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Emperor Leo Liveaboard, Maldives

from
USD
247
per day
Free Nitrox up to 32% via membrane system
Dedicated 19.8 m diving dhoni with camera facilities and charging stations
Boat prices include taxes, park fees, and fuel surcharges

Emperor Leo is a four-deck Maldives liveaboard operating 7-night itineraries across the Maldives. Built with a wooden hull and accommodating up to 24 guests, the vessel combines dedicated diving facilities with open-air leisure spaces and ensuite cabin accommodation.

Boat Interior

The main deck features an air-conditioned saloon with sofas, a TV, books, board games, and a bar. Dining is arranged in an open buffet style with local and international dishes served throughout the trip. Tea, coffee, and water are available throughout the day, while soft drinks, juices, cocktails, wine, and beer are available onboard.

Outdoor spaces include an upper deck seating area with tables and deckchairs, while the sun deck is arranged with sunbeds and bean bags. A Jacuzzi is located on the main deck.

Cabin Types

Accommodation is arranged across 12 ensuite cabins located on the upper and lower decks. All cabins are equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, wall fans, towels, and mini safes.

Standard Twin/Double Cabin

Located on the lower deck, Standard Twin/Double Cabins measure approximately 9 m² and are fitted with twin beds. Cabins 1 and 8 can be converted into double-bed layouts on request. Each cabin includes portholes and an ensuite bathroom measuring approximately 3 m².

Standard Double Cabin

Standard Double Cabins are located on the lower deck and measure approximately 9 m². Each cabin is equipped with a double bed, portholes, and an ensuite bathroom measuring approximately 3 m².

Standard Twin Cabin

Located on the upper deck, Standard Twin Cabins measure approximately 7 to 9 m² and are fitted with twin beds. Cabins 10 and 11 can be converted into double-bed layouts on request. These cabins include windows and ensuite bathrooms ranging from 1.5 to 3 m².

Suite Double

Suite Double accommodation is located on the upper deck and measures approximately 16 m². The cabin is arranged with a double bed and sofa bed together with windows and an ensuite bathroom measuring approximately 7 m².

Dive Deck

Diving operations are conducted from a dedicated 19.8 m dhoni staffed by 3 crew members and equipped with charging stations, rinse tanks, a camera table, oxygen, and dive towels. The vessel carries 2 × Coltri compressors with a total capacity of 630 litres per minute together with a Nitrox membrane system offering complimentary Nitrox fills up to 32%, subject to availability.

Standard tanks are 11.1-litre aluminium cylinders, while 13.2-litre tanks, stage tanks, and twin sets are available on request. DIN tanks and INT adaptors are available onboard. Equipment rental, spare equipment, and selected PADI courses can be arranged before departure.

Safety and Navigation

Navigation and communication equipment includes GPS chart plotter, VHF radio, CB radio, satellite phone, and compass. Safety equipment includes life jackets, fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, carbon monoxide monitors, EPIRB, oxygen kits, First Aid kits, AED units, and onboard firefighting systems.

The boat maintains a night watch during operations. Dive briefings are conducted before dives.

Non-diving Activities

Non-diving guests may join snorkelling activities where conditions and itinerary permit. Between dives, guests can relax in the air-conditioned saloon, spend time on the sun deck, or watch films from the onboard movie library. BBQ evenings and selected land visits may also be arranged depending on itinerary and weather conditions.

Itineraries

Itineraries include Best of Maldives and Discover Best of Maldives routes operating year-round with departures and returns in Male. Trips explore Rasdhoo Atoll, North and South Ari Atolls, Vaavu Atoll, and North and South Male Atolls across 7-night schedules with up to 17 dives, including one night dive.

Dive conditions may include channels, pinnacles, cleaning stations, reef dives, and drift dives with opportunities to encounter reef fish, morays, turtles, manta rays, eagle rays, nurse sharks, and other pelagic species. Selected itineraries may also include visits to sites such as Fish Head and Alimatha in Vaavu Atoll.

Routes remain flexible and may change according to sea conditions, weather, and the discretion of the captain and cruise director.

When to Go

The Maldives experiences warm tropical conditions throughout the year, with water temperatures generally remaining between 27°C and 30°C. Conditions vary between the northeast and southwest monsoon seasons, bringing changes in rainfall, visibility, and sea conditions across different itineraries.

