Emperor Virgo Liveaboard, Maldives
Emperor Virgo is a four-deck Maldives liveaboard designed for diving safaris across the atolls. The vessel combines contemporary interiors with dedicated diving operations from a separate dhoni.
Boat Interior
Decorated in light wood with a contemporary style, the vessel features an air-conditioned lounge and dining area on the main deck with sofas, TV, and book, music, and movie libraries. An internationally stocked bar and outdoor seating area are located on the upper deck, while the sun deck is arranged with loungers for relaxation between dives.
Wi-Fi data packages are available for purchase onboard when signal coverage permits.
Cabin Types
Accommodation is arranged across the upper, main, and lower decks in a mix of twin and double cabin layouts. All cabins include individually controlled air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, towels, mini safes, and hairdryers available on request.
Lower Deck Twin Cabin
Twin Cabins are located on the lower deck and measure approximately 9 m². Cabins feature portholes and twin beds that can be converted into doubles on request. Ensuite bathrooms measure approximately 4.5 m².
Lower Deck Double Cabin
The Double Cabin is located on the lower deck and measures approximately 10.5 m². The cabin includes one double bed and one raised single bed suitable for a child up to 14 years old, together with windows and an ensuite bathroom measuring approximately 3 m².
Main Deck Twin / Double Cabin
Twin / Double Cabins are located on the main deck and measure approximately 9 m². Cabins feature windows and twin beds that can be converted into double beds on request. Ensuite bathrooms measure approximately 2 m².
Upper Deck Twin / Double Cabin
Twin / Double Cabins are located on the upper deck and measure approximately 10 m². Cabins feature windows and twin beds that can be converted into double beds on request. Ensuite bathrooms measure approximately 3.5 m².
Dive Deck
Diving operations are conducted from a dedicated 16.6 m dhoni staffed by 3 crew members and equipped with compressors, dive towels, charging stations, rinse tanks, an air gun, and a camera table.
Standard tanks are S80 11.1-litre aluminium cylinders, while C100 13.2-litre tanks, stage tanks, and twin sets are available on request. Nitrox up to 32% is available via a membrane system, subject to availability.
Equipment rental and diving courses can be arranged before arrival. All divers are required to use a dive computer, SMB, reef hook, and torch for night dives.
Safety and Navigation
Navigation and communication equipment includes GPS, VHF and CB radio systems, satellite phone communication, and mobile communication systems.
Safety equipment includes life jackets, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide monitors, firefighting systems, fire blankets, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, oxygen, First Aid equipment, AED units, EPIRB, and night watch monitoring. Emergency lighting and illuminated emergency plans are installed throughout lower deck areas and cabins.
Dive briefings are conducted before dives.
Non-diving Activities
Non-diving guests and snorkellers may participate in selected activities where itinerary and conditions permit. Between dives, guests can relax in the indoor lounge, outdoor seating areas, bar, and sun deck spaces throughout the vessel.
Films, books, music, and onboard entertainment are available onboard. Land visits may be arranged depending on the itinerary and conditions.
Itineraries
The Best of Maldives itinerary operates year-round with departures and returns in Male, exploring Rasdhoo Atoll, North and South Ari Atolls, Vaavu Atoll, and North and South Male Atolls. Trips are arranged as 7-night safaris with up to 17 dives, including one night dive.
Dive conditions may include channels, pinnacles, reef systems, cleaning stations, and drift dives with currents that can be unpredictable and strong. Marine life sightings may include manta rays, whale sharks, nurse sharks, grey reef sharks, reef fish, turtles, moray eels, eagle rays, fusiliers, trevally, blue line snapper, and macro life.
Selected itineraries may include dives at sites such as Fish Head and Alimatha in Vaavu Atoll. Diving is conducted from a dhoni to provide precise entry and exit points at dive sites.
The itinerary is suitable for all experience levels, including snorkellers and non-divers, although divers should be comfortable in currents. Adventure Dives and speciality courses are available onboard.
