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Experience luxury liveaboard diving in the Maldives aboard these seven upscale vessels
The Maldives is a diver's paradise. Imagine more than 1,200 islands spread out around 26-atolls, all ringed by coral reefs rich in marine life and underwater adventures. From calm coral gardens within protective barrier reefs to fish-laden pinnacles and adrenaline-pumping drifts along steep walls, there is something for divers of all abilities and interests. Whale sharks feed on plankton carried by life-giving currents, manta rays circle cleaning stations, and schools of fish that patrol the reefs in colorful packs. There's no way to see it all on a single dive vacation, but you can enjoy a rich sampling aboard one of these luxury liveaboards that cruise the water. And as a bonus, in addition to mind-blowing diving, these boats also deliver fine dining and spa services equal to a premier beach resort. Here are five liveaboards that deliver the ultimate combination of diving excitement and onboard indulgence
Luxury Maldives liveaboards combine diving and spa services.
The Conte Max introduced the concept of onboard spa indulgences to the Maldives.
Conte Max
The Conte Max pioneered the concept of diving/wellness cruises. Launched in 2004, this upscale 104-foot dive yacht offers an onboard wellness center and a full-time masseuse. With just nine cabins, guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere and a high level of personal attention. Like a majority of liveaboards operating in the Maldives, Conte Max is accompanied by a large dive tender known as a Dhoni, which features a fully-shaded dive deck and ample room for relaxation. All scuba gear remains aboard the Dhoni for the duration of the cruise, and divers merely step aboard to enjoy concierge-level service from the crew. Back aboard the mothership, guests can enjoy a range of massage therapies, detoxification treatments, and relaxation programs based on Ayurveda healing traditions. Throughout the year, the Conte Max also offers thematic cruises dedicated to wellness, yoga, meditation, and individual treatments.
Guests aboard the Duke of York can mix diving with spa time and beach time.
M/Y Duke of York
Divers who like their space and a touch of luxury will appreciate this modern 120-foot vessel, which joined the fleet in 2010. The ship's 11 large cabins and well-appointed public spaces are spread over four levels, allowing guests to enjoy a level of comfort usually associated with land-based resorts. Each cabin is equipped with individual climate control and en-suite bathrooms. Social areas include a large air-conditioned salon with comfortable seating, TV, and a full entertainment system, while the bar offers a wide choice of soft drinks and spirits. Three decks provide spectacular views with seating that includes sun loungers, sun mats, and deck chairs. And for the ultimate in relaxation, there is also an onboard spa offering massage services. Nitrox is offered at no additional charge, and the dive staff can provide support for advanced practices such as rebreather diving. The Duke of York's attending the Dhoni launch is used not only for diving but also for snorkeling excursions, fishing trips, and cruises to sandbars and desert islands. The Duke of York operates primarily in the Maldives' central atolls, with seasonal trips in February and March to the deep south.
The yachts of Scubaspa take liveaboard luxury to a whole new dimension.
Scubaspa
Liveaboard luxury diving in the Maldives reached new heights when the twin purpose-built yachts of the Scubaspa fleet, Yang and Yang, went into service. On each of the two identical yachts, described as floating resorts, a crew of 30 ensures a high staff-to-guest ratio and unparalleled personal service. The roster includes four spa therapists and a yoga master. A four-chef culinary team creates bespoke menus, and the experienced dive crew caters to guests' every need. A four-deck layout incorporates a gym, Jacuzzi, and a lounge deck hosting sunset cocktails, stargazing outdoor dinners, and an open-air cinema for evening entertainment. The Asian-style 3,500-square-foot spa is the largest of its kind in the Maldives. Spanning two decks, it includes six treatment rooms, one for couples’ therapies, a secluded deck for open-air Thai massage or meditation, and a shaded spa lounge for relaxation and yoga. Internationally qualified chefs cater to all tastes and dietary requirements with a varied selection of gourmet cuisine and a carefully curated global selection of wines and champagnes. All these indulgences are complemented by daily diving activities on some of the most pristine and colorful reefs in the Indian Ocean. It's a combination that will delight divers and non-divers alike.