Boat for Photographers

Photography facilities onboard include charging stations, camera rinse tanks, a camera table, and an air gun. Guests are advised not to leave charging equipment unattended inside cabins

This liveaboard is unavailable for individual bookings or available only for charters.You can explore other liveaboards in Maldives  or send us a Group Request

Cabins

Standard Twin/Double Cabin
Lower Deck

Standard Twin/Double Cabin

2 Guests
Standard Double Cabin
Lower Deck

Standard Double Cabin

2 Guests
Standard Twin Cabin
Upper Deck

Standard Twin Cabin

2 Guests
Suite Double
Upper Deck

Suite Double

2 Guests
Boat plan
Boat deck plan

Boat Specification

Year built / Renovation
2009 / 2025
Number of cabins
12
Dive guides to divers ratio
1:6
Groups or charters
Yes
Gear rental
Surcharge
Wi-Fi
Surcharge
Nitrox
Free
Fleet/Managing company
Emperor Fleet
Length and width
34 m / 9.4 m
Capacity
24
Tenders
19.8m diving dhoni
Material
Wood
Languages crew speak
English, German, Spanish
Power plugs onboard
220V & 110V UK 3-pin sockets
Engines
500 HP Mitsubishi
Generator
2 x 40KVA
Tech diving friendly
No
Handicapped Friendly
No
Compressors
2 x Coltri
Nitrox Membrane
Yes
Freshwater maker
15,000/day

Dive Facilities

  • Rebreather Support
  • Compressors
  • Tenders for Diving
  • Tech Diving
  • DIN Adaptors

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
  • Child Friendly
  • Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
  • Hot Tub / Jacuzzi
  • Land Excursions

Photographer Facilities

  • Separate Rinsing Tanks for U/W Camera
  • Camera Table
  • Charging Stations

Frequently Asked Questions About Emperor Leo

Liveaboard Diving in the Deep South Atolls of Maldives

The atolls of Addu, Fuvahmulah, and Huvadhu in the far south are best visited between December and March for an extraordinary shark diving and pelagic sightings experience. The furthermost corners of these atolls are, in fact, a world apart in marine life and diving experiences. The Huvadhu Atoll offers some of the deepest lagoons in the Maldives with plenty of nutrient-rich channels like Vilingilli, Koodoo, and Mareehaa. The sites attract grey reef sharks, silkies, hammerheads, and whale sharks, which often patrol the sites at night. Fuvahmulah is a remote oceanic island with exceptional visibility that has gained some reputation for encounters with tiger sharks, threshers, silkie sharks, and grey-tipped reef sharks on the southern plateaux.

Addu Atoll offers historic and natural attractions: the wreck of the HMS British Loyalty, a WWII relic, and the Manta Cleaning Station at Maa Kandu. Demon Corner, a softer dive, offers a gentle drift dive in either direction to either end or start your journey. Unique underwater landscapes with diverse marine life make the Deep South an exceptional destination for experienced divers in search of thrilling encounters

Temperature of the water in Maldives

The water temperature is also quite constant throughout the year in the Maldives, at a range from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F). Central Atolls have the best average temperature between 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F), while Deep South Atolls average from 27°C to 29°C (81°F to 84°F), especially during the peak diving season from December to March. The warmth of the waters ensures that divers can get by with much lighter exposure suits; a 3mm wetsuit or shorty should normally be enough

Is It Possible to See Mantas When Diving in the Maldives?

Manta rays are obviously the trump card for diving in the Maldives, and you can find them all through the year on different cleaning stations and feeding areas of the country. But the number of sightings is much larger in some places and at specific times of the year. In the Central Atolls, manta rays gather on cleaning stations around Ari Atoll from November to April during the NE monsoon. Not on all itineraries, Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll is world-famous for its aggregations of mantas from May to November. In the Deep South Atolls, oceanic mantas are commonly seen around Fuvahmulah and Addu Atolls between December and March. Plankton blooms, currents, and the selection of dive sites all impact the sighting of mantas. The dive guides and cruise directors do their best to optimize these chances during every trip

What Shark Species Can Be Seen in the Maldives?

The Maldives is considered one of the best places in the world to see sharks, and it has a diversity of shark species throughout its waters. Reef sharks are common in the nutrient-rich channels of all atolls and include grey, white-tip, and black-tip reef sharks. Whale sharks appear often on daytime dives as well as nighttime ones, passing often in the South Ari Marine Protected Area and sometimes down at the Deep South Atolls. Tiger sharks are the highlight of Fuvahmulah dives and a regular appearance in the southern areas. Hammerheads, though much rarer, occasionally appear at early morning dives, in deeper waters of Huvadhu Atoll. Silky sharks are often present around channels in the Deep South, Huvadhu. Thresher sharks, though rare, but thrilling, are sometimes encountered near the deep-water plateaus of Fuvahmulah. Silvertip sharks are an elegant species that can frequently be found in the nutrient-rich channels of the southern atolls.

