dive is about to begin, a check dive at a nearby site. Back to the boat, a well-deserved hot shower, and more time to relax while waiting for dinner to be served. The boat departs the harbour only on the following morning.
Core Days
We have all seen the images of the Maldives' stunning beaches and azure waters, but the marine life will also leave you in awe. Amazing coral reefs, an abundance of creatures, and year-round warm waters above 27C. Baa Atoll is a declared UNESCO World Biosphere. Its amazing reefs offer a wide variety of marine life, ranging from small fishes and turtles to the giant filter feeders, mantas and whale sharks. Walls and thilas full of hard and soft corals, plateaus, overhangs, pinnacles and swim throughs are all yours to explore. The famous Hanifaru Bay, located on the eastern side of Baa, is a marine protected area. From August to November, both whale sharks and manta rays aggregate here to gorge on the zooplankton blooms. By regulation, only snorkelling is allowed here, but there are many fascinating dive sites nearby. Manta rays and whale sharks are a common sight in the waters of Ari Atoll too, as well as whitetip reef and grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, eagle rays, soft and hard corals, and turtles.
3 amazing dives a day - 2 morning dives and an afternoon dive. Your day starts at 6:30 am with hot drinks and biscuits while listening to the dive briefing. The dhoni then takes you to the site where you will jump in with your group. A 2nd dive follows a bigger breakfast that includes fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurt, eggs, sausages, toast, beans, and cooked vegetables. Tea and coffee, drinking water, biscuits, bread/toast, cakes and fruit, are all available throughout the day. The chef is always trying to outdo himself and you can clearly see his culinary passion, especially the small bites (coconut pieces, mini sandwiches or local trifles) after the dives.
The food, prepared by a chef, cook and sous-chef, and served in the open-air or inside, is a mixture of European delicacies and Asian cuisine and never fails to impress its guests. Lunch and dinner are succulent fresh salads, rice and pasta, Sri Lankan curries for a taste of local cuisine, fresh fish, meat and lots of vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and spinach. Desserts such as rice pudding or crème caramel are always appreciated at the end of a meal, especially when you are on a vacation. Then enjoy a refreshing drink from the upper deck bar and a dip in the Jacuzzis.
A game of beach volleyball and a delicious barbeque on a deserted beach should be an occasion never to be forgotten.
Please note that there is only 1 dive on the last full day of the trip, before heading to Male for a tour of the city. Back onboard the boat in time for dinner.
Day 8
A last chance to enjoy a meal onboard, as after breakfast a dhoni transfer will take you back to the airport.
Maldives Central, Southern & Deep South Atolls (12 Days / 11 Nights - 30 Dives)
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: Addu: British Royalty, Maa Kandu; Fuvhamulah: Tiger Wall, Plateau; Huvadhoo: Gemanafushi, Mareha Kandu, Kureddhoo Kandu, Kondey Kandu, Kooddoo Kandu, Viligili Kandu; Laamu: Fushi Kandu, Maabahidoo Kandu; Thaa: Olughiri Kandu, Dyamigili Corner, Kalufalha Island; Meemu: Vanurah Vali Kandu, Kureli Manta Point; Vattaru, Felidhoo: Myaru Kandu, Devana Kandu, Alimatha Jetty, Fotteyo Kandu, Fushi Kandu, Golden Wall; South Male: Kuda Giri, Kandooma Thila; North Male: Lankan Paradise, Nassimo Thila, Banana Reef. Whale sharks at night.
Day 1
A short domestic flight in the morning takes you from Male to Gan Airport in Addu Atoll where Princess Maani is moored and its crew awaits your arrival to welcome and escort you to the fantastic diving yacht. A welcome drink and a detailed boat introduction will be given to you and the other guests that take part in this amazing diving cruise. Once you have been assigned to your cabin, you can relax and enjoyed a buffet style lunch and dinner, The boat departs the harbour only on the following morning.
Core Days
This amazing cruise will visit all of the atolls in the Maldives - from Male all the way down to the deep south and Addu Atoll. At Huvadhoo you can see innumerable green turtles at the coral gardens. The channel currents bring clear water and large numbers of grey reef sharks, silky sharks, oceanic blacktips, yellowfin tuna, jack fish, and sometimes dolphins and sailfish. South of Huvadhoo lies the ultimate Maldivian dive destination, Fuvahmulah, an isolated island in the middle of the ocean. Here is where you will spend most of the week, and thanks to the oceanic current, there is a great chance to see tiger sharks, hammerheads and thresher sharks. Addu is famed for year round manta ray encounters, and the atoll is the resting place of the British Loyalty ship - one of the biggest dive-able wrecks in the Maldives.
