Diving on the Emperor Explorer II
The Maldives ranks among the world’s top liveaboard destinations, and the Emperor Explorer II is built to make the most of it. The vessel runs a rotation of four established itineraries, including Best of the Maldives, Deep South & Southern Sharks, Sharktastic, and Northern Hi-Lights, crossing central, southern, and outer atolls depending on the season and charter.
Divers can expect up to four dives per day, including one to two night dives per charter (weather and itinerary permitting), with a typical day starting with a light breakfast around 6:00 am ahead of the first dive. A full breakfast, a second morning dive, lunch around noon, one or two afternoon dives, and dinner around 6:30–7:00 pm round out each day.
The Maldives has two distinct monsoon seasons that shape the diving. The Southwest season (May–October) brings more current on the west side of the atolls and the best manta ray feeding-station action, despite reduced visibility from increased plankton. The Northeast season (November–April) brings calmer, clearer conditions with strong currents further south and more shark activity on the east side of the atolls. Manta rays and whale sharks are present year-round.
All diving is done from the Emperor Explorer II‘s dedicated 78-foot (24 m) dive dhoni, which carries individual gear bins, separate camera and wetsuit rinse tanks, its own bathroom, and its own air and nitrox compressors, keeping entries, exits, and gear handling separate from the main vessel. Dive depth is capped at 100 feet (30 m) per Maldivian regulation, and most dives are drift dives, with the dhoni providing precise entry and exit points.
Experience requirements vary by itinerary. The Best of the Maldives route has no minimum dive requirement, though divers should be comfortable with drift diving and unpredictable currents. The Deep South & Southern Sharks and Sharktastic itineraries call for Advanced Open Water certification and a recommended 100 logged dives, given the stronger currents and channel diving involved.
Highlights:
- Up to four dives daily, including night dives, from a purpose-built 24 m dive dhoni
- Year-round manta ray and whale shark sightings across two distinct monsoon seasons
- A choice of itineraries ranging from beginner-friendly reef diving to advanced channel and shark diving
Onboard the Emperor Explorer II
Launched in 2026, the Emperor Explorer II is a 144-foot (44 m) vessel accommodating up to 26 guests. Thirteen air-conditioned staterooms spread across three of its four decks, all with ensuite bathrooms.
The topmost sun deck offers a mix of shaded and open lounging space, which is ideal for relaxing between dives or taking in uninterrupted views of the atolls. The upper deck houses the alfresco dining area, bar, and lounge, along with suites 11–14, each fitted with one queen bed and one single bed, plus the bridge.
The main deck is the vessel’s social hub, with an air-conditioned lounge and dining area, an entertainment space with a music and video library, a camera charging station, and access to outdoor seating. Suites 9 and 10 are located here, each with one king bed and one single bed, offering some of the largest layouts along with easy access to the main living areas and dive operations.
The lower deck holds the remaining staterooms, offering a quieter, more value-oriented option, each with a private ensuite bathroom and individual air conditioning.
Wi-Fi is available onboard via a satellite router for an additional fee, though speed and reliability depend on the vessel’s location. Guests who need reliable data are advised to pick up a local SIM card in Malé on arrival.
Highlights:
- 13 cabins each offer individually controlled air conditioning and en suite bathrooms
- Four decks including a sun deck, al-fresco dining/bar area, and a dedicated camera charging station
- Suites with king or queen beds available on the upper and main decks
Dining onboard the Emperor Explorer II
Meals aboard the Emperor Explorer II are served three times daily plus snacks, with a mix of Western and light local dishes. Breakfast typically includes eggs, beef bacon, sausages, pancakes, French toast, potatoes, cereal, and fruit, while lunch and dinner rotate through vegetables, rice, pasta, soup, and chicken, beef, or fish, with occasional local specialties offered as options.
Vegetarians are well accommodated, and dietary restrictions can be arranged in advance. Specialty or hard-to-source ingredients are limited in the Maldives, so guests with strict requirements may want to bring supplemental food.
Water, tea, coffee, and a complimentary glass of wine or beer with dinner are included. Additional alcohol, soft drinks, and fresh juices are charged to the onboard bill, largely due to the cost of importing alcohol and produce into the Maldives. Pork and pork products are not served on board in line with local customs.
Highlights:
- Three meals daily plus snacks, with vegetarian dietary needs accommodated
- Complimentary glass of wine or beer with dinner
- Additional alcohol and soft drinks available for a fee
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