The Maldives is renowned for drift dives through clear waters, encounters with graceful manta rays and reef sharks, and walls thick with fish. To explore this Indian Ocean paradise in comfort, the 41-metre MV Soleil II liveaboard offers a compelling home. Operating since 2015, this fibre-glass-hulled yacht combines genuine spaciousness with a range of cruises that take in the central, northern, and southern atolls, putting some of the nation's most celebrated dive sites - from the famous channels of Ari Atoll to the manta cleaning stations of Hanifaru Bay - within easy reach.
Onboard the Soleil II, the sense of space is immediate. 14 cabins accommodate up to 28 guests, spread across 3 decks to offer genuine variety. The 6 Upper Deck Balcony Suites are a notable feature, providing private outdoor space to enjoy the tropical air. Below, the Main Deck Master Suites and comfortable Lower Deck cabins all include private en-suite bathrooms and individual air-conditioning. Beyond the cabins, you’ll find an air-conditioned saloon with entertainment options for reviewing the day’s footage, plus an inviting outdoor hot tub on the upper deck, a welcome spot to unwind as the sun sets.
Rather than gearing up on the main vessel, all diving is conducted from a dedicated 19-metre dhoni, The Pelican. This traditional support boat keeps the main deck quiet and houses all dive gear, camera preparation tables with rinse tanks, and fresh water showers. With facilities for up to 3 dives daily, including night dives on some days, the crew can cater to different experience levels, offering everything from 12-litre tanks to nitrox for those seeking extended bottom times on the deeper channels and thilas.
Much of the confidence to book the MV Soleil II liveaboard comes from the consistency of its crew and operator. Reviews frequently mention the hands-on owner involvement, whose decades of local knowledge and genuine passion for the islands are reflected in his team's attentive service. Whether it's the dive guides ensuring safe, rewarding dives for all abilities or the kitchen crew preparing varied international and local dishes, the emphasis is on reliable, friendly professionalism. This human element transforms a well-appointed boat into a memorable liveaboard experience.
A week aboard the MV Soleil II liveaboard is about accessing the Maldives' underwater diversity without sacrificing comfort. The dive trips are designed to showcase the best of the atolls, from the plankton-rich bays of the north to the less-visited southern routes. With the freedom of a dedicated dive dhoni and the genuine hospitality of a seasoned crew, it's a practical and rewarding choice for divers looking to immerse themselves fully in what makes the Maldives archipelago a world-class destination.
The MV Soleil II has a total of 14 spacious 'hotel-room' cabins: The lower deck has 4 Standard cabins (19 sqm) with twin or double beds and 3 Large Standard cabins (24 sqm) with 2 queen-size beds each. The main deck has 2 Master cabins (24 sqm) with king-size double or twin bed. The upper deck has 6 Balcony cabins (13 sqm) with king-size double or twin beds and private balcony. All of the cabins feature an ensuite bathroom.
All the cabins have:
- Air-conditioning and fan
- Windows (upper and middle deck only) or portholes (lower deck)
- Private bathroom with hot water shower
- Hand basin, toiletries and towels
- Housekeeping (twice per day)
- Reading lights
- Space for luggage
- Bedside table
- Wardrobe and mirror
- Life jackets, fire alarm
- Minibar fridge
- Bedding
- 220V electricity supply, UK style 3-pin plugs
No. of bathrooms / showers - 14/ 14 - 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: North Male: Maagiri, Felidhoo: Alimaatha, Miyaru Kandu, Dhevana Kandu; Ari: Kudarah Thila, Maamagili, Moofushi Manta Point, Maaya Thila, Himandhoo Thila, Fesdhu, Vilamendhoo, Five Rocks, Rangali Manta, Rai Dhiga, Panathone, Fish Head, Bathala Maagau; South Male: Embudhoo Express, Guraidhoo Corner, Kandooma, Fish Tank, Kudahaa
Day 1
Arrive at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Male and meet the Soleil II tour leader. Enjoy the short dhoni trip from the airport to the liveaboard that will be your home for the next few days. After boarding have a welcome drink and listen to the detailed boat introduction. Refreshments and dinner (depending on your arrival time) will be served during the day. The boat leaves the harbour the following morning at first light.
Core Days
The cruise will have many highlights thanks in part to the sometimes strong currents around the border of the atolls, called 'kandus' in the Dhivehi language, which bring the large predators. These include grey reef sharks and whitetips, and also schools of tuna and oceanic manta rays. A thila is instead an underwater island. Usually they are home to a beautiful array of soft and hard coral formations attracting a wide variety of marine life. Frequent encounters can be expected with moray eels, Napoleon wrasse, pufferfish, meaty nurse sharks, and triggerfish, among others found in the Maldives Central Atolls. For lovers of the big stuff, whale sharks are common sights in these waters too.
