Maldives liveaboards
7–10 nights from Malé (Velana International Airport) or Kooddoo or Hanimadhoo. Channel dives full of sharks, and manta feeding frenzies in the wet season.
At a glance
- Best months
- December to April for visibility and calm seas
- Trip length
- 7–10 nights
- Departs from
- Malé (Velana International Airport), Kooddoo, Hanimadhoo
- Price per night
- US$255–US$570Per person, typical published rates
- Certification
- Open Water on some boatsAdvanced recommended
- Current
- ModerateModerate to strong in the channels between atolls
When boats run
December to April for visibility and calm seas; June to November for mantas, including Hanifaru Bay.
Overview
Maldives liveaboards typically run 7 nights, and some Deep South trips run 10. Most start in Malé and cover the central atolls, while seasonal routes go north for manta feeding around Hanifaru Bay from July to October, or south to Huvadhoo and Fuvahmulah from January to March.
In 2026 listings, 7-night central atoll trips typically cost about $1,790 to $3,985 per person, or roughly $255 to $570 a night. A 17% GST and a $12 per night green tax are added. Some boats accept Open Water divers, but channel dives have strong current and many operators ask for Advanced certification and logged dives.
Routes
- Central atolls7 nights · Year-round. The classic first trip: North and South Malé, Ari, Rasdhoo and Vaavu channels and thilas. Suits divers with some drift experience; Master Liveaboards asks for 30 logged dives on this route.
- Hanifaru and the north7 nights · July to October. Timed for manta feeding in Baa Atoll, where Hanifaru Bay is snorkel only; the rest of the week is diving in the northern atolls. Sightings depend on tides and plankton.
- Deep South (Huvadhoo and Fuvahmulah)7–10 nights · January to March. Remote southern atolls near the equator with strong channel currents. For experienced divers; Master Liveaboards requires Advanced Open Water and 50 logged dives.
Getting to the boat
- Malé (Velana International Airport)Most liveaboards board at or near Malé on arrival day, with transfers from the international airport.
- Kooddoo, Gaafu Alifu (Huvadhoo Atoll)Reached by domestic flight; some Deep South trips start or end here.
- Hanimadhoo, Haa DhaaluReached by domestic flight; some northern trips depart from here and stay in the north.
Who can go
Open Water divers can join some Maldives liveaboards; Blue Force One lists Open Water as its minimum and recommends Advanced for some dives. Master Liveaboards recommends Advanced Open Water and requires 30 logged dives with current experience for central atolls, and Advanced plus 50 logged dives for southern and northern routes. Expect negative entries and drift dives on all routes.
Open Water divers will enjoy resort reefs. Channel dives, where the sharks gather, suit Advanced divers with drift experience.
What it costs
Published rates typically run US$255 to US$570 a night. Per person, 7-night central atoll trips, 2026 Bluewater Dive Travel listings: Blue Force 3 from about $1,790, Blue Force One up to $2,890, Maldives Aggressor II from $2,785 to $3,985. Per-night figures are trip price divided by 7. Excludes 17% GST, $12 per night green tax, fuel surcharges on some boats, and tips.
- Green tax: $12 per person per night for liveaboard guests (doubled from $6 on 1 January 2025).
- GST: 17% added to liveaboard fares (Bluewater Dive Travel, 2026 listings).
- Fuel surcharge on some boats, for example US$28 per person per night on a 2027 Carpe Vita Deep South trip.
Know the risks
- Strong channel currents
- Swell during the southwest monsoon
Questions
How much does a Maldives liveaboard cost?
In 2026 listings, a 7-night central atoll trip typically costs $1,790 to $3,985 per person. That is roughly $255 to $570 a night, before 17% GST and the $12 per night green tax.
Can Open Water divers do a Maldives liveaboard?
Some boats accept Open Water divers on central atoll routes. Others ask for Advanced Open Water and 30 to 50 logged dives, especially for southern and northern routes.
When is the best time for a Maldives liveaboard?
December to April brings calm seas and the best visibility. July to October is the season for manta feeding at Hanifaru Bay. Deep South trips mostly run January to March.
Can you dive at Hanifaru Bay?
No. Scuba diving is not allowed in Hanifaru Bay, and visits are snorkel only under strict rules. Liveaboards on the Hanifaru route dive nearby reefs and snorkel in the bay.
Book
- Boats and dates
Compare boats, cabins, routes and departure dates for Maldives.
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Also by boat in the same months
- Belize Barrier Reef liveaboardsApril and May · 7–10 nights
- Komodo liveaboardsApril to November · 2–10 nights
- Northern Red Sea liveaboardsMarch to May and September to November · 7 nights
- Palau liveaboardsNovember to April · 6–10 nights
Sources
- Bluewater Dive Travel: Maldives Blue Force One
- Bluewater Dive Travel: Maldives Blue Force 3
- Bluewater Dive Travel: Maldives Aggressor II
- Bluewater Dive Travel: Maldives Explorer special packages (GST and green tax)
- Master Liveaboards: Maldives central and southern atolls
- Master Liveaboards: Maldives far south
- Divein: Maldives Blue Force One overview
- Emperor Divers: Hanifaru and North itinerary
- Maldives Magazine: Manta rays in the Maldives 2026-2027
- DUNE Liveaboard: Deep South (Huvadhoo - Malé)
- Scuba Travel: Carpe Vita Deep South 14 Feb 2027
- Liveaboard.com: Maldives liveaboards
- PSM News: Maldives green tax
Last reviewed 15 October 2026. Prices and fees change every season; confirm with the operator before you book.