Princess Maani Liveaboard, Maldives

Princess Maani is a 42-metre liveaboard operating diving safaris throughout the Maldives. The vessel accommodates up to 28 guests in 14 en-suite cabins across the lower, main, and upper decks.

Boat Interior

The air-conditioned saloon provides a shared space for relaxing between activities, with audio and video entertainment available. Meals are served buffet-style in the indoor dining area, while an al fresco dining space offers an open-air alternative. Western and local dishes are prepared onboard, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly meals available with advance notice.

Outdoor areas include a sundeck furnished with sunbeds and beanbags, along with leisure and observation decks. Two jacuzzis are located on the upper deck, and the cocktail bar serves beer, wine, spirits, and mixed drinks at an additional cost.

Paid Wi-Fi is available when the boat is within mobile coverage. Daily housekeeping is provided, while laundry service and massages can be arranged for an additional charge.

Cabin Types

All cabins are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms with warm-water showers.

Superior

Six Superior cabins are located on the lower deck and can be arranged for double, twin, or single occupancy. Two cabins are available only as twins, while one cabin can accommodate a third bed for families.

Each cabin has a personal safe, wardrobe, shelves, racks, and drawers for organizing belongings. An opening window is fitted in the cabin, with an opening porthole in the bathroom.

Deluxe I

Deluxe I cabins are positioned on the main deck at the same level as the restaurant. They offer forward-facing views through three large, non-opening windows and include storage for clothing and personal items.

Beds can be arranged as a double or separated into twins. Each cabin has a private bathroom with a shower.

Deluxe II

Located on the upper deck, Deluxe II cabins have elevated sea views through large, non-opening windows. King-size beds can be separated into twins, and each cabin has a private bathroom with a spacious shower.

Dive Deck

Diving takes place from Ruby, a 63-foot fibreglass diving dhoni that accompanies the main vessel. The dhoni provides equipment storage and transports divers to the planned entry and exit points. A shaded preparation area offers protection from the sun between dives.

Tanks, belts, and weights are provided. Free Nitrox is available, and both DIN and INT connections are supported. Dive towels and a freshwater rinsing station are also available.

Rental equipment can be arranged in advance, including BCDs, regulators, masks, fins, snorkels, wetsuits, dive computers, and 15-litre steel tanks. Diving and speciality courses may also be available depending on the itinerary and should be requested before departure.

Safety and Navigation

A check dive is conducted at a sheltered local site at the beginning of each trip. Currents in the Maldives can be strong and unpredictable, particularly around new and full moons, so divers should be comfortable with drift-diving conditions.

Dives are conducted in guided groups by a team familiar with the local dive sites and currents. Each diver must use a dive computer and surface marker buoy and carry a reef hook. A torch is required for night dives.

Solo and decompression diving are not permitted. An Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is required, while Advanced or Deep Diver training is recommended for itineraries that include deeper dives. Depth limits depend on certification and experience, with a maximum permitted depth of 30 metres when diving with an equally qualified buddy. Dive duration is generally limited to 45 minutes, and the final 24 hours before flying are kept free of diving.

Non-diving Activities

Non-divers and snorkellers can join selected activities during the cruise. Depending on the route, weather, and daily schedule, options may include accompanied snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and visits to sandbanks, desert islands, and local communities.

Non-divers and snorkellers can join selected activities during the cruise. Kayaks and SUP boards are available onboard, along with snorkelling and fishing trips, and visits to sandbanks, desert islands, and local islands may be arranged depending on the itinerary, weather, and daily schedule.

Evening and shoreside activities may include beach barbecues, sunset happy hours, marine biology talks, karaoke, and cinema nights. Central Atolls departures may also include an afternoon visit to Malé on the final day when conditions and local arrangements allow.

Itineraries

Princess Maani operates several routes across the Maldives. Best of Central Atolls departures explore the central region, while Manta Madness and Northern Highlights travel through northern and central atolls, including Baa Atoll and a snorkelling visit to Hanifaru Bay.

Wild Deep South itineraries visit Addu, Fuvahmulah, and Huvadhoo over nine or ten nights. The longer 10 Atolls, 2 Hemispheres route connects North Malé and Addu, travelling through central and southern atolls in either direction.

Most diving days include up to three dives. Seven-night routes generally include one night dive, while longer itineraries may include two. Dive sites and the daily schedule may change according to currents, weather, sea conditions, and guest experience.

When to Go

The southwest monsoon generally runs from mid-May through November and brings a greater chance of rain and unsettled weather. The northeast monsoon usually extends from January through March, with December and April serving as transitional months.

Water temperatures normally remain between 27 and 29°C throughout the year. Route availability varies by season, with northern Hanifaru itineraries and southern expeditions offered during selected departure periods.

Photography Facilities

Charging stations are available for cameras and other electronic equipment. Underwater camera equipment can be cleaned in a separate freshwater rinse area rather than the general equipment-rinsing station