The Maldives Aggressor II alongside its custom-built dhoni dive tender.
Maldives Aggressor II
The Maldives Aggressor II is a 115-foot upscale liveaboard that delivers the same high levels of creature comforts and service that is hallmark of the worldwide Aggressor fleet. Guests are attended by a crew of ten in air-conditioned accommodations, with chef-prepared meals, snacks, soft beverages, local beer, and wine. Itineraries include up to four dives daily, with night dives offered most nights. The beautifully-appointed salon has ample room for divers to view their photos and videos or to enjoy a movie on the entertainment system. Year-round itineraries include 7 and 10-night cruises of the Male, Ari, and South, Vaavu, and Rasdhoo atolls, with high-energy channel-drift dives, wrecks, pinnacles, and night dives. Seasonal trips to the southern atolls of Laamu, Addu, and the deep south are also offered. Guests can make up to 18 dives during the week on the 7-night itinerary and up to 27 dives on a 10-night itinerary.
The Spirit of the Maldives was launched by a trio of dive industry professional with decades of combined expertise
Spirit of the Maldives
Launched in late 2024, the Spirit of the Maldives is the latest addition to the region's fleet. The 131-foot vessel features a modern interior design, a well-appointed interior, spacious cabins, and generously sized en-suite bathrooms. The Spirit is the result of a collaboration of three dive professionals with decades of experience in Pacific and Indian Ocean waters. As a result, the defining qualities that elevate the boat to the upper ranks of liveaboard diving are the levels of professionalism and attentive service provided by the crew and dive guides. Seasonal itineraries are organized to coincide with peak activity at manta cleaning stations, whale shark migrations, and shark aggregations. Guests also enjoy marine life and cultural presentations, shore excursions, guided nature walks, and beach BBQs.
The 138-foot Blue Force One is a luxury-focused liveaboard dive yacht operating in the Maldives.
Blue Force
Blue Force currently operates two luxury-focused Maldives liveaboards. Blue Force One, named the Best Madivies liveaboard in 2018, is known for a design that evokes a resort-like experience on the water. Accommodations place an added emphasis on comfort and space, with a mix of deluxe cabins and sea-view suites. Blue Force Three combines an upscale ambiance with a more dive-centric focus, based on the company's 25 years of operating across the Maldives archipelago. A mix of double and triple cabins with single beds provides maximum flexibility for couples, dive buddies, and families. Both boats provide a full range of onboard amenities, including hot tubs, climate-controlled lounges, indoor and al fresco dining spaces, and a full complement of watersports equipment. Blue Force One cruises primarily in the central atolls, while Blue Force Three adds seasonal excursions to southern atolls for enhanced shark encounters.
Emperor Serenity is a modern dive yacht designed to accommodate up to 26 divers in upscale comfort
Emperor Serenity
Fresh from extensive upgrades, the award-winning Emperor Serenity is the flagship of Emperor's five-boat Maldives fleet. The vessel's four king suites and nine large en-suite cabins are spaced across three decks and configured to accommodate either couples or dive partners. As with the majority of Maldives liveaboards, all diving is conducted from an accompanying Dhoni tender. Measuring 78 feet in length, Serenity's custom-built Dhoni provides divers with an extra degree of onboard comfort and space. Divers enjoy up to four dives a day, plus night dives, with complimentary Nitrox for qualified divers. Best of the Maldives itineraries focus primarily on the central regions of Vaavu, North and South Ari Atolls, with seasonal Deep South excursions.
Ready to treat yourself to the ultimate dive-and-spa vacation. We work with each of these liveaboards and can help you create the perfect itinerary. To learn more, call us at 800-330-6611 or send a note to sales@caradonna.com.