Amba Liveaboard, Maldives
Amba is a custom-built, 32-metre wooden motor yacht operating diving safaris across the Maldives. The vessel accommodates up to 20 guests and offers itineraries across central atolls, Baa and Raa, and Deep South routes.
Boat Interior
The air-conditioned salon is arranged with two large dining tables and is used for meals and briefings. Each guest has a dedicated compartment in this area with a European power outlet for charging and storing flashlights or camera equipment, as battery charging is not permitted in the cabins.
Meals are served in the salon and include Western, Asian, Maldivian, and Indian dishes, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Drinks and additional refreshments are available from the onboard kiosk.
Outdoor spaces include a shaded deck with fans, beach towels, and easy access to the kiosk. The sun deck offers individual lounging areas with sun loungers, outdoor mattresses, shaded seating, and open areas for sunbathing.
Cabin Types
Accommodation is arranged across 10 cabins. All cabins have a private bathroom with hot water, a washbasin, a Western-style toilet, and individually adjustable air conditioning. Bed linen, towels, and mattresses are professionally maintained, with room service provided daily.
Standard Twin / Double Cabin
Located on the lower deck, this cabin type has two single beds that can be converted into a double bed. Each cabin includes a private bathroom with a freshwater shower, washbasin, Western-style toilet, and hand soap.
Standard Double Cabin
Located on the upper deck, this cabin type has a double bed for two guests. It includes individually adjustable air conditioning and a private bathroom with a Western-style toilet, freshwater shower, washbasin, hand soap, and shower gel.
Luxury Cabin
Located on the upper deck, this cabin type includes a private terrace with Indian Ocean views. It has two single beds that can be converted into a double bed, individually adjustable air conditioning, and a private bathroom with a Western-style toilet, freshwater shower, washbasin, shower gel, and hand soap.
Standard Bow Cabin
Located on the lower deck, this cabin accommodates one guest. It includes the general cabin features listed above, including a private bathroom and individually adjustable air conditioning.
Dive Deck
All diving is conducted from an 18-metre diving dhoni with six dive exits, an entry ladder, freshwater showers, a Western-style toilet, and two rinse basins. The diving setup includes two Bauer compressors with Pure Air certification and one Nitrox membrane system.
Nitrox fillings are included, and dives are conducted on Nitrox. DIN adaptors, rinse hosts, personal storage space, diving towels, and equipment rinsing facilities are available.
Spare or rental equipment is available onboard in limited amounts and may require advance arrangement. Paid extras include 15-litre tanks, rental equipment, spare parts, and courses.
Safety and Navigation
Navigation and safety equipment includes radar, depth sounder, GPS tracking, AIS, radio VHF/DSC/SSB, satellite phone, searchlight, and E.P.I.R.B. distress system. The vessel is also equipped with life rafts, life jackets, life rings, emergency flares, smoke detectors, fire fighting equipment, emergency oxygen kits, first aid kits, and bilge pump alarms.
Dive tanks, rental equipment, and Bauer compressors are professionally inspected and serviced. The compressors are maintained annually by MA Service, and the vessel uses Bauer Pure Air certification with original Bauer air filters.
Dive sites are selected according to weather, wave patterns, visibility, currents, and guest experience levels. All dives are guided and conducted in buddy teams, and divers must be able to ascend independently with a surface marker buoy when required.
Non-diving Activities
Guests can use the shaded deck and sun deck, which include fans, beach towels, sun loungers, outdoor mattresses, shaded areas, and open spaces for sunbathing.
On selected itineraries, guests are invited to explore Malé or Huvadhoo on the afternoon before departure. During Hanifaru routes, snorkelling near Hanifaru Bay may take priority when rangers report manta rays or whale sharks in the area, which may affect the scheduled dive plan.
Itineraries
Routes include Best of Central Maldives, Best of Central South Maldives, Hanifaru Manta & Whale Shark Special, Corals, Channels & Sharks, and Deep South crossings.
Best of Central Maldives is an 11-night itinerary with up to 28 dives through Rasdhoo, Ari, Vaavu, and Malé Atolls. Best of Central South Maldives also runs for 11 nights with up to 28 dives, covering Ari, Vaavu, Faafu, Meemu, and Malé Atolls.
Hanifaru Manta & Whale Shark Special is an 8-night route with up to 20 dives around Baa and Raa Atolls. Corals, Channels & Sharks is a 7-night route with up to 17 dives through Ari, Vaavu, and Malé, including kandus, nurse shark night dives, drift dives, thilas, reefs, and wrecks.