Dive sites and routes remain flexible and may change according to weather conditions and the discretion of the captain and cruise director.
When to Go
The Maldives experiences warm tropical conditions throughout the year, with air temperatures generally ranging between 25°C and 30°C and water temperatures usually remaining between 27°C and 30°C.
Conditions vary between monsoon seasons, bringing changes in rainfall, visibility, currents, and sea conditions across different itineraries.
Photography Facilities
Photography facilities onboard include charging stations, separate rinse tanks for underwater camera equipment, a camera table, camera stations, and an air gun located on the diving dhoni
Cabins
Twin Cabin
Twin Cabin
Twin Cabin
Deck:Lower Deck
Bedding:Twin Beds
Max occupancy:2 Guests
Number of Cabins:4 Cabins
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Yes
- Towels
- Toiletries
Lower deck twin cabins are approx. 9sqm with port holes, all cabins have twin beds and can be converted to doubles, on request; individually controlled air con. Ensuite bathroom approx. 4.5sqm with shower and 2 cabin towels per guest. Hairdryers available on request
Double Cabin
Double Cabin
Double Cabin
Size:10.5 m2
Deck:Lower Deck
Bedding:Double Bed + Twin Bed
Max occupancy:2 Guests
Number of Cabins:1 Cabin
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Yes
- Towels
- Toiletries
The lower deck double cabin is approx. 10.5sqm with windows, with a double and a raised single bed (suitable for a child up to 14 years old), individually controlled air con. Ensuite bathroom approx. 3sqm with shower and 2 cabin towels per guest. Hairdryers available on request
Twin / Double Cabin
Twin / Double Cabin
Twin / Double Cabin
Deck:Main Deck
Bedding:Double Bed or Twin Bed
Max occupancy:2 Guests
Number of Cabins:2 Cabins
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Yes
- Towels
- Toiletries
Main deck twin cabins are approx. 9sqm with windows, twin beds; can be converted to double beds, on request; individually controlled air con. Ensuite bathroom approx. 2sqm with shower and 2 cabin towels per guest. Hairdryers available on request
Twin / Double Cabin
Twin / Double Cabin
Twin / Double Cabin
Size:10 m2
Deck:Upper Deck
Bedding:Double Bed or Twin Bed
Max occupancy:2 Guests
Number of Cabins:2 Cabins
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Yes
- Towels
- Toiletries
Upper deck twin cabins are approx. 10sqm with windows, twin beds; can be converted to double beds, on request; individually controlled air con. Ensuite bathroom approx. 3.5sqm with shower and 2 cabin towels per guest. Hairdryers available on request
Boat Specification
Dive Facilities
- Warm Water Showers
- Rebreather Support
- Compressors
- Tenders for Diving
- Dive Deck
- DIN Adaptors
- Personal Storage Space
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
- Land Excursions
Photographer Facilities
- Camera & Photography Station
- Separate Rinsing Tanks for U/W Camera
- Camera Table
- Charging Stations
Frequently Asked Questions About Emperor Virgo
What is the best time to dive in the Maldives?
During the southwest monsoon, rainfall increases, but there are still ample clear, sunny days. This is usually a less busy period, so one can expect quieter dive sites and special opportunities for closer views of marine life. Seasonal itineraries are planned to coincide with the best dive sites for optimal conditions and marine activity
What marine life can be seen in the Maldives?
In the coral gardens, the macro enthusiast may also find creatures such as ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, and frogfish. Every trip will visit sites known for seasonal highlights, and every effort is made to find whale sharks and mantas during peak season
What are the depth and time limits for diving in the Maldives?
Dives are generally capped at 60 minutes to accommodate all participants and allow for efficient scheduling. Briefings on safety before each dive provide vital information about conditions, details of the site, and special precautions that may be necessary
Can non-divers come on liveaboard trips? Is snorkeling available?
