Soleil 2 Liveaboard, Maldives

Soleil 2 is a 40.5-metre liveaboard launched in November 2015 for diving cruises across the Maldives.

Boat Interior

The alfresco area gives guests an outdoor place to spend time between dives, while the onboard bar provides a separate setting for drinks and socializing. Wi-Fi is available through a local mobile network, with data packages available for purchase and coverage dependent on location.

Food & Drinks

Meals are freshly prepared by the onboard chef and served buffet-style, with a mix of Maldivian flavours and international cuisine. Full board includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with complimentary water, tea and coffee. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals, as well as food allergies, can be accommodated when requested at least two weeks before departure.

Cabin Types

Cabins are arranged across the lower, main and upper decks. Standard Twin Cabins on the lower deck have two single beds, with some arranged with one double and one single bed, while Standard Double Cabins have two queen-size beds. Main-deck Master Suites can be configured with one king-size bed or two single beds, and upper-deck Balcony Suites offer the same flexible bedding together with a private balcony. Cabins are air-conditioned and have a private bathroom with a hot-water shower, while towels and basic bathroom amenities are provided onboard.

Dive Deck

Four to five divemasters are normally onboard, with each guide leading four to six divers. Weekly packages include up to 17 air dives, with additional dives available at extra cost depending on conditions, the group’s pace and availability.

Nitrox is available to certified divers for an additional charge, and Nitrox courses are offered onboard. Rental equipment includes BCDs, regulators, wetsuits and dive computers, with advance reservation recommended.

Non-diving Activities

Non-divers can join snorkelling at selected dive sites, while itineraries may also include island excursions and sightseeing stops. Basic fishing equipment is available for guests who would like to try fishing during the cruise.

Itineraries

Soleil 2 operates seven-night itineraries across the Central Maldives, Baa Atoll and the Deep South, with around 18 dives per trip.

Central Maldives routes explore areas such as Malé, Ari, Vaavu and Rasdhoo, with diving that may include channels, thilas and manta cleaning stations. Possible encounters include manta rays, reef sharks, pelagic species and a range of reef fish.

Baa Atoll departures focus on Hanifaru Bay and the surrounding region, with opportunities for snorkelling and possible encounters with manta rays and whale sharks.

Deep South routes connect areas including Addu, Fuvahmulah and Gaafu Alif, where channel diving and stronger currents form part of the experience. Possible encounters may include whale sharks and several shark species.

When to Go

Diving is possible year-round in the Maldives. November to April generally brings more stable, sunny weather and calmer seas, while May to October tends to be windier with rougher conditions. Hanifaru Bay departures operate during a shorter seasonal window, with August to October bringing plankton-rich waters that may attract manta rays and whale sharks