Emperor Explorer Liveaboard, Maldives

Emperor Explorer is a 42-meter contemporary vessel built to deliver comfort and service across the Maldives. This wooden-hull liveaboard accommodates up to 26 guests in 13 high-spec cabins and offers diverse itineraries throughout the atolls. Emperor Maldives liveaboard routes range from Northern Highlights to Best of Maldives, catering to divers seeking both big pelagic encounters and reef diversity.

Boat Interior

Guest cabins include suites and twin or double configurations across the lower, main, and upper decks. All rooms offer individually controlled air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with USB connection, en-suite bathrooms with showers, and towels. Hairdryers are available upon request. Upper deck suites provide king-size beds and windows, while lower deck options feature portholes.

Services

The indoor air-conditioned saloon features comfortable seating, a dining area, board games, and a multimedia library. Outdoor areas include upper deck seating with beanbags and a sun deck with loungers and shaded zones.

Dive Deck

All diving operations are conducted from a separate 24-meter diving dhoni equipped with compressors, emergency equipment, and tank storage. A team of four dive guides manages the underwater program. Free Nitrox is provided, with tanks available in 11.1L and 13.2L sizes. PADI courses and equipment rental can be arranged in advance. Camera facilities include rinse tanks, air gun, a table, and charging stations.

Itineraries

Northern Highlights

This route covers North Male, North Ari, Rasdhoo, South Ari, and Baa Atoll, offering manta cleaning stations, reef dives, and the chance to snorkel in UNESCO-listed Hanifaru Bay. Expect sightings of turtles, reef sharks, macro life, and seasonal encounters with manta rays and whale sharks. Key sites include Lankan Manta Point, Fish Factory, Finger Point, and Fish Head.

Best Of Maldives

Emperor Explorer Maldives itinerary includes North Male, South Male, Ari, and Vaavu Atolls. Divers explore channels, pinnacles, and cleaning stations. Marine life features manta rays, reef sharks, nurse sharks during night dives, eagle rays, turtles, and occasional hammerheads and whale sharks. Sites like Fish Head are known for schooling fusiliers, snapper, and grey reef sharks.

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Cabins

Lower Deck Twin

Twin berth cabins are approximately 11–12 sqm and come with one double and one single bed, porthole, individually controlled air conditioning, flat-screen TV with USB connection, and an en-suite bathroom of 4–5 sqm. Two cabin towels are provided per guest, and hairdryers are available upon request.

Lower Deck Double

These cabins are around 9 sqm and feature a double bed, porthole, air conditioning, flat-screen TV with USB connection, and an en-suite bathroom of about 4.5 sqm. Two towels per guest are included, and hairdryers can be requested.

Main Deck Suite Twin

Suites on the main deck are approximately 18 sqm with windows, a king-sized double and a single bed, flat-screen TV with USB connection, and an en-suite bathroom of around 5 sqm. They include individually controlled air conditioning and two towels per guest. Hairdryers are available on request.

Upper Deck Suite Double

Located on the upper deck, these 14.5 sqm suites feature windows, a king-sized double bed, individually controlled air conditioning, flat-screen TV with USB connection, and a 5.5 sqm en-suite bathroom. Two cabin towels are provided per guest, and hairdryers are available upon request.

Upper Deck Twin

These cabins are about 9 sqm with a double and single bed, windows, individually controlled air conditioning, flat-screen TV with USB connection, and a 4 sqm en-suite bathroom. Hairdryers are available on request, and two cabin towels are included per guest.

Boat Specification

Dive Facilities

The dive dhoni is staffed with three crew members and includes compressors, AED, First Aid, and oxygen. Divers use SMBs, reef hooks, dive computers, and torches for night dives.

Boat navigation & safety

Navigation includes GPS chart plotter, VHF, CB radio, satellite phone, and mobile communication. Safety equipment comprises life jackets, AEDs, firefighting systems, smoke detectors, CO monitors, fire blankets, and night watch.

Food & Drinks

Meals are buffet-style with local and international options. Vegetarian and allergy-friendly diets can be catered to with advance notice. Ingredients are sourced locally, so specialty items may be limited. A complimentary glass of red wine (or beer/soft drink) is served with dinner.

Onboard Facilities

Facilities include air-conditioned lounges, open-air dining areas, international bars, sunbeds, and beanbags. Entertainment options include books, movies, and music.

Photographer Facilities

Facilities for underwater photography include rinse tanks, a dedicated camera table, compressed air for drying, and charging stations