The Southern Atolls are a really fishy region of the Maldives, and often groups of bottlenose dolphins come to play at the prow of the boat. In Meemu Atoll there will be encounters with grey reef sharks, eagle rays and beautiful soft corals. Manta cleaning stations, hammerheads and whale sharks will await you at Thaa Atoll. Felidhoo will challenge you with its channels and strong currents that attract different types of reef sharks, schools of trevallies and tuna in search of small prey. There is also an incredible night dive at Alimatha House Reef with nurse sharks.
3 amazing dives a day - 2 morning dives and an afternoon dive. Your day starts at 6:30 am with hot drinks and biscuits while listening to the dive briefing. The dhoni then takes you to the site where you will jump in with your group. A 2nd dive follows a bigger breakfast that includes fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurt, eggs, sausages, toast, beans, and cooked vegetables. Tea and coffee, drinking water, biscuits, bread/toast, cakes and fruit, are all available throughout the day. The chef is always trying to outdo himself and you can clearly see his culinary passion, especially the small bites (coconut pieces, mini sandwiches or local trifles) after the dives.
The food, prepared by a chef, cook and sous-chef, and served in the open-air or inside, is a mixture of European delicacies and Asian cuisine and never fails to impress its guests. Lunch and dinner are succulent fresh salads, rice and pasta, Sri Lankan curries for a taste of local cuisine, fresh fish, meat and lots of vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and spinach. Desserts such as rice pudding or crème caramel are always appreciated at the end of a meal, especially when you are on a vacation. Then enjoy a refreshing drink from the upper deck bar and a dip in the Jacuzzis.
A game of beach volleyball and a delicious barbeque on a deserted beach should be an occassion never to be forgotten.
Day 12
A last chance to enjoy a meal onboard, as after breakfast a dhoni transfer will take you to Male International Airport.
This itinerary can run in reverse, so please check the arrival and departure ports.
Maldives Deep South Atolls (10 Days / 9 Nights - 24 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, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Huvadhoo: Genemana Fushi Beyru, Kureddhoo Kandu:, Koodhoo Fish Tank:, Koodhoo Kandu:,Viligili Kandu, Kuda Giri, Nilandhoo Kandu, Mahadhdhoo Ethere ; Addu atoll: House Reef, Maa Kandu:, Oceanic Wall,, British Royalty:; and Fuvahmulah island: Plateau:, Tiger Wall, North Corner, Lonudutta Thila, Mareha Kandu, Konday Kandu, West Wall. Whale sharks at night.
Day 1
A short domestic flight in the morning takes you from Male to Gan Airport in Addu Atoll where Princess Maani is moored and its crew awaits your arrival to welcome and escort you to the fantastic diving yacht. A welcome drink and a detailed boat introduction will be given to you and the other guests that take part in this amazing diving cruise. Once you have been assigned to your cabin, you can relax and enjoyed a buffet style lunch and dinner, The boat departs the harbour only on the following morning.
Core Days
This cruise will visit the Deep South of the Maldives - a remote area renowned for its encounters with some of the Indian Ocean’s largest marine life. At Huvadhoo you can see innumerable green turtles at the coral gardens. The channel currents bring clear water and large numbers of grey reef sharks, silky sharks, oceanic blacktips, yellowfin tuna, jack fish, and sometimes dolphins and sailfish. South of Huvadhoo lies the ultimate Maldivian dive destination, Fuvahmulah, an isolated island in the middle of the ocean. Here is where you will spend most of the week, and thanks to the oceanic current, there is a great chance to see tiger sharks, hammerheads and thresher sharks. Addu is famed for year round manta ray encounters, and the atoll is the resting place of the British Loyalty ship – one of the biggest dive-able wrecks in the Maldives.
