For experienced divers looking to explore the central atolls and deep south of the Maldives, the MV Princess Rani offers a spacious and stable home. At 35 metres in length with an 11-metre beam, this liveaboard provides a comfortable base for up to 22 guests, departing directly from Male' for some of the Maldives' most celebrated dive sites. The yacht’s design balances sociable common areas with the simple luxury of personal space, making it well-suited for groups and couples alike.
The team behind the MV Princess Rani liveaboard brings decades of experience navigating Maldivian waters, and their passion for the region's marine life is evident in the daily rhythm on board. Beyond the 3 dives scheduled each day, the crew leads guided snorkelling excursions over shallow reefs and arranges visits to local islands and uninhabited sandbanks. This mix of activities gives guests a fuller sense of the atolls, both above and below the surface.
Accommodation is practical and well-appointed, with a choice of double, twin, or triple cabins. Each cabin comes with en-suite facilities, individual air-conditioning, and a minibar-small details that add comfort after a day in the current. Given the number of double cabins, the Princess Rani is a particularly good option for couples. The international crew speak English, Italian, French, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication and a welcoming atmosphere for divers from across Europe and beyond.
Meals on board are a genuine highlight, with a kitchen that celebrates Italian cuisine while incorporating local spices and fresh fish caught during the trip. Dining takes place in the indoor saloon or at the shaded tables on the main deck, and the bar stocks a solid selection of wines and spirits for post-dive debriefs. The atmosphere on the Princess Rani liveaboard is relaxed and unhurried, with space to eat, read, or simply watch the horizon slide by.
When it comes to downtime, the MV Princess Rani is equipped for both quiet moments and shared evenings. The saloon has a comprehensive entertainment system with movies, music, and a library of books and games. Up on deck, 3 separate sundecks offer plenty of room to stretch out, with bean bags, sun loungers, and shaded areas providing options for everyone, whether you prefer sun or shade.
In short, the Princess Rani liveaboard delivers a thorough and enjoyable Maldivian diving safari. With an experienced operator, a comfortable vessel, and cruises that cover the best of the region’s reefs and channels, the MV Princess Rani continues to be a reliable choice for divers seeking quality underwater time without unnecessary fuss.
Maldives Central & Southern Atolls (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, 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: South Male, Felidhoo, Meemu, Thaa, Laamu atolls
Day 1
Upon boarding the Princess Rani liveaboard in Male, the crew and tour leader will extend a warm welcome and guide you to your cabin. Lunch and dinner will be served during the day. An introductory briefing from your tour leader, once all guests are on board, will familiarise you with the boat and crew. Get ready for a fantastic week of diving and adventure at this premier scuba diving destination.
Core Days
Your cruise includes 3 scuba diving opportunities on most diving days, revealing an impressive variety of marine life. This liveaboard explores the Southern Atolls, an untouched destination within the Maldives. Known as "The Galapagos of the Maldives," this region offers encounters with up to ten different shark species.
Felidhoo Atoll presents challenging deep channels and strong currents, attracting various sharks, trevallies, and tuna, plus a remarkable nurse shark dive.
In Meemu Atoll, you'll have excellent chances to see whale sharks feeding, while Thaa Atoll is ideal for drift dives with whitetip reef sharks and eagle rays. The abundant, nearly untouched marine life at this diving destination is truly remarkable.
Thaa Atoll offers a thrilling drift dive where you can encounter whitetip reef sharks and eagle rays. The channel walls are frequented by curious Napoleon wrasse, while tuna effortlessly hunt among large schools of reef fish. Thaa Atoll is also an excellent location for whale shark encounters.
Laamu Atoll remains largely unexplored, offering abundant opportunities for discovery. Its deep channels feature strong currents that attract whitetip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, rays, jacks, and tuna hunting among prolific reef fish. As few dive sites are charted, a liveaboard trip here often includes exploration dives. Laamu's most famous site, Manta Point, guarantees manta ray sightings year-round.
Day 8
Enjoy your final cooked breakfast and say your farewells. After some last group photos, we'll head to Kadhdhoo Airport for your flight back to Male.
Note: this safari sometimes runs in reverse. Please refer to your trip details for more information.
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
This scuba diving adventure in the Maldives commences with your arrival in Male. You will join the Princess Rani liveaboard where a welcome lunch is provided shortly after boarding. Once the group is assembled, a comprehensive boat and safety briefing will be conducted by the crew, followed by a freshly prepared dinner. This evening marks the beginning of your acquaintance with your fellow divers as you anticipate the week of extraordinary diving ahead.
Core Days
This is a dive exploration of the Maldives Central Atolls, taking in the iconic sites known for both vibrant reef systems and thrilling big animal encounters. This established route offers certified divers the highest chance to experience the Maldives' celebrated marine life diversity. You will visit South Male Atoll, a bustling centre of marine activity. Here, you will find impressive schools of fish and a consistent presence of pelagics. Look out for parades of grey reef sharks and a richly diversified ecosystem around famous sites, including a popular wreck.
