Emperor Explorer II Liveaboard, Maldives

Emperor Explorer II is the flagship of the Emperor fleet in the Maldives, designed to provide a high level of space and comfort alongside structured dive operations. As the largest vessel in the fleet in this region, it combines wide indoor and outdoor areas with a separate diving dhoni, allowing guests to experience both relaxed onboard living and efficient diving logistics. The layout, large windows, and overall design emphasise natural light and open space while maintaining a practical setup for multi-day liveaboard trips across the Maldives.

Cabin Types

All cabins on Emperor Explorer II are air-conditioned, with ensuite bathrooms, showers, and towels provided. Hairdryers are available on request, and each cabin includes individually controlled air conditioning.

Upper Deck Suite Twin

Upper deck suites feature large windows, a queen-sized double bed and a single bed. These cabins are positioned for natural light and views, with ensuite bathrooms and standard onboard amenities.

Main Deck Suite Twin

Main deck suites include a king-sized double bed and a single bed, along with windows, individually controlled air conditioning, and an ensuite bathroom with shower.

Lower Deck Twin

Lower deck twin cabins are arranged with a double and a single bed. They include portholes, individually controlled air conditioning, and an ensuite bathroom with shower.

Lower Deck Double

Lower deck double cabins are fitted with a double bed and include portholes, individually controlled air conditioning, and an ensuite bathroom with shower.

Boat Interior

The main deck features an air-conditioned lounge with sofas, a TV, and a combined library of books, music, and movies. A dining area and internationally stocked bar are also located here, creating a central social space. The upper deck offers outdoor seating with deckchairs and beanbags, along with an additional bar area. The sun deck is arranged with sunbeds, deckchairs, and beanbags, providing multiple levels of outdoor relaxation.

Food & Drinks

Dining is served in the main deck dining area, supported by an internationally stocked bar. The onboard setup is designed around shared meals and social time between dives, with drinks and refreshments available across indoor and outdoor areas.

Dive Deck

Diving is conducted from a dedicated 24-metre dhoni, staffed by three crew members and equipped with compressors, oxygen, first aid equipment, and an AED. The setup includes four dive guides, allowing for structured dive groups. Tanks include S80 aluminium as standard, with larger tanks available on request. Free Nitrox up to 32% is available via a membrane system. Camera facilities include charging stations, an air gun, rinse tanks, and a camera table. Full equipment rental is available and must be arranged in advance.

Safety

Safety provisions include oxygen, a comprehensive first aid setup, and an AED on board. The dhoni is fully equipped to support emergency response during dive operations.

Itineraries

Emperor Explorer II operates several Maldives itineraries across central and southern atolls.

The Best of Maldives and Sharktastic itineraries focus on Male and Ari Atolls, including channels, pinnacles, and cleaning stations. Night dives with nurse sharks are a key feature, alongside encounters with manta rays, reef fish, turtles, moray eels, eagle rays, and macro life. Hammerhead sharks and whale sharks are also possible.

The Southern Sharks Adventure extends over 14 nights and includes Fuvahmulah, Huvadhoo, Addu, Laamu, Thaa, Meemu, Vaavu, and South Male Atolls. Highlights include tiger sharks, thresher sharks, manta cleaning stations, whale sharks at night, and the WWII wreck HMS British Loyalty.

The Deep South itinerary focuses on Fuvahmulah, Huvadhoo, and Addu Atolls, with strong currents and drift diving conditions, making it more suitable for experienced divers. Encounters include tiger sharks, oceanic manta rays, thresher sharks, and grey reef sharks.

Across all routes, itineraries remain flexible, with dive planning adapted to conditions rather than following a fixed schedule