Stronger currents and heightened marine activity during the northeast monsoon offer very favorable conditions for shark diving. The opportunities to see a great variety of shark species cannot be paralleled anywhere else than from the southern atolls right up to the central reefs

What happens on the arrival day and on the last day of a liveaboard trip?

Upon arrival, guests will have a safety briefing, be introduced to the crew, and fill out paperwork for their check dive. Cabins will be allocated and a general orientation of the boat gets everyone comfortable with the layout and facilities. Upon arrival day, the boat stays in port, and it will leave early the next morning. The first dive is done as a check dive near the port to get everyone comfortable and ready for the rest of the journey.

A final morning dive is planned on the last day of diving, allowing for an 18-hour no-fly rule prior to reaching altitude. The boat will return to port at approximately 1 p.m. and will stay moored overnight. If desired, the guests can go onto land in the afternoon, which will allow them to get a good stretch and have a quick look around if they so desire. Evening: Divers pack their equipment and settle outstanding bills in preparation for an early morning drive to the airport

Emperor Leo Reviews

4.6
Excellent
15 verified reviews
Cabins & Facilities
Food & drinks
Guiding & Safety
Service & Infrastructure
5.0
Great boat with amazing crew
Great boat with amazing crew
Service & Infrastructure
Guiding & Safety
Food & drinks
Cabins & Facilities
2026-05-12by H. Juan 
4.5
Very good cruise director and yummy meals
The boat is very comfortable and has the right size for her number of guests. The food is really delicious (Chef Dickson!!). The cruise director, Jules, is the best I had on any other boat. He is an excellent and elegant diver, and his personality is perfect for the job! Kind with a good sense of humour, social and friendly, he knows how to bring a safe and relaxed atmosphere onboard and during the dives. All the dive guides were experienced and knew the dive sites very well. The South trip with all the channels requires good experience with strong currents and a low air consumption if you want to really enjoy your dives. The cabins are very comfortable. There are clothes racks to dry your clothes and swimsuits on the upper deck. Safety is taken very seriously on the boat, with thorough safety briefind, safety drills and dive guides who really take care of the divers underwater. With their all inclusive prices (except tips and special drinks), Emperor is really a very reliable operation in the Maldives. Everything is so well organised from the minute you stepped on the dhoni. You will find a basket with your name where you can put your diving gear before stepping on the big boat. The deck towels are numbered with your cabin number with a whaleshark or a manta. Bedsheets and towels are replaced at least midweek, or before if necessary. The barman is always smiling and here to help. The boat captain is very friendly and experienced, making the trip very safe. The dhony captain and crew did also a super job at dropping us at the right spot and picking us up after the dives.
Service & Infrastructure
Guiding & Safety
Food & drinks
Cabins & Facilities
2026-03-27by M. Anne 
4.3
Would book again
The boat is in good condition, the cabins are spacious and equipped with everything you need. The boat crew is great and took good care of everything around the clock, the food was always good and plentiful. The guides were all nice, although unfortunately our guide was a disappointment underwarter. Determining the currents and the respective drops seemed to be rather difficult, with an accuracy rate of about 50%. I would book the route (Southern Sharks) again.
Service & Infrastructure
Guiding & Safety
Food & drinks
Cabins & Facilities
2026-02-10by T. Kristina 

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Emperor Leo Liveaboard Itineraries

Best of Maldives (7 nights) (Male-Male)

7 nights nights, ±17 dives,
Male
Male International Airport (MLE)
Male
Male International Airport (MLE)
Requirements: Minimum 10 dives, OWD or equivalent

Included

  • Accommodation
  • Diving (2-3 dives/day, incl. 1 night dive; 2 dives on the last day)
  • Full board
  • 12 l tanks and weights
  • Dive guide
  • Nitrox
  • Government taxes and green tax
  • BBQ dinner on local island (weather allowing)
  • Scheduled group transfer airport - yacht - airport
  • Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)

Extra cost

  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa
  • Private transfer
  • Equipment rental
  • 15 l tanks rental
  • Diving courses
  • Alcoholic and soft beverages
  • GST 17% on all goods and services purchased on board
  • Crew gratuities
  • Travel insurance

