MV Adora Liveaboard overview

By
Sarah Turnbull
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Sarah is a writer, PADI instructor and underwater photographer based in Mauritius. Diving across 5 continents, she has a love of all things ocean-related and an...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...

Plunge into crystal-clear turquoise waters, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs teeming with a vast array of marine life. Diving in the Maldives is a perfect blend of tranquility and excitement. Gentle currents glide you effortlessly along easy reefs, revealing a world of colorful corals.

Majestic thilas (pinnacles) amaze and delight while ripping currents sweep past mesmerizing underwater landscapes, providing an adrenaline rush like no other. Famed for beautiful islands, white sandy beaches, exceptional diving, and amazing pelagic encounters, the Maldives rarely disappoints.

The Adora, built in 2014, is a 121-foot (37 m) tri-deck motorized vessel. Catering for up to 21 guests in 11 spacious cabins, MV Adora is both comfortable and luxurious. Fully air-conditioned throughout, MV Adora is crewed by a friendly and enthusiastic team.

Offering 7- to 10-night itineraries across both northern and southern atolls, divers can expect 15 to 18 dives on a 7-night itinerary and up to 25 dives on a 10-night trip, including night dives. Diving takes place from the dedicated 65-foot (20 m) dhoni and divers can expect frequent pelagic encounters including mantas, whale sharks, sharks, turtles, and dolphins.

Let’s dive into our review of the Adora.

About this review

To help you find a that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of s

Things we like:

  • Large cabins and extremely comfortable beds
  • Separate dive dhoni with excellent crew
  • Frequent encounters with large pelagics
  • Includes evening picnic on an uninhabited island and island hopping
  • Excellent quality food with lots of choice
  • Detailed safety briefings

Things we don't like:

  • Some itineraries only have 15 dives
  • Obligatory 10% service charge

Diving on the Adora liveaboard

Warm waters and excellent visibility ensure a remarkable underwater experience for guests onboard the Adora. From dramatic wall dives to thrilling drifts, stunning reefs and mesmerizing wrecks, the Maldives hosts over 2,000 species of flora and fauna, offering incredible diversity and a kaleidoscope of color.

With a range of dive sites to suit all levels, the Maldives is perfect for both beginners and experienced divers. What makes diving in the Maldives truly unique is the abundance of pelagic species, including majestic manta rays and whale sharks, creating unforgettable encounters.

Spectacular opportunities await for photographers, from majestic underwater pinnacles teeming with life, to 180 species of coral and over 1,000 species of fish. Wide-angle and macro photography are equally popular and the Adora is well set up to cater to photography and videography enthusiasts.

Diving takes place from a 65-foot (20 m) dhoni, crewed by an excellent team. There are usually three PADI-certified dive guides on each trip and rental gear is available on board, though must be booked in advance to ensure availability.

Highlights:

  • Between 15 and 18 dives per trip for 7-night itineraries and up to 25 dives on 10-night trips
  • Frequent encounters with large pelagics
  • An incredible array of marine life and excellent photographic opportunities

Onboard the Adora

Guest rooms are spacious and extremely comfortable with excellent beds. There are six standard rooms on the lower deck with a double bed and twin. Individually air-conditioned, all rooms are ensuite, are cleaned daily and are well-maintained. The remaining cabins consist of one superior ensuite room with double bed, and four deluxe cabins on the upper deck. Deluxe cabins have small private balconies, large picture windows, and spectacular views.

The dining room is light and spacious with large wooden tables for communal dining. There are large comfortable couches and lots of areas to relax between dives. Entertainment options include a small library with diving and Fish ID books, audio and video equipment for music and movies, and a small number of board games.

A highlight of the Adora is the spectacular sundeck, which has lots of space for sunbathing and relaxing, as well as a shaded area to protect guests from the sun’s rays. There are lots of secluded areas over three decks to relax or watch stunning sunsets and scenery slide by.

The dhoni’s dive deck  is well laid out and spacious, with an excellent crew to cater to every need. Warm freshwater showers, dedicated dive bins, and separate rinse tanks for camera equipment provide a well-organized experience. Dive briefings are detailed and safety aboard the dhoni is treated with importance.

Highlights:

  • Spacious and comfortable with excellent beds
  • Spectacular sundeck with lots of loungers for relaxing
  • Comfortable salon and dining area

Dining onboard the Adora

All meals on board the Adora are buffet-style and offer lots of choice, from Maldivian and Indian dishes to a selection of Western cuisine. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks are served daily and soft drinks and water are included free of charge. Alcohol is available on board and charged extra.

Itineraries often include a beach picnic or barbeque on an uninhabited island, a highlight and enjoyable experience for all guests. Dietary requirements can be catered for and must be notified in advance.

Highlights:

  • Beach picnic on an uninhabited island
  • Alcohol available on board for an extra charge
  • Wide variety of cuisines

Things we like:

  • Large cabins and extremely comfortable beds
  • Separate dive dhoni with excellent crew
  • Frequent encounters with large pelagics
  • Includes evening picnic on an uninhabited island and island hopping
  • Excellent quality food with lots of choice
  • Detailed safety briefings

Things we don't like:

  • Some itineraries only have 15 dives
  • Obligatory 10% service charge
Key Facts
Year Built 2014
Max Divers 22
Price Range Mid-range
Trip Length 5-7 Nights
Internet Yes (free)
Nitrox Yes ($)
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
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