The MV Princess Rani is a sleek and substantial Maldives liveaboard diving safari yacht that takes in the best of the atolls departing direct from Male. At 35 metres in length and 11 metres wide, she is more than capable of accommodating the maximum of 22 divers in space and comfort.
The operators of Princess Rani are one of the most experienced in the Maldives and they have a strong passion for the underwater world which they would love to share with you. There are daily guided snorkelling tours and Island visits to explore beaches and sand banks, as well as scuba diving in some of the most beautiful regions of the Maldives.
You can choose between double bed, twin or triple bed cabins, all of which are very well appointed with minibar, en-suite bathroom facilities and air-conditioning. Princess Rani is a great liveaboard boat for couples, given the number of double cabins and you can expect English, Italian, French and Spanish all to be spoken so there is no problem being understood. There are both indoor and outdoor dining areas, and the cuisine is a celebration of Italian food with local spices and fresh fish. There is also a great selection of liquors and wines.
Facilities are high quality and include the full range of entertainment in the saloon, including TV, DVD, music system, as well as movies, games, books and magazines. You'll never be bored on these great value-for-money Maldives liveaboard diving safaris! If lounging is more your thing, there are 3 sundecks with plenty of shaded sections, as well as bean bags, sun chairs and mattresses for your comfort.
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
You will join the Princess Rani liveaboard for an unforgettable scuba diving adventure in the Maldives. Your trip begins in Male with a welcome lunch, followed by a full boat and crew briefing once everyone is on board.
Core Days
This classic liveaboard trip is a premier journey for scuba diving enthusiasts, leading you to the most iconic sites in the Maldives. It offers a perfect blend of experiences, from exploring stunning, healthy coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life to thrilling encounters with large pelagic species.
The itinerary is carefully designed to showcase the best of the central atolls, each with its own unique characteristics and signature marine life.
Rasdhoo and North Ari atolls are world-renowned atolls, famous for their deep ocean currents that attract incredible pelagic life. Divers can expect thrilling sightings of majestic hammerhead sharks, graceful manta rays, and a variety of other large, open-ocean species that frequent the reef channels.
South Ari Atoll is known as the Maldives' premier whale shark destination, this area is a marine protected zone. It offers divers the incredible opportunity to regularly encounter these gentle giants as they glide peacefully through the crystal-clear waters, feeding on plankton.
At North and South Felidhoo Atoll, the diving here is defined by dramatic underwater topography. You'll navigate spectacular walls, explore intriguing caverns, and swim through natural overhangs, all of which are beautifully adorned with vibrant, colorful soft corals. These channels are also excellent spots to find active reef sharks and other big fish. A definite highlight of the trip is the incredible night dive in this region, where you can witness dozens of huge nurse sharks and stingrays gathering for an unforgettable feeding spectacle.
South Male Atoll is a hub of marine activity, known for its large schools of fish, a strong presence of big pelagics, and a very popular wreck site. Divers will be treated to impressive parades of reef sharks and a dynamic ecosystem filled with a wide variety of large marine life.
Every trip on this route includes at least one thrilling and exhilarating night dive to complete your comprehensive Maldives diving experience.
Day 8
After a final breakfast on the boat, it's time to say goodbye to the crew and fellow divers. The crew will assist with your transfer to Male airport for your departure.
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
From Gan Airport (Addu), you will be transferred to the Princess Rani liveaboard, where you can settle into your cabin, enjoy lunch, and get to know the crew during an introductory briefing.
Core Days
The Maldives Deep South itinerary is a premier choice for scuba diving enthusiasts looking for extraordinary encounters with powerful pelagic species and a wide variety of sharks. This specialised liveaboard route takes you to some of the most remote and thrilling dive sites in the world, offering a unique and unforgettable diving experience. It's a journey into the heart of the Indian Ocean's most pristine marine ecosystems.
Diving in the Addu and Huvahdoo atolls provides an incredible mix of healthy, vibrant reefs, untouched lagoons, and deep channels that serve as highways for large marine life. The pristine conditions of these sites mean divers can expect a high density of marine biodiversity. You will have opportunities to observe a variety of sharks, including sleek blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, as well as placid nurse sharks. Additionally, these waters are home to majestic manta rays, graceful turtles, and playful spinner dolphins, all navigating the rich, colorful reefs.
For those with a passion for big animal encounters, Fuvahmulah is the undisputed highlight of the trip. This renowned destination is famous for its apex predators, providing exhilarating and rare opportunities to dive with some of the ocean's most impressive hunters. Here, you should be prepared for mind-blowing encounters with thresher sharks, oceanic whitetips, and the majestic tiger sharks. The deep, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the island act as a hunting ground, and divers are placed in a prime position to witness these incredible animals in their natural element.
Each trip includes at least one exciting night dive.
Day 8
Enjoy your final breakfast on board before saying your goodbyes and transferring back to Gan Airport for your flight to Male.
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 Central & Southern 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, 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 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.
[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 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 snorkelling, 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.
* 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.
* Fresh bread is baked daily, and homemade cakes and biscuits are available at tea time.
* Drinking water, tea and coffee are available all day long. Soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits are available as additional extras.
The Princess Rani liveaboard crew aim is for at least 1 BBQ party per trip on a secluded beach.