Some dive sites or itineraries may not be suitable for snorkeling due to safety considerations. All non-divers and snorkellers must fill out a liability form at check-in before participating in any water activities
Similar Liveaboards
Emperor Virgo Liveaboard Itineraries
Best of Maldives (7 nights) (Male-Male)
Included
- Accommodation
- Diving (or snorkeling for snorkeling tours)
- Full board
- Afternoon snacks
- 1 BBQ dinner on local island (weather allowing)
- Unlimited drinking water, tea, coffee
- Dive guide
- 12 l tanks and weights
- Nitrox
- Scheduled group transfer airport - boat - airport
- Government taxes and bed tax
- Land visit
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Extra cost
- International and domestic flights
- Visa
- Private transfer
- 15 l tanks rental
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soft drinks, juices
- Equipment rental
- Personal expenses
- Crew gratuities
- Travel insurance
Program
Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport of Male. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.
Day 2-7:
● Rasdhoo Atoll: Hammerheads, beautiful reefs with pelagics.
● North Ari Atoll: Grey reef sharks, Fish Head, Maaya Thila, multiple manta ray cleaning.
stations and feeding grounds for year-round encounters.
● South Ari Atoll: Whale sharks, beautiful pinnacles, channels and walls.
● Vaavu Atoll: Schooling grey reef sharks, eagle rays.
● North and South Male’ Atoll: Beautiful pinnacles, pelagics and big fish.
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
Deep South (7 nights) (Kooddoo-Port of Gan Atoll)
Included
- Accommodation
- Diving (or snorkeling for snorkeling tours)
- Full board
- Afternoon snacks
- 1 BBQ dinner on local island (weather allowing)
- Unlimited drinking water, tea, coffee
- Dive guide
- 12 l tanks and weights
- Nitrox
- Scheduled group transfer airport - boat - airport
- Government taxes and bed tax
- Land visit
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Extra cost
- International and domestic flights
- Visa
- Private transfer
- 15 l tanks rental
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soft drinks, juices
- Equipment rental
- Personal expenses
- Crew gratuities
- Travel insurance
Program
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.
- Fuvahmulah; Tiger sharks, oceanic manta, and thresher sharks. Oceanic Island with incredible visibility.
- Huvadhu; Whale sharks at night, silver tips, grey reef sharks,s and many, many more.
- Addu Atoll; WWII wreck HMS British Loyalty and majestic manta cleaning stations.
December to March are the best times to dive the southerly Maldivian atolls and experience the shark action in these out-of-the-way dive sites between Huvadhu and Addu (Seenu) Atolls. Spend a week away from the madding crowds and dive Addu, Fuvahmula,h, and Huvadhu on the lookout for the Indian Ocean’s larger residents; tiger sharks, silver tips, grey reef sharks, whale sharks, and many, many more.
At Huvadhu, one of the deepest lagoons in the Maldives, the currents and channels are ideal for even more shark sightings including, hopefully, whale sharks and silkies, hammerheads, and grey sharks spotted most of the time.
You will dive into many of the world-class channels (kandus) here including; Vilingilli, Koodoo, Nilandhoo, and Mareehaa. In Fuvahmulah you can expect to meet tiger, silky, silver tip, and thresher sharks on the south plateaux.
Addu Atoll hosts the WWII wreck, HMS British Loyalty, as well as the popular majestic Manta Cleaning station Maa Kandu along with a more relaxing drift dive at Demon Corner to either start or end the trip with too.
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
- Arrival at Male Airport. Boat's guests should book a domestic flight to the Kadhdhoo Airport.
- You will be met by an Emperor Representative where possible and assisted with the check-in formalities for your flight.
- Check in with the domestic airline will commence 2 hrs prior to departure and will close 1 hr prior departure
- 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
Dive sites you’ll see
Deep South & Southern Sharks (14 nights) (Port of Gan Atoll-Male)
Included
- Accommodation
- Diving (or snorkeling for snorkeling tours)
- Full board
- Afternoon snacks
- 1 BBQ dinner on local island (weather allowing)
- Unlimited drinking water, tea, coffee
- Dive guide
- 12 l tanks and weights
- Nitrox
- Scheduled group transfer airport - boat - airport
- Government taxes and bed tax
- Land visit
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Extra cost
- International and domestic flights
- Visa
- Private transfer
- 15 l tanks rental
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soft drinks, juices
- Equipment rental
- Personal expenses
- Crew gratuities
- Travel insurance
Program
Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.
