Where to book
Diving on the Emperor Explorer liveaboard
The four different itineraries make this liveaboard stand out from the pack. Choose from Best of the Maldives, Deep South & Southern Sharks, Sharktastic, and Northern Hi-Lights. Pro-tip: Northern Hi-Lights is known for the most whale shark sightings.
Dives are conducted from a 79-foot (24 m) tender, locally known as dhoni, which is well equipped for comfort. The Emperor Explorer’s dhoni was specially built for diving, and is essentially a mobile dive deck. It has multiple warm showers, a bathroom, individual gear bins, and separate rinses for cameras and gear.
Because of frequent drift dives, this trip is more suitable for experienced divers. Most dives are guided, but eligible dive buddies are allowed more independence. All divers, though, must have a dive computer. If you don’t have your own, you can rent one with other gear. PADI courses are offered, and non-divers may use complimentary snorkeling kits.
The monsoon season should be taken into consideration when selecting your travel dates, as it can broadly affect visibility—ranges between 50 and 100 feet (15 to 30 m) are normal. Wet season generally runs from mid-May to November, with the dry season occurring from January to March. December and April are considered transition months between seasons. Average air temperature ranges from 77 F (25 C) to 90 F (32 C), with water temperatures in the 80s (27 to 30 C) year-round.
All tours include transfers from the international airport to the boat on Malé Island. If arriving early, stay at the airport hotel to take advantage of the transfer service. If you elect to stay on another part of the island, you are responsible for getting yourself to the boat. Prices fluctuate seasonally, so booking in advance is ideal for the best deals and itinerary availability.
Highlights:
- Four separate itineraries
- Impressive dive tender
- High probability of spotting whale sharks
Onboard the Emperor Explorer
The 138-foot (42 m) Emperor Explorer features 13 cabins, housing a maximum of 26 guests. Choose between cabins featuring one king bed, one queen bed, one queen bed and one twin, one king bed and one twin, and two twin beds.
All staterooms have private bathrooms and individually controlled air-conditioning. Spacious with lots of lighting, these simple-yet-elegant cabins will leave you well-rested for the next day. If staying connected is a priority for you, 3G WiFi is available for an additional charge. However, depending on the location of the boat, you may not always be able to connect.
Inside the Emperor Explorer you’ll find an air-conditioned salon with a separate dining and lounge area. Plenty of seating spaces include the bar, lounge tables, sofas, and traditional sit-down tables. Entertainment options include a TV/DVD player, music system, and board games. For the photo fanatics, there is a station for charging cameras and a designated camera table for editing.
The exterior hangouts are the spaces that really shine on the Emperor Explorer. An open-air hot-tub is the ultimate way to unwind and take in the scenery after a day of diving. A traditional sundeck with lounge chairs, and an al fresco dining area round out the lounging spaces. A double-ladder swim platform at the back of the boat caters to those who can’t get enough of ocean dips.
Highlights:
- Hot tub
- Designated camera table inside
- Various seating and entertainment options
Dining on the Emperor Explorer
Guests onboard the Emperor Explorer can expect both local fare and international staples. Though most meals are served buffet-style, occasionally special meals like a beach BBQ may be on offer depending on the itinerary and conditions.
One complimentary glass of wine is offered at dinner. Additional alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, though guests will receive a $50 voucher for use onboard to treat themselves to drinks. Fresh fruit juice and soda may also incur a charge.
Dietary restrictions are catered to when guests provide advance notice, but note that certain products are difficult to obtain due to the remoteness of the region, so bringing some of your own snacks is recommended. Guests who are sensitive to gluten or are dedicated to fat-free products should bring their own supplementary products.
Due to import restrictions, there are some food and beverage limitations on this boat. Notably, pork and pork products are not available onboard. In spite of the location limitations, vegetarian diets are easily catered to.
Highlights:
- Wine include with dinner
- Local and international fare
- Excellent vegetarian accommodations
Things we like:
- No hidden fees (like park fees)
- Hot tub on board
- Abundant marine life
- Newly built in 2019
Things we don't like:
- WiFi not always in range
- Food and beverage import limitations
- Dual operators may have different policies
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2019 |
| Max Divers | 26 |
| Price Range | Mid-range |
| Trip Length | 5-7 Nights |
| Internet | Yes ($) |
| Nitrox | Yes (free) |
| Equipment Rental | No |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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