Further excitement awaits in the dramatic topography of Felidhoo Atoll. The deep cuts and channels here are prime locations for observing active reef sharks and other imposing fish life, such as tuna and trevally. A definite highlight is the famed night dive, an astonishing event where a congregation of massive nurse sharks and stingrays gather under the boat lights for a captivating viewing experience.
Rasdhoo and North Ari Atoll are areas renowned for nutrient-rich, deep ocean channels. These powerful currents attract magnificent pelagics: expect to observe majestic hammerhead sharks and graceful manta rays as they traverse the reef entrances, providing an exhilarating spectacle of open-ocean species. Moving south, the Princess Rani anchors at South Ari Atoll, which is celebrated as the country's most reliable marine protected zone for encountering whale sharks. You will have the unique opportunity to share the crystal-clear water with these placid giants. The favourable conditions and frequent sightings ensure this segment of the trip is particularly memorable.
This tour with the Princess Rani is structured to grant you the best possible opportunities to witness the wonders of the Maldivian underwater world, with at least one night dive included to complete your experience.
Day 8
Following your last breakfast on the Princess Rani liveaboard, it will be time to exchange your farewells with the crew and fellow guests. The team will assist with your transfer back to Male airport for your onward travel.
Maldives Central Atolls (12 Days / 11 Nights - 29 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, Felidhoo, South Male atolls
Day 1
A representative of the Princess Rani will meet you at Male International Airport and take you to the dhoni that will take you on board this super 35m motor yacht. Lunch and dinner will be served during the day. You will be able to get to know the crew and the boat better during the introductory briefing that the tour leader will give once all the guests are on board. You are about to have a great week of diving, fun, and adventure!
Core Days
The ‘Classic’ route includes a beautiful mix of Maldives highlights - sharks, rays, Napoleon wrasse, mantas, corals, whale sharks, deserted islands, sand banks, fishermen islands, a Male visit … you will love it. South Male features large schools of fish, big pelagics, plenty of soft corals and caves, as well as one very good wreck. Miyaru Faru is aptly named since ‘miyaru’ means shark in Dhivehi and not surprisingly this is where you can encounter the ‘big boys’. An overhang protects you from the current and provides an excellent viewing spot for the impressive parade of pelagics and patrolling grey reef sharks, or even the occasional hammerhead. The channel at Felidhoo Atoll is also a great place to find reef sharks and has a spectacular wall showcasing caverns, swim-throughs and overhangs festooned with colourful soft corals and bushes of black corals. There is also a spectacular night dive with dozens of huge nurse sharks, sting rays and giant trevallies. Ari Atoll is famous for its mighty whale sharks which can be regularly seen in its marine protected areas. Hammerhead sharks, manta rays and other pelagic fish are also commonly encountered here. Highlights here include tuna, jacks, reef sharks, mantas and eagle rays.
A day on board the yacht runs like this - wake up at 6.30 am, tea, coffee, light breakfast, and the first dive at 7 am. Return to the boat at 8.30 am for a full breakfast. After breakfast there is some time to relax or snorkeling, and a beach or shore excursion, and then around 11 am the second dive takes place. Lunch or an island picnic is served at 1 pm, followed by a third dive at 3:30 pm. Tea time with home-made biscuits and cakes is at 5:30 pm. You can partake in sunset fishing around 6:30 pm, and happy hour starts at 7:30 pm. Dinner is served at 8:30 pm. There is one night dive per cruise.
Meals are served at the table in the upper deck open air if weather permits, otherwise in the air-con dining room. The 2 chefs will prepare unique Italian style dishes mixed with local spices and fresh fish. Fresh bread is baked daily, and homemade cakes and biscuits are available at tea time. Breakfast is European and continental with a choice of eggs or cheese, fresh fruits fresh bread and cakes, jam, butter, juice, tea, coffee. Lunch and dinner are often an Italian style pasta, a rice dish, fish, chicken or meat, fresh salad and cooked vegetables, bread, tropical fruit, and freshly prepared dessert such as cheesecake or fruit tart. Drinking water, tea and coffee are available all day long.
Day 12
Wake up to the smell of the last cooked breakfast of the tour in the morning. Say your farewells and take your last group pictures before heading to Male airport.
Maldives Deep South & Southern Atolls (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, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Laamu, Huvadhoo, Fuvahmulah, Addu atolls
Day 1
Upon boarding the Princess Rani liveaboard at Kadhdhoo Airport in Laamu Atoll, the crew will show you to your cabin. This is followed by lunch, dinner, and a comprehensive boat and crew briefing once all guests are on board. Get ready for a fantastic week of diving and adventure at this premier scuba diving destination.
