Maldives Blue Force 3 Liveaboard Overview

portrait of a smiling woman with dark hair in a light blue sweaterDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By
Sarah Turnbull
portrait of a smiling woman with dark hair in a light blue sweater
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
DIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
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...
Maldives Blue Force 3 liveaboard moored beside its smaller dive dhoni on glassy water
Built in 2013 and refurbished in 2018, the well-equipped Maldives Blue Force 3 features 12 comfortable cabins for up to 26 guests.
Maldives Blue Force III liveaboard dive boat at anchor in calm water
Diving is done from a dedicated dive dhoni, where your equipment will stay for the duration of the trip.
Stand-up paddleboards floating beside the Blue Force 3 near a small sandy island
Explore the waters from a SUP when you're not diving.
Twin cabin aboard the Blue Force 3 with navy bedspreads reflected in a mirrored wall
There are four cabins on the lower deck with one double bed and a single bed, and two triple cabins with single beds.
Indoor lounge aboard the Blue Force 3 with a navy rug bearing the Red Sea crown logo
The salon features huge, comfortable couches, a large TV and DVD player, and plenty of space to socialize.
Lounge chairs beside a staircase and bar on the Blue Force 3's evening deck
The bar is on the upper deck with more space to relax and socialize.
Diver with an underwater camera rig hovering beside spotted moray eels on the reef
Crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life make the Maldives a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels.
Two reef manta rays gliding together through open blue water
Manta rays, eagle rays, and stingrays are among the many ray species that inhabit the Maldives' waters.
Hawksbill turtle gliding past the dark hull of a shallow shipwreck in the Maldives
Shallow shipwrecks offer a tranquil diving experience, ideal for beginners and those seeking a peaceful underwater exploration.
Orange frogfish resting camouflaged among coral on a Maldives reef
Frogfish inhabit many of the reefs; ask your guide to help you spot them.

Crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life make the Maldives a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. Offering an underwater environment that is both breathtaking and teeming with life, divers have access to world-class dive sites, thrilling drift dives, and abundant marine life including large pelagics. Warm, clear waters, excellent visibility, exceptional marine encounters and hundreds of hard and soft corals make diving in the Maldives an unforgettable experience.

Discover the underwater marvels of the Maldives aboard the steel-hulled Maldives Blue Force 3, a 138-foot (42 m) yacht designed to cater to divers of all levels. Built in 2013 and refurbished in 2018, this well-equipped vessel features 12 comfortable cabins for up to 26 guests.

The Maldives Blue Force 3 is the largest boat in the Blue Force Liveaboards fleet. It explores the Central Atolls and South Hemisphere routes, typically offering 7-night/6-dive-day itineraries. Guests can expect around 18 dives, including two night dives, as well as a visit to a fishing village, and dinner one evening on a deserted beach.

Let’s dive into our review of the Maldives Blue Force 3.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Recommended in: Liveaboards in Maldives

Things we like:

  • Spectacular marine life encounters including whale sharks and mantas
  • Snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP available
  • Includes a fishing village visit and dinner on a deserted island
  • Excellent food with lots of choice

Things we don't like:

  • Hefty additional taxes payable on board
  • Cabins seven and eight and have obstructed windows

Diving on the Maldives Blue Force 3

Tiger shark cruising past a reef while divers photograph it in the Maldives
Manta ray gliding overhead lit by a diver's torch on a night dive
Maldives anemonefish peeking out from its host anemone with a diver silhouette above

The Maldives offers an incredible array of diving conditions, from shallow reefs teeming with colorful fish to exhilarating drift dives along nutrient-rich channels. Renowned for dramatic wall dives, vertical drops feature vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life. Drift dives are also exhilarating, allowing divers to explore underwater landscapes and encounter large pelagic species as they float by.

Shallow reefs offer a tranquil diving experience, ideal for beginners and those seeking a peaceful underwater exploration. These shallow reefs offer exceptional opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography.

Divers on the Maldives Blue Force 3 can also expect to encounter large pelagics, including whale sharks, hammerheads, and reef sharks. Manta rays, eagle rays, and stingrays are among the many ray species that inhabit the Maldives’ waters.

The Maldives Blue Force 3 typically has four experienced dive guides on board, ensuring personalized attention and guidance. Diving is done from a dedicated dive dhoni, where your equipment will stay for the duration of the trip.

Rental equipment is available on board with prior notice. Compulsory equipment for divers includes a dive computer, SMB, reef hook, and torch for night dives. An Advanced certification is recommended, as is diving with nitrox.

Trips on the Maldives Blue Force 3 are year-round and itineraries start and finish in Malé, where the international airport provides convenient access to the yacht.

Highlights:

  • Around 18 dives including two night dives
  • Opportunity to encounter whale sharks, manta rays, and other large pelagics
  • Stunning coral reefs
  • Excellent for photographers

Onboard the Maldives Blue Force 3

Lit outdoor lounge deck with blue cushioned seating aboard the Blue Force 3 at night
Sun deck with cushioned bench seating on the bow of the Blue Force 3 liveaboard
Long indoor lounge with white sofas leading to the dining area on the Blue Force 3
Twin cabin aboard the Blue Force 3 with navy bedspreads and a window with blinds

The Maldives Blue Force 3 offers 12 cabins, including four on the lower deck with one double bed and a single bed, and two triple cabins with single beds. On the main deck there are two more twin cabins with single beds and obstructed windows. On the upper deck there are four cabins with a double bed and a single bed. All cabins are individually air conditioned with ensuite bathrooms.

The salon features huge, comfortable couches, a large TV and DVD player, and plenty of space to socialize. Both the salon and dining area are air-conditioned for year-round comfort. There’s more seating and a dedicated camera area on the aft main deck, where guests can take in the incredible views. The bar is on the upper deck with more space to relax and socialize. The sun deck features a shaded seating area and comfortable loungers.

Dive briefings typically take place in the salon before divers board the dhoni, where the dive deck is exceptionally spacious and well-designed. There’s plenty of room to prepare and, with multiple exit points to get into the ocean, the dhoni is a fantastic way to dive.

Large under-bench storage bins and lots of seating make preparing for dives a pleasure. There are two toilets and the dhoni also features a large sundeck for sunbathing.

Highlights:

  • Dedicated dive dhoni with helpful crew
  • Very comfortable beds
  • Clean cabins and bathrooms

Dining onboard the Maldives Blue Force 3

Formal dining room aboard the Blue Force 3 set with tables, napkins and a buffet counter
Lounge chairs beside a staircase and bar on the Blue Force 3's evening deck

Meals are served buffet-style, with the exception of one evening where guests may have the opportunity to dine on a deserted beach. Meals consist of local Maldivian dishes, Asian specialties, and Western favorites. Local dishes often feature fresh seafood, fragrant curries, and rice, while Western options include pasta, grilled meats, and international specialties. Lighter mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks are also available daily.

The chefs accommodate various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets. Guests are advised to inform the crew of any special dietary needs upon booking.

The Maldives Blue Force 3 offers tea, coffee, and water on a complimentary basis. Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages including wine, beer and spirits, are available for purchase on board.

Highlights:

  • Excellent chef and highly-rated food
  • Alcohol and soft drinks not included
  • Dietary requirements catered for with advance notice

Things we like:

  • Spectacular marine life encounters including whale sharks and mantas
  • Snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP available
  • Includes a fishing village visit and dinner on a deserted island
  • Excellent food with lots of choice

Things we don't like:

  • Hefty additional taxes payable on board
  • Cabins seven and eight and have obstructed windows
Key facts
Year built: 2020
Max divers: 24
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: Yes ($)
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Mid-range
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