Maldives Blue Force One 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...

The Maldives, an archipelago of around 1,200 coral islands scattered in the Indian Ocean like pearls, is renowned for its world-class scuba diving. Divers can expect to experience an underwater wonderland of vibrant coral reefs, teeming with an abundance of marine life.

From adrenaline-pumping drift dives along breathtaking walls to serene encounters with majestic manta rays, hammerheads and whale sharks, the Maldives offers a diverse range of dive sites and experiences that cater to divers of all levels.

Maldives Blue Force One is a 138-foot (42 m) yacht that offers spectacular year-round diving safaris in the Maldives. Accommodating up to 24 guests, it has 12 modern cabins, including seven deluxe cabins, one master cabin, two junior suites and two master suites. Maldives Blue Force One offers three large sundecks and two hot tubs, and was awarded the best boat built in the Maldives by the Liveaboard Association of Maldives.

Let’s dive into our review of the Maldives Blue Force One.

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:

  • Highly-rated crew—professional, safety-conscious, and friendly
  • Very comfortable boat with lots of amenities
  • Excellent food
  • Exceptional range of dive sites

Things we don't like:

  • Additional fees including Maldives taxes, Green tax, and service charge ($357 at time of writing)
  • Nitrox, soft drinks, and alcohol all cost extra

Diving on Maldives Blue Force One liveaboard

Dive conditions are ideal in the Maldives year-round, with water temperatures averaging 80 to 86 F (27 to 30 C). Visibility often exceeds 100 feet (30 m). The abundance of plankton during the southwest monsoon season (August to November) may reduce visibility slightly, but it also attracts plankton-feeders like manta rays and whale sharks.

Guaranteeing 18 dives a week, Maldives Blue Force One typically offers three dives per day with one or two night dives during the 7-night trip. Open Water diver certification is the minimum requirement, although Advanced Open Water diver is recommended for some dives due to conditions. Guests can expect encounters with a diverse array of marine life.

Divers on Maldives Blue Force One will experience a mixture of wall dives, brimming with vibrant coral and cascading down sheer vertical drops; drift dives along channels; and shallow reefs with an abundance of hard and soft corals.

There are also wrecks and some sites with strong currents, which can mean both challenging diving and the chance to see large pelagics. Highlights include large numbers of mantas and, depending on the time of year, regular encounters with whale sharks and hammerheads.

The typical itinerary for the Maldives Blue Force One’s Central Atolls Classic Route includes 18 dives over seven nights and six diving days. The itinerary covers a variety of dive sites, including famous landmarks like Maaya Thila and Kuda Haa.

The Maldives is a photographer’s paradise, and there are opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography.

Diving on the Maldives Blue Force One is primarily done from a dedicated 60-foot (18 m) dive dhoni, a smaller boat that accompanies the Maldives Blue Force One. This maintains the atmosphere of quiet luxury on board and allows for greater flexibility to reach dive sites, particularly those in areas with limited access for larger vessels. Rental equipment is available on board and should be booked in advance.

Highlights:

  • 18 dives per trip
  • Large pelagics including mantas, whale sharks, and hammerheads
  • Excellent photographic opportunities with abundant corals and marine life
  • A selection of dive sites including reefs, wrecks, walls, and drifts

Onboard the Maldives Blue Force One

Maldives Blue Force One has 12 cabins, including two junior and two master suites. Each cabin is individually air conditioned and contains comfortable beds and ensuite bathrooms with wet-room showers. All cabins have a hairdryer, TV, and safe.

The welcoming salon is large, tastefully decorated, and filled with natural light from large picture windows running the full length of the room. The contemporarily elegant interior features a blend of modern furnishings and natural colors. Large, comfortable couches and huge armchairs feature here with lots of space for all.

Entertainment is provided by an 85-inch TV, sound system, and selection of movies, games, and books. Dining takes place in the salon or in the alfresco restaurant toward the stern of the main deck.

Outdoor social areas include three sun decks, two hot tubs, and an upper deck bar. Sun loungers and shaded areas cater to different preferences, ensuring that guests can find the perfect spot to soak up the sun or enjoy a relaxing read.

The dive deck on board the dedicated dive dhoni is extremely spacious and well-equipped. There are two bathrooms with freshwater showers and dedicated gear stations with under-bench storage.

All equipment remains on the dhoni for the duration of the trip. Rinse tanks are strategically placed to allow divers to rinse their gear after each dive.

Highlights:

  • Spectacular sun deck and shaded areas
  • Wet bar and hot tub on upper deck
  • Lot of places to relax and unwind
  • Well equipped, comfortable cabins

Dining onboard Maldives Blue Force One

Maldives Blue Force One provides a generous and varied menu to cater to the tastes and dietary needs of its guests. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served predominantly buffet-style, with a beach barbecue on one evening. Cuisine is a mix of local Maldivian fare and Western dishes, and the chef is happy to cater for special dietary requirements with advance notice.

The food is of excellent quality and highly recommended by guests. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks are also available. Soft drinks and alcohol are available at an extra charge.

Highlights:

  • Excellent quality food
  • Soft drinks and alcohol charged extra
  • Special dietary requirements catered for with advance notice

Things we like:

  • Highly-rated crew—professional, safety-conscious, and friendly
  • Very comfortable boat with lots of amenities
  • Excellent food
  • Exceptional range of dive sites

Things we don't like:

  • Additional fees including Maldives taxes, Green tax, and service charge ($357 at time of writing)
  • Nitrox, soft drinks, and alcohol all cost extra
Key Facts
Year Built 2013
Max Divers 22
Price Range Mid-range
Trip Length 5-7 Nights
Internet No
Nitrox Yes ($)
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
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