You will make up to 3 amazing dives a day - 2 morning dives and an afternoon dive. Your day starts at 06:30 hrs with a pre-breakfast of hot drinks, toast 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, cooked breakfast that includes fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurt, eggs, toast and beans or lentils. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and drinking water are available 24 hours a day. Lunch is buffet-style and served in the air-conditioned dining area on the main deck. Dinner is enjoyed in the top deck open air with gorgeous ever-changing Maldivian views. Expect dishes including international favourites as well as some flavourful South Asian specialties. Biscuits, bread/toast, candy bars, cakes and fruit are available throughout the day. A delicious barbecue on a deserted soft sand beach is also on the weekly schedule.
Please note that there is only 1 dive on the last full day of the trip, before heading to Male.
Day 8
Wake up to the final breakfast of your Maldives diving safari served in the early morning. Say your farewells, take your last group pictures and swap contact details with your new-found friends before being transferred back to Male airport. If you have flight's late in the day there are options to stay on the boat longer, have lunch, snorkel and more.
Maldives Northern Atolls (8 Days / 7 Nights - 16 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, 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: North Male, Lhaviyani, Baa atolls, including Hanifaru Bay
Day 1
Arrive at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Male and meet the Soleil II tour leader. Enjoy the short dhoni trip from the airport to the liveaboard that will be your home for the next few days. After boarding have a welcome drink and listen to the detailed boat introduction. Refreshments and dinner (depending on your arrival time) will be served during the day. The boat leaves the harbour the following morning at first light.
Core Days
Get ready to enjoy an amazing cruise to the little visited northern atolls, including Baa Atoll. Baa was declared a UNESCO World Biosphere and 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. Here you will snorkel in the world famous Hanifaru Bay, a marine protected area where hundreds of manta rays gather, from May to November, in a spectacular feeding frenzy. Watch them barrel roll as they scoop up huge mouthfuls of nourishing plankton. By regulation, only snorkeling is allowed here, but there are many fascinating dive sites nearby.
At Lhaviyani Atoll, the channels attract a lot of marine life including grey reef sharks, leopard sharks, guitar sharks, eagle rays, and there are plenty of colourful soft corals. Diving on pinnacles are also one of the highlights of the tour, as they shelter fish from the currents. Near Lhaviyani you will dive the most famous wreck site - The Shipyard - 2 wrecks located at different depths close together and surrounded by an abundance of marine life. North Male features thilas, reefs and drop offs that are rich in nutrients that attract large pelagics like manta rays. Other highlights include Napoleon wrasse, hawksbill turtles, giant trevally, barracudas and other schools of large fish.
You will make up to 3 amazing dives a day - 2 morning dives and an afternoon dive. Your day starts at 06:30 hrs with a pre-breakfast of hot drinks, toast 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, cooked breakfast that includes fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurt, eggs, toast and beans or lentils. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and drinking water are available 24 hours a day. Lunch is buffet-style and served in the air-conditioned dining area on the main deck. Dinner is enjoyed in the top deck open air with gorgeous ever-changing Maldivian views. Expect dishes including international favourites as well as some flavourful South Asian specialties. Biscuits, bread/toast, candy bars, cakes and fruit are available throughout the day. A delicious barbecue on a deserted soft sand beach is also on the weekly schedule.
Please note that there is only 1 dive on the last full day of the trip, before heading to Male.
Day 8
Wake up to the final breakfast of your Maldives diving safari served in the early morning. Say your farewells, take your last group pictures and swap contact details with your new-found friends before being transferred back to Male airport. If you have flight's late in the day there are options to stay on the boat longer, have lunch, snorkel and more.
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: Huvadhoo: Villingili, Kooddoo Beyru; Fuvahmulah: Tiger Zoo, Plateau; Addu Manta Point
Day 1
Arrive at Gan International Airport in Addu and meet the Soleil II tour leader. Enjoy the short dhoni trip from the airport to the liveaboard that will be your home for the next few days. After boarding have a welcome drink and listen to the detailed boat introduction. Refreshments and dinner (depending on your arrival time) will be served during the day. The boat leaves the harbour the following morning at first light.
Core Days
For many, the highlight of a visit to the Deep South are the apex predators at Fuvahmulah Island. Be prepared for awesome encounters with thresher sharks, oceanic whitetips and tiger sharks. Here you'll dive with a variety of large predators as they hunt the abundant smaller fish. Whitetip reef and grey reef sharks, mola mola, sailfish, whale sharks, and schools of tuna are frequently seen.