Program

Beautiful channels with magical soft corals
Whale sharks, grey reef sharks
Multiple manta cleaning stations
Macro wreck

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.
Rasdhoo Atoll: hammerhead dive, beautiful reef with pelagics.
North Ari Atoll: grey reef sharks, maaya thila night dive, multiple manta cleaning stations.
South Ari Atoll: whale sharks, beautiful pinnacles.
South Male Atoll: grey reef sharks, eagle rays, other pelagics, beautiful macro wreck.
Vaavu Atoll: Beautiful channels with magical soft corals and pelagic delights. Action-packed night dive with nurse sharks and others.
North Male Atoll: Beautiful pinnacles.

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 


Departure
  • All transfers to/from the liveaboards on the check-in day (usually Saturday or Sunday) will be met at Male (Velana) International Airport by a representative, wearing an Emperor Maldives T-shirt and holding an Emperor Maldives sign. -
  • The meeting point is beside the Help Desk. - Emperor arranged transfers depart from the airport to the boat at 11:00, 13:00 and 16:00 and are free of charge.
  • Guests who use the 11:00 transfer accept that the boat will not be fully cleaned or ready. A light sandwich style snack will be provided for lunch.
  • If you do not wish to wait for one of the above transfers or you arrive after the last transfer, taxis are available at the airport. Boat's airport representative will be happy to help you, however, please note that boarding may not be possible before 13:00.
  • If you are already in the Maldives, you should make your way to the airport for the 16:00 transfer
Return
  • Check out is at 07:00 on the last day of the cruise and guests will be in the airport by 07:30.
  • For guests continuing their holiday in the Maldives at a resort, hotel or another liveaboard, your on-going transfers need to be arranged by you from the airport

Best of Maldives (10 nights) (Male-Male)

10 nights nights, ±26 dives,
Male
Male International Airport (MLE)
Male
Male International Airport (MLE)
Requirements: Minimum 10 dives, OWD or equivalent

Included

  • Accommodation
  • Diving (2-3 dives/day, incl. 1 night dive; 2 dives on the last day)
  • Full board
  • 12 l tanks and weights
  • Dive guide
  • Nitrox
  • Government taxes and green tax
  • BBQ dinner on local island (weather allowing)
  • Scheduled group transfer airport - yacht - airport
  • Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)

Extra cost

  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa
  • Private transfer
  • Equipment rental
  • 15 l tanks rental
  • Diving courses
  • Alcoholic and soft beverages
  • GST 17% on all goods and services purchased on board
  • Crew gratuities
  • Travel insurance

Program

Beautiful channels with magical soft corals
Whale sharks, grey reef sharks
Multiple manta cleaning stations
Long trip - explore more

Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.

Days 2-9:
Departing & check dive. Safari according to the planned route.
Rasdhoo Atoll: hammerhead dive, beautiful reef with pelagics.
North Ari Atoll: grey reef sharks, maaya thila night dive, multiple manta cleaning stations.
South Ari Atoll: whale sharks, beautiful pinnacles.
South Male Atoll: grey reef sharks, eagle rays, other pelagics, beautiful macro wreck.
Vaavu Atoll: beautiful channels with magical soft corals and pelagic delights. Action-packed night dive with nurse sharks and others.
North Male Atoll: beautiful pinnacles.

Day 10:
2 dives on the last day. Return to the port.

Day 11:
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 


Departure
  • All transfers to/from the liveaboards on the check-in day (usually Saturday or Sunday) will be met at Male (Velana) International Airport by a representative, wearing an Emperor Maldives T-shirt and holding an Emperor Maldives sign.
  • The meeting point is beside the Help Desk.
  • Emperor arranged transfers depart from the airport to the boat at 11:00, 13:00, and 16:00 and are free of charge.
  • Guests who use the 11:00 transfer accept that the boat will not be fully cleaned or ready. A light sandwich style snack will be provided for lunch.
  • If you do not wish to wait for one of the above transfers or you arrive after the last transfer, taxis are available at the airport. Boat's airport representative will be happy to help you, however, please note that boarding may not be possible before 13:00.
  • If you are already in the Maldives, you should make your way to the airport for the 16:00 transfer
Return
  • Check out is at 07:00 on the last day of the cruise and guests will be at the airport by 07:30.
  • For guests continuing their holiday in the Maldives at a resort, hotel or another liveaboard, your on-going transfers need to be arranged by you from the airport