Emperor Voyager, Maldives

For first-timers, liveaboard itineraries may turn out to be too many to look at in the Maldives. Usually, people do not know what is in store for them underwater in each atoll. The good thing is that most of the liveaboard routes have typical trajectories, despite having different labels assigned by various operators. These typical itineraries are designed to offer guests the most beautiful dive sites of the Maldives, ensuring divers get the best of every atoll. Be it exhilarating channel dives, manta cleaning stations, or laid-back reef explorations, each itinerary offers something unique. Your key to selecting an itinerary that will cater to your diving preference and experience level is to understand the main features of each route

This is a diving trip that will take you to the most well-known dive sites across the atolls of Male, Ari, and Vaavu in the Maldives for pinnacle dives, channel drift dives, and more. Divers will visit cleaning stations where mantas and reef sharks can be seen without disrupting their routines. The route includes highlights like Fish Head in Ari Atoll, a protected pinnacle known for its resident turtles, patrolling grey reef sharks, and fusiliers pursued by trevallies. Overhangs and schools of blue line snapper complete the vibrant scene. Highlights include a night dive at Alimatha in Vaavu Atoll. The site is known for its nurse sharks, some of which reach three meters in length and congregate here every evening to offer divers a thrilling experience. Overall, the underwater life that may be encountered throughout the trip could include mantas, eagle rays, turtles, morays, and plenty of macro life. Hammerheads and whale sharks can also appear on occasion. It tailors the route to current weather, currents, and activity of marine life to ensure optimal diving conditions. This flexibility means that each tour can explore as much as possible of the underwater treasures in the Maldives

In the Maldives, diving is possible all year round with two distinct monsoon seasons. The northeast monsoon from November to April brings drier conditions and much better visibility. On the other hand, during the southwest monsoon from May to November, nutrient-rich waters offer better pelagic activity. Temperatures stay pretty constant at 25-30°C with water temperature at 27-30°C. Thermoclines might be experienced occasionally below 20 meters, especially during the change of monsoon shifts. Divers who wish to see large pelagics may prefer the wet season, while those valuing visibility may prefer the dry season. The seasons have their merits depending on what a diver is looking for

The Maldives offer a unique biodiversity, with more than 2,000 species of fish inhabiting dynamic coral ecosystems. During channel dives, reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and grey reef sharks are expected, mantas visit cleaning stations, and eagle rays and stingrays glide down the edges of the reef. Whale sharks are a key highlight and are often seen in deeper channels or near the surface. The sea turtles, such as hawksbill and green turtles, often come across in coral gardens. Bright reef fishes like fusiliers, butterflyfish, and parrotfish, with larger species like trevallies and groupers. Add to this the rich variety of marine life-moray eels in many of the reef crevices. Spinner dolphins, playful at times, near to the surface, are quite a thrill to spot during surface intervals or at dive sites near the atolls. Every dive in the Maldives is a new possibility to observe the interactions of diverse marine species, making it one of the best destinations for those who enjoy going underwater