Most itineraries require at least 30 logged dives, Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, and Nitrox certification. The Hanifaru route requires at least 20 logged dives, Open Water certification, and Nitrox certification. Deep South routes require at least 200 logged dives, Advanced certification or equivalent, Nitrox certification, and experience with strong currents and negative entries.
When to Go
Amba operates year-round across the Maldives. Water temperatures in the central and southern atolls generally range between 26°C and 30°C throughout the year. Visibility varies by atoll and season, typically between 15 and 30 metres, influenced by current patterns and plankton levels.
The northeast monsoon, broadly from November to April, tends to bring calmer seas and stronger visibility across the central atolls. The southwest monsoon, roughly May to October, brings more current and nutrient-rich water to the western atolls. The Hanifaru Manta & Whale Shark Special is timed around the plankton season from May to November, when large manta ray gatherings are most commonly reported at Hanifaru Bay.
Photography Facilities
Photography facilities include camera rinse basins on the dhoni, separate rinsing tanks for underwater cameras, and charging stations. In the salon, each guest has a dedicated compartment with a European power outlet for charging and storing camera equipment, as battery charging is not permitted in the cabins
Cabins
Standard Twin / Double Cabin
Standard Twin / Double Cabin
Standard Twin / Double Cabin
Size:12 m2
Deck:Lower deck
Bedding:Twin Beds
Max occupancy:2 Guests
Number of Cabins:6 Cabins
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Yes
- Towels
- Toiletries
The standard cabin deck cabins feature two single beds that can be converted into a double bed. Each room is spacious, modernly furnished, and equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, as well as a bathroom with a Western-style toilet, freshwater shower, and hand basin. Hand soap is provided
Standard Double Cabin
Standard Double Cabin
Standard Double Cabin
Size:12 m2
Deck:Upper Deck
Bedding:Double Bed
Max occupancy:2 Guests
Number of Cabins:3 Cabins
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Yes
- Towels
- Toiletries
The large upper deck cabins with private and secluded terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean make your Maldives liveaboard an unforgettable experience. Enjoy your dive-free time in a private atmosphere on your own private sun terrace. The cabins have a spacious sleeping area with individually controlled air conditioning, as well as a private bathroom with hot water shower, hand basin and western toilet. The upper deck cabins can only be booked as single or double cabins. Triple occupancy is not possible
Luxury Cabin
Luxury Cabin
Luxury Cabin
Size:16 m2
Deck:Upper Deck
Bedding:Double Bed + Twin Bed
Max occupancy:2 Guests
Number of Cabins:2 Cabins
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Yes
- Towels
- Toiletries
The spacious upper deck cabins with a private and secluded terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean make your Maldives diving safari an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the dive-free time in a private atmosphere on your own private sun terrace. The cabins feature a generously sized sleeping area with individually adjustable air conditioning, a fan, and a private bathroom with a hot water shower, hand basin, and western toilet. The upper deck cabins can only be booked as a single or double cabin. Triple occupancy is not possible
Standard Bow Cabin
Standard Bow Cabin
Standard Bow Cabin
Size:7 m2
Deck:Lower Deck
Bedding:Double Bed
Max occupancy:2 Guests
Number of Cabins:1 Cabin
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Yes
- Towels
- Toiletries
Standard (1 double, bow cabin). Cabin size: 7 - 10 m², porthole (can be opened), cabin facilities: toilet, shower, air conditioning, fan
Boat Specification
Dive Facilities
- Compressors
- Rinse Hosts
- Tenders for Diving
- Dive Deck
- DIN Adaptors
- Personal Storage Space
Boat navigation & safety
Full safety
Food & Drinks
- Western Food
- Local Food
- Dietary Restrictions
- Buffet Style
- Alcoholic Beverages and Spirits
- Hot & Cold Soft Drinks
- Snacks All Day
Onboard Facilities
- Audio & Video Entertainment
- Air Conditioned Saloon
- Sun Deck
- Sun Loungers
- Open Air Saloon
- Indoor Saloon
- Bar
- Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
- Land Excursions
Photographer Facilities
- Camera & Photography Station
- Separate Rinsing Tanks for U/W Camera
Amba Reviews
Similar Liveaboards
Amba Liveaboard Itineraries
Best of Central (11 nights) (Male-Male)
Included
- 12 days/ 11 nights accommodation in the booked cabin category
- 2 to 3 dives per day (usually 3 dives per day), including one night dive and one sunset dive per trip
- Airport transfers to and from the safari ship on the day of embarkation and disembarkation
- Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, fruits and dinner
- Water, tea, instant coffee, juice all day
- Daily room cleaning, room towels, sunbed towels, diving towels, hand and body wash, shampoo
- Diving weights and weight belts
- 17% Tourism Sales Tax
- Nitroxfilling (no price reduction if unavailable)
- Dive guide service
- Servicecharge (this should not be confused with a tip)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Green Tax: 12EUR per night, to be paid in advance
Extra cost
- 15-liter tanks
- Rental equipment and spareparts
- Softdrinks and alcoholic drinks
- 10 USD Tip per Guest and night
- Nitrox Course (incl. certification and material): 300EUR per item, to be paid in advance
Program
Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.