3 amazing dives a day - 2 morning dives and an afternoon dive. Your day starts at 6:30 am with hot drinks and biscuits while listening to the dive briefing. The dhoni then takes you to the site where you will jump in with your group. A 2nd dive follows a bigger breakfast that includes fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurt, eggs, sausages, toast, beans, and cooked vegetables. Tea and coffee, drinking water, biscuits, bread/toast, cakes and fruit, are all available throughout the day. The chef is always trying to outdo himself and you can clearly see his culinary passion, especially the small bites (coconut pieces, mini sandwiches or local trifles) after the dives.
The food, prepared by a chef, cook and sous-chef, and served in the open-air or inside, is a mixture of European delicacies and Asian cuisine and never fails to impress its guests. Lunch and dinner are succulent fresh salads, rice and pasta, Sri Lankan curries for a taste of local cuisine, fresh fish, meat and lots of vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and spinach. Desserts such as rice pudding or crème caramel are always appreciated at the end of a meal, especially when you are on a vacation. Then enjoy a refreshing drink from the upper deck bar and a dip in the Jacuzzis.
A game of beach volleyball and a delicious barbeque on a deserted beach should be an occassion never to be forgotten.
Day 10
A last chance to enjoy a meal onboard as after breakfast a transfer will take you back to Gan Airport, where you will catch a flight back to Male.
Maldives Deep South Atolls (11 Days / 10 Nights - 27 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, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Huvadhoo: Genemana Fushi Beyru, Kureddhoo Kandu:, Koodhoo Fish Tank:, Koodhoo Kandu:,Viligili Kandu, Kuda Giri, Nilandhoo Kandu, Mahadhdhoo Ethere ; Addu atoll: House Reef, Maa Kandu:, Oceanic Wall,, British Royalty:; and Fuvahmulah island: Plateau:, Tiger Wall, North Corner, Lonudutta Thila, Mareha Kandu, Konday Kandu, West Wall. Whale sharks at night.
Day 1
A short domestic flight in the morning takes you from Male to Gan Airport in Addu Atoll where Princess Maani is moored and its crew awaits your arrival to welcome and escort you to the fantastic diving yacht. A welcome drink and a detailed boat introduction will be given to you and the other guests that take part in this amazing diving cruise. Once you have been assigned to your cabin, you can relax and enjoyed a buffet style lunch and dinner, The boat departs the harbour only on the following morning.
Core Days
This cruise will visit the Deep South of the Maldives - a remote area renowned for its encounters with some of the Indian Ocean’s largest marine life. At Huvadhoo you can see innumerable green turtles at the coral gardens. The channel currents bring clear water and large numbers of grey reef sharks, silky sharks, oceanic blacktips, yellowfin tuna, jack fish, and sometimes dolphins and sailfish. South of Huvadhoo lies the ultimate Maldivian dive destination, Fuvahmulah, an isolated island in the middle of the ocean. Here is where you will spend most of the week, and thanks to the oceanic current, there is a great chance to see tiger sharks, hammerheads and thresher sharks. Addu is famed for year round manta ray encounters, and the atoll is the resting place of the British Loyalty ship – one of the biggest dive-able wrecks in the Maldives.
3 amazing dives a day - 2 morning dives and an afternoon dive. Your day starts at 6:30 am with hot drinks and biscuits while listening to the dive briefing. The dhoni then takes you to the site where you will jump in with your group. A 2nd dive follows a bigger breakfast that includes fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurt, eggs, sausages, toast, beans, and cooked vegetables. Tea and coffee, drinking water, biscuits, bread/toast, cakes and fruit, are all available throughout the day. The chef is always trying to outdo himself and you can clearly see his culinary passion, especially the small bites (coconut pieces, mini sandwiches or local trifles) after the dives.
The food, prepared by a chef, cook and sous-chef, and served in the open-air or inside, is a mixture of European delicacies and Asian cuisine and never fails to impress its guests. Lunch and dinner are succulent fresh salads, rice and pasta, Sri Lankan curries for a taste of local cuisine, fresh fish, meat and lots of vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and spinach. Desserts such as rice pudding or crème caramel are always appreciated at the end of a meal, especially when you are on a vacation. Then enjoy a refreshing drink from the upper deck bar and a dip in the Jacuzzis.
A game of beach volleyball and a delicious barbeque on a deserted beach should be an occassion never to be forgotten.
Day 11
A last chance to enjoy a meal onboard as after breakfast a transfer will take you back to Gan Airport, where you will catch a flight back to Male.
[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].
