Where to book
Diving on the Emperor Leo liveaboard
The Maldives offers dreamy white sand beaches, incredible reefs, and abundant marine life, so it’s no wonder that it’s a top diving destination for many divers. With a tropical climate and year-round warm temperatures, divers can enjoy leisurely drift dives as the Indian Monsoon Current sweeps the islands. Water temperatures range from 80 to 86 F (26 to 30 C).
August to November is considered the best time of year to see manta rays and whale sharks, while January to April offers excellent visibility and the warmest months.
From December to March, currents flow through the atolls from east to west, creating incredible visibility of roughly 65 to 100 feet (20 to 30 m) along the eastern atolls. On the western side, visibility is about 49 to 65 feet (15 to 20 m).
The Emperor Leo’s general itinerary explores dive sites on Male and Ari Atolls, including channels (kandus), pinnacles (thilas), and action-packed night dives with nurse sharks and manta rays.
Note that the Emperor Leo doesn’t follow an exact itinerary—while it promises the best of the Maldives, flexibility is key, as the boat visits dive sites only when conditions are ideal.
With four dive guides and a 65-foot (20 m), fully equipped diving dhoni with three dedicated staff, divers’ needs will be met above and below the water. All diving is done off the dhoni, giving guests a more spacious deck to move around comfortably and safely.
Free nitrox is available for those certified, as well as PADI courses such as Advanced Open Water and specialties for those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills. There’s also support for rebreathers onboard.
Highlights:
- Huge variety of marine life
- Visibility up to 100 feet (30 m)
- A wide range of dive sites includes channels, pinnacles, and manta cleaning stations
- Free nitrox
- Equipped for rebreather diving
Onboard the Emperor Leo
The Emperor Leo is a 114-foot (35 m) modern, stylish liveaboard built in 2009. The boat can accommodate 24 guests in 12 ensuite, air-conditioned cabins. Attention to detail is apparent not only in the boat design and itineraries, but also in the outstanding service, knowledgeable guides, and dive site selection.
With three types of cabins, guests can choose from twin or double cabin combinations on both the lower and upper decks. There’s also an executive suite on the upper deck. All cabins have individual climate control, ensuite bathrooms, and hairdryers.
Guests can relax and dine in the large, lavish salon. Comfortable sofas, a TV, an internationally stocked bar, board games, and a library featuring books, music, and movies all offer entertainment options. WiFi is available for purchase if you must stay connected.
For those who want to unwind in the fresh air, there’s a hot tub on the main deck, an outdoor seating area on the upper deck, and bean bags, sunbeds, and deck chairs on the sun deck.
As with most Maldives boats, diving from the Emperor Leo takes place from a large dhoni rather than a dive deck, allowing for more free space on the main boat.
Highlights:
- Air-conditioned cabins
- Hot tub
- Extensive book, music, and movie library
- WiFi packages are available for purchase
Dining on the Emperor Leo
The menu on the Emperor Leo has been planned down to every detail, with the meals designed specifically by divers, ensuring the right type of food to provide guests with a variety of food to boost energy and fuel the action-packed week.
Served buffet-style, meals offer a mix of cuisine from local to Western, with vegetarian options as well. Special dietary requests can be made at the time of booking the trip. Complimentary wine is served with dinner, however, guests can also choose from a wide range of beer, wine, and spirits from the internationally stocked bar at an extra cost.
Highlights:
- Great variety of food
- Island barbecue
- Complimentary wine with dinner
- Alternative alcoholic drinks are available at extra cost
Things we like:
- Attentive crew and knowledgeable guides
- Incredible night dives with mantas attracted to boat lights
- Great food variety
- Spacious cabins
- Hot tub
Things we don't like:
- Pricey
- 17 dives in a week may be too many for some guests
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2012 |
| Max Divers | 24 |
| Price Range | Mid-range |
| Trip Length | 5-7 Nights |
| Internet | Yes ($) |
| Nitrox | Yes (free) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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