Days 2-10:
Departing & check dive. Safari according to the planned route.
Day 11:
2 dives on the last day. Return to the port.
Day 12:
Check-out from the yacht, group transfer to the airport.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
- After arrival at Male International Airport, you will be greeted by the boat's representative at 16:00 in the airport's Burger King restaurant and brought to the Amba.
- Earlier check-in is therefore unfortunately not possible
- After disembarkation, you will be transferred back to the airport
Dive sites you’ll see
Best of Maldives Central South: Ari - Vaavu - Meemu - Male Atolls (11 nights) (Male-Male)
Included
- 12 days/ 11 nights accommodation in the booked cabin category
- 2 to 3 dives per day (usually 3 dives per day), including one night dive and one sunset dive per trip
- Airport transfers to and from the safari ship on the day of embarkation and disembarkation
- Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, fruits and dinner
- Water, tea, instant coffee, juice for breakfast
- Daily room cleaning, room towels, sunbed towels, diving towels, hand and body wash, shampoo
- Diving weights and weight belts
- 17% Tourism Sales Tax
- Nitroxfilling (no price reduction if unavailable)
- Dive guide service
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Service Charge: 10 % from guest’s booking amount, to be paid in advance
- Green Tax: 12EUR per night, to be paid in advance
Extra cost
- 15-liter tanks
- Rental equipment and spareparts
- Softdrinks and alcoholic drinks
- 10 USD Tipp per Guest and night in cash recommended
- Nitrox Course (incl. certification and material): 220EUR per item, to be paid in advance
Program
Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.
Days 2-10:
Departing & check dive. Safari according to the planned route.
Day 11:
2 dives on the last day. Return to the port.
Day 12:
Check-out from the yacht, group transfer to the airport.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
- After arrival at Male International Airport, you will be greeted by the boat's representative at 16:00 in the airport's Burger King restaurant and brought to the Amba.
- Earlier check-in is therefore unfortunately not possible
- After disembarkation, you will be transferred back to the airport
Dive sites you’ll see
Best of Central (7 nights) (Male-Male)
Included
- 8 days/ 7 nights accommodation in the booked cabin category
- 2 to 3 dives per day (usually 3 dives per day), including one night dive and one sunset dive per trip
- Airport transfers to and from the safari ship on the day of embarkation and disembarkation
- Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, fruits, dinner
- drinking water, tea, instant coffee, sirop-juice all day
- Daily room cleaning, room towels, sunbed towels, diving towels, soap, shampoo
- Diving weights and weight belts
- 17% Tourism Sales Tax
- Nitroxfilling
- Dive guide service
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Green Tax: 12EUR per night, to be paid in advance
Extra cost
- 15-liter tanks
- Rental equipment (no wetsuits available)
- Softdrinks and alcoholic drinks
- 10 USD Tip per Guest and night
- Nitrox Course (incl. certification and material): 300EUR per item, to be paid in advance
Program
Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.
Days 2-6:
Departing & check dive. Safari according to the planned route.
Day 7:
2 dives on the last day. Return to the port.
Day 8:
Check-out from the yacht, group transfer to the airport.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
- After arrival at Male International Airport, you will be greeted by the boat's representative at 16:00 in the airport's Burger King restaurant and brought to the Amba.