Days 2-13:
Departing & check dive. Safari according to the planned route.
Thaa Atoll; Possible hammerheads and whale sharks at night.
Meemu Atoll; Enchanting channels with pelagic action, sailfish, sharks, eagle rays and beautiful soft coral. Manta cleaning station.
Fuvahmulah; Tiger sharks, oceanic manta and thresher sharks. Oceanic Island with incredible visibility.
Huvadhoo; Whale sharks at night, tiger sharks, silver tips, grey reef sharks and many, many more.
Addu Atoll; WWII wreck HMS British Loyalty and majestic manta cleaning stations.
Laamu Atoll: Beautiful fish filled channels with great shark encounters.
This itinerary has a lot of drift diving, so it is best suited to more advanced divers.
Day 14:
2 dives on the last day. Return to the port.
Day 15:
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
Dive sites you’ll see
Deep South & Southern Sharks (14 nights) (Male-Port of Gan Atoll)
Included
- Accommodation
- Diving (or snorkeling for snorkeling tours)
- Full board
- Afternoon snacks
- 1 BBQ dinner on local island (weather allowing)
- Unlimited drinking water, tea, coffee
- Dive guide
- 12 l tanks and weights
- Nitrox
- Scheduled group transfer airport - boat - airport
- Government taxes and bed tax
- Land visit
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Extra cost
- International and domestic flights
- Visa
- Private transfer
- 15 l tanks rental
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soft drinks, juices
- Equipment rental
- Personal expenses
- Crew gratuities
- Travel insurance
Program
Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.
Days 2-13:
Departing & check dive. Safari according to the planned route.
Thaa Atoll; Possible hammerheads and whale sharks at night.
Meemu Atoll; Enchanting channels with pelagic action, sailfish, sharks, eagle rays and beautiful soft coral. Manta cleaning station.
Fuvahmulah; Tiger sharks, oceanic manta and thresher sharks. Oceanic Island with incredible visibility.
Huvadhoo; Whale sharks at night, tiger sharks, silver tips, grey reef sharks and many, many more.
Addu Atoll; WWII wreck HMS British Loyalty and majestic manta cleaning stations.
Laamu Atoll: Beautiful fish filled channels with great shark encounters.
This itinerary has a lot of drift diving, so it is best suited to more advanced divers.
Day 14:
2 dives on the last day. Return to the port.
Day 15:
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
Dive sites you’ll see
Best of Maldives (10 nights) (Male-Male)
Included
- Accommodation
- Diving (or snorkeling for snorkeling tours)
- Full board
- Afternoon snacks
- 1 BBQ dinner on local island (weather allowing)
- Unlimited drinking water, tea, coffee
- Dive guide
- 12 l tanks and weights
- Nitrox
- Scheduled group transfer airport - boat - airport
- Government taxes and bed tax
- Land visit
- Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)
Extra cost
- International and domestic flights
- Visa
- Private transfer
- 15 l tanks rental
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soft drinks, juices
- Equipment rental
- Personal expenses
- Crew gratuities
- Travel insurance
Program
Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport of Male. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.
Day 2-10:
● Rasdhoo Atoll: Hammerheads, beautiful reefs with pelagics.
● North Ari Atoll: Grey reef sharks, Fish Head, Maaya Thila, multiple manta ray cleaning.
stations and feeding grounds for year-round encounters.
● South Ari Atoll: Whale sharks, beautiful pinnacles, channels and walls.
● Vaavu Atoll: Schooling grey reef sharks, eagle rays.
● North and South Male’ Atoll: Beautiful pinnacles, pelagics and big fish.
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