Core Days
Most diving days include 3 dives, showcasing the incredible marine life. This liveaboard route explores the Southern and Deep South Atolls, an untouched destination known as "The Galapagos of the Maldives," where you can encounter up to 10 different shark species.
Laamu Atoll is largely unexplored, this destination offers abundant discovery opportunities. Its deep channels, with strong currents, attract diverse marine life, including whitetip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, and rays. Expect exploration dives at unchartered sites, with guaranteed manta ray sightings at Manta Point.
Huvadhoo Atoll, the Maldives' 2nd largest, is a diver's dream. Its deep channels promise thrilling encounters with dolphins and various sharks (including whale sharks on night dives) and large pelagics. The central lagoon teems with turtles, rays, and unique macro critters.
Fuvahmulah is a top dive destination renowned for guaranteed encounters with various sharks (tiger, thresher, hammerhead, whale) and other rare pelagics like oceanic giant mantas, sailfish, and mola-mola. It's a must-visit for megafauna enthusiasts.
Addu Atoll, the Maldives' southernmost urban center, is an advanced diver's paradise with pristine reefs and over 30 world-class sites. Highlights include year-round manta rays, various sharks (including occasional tigers and hammerheads), turtles, big fish, and the iconic British Loyalty shipwreck. Its wide channels boast spectacular coral formations and abundant marine life, with Maa Kandu Channel being a prime spot for guaranteed manta ray encounters.
Day 8
Your trip concludes with a final breakfast and farewells before heading to Gan Airport for your flight back to Male.
Please note that this liveaboard safari sometimes runs in reverse. Please refer to your trip details for specifics.
Maldives Deep South Atolls (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, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Addu, Fuvahmulah, Huvahdoo
Day 1
This ultimate Maldives Deep South adventure commences with your arrival at Gan Airport in Addu Atoll. Once welcomed aboard the Princess Rani liveaboard and settled into your stateroom, a satisfying welcome lunch is provided. The afternoon is dedicated to the essential vessel orientation and safety briefing, followed by dinner- the perfect time to meet your dive companions and prepare for the intense week ahead.
Core Days
This trip is specifically designed for the experienced divers, focusing on the high-energy, remote environments of the Deep South: the powerful channel systems of Huvadhoo, Fuvahmulah, and Addu Atolls. The primary objective is to immerse you in consistent, thrilling encounters with powerful pelagic species and a high concentration of sharks. Exploring this isolated region offers unparalleled access to truly pristine marine ecosystems.
The sheer size and complexity of Huvadhoo Atoll is breathtaking. The deep-cut channels here function as biological corridors, creating explosive diving conditions. You can expect to secure your position on the corners to watch for impressive schools of grey reef sharks and the sleek whitetip reef sharks patrolling the current. The reefs themselves are densely populated with colourful soft corals, supporting a rich mix of turtles, eagle rays, and dense schools of fusiliers.
The trip's pinnacle is Fuvahmulah, an extraordinary open-ocean island that stands alone. This site is internationally renowned for offering rare encounters with apex predators. Certified divers should be ready for genuinely unforgettable viewings of oceanic whitetip sharks, the elusive thresher sharks, and the majestic tiger sharks. The deep water surrounding the island is a nutrient powerhouse, and the expert dive team aboard the Princess Rani works tirelessly to place you in the best position for these sightings.
Day 8
After enjoying your final breakfast on board the Princess Rani, it is time to say your farewells to the crew and fellow guests. Transfers will be arranged back to Gan Airport in Addu for your connecting flight 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].
On the Princess Rani liveaboard, a typical day revolves around diving, relaxation, and delicious meals. The onboard chefs specialise in unique Italian-style dishes infused with local spices and fresh seafood. Meals are served at the table, either in the open-air upper deck (weather permitting) or in the air-conditioned dining room.
* Breakfast is a mix of European and continental options, including fresh fruits, muesli, cereals, and various breads. You can also request eggs and freshly baked cakes.
* Lunch and dinner typically feature an Italian pasta dish, a rice dish, and a choice of fresh fish, chicken, or meat, accompanied by fresh salads and cooked vegetables.
* Freshly baked bread and homemade cakes are available daily.
* Drinking water, tea, and coffee are available all day. Soft drinks, beer, wine, and spirits can be purchased as additional extras.
The day begins early with a light breakfast at 6 am, followed by the 1st dive. You'll return to the boat at 7:30 am for a full breakfast. The morning includes time for relaxing, snorkelling, or a shore excursion before the 2nd dive at 10 am.
Lunch (or an island picnic) is served at 12 pm, followed by the 3rd dive at 2:30 pm. Tea time with freshly baked cakes and biscuits is at 5:30 pm. In the evening, you can try sunset fishing around 6:30 pm before dinner is served at 7:30 pm. Each cruise also includes 1 night dive.
The Princess Rani liveaboard crew aim is for at least 1 BBQ party per trip on a secluded beach.