- Earlier check-in is therefore unfortunately not possible
- After disembarkation, you will be transferred back to the airport
Dive sites you’ll see
Hanifaru Manta & Whaleshark Special - Baa & Raa Atoll (8 nights) (Male-Male)
Included
- 9 days/ 8 nights accommodation in the booked cabin category
- 2 to 3 dives per day (usually 3 dives per day), including one night dive and one sunset dive per trip
- Airport transfers to and from the safari ship on the day of embarkation and disembarkation
- Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, fruits and dinner
- Water, tea, instant coffee, juice all day
- Daily room cleaning, room towels, sunbed towels, diving towels, hand and body wash, shampoo
- Diving weights and weight belts
- 17% Tourism Sales Tax
- Nitroxfilling (no price reduction if unavailable)
- Dive guide service
- Servicecharge (this should not be confused with a tip)
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Green Tax: 12EUR per night, to be paid in advance
Extra cost
- 15-liter tanks
- Rental equipment and spareparts
- Softdrinks and alcoholic drinks
- 20 USD Hanifaru Bay visit per Visit
- 10 USD Tip per Guest and night
- Nitrox Course (incl. certification and material): 300EUR per item, to be paid in advance
Program
Day 1:
Guests are greeted at the airport by the crew at noon (12:00 PM). For those arriving later, pickups are arranged at a pre-scheduled time.
Upon boarding the AMBA liveaboard, guests are welcomed with a refreshing drink and lime-scented towel. A brief orientation is provided by the tour guide, covering the ship's layout and the day's schedule. Guests can then settle into their cabins and freshen up.
At 5:00 PM, check-in documents are checked, followed by equipment assembly on the dive boat (Dhoni) with assistance from the dive crew.
Dinner is served at 6:30 PM, after which the crew is introduced, and a comprehensive safety briefing about the boat is conducted. The evening is spent relaxing or mingling with fellow guests after the journey and adjusting your diving computer with the help of the dive crew.
Day 2-6:
Each day offers 2–3 dives, typically 3 unless long crossings are required. These dives take place from Dhoni and include one night dive per trip.
Dive sites are carefully selected, with detailed briefings available in English to prepare guests for each dive. The briefing can be translated into German.
The Maldives offers breathtaking underwater experiences, from coral gardens to encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks, bull sharks, guitar rays, and other marine life.
Dives are conducted in self-reliant buddy teams. Experienced dive guides accompany groups to highlight the best aspects of each site. Divers must be capable of independent ascents in buddy teams using surface marker buoys when necessary.
Whenever we are close by the Hanifaru Bay and the Rangers are calling us that there are Mantas or and Whalesharks, even if we are on the way to a dive, we will right away cancel the dive and move to the Hanifaru Bay or close by to snorkel with the Giants. Guests need to be aware that we will not be able to complete the full 3 dives.
Day 7:
The final dive is scheduled for 8:00 AM on the day before disembarkation.
After the last dive, equipment can be rinsed in freshwater tanks and left to dry before packing.
Guests are invited to explore the capital, Malé, in the afternoon from 4 until 6 pm. The official farewell takes place in the evening at 6:30, followed by dinner.
Day 8:
Check-out is before 08:30 AM. A light breakfast is provided, with earlier check-outs available upon request. Unfortunately, late check-outs are not possible due to cleaning and preparation for the next trip.
Guests with late flights can store luggage in airport lockers and use the time to explore nearby islands or relax at the airport hotel, which offers access to a pool and alcoholic beverages
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
Best of Maldives Central South: Ari - Vaavu - Meemu - Male Atolls (14 nights) (Male-Male)
Included
- 15 days/ 14 nights accommodation in the booked cabin category
- 2 to 3 dives per day (usually 3 dives per day), including one night dive and one sunset dive per trip
- Airport transfers to and from the safari ship on the day of embarkation and disembarkation
- Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, fruits and dinner
- Water, tea, instant coffee, juice for breakfast
- Daily room cleaning, room towels, sunbed towels, diving towels, hand and body wash, shampoo
- Diving weights and weight belts
- 17% Tourism Sales Tax
- Nitroxfilling (no price reduction if unavailable)
- Dive guide service
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Obligatory surcharges
- Diving/Travel insurance
- Service Charge: 10 % from guest’s booking amount, to be paid in advance
- Green Tax: 12EUR per night, to be paid in advance
Extra cost
- 15-liter tanks (to be preordered and prepaid)
- Rental equipment and spareparts
- Softdrinks and alcoholic drinks
- 10 USD Tipp per Guest and night in cash recommended
- Nitrox Course (incl. certification and material): 220EUR per item, to be paid in advance
Program
Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.
Days 2-13:
Departing & check dive. Safari according to the planned route.
Day 14:
2 dives on the last day. Return to the port.
Day 15:
Check-out from the yacht, group transfer to the airport.
Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons
- After arrival at Male International Airport, you will be greeted by the boat's representative at 16:00 in the airport's Burger King restaurant and brought to the Amba.
- Earlier check-in is therefore unfortunately not possible
- After disembarkation, you will be transferred back to the airport