Huvadhoo is made up of vibrant reefs, untouched lagoons, walls and deep channels. Stingrays, turtles and a variety of sharks including blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, nurse sharks, spinner dolphins, manta rays, thresher sharks and big schools of fish are frequent visitors here. Occasionally you will also find hammerheads too. The cruise also includes some extraordinary dives at Addu. There are over 30 world class sites surrounding the atoll, in the wide channels, and healthy reefs and thilas inside the lagoon, where you can see reef mantas, turtles, sharks, big fish, and the largest shipwreck in the Maldives - the 143m long British Loyalty. Along the outer walls you can spot dogtooth tuna, silvertips, schools of batfish, fusiliers and jackfish. The atoll is home to cleaning stations for oceanic manta rays of more than 5m wing span, as well as more shark species.
You will make up to 3 amazing dives a day - 2 morning dives and an afternoon dive, plus a night dive or two. Your day starts at 06:30 hrs with a pre-breakfast of hot drinks, toast 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, cooked breakfast that includes fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurt, eggs, toast and beans or lentils. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and drinking water are available 24 hours a day. Lunch is buffet-style and served in the air-conditioned dining area on the main deck. Dinner is enjoyed in the top deck open air with gorgeous ever-changing Maldivian views. Expect dishes including international favourites as well as some flavourful South Asian specialties. Biscuits, bread/toast, candy bars, cakes and fruit are available throughout the day. A delicious barbecue on a deserted soft sand beach is also on the weekly schedule.
Day 8
Wake up to the final breakfast of your Maldives diving safari served in the early morning. Say your farewells, take your last group pictures and swap contact details with your new-found friends before being transferred to Kooddoo airport in Huvadhoo for your flight back to Male. If you have flight's late in the day there are options to stay on the boat longer, have lunch, snorkel and more.
Note: this cruise sometimes runs in reverse so please check exact port details above.
[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 week aboard the MV Soleil II liveaboard settles into a comfortable rhythm. The crew’s aim is to have you relaxed, well-fed, and ready for the next dive. Days unfold between the dive deck, the sundeck, and the dining table, with the Indian Ocean as a constant backdrop. The routine is built around the diving. A typical day starts before sunrise. You are woken with a light pre-breakfast of tea, coffee, and biscuits - just enough to take the edge off before the first dive. This dive, often as the sun breaks the horizon, is when the reef truly awakens.
Back on board after that first dive, a proper breakfast is waiting. The buffet spreads out in the air-conditioned indoor restaurant, but on calm mornings, many guests prefer to eat at the open-air tables on the main deck of the liveaboard, watching the atoll slip by. You’ll find fresh fruits, breads, and a mix of cooked options. A guest review mentioned a particular fondness for the Maldivian breakfast of tuna and roshi (flatbread), a local touch that adds a sense of place to the start of the day.
Between dives, the Soleil II is your space to decompress. You might rinse your gear, log your dives in the saloon, or claim a spot on the sun deck. Snacks - crackers, fresh fruit - are always within reach, and the pot of coffee is never empty. There is no set schedule for relaxation; the liveaboard simply hums along until the call for the next dive.
Lunch is another hearty buffet, served after the second dive. The Soleil II kitchen draws from a few culinary traditions. Alongside international dishes, you might find Chinese influences or Italian pasta, but the freshest offerings are often those with a Maldivian twist. A sample plate could be tender fried squid with pasta, followed by vegetable fritters with a bright, simple salad, or a fragrant fresh fish curry with saffron rice. Meals are a time to swap stories with fellow divers about the reef sharks or the napoleon wrasse you encountered.
After a third dive and as the afternoon light softens, the liveaboard may anchor near a sandbank or a quiet island. If conditions allow, the crew will fire up the grill on the beach for a weekly BBQ - a simple, memorable evening of grilled food, bare feet in the sand, and the stars beginning to show. Dinner is the final gathering of the day. On one special evening during a week-long cruise, the crew might transform the rooftop deck for a farewell dinner under the stars.
The kitchen is generally accommodating. With prior notice, they can prepare meals for vegetarian, vegan, or other specific diets. Drinking water, tea, and coffee are always complimentary. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available to note on your tab.
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Excellent boat - spacious and lots of places for lounging. The diving groups were kept fairly small - 6 per divemaster. The crew and staff were all very welcoming and friendly. Would definitely go again. Incredible diving.
Vic (Dive The World) was helpful with answering questions and getting us the best deal..." -
Ling Chen, United States, 23 January 2022 ...
