There are several exciting itineraries to choose from, including classics such as "Best of the Maldives", the action-packed "Sharktastic" tour, the varied route to the "South Central Atolls" and the deeper exploration of "Deep South & Southern Sharks". Guests can look forward to encounters with sharks, whale sharks, dolphins, turtles and a wealth of other marine life.
Diving takes place from a separate diving dhoni, which offers plenty of space for equipment and optimises the organisation of the dives. Nitrox is available free of charge for certified divers, allowing for longer and safer diving times.
This website uses Google Maps to embed map material. Please note that your personal data may be collected in the process. To view the Google Maps map, please agree that it is loaded from the Google server.
The Emperor Virgo is a stylish, modern liveaboard yacht that cruises the fascinating atolls of the Maldives all year round. With space for just 18 guests on board, she offers a particularly quiet, comfortable and personalised experience - ideal for those who value relaxation and space.
The cabins are spread over three decks and are equipped with single or double beds, private bathrooms and individually controlled air conditioning. Those who value the view choose one of the upper deck cabins with large panoramic windows, which offer spectacular sea views and make every morning special.
The main deck houses a spacious saloon with dining area and entertainment system. On the upper deck, guests will find an open terrace, a bar and another alfresco dining area, perfect for savouring freshly prepared meals overlooking the Indian Ocean. The cuisine combines regional specialities with international classics - and a complimentary glass of wine is served with dinner. Those who want to relax between dives will find comfortable loungers and a quiet retreat on the sun deck.
As with all Emperor fleet voyages, all harbour, fuel and parking fees are included. Also included in the price: free Nitrox, a glass of wine with dinner and a daily 2-for-1 happy hour on most evenings. There are no hidden extra costs - what you see is what you pay.
This is the best of the Maldives - and it delivers just that. Here you'll immerse yourself in the Maldives' best and most famous dive sites, travelling across the Male and Ari atolls on a week of wonderful liveaboards.
Enjoy a diving holiday that offers you everything you could wish for from the iconic sites of North Male, South Male and Ari Atoll. You can expect channels, currents and pinnacles where you have every chance of encountering manta rays, whale sharks and fascinating marine life in so many varieties. We don't follow an exact itinerary; flexibility is the word, so no matter what time of year you visit, you (and ours) can explore this underwater world.
This itinerary offers you a marine mix of big fish such as shark and manta dives as well as reef dives, reef fish, moray eels and the abundant macro life. Get up close and personal at the cleaning stations without disturbing the locals! One of the most famous dive sites is Maaya Thila; this pinnacle is around 30 metres in diameter and drops off to reveal sharks and fish galore.
A night dive from sheltered moorings is a must here! The boat will also try to find whale sharks so you can get in the water and snorkel with them... As long as they stay long enough!
The first and last night of each trip is spent on board in the harbour.
Highlights:
- Rasdhoo Atoll: Hammerhead shark dive, beautiful reef with pelagics.
- North Ari Atoll: grey reef sharks, Maaya Thila night dive, several manta cleaning stations.
- South Ari Atoll: Whale sharks, beautiful pinnacles.
- Southern Male Atoll: Grey reef sharks, eagle rays, other pelagics, beautiful macro wreck.
- Vaavu Atoll: Grey reef sharks, eagle rays, other pelagics, traditional Maldivian channel diving.
- North Male Atoll: Beautiful rock pinnacles.
This itinerary offers you a mix of big fish such as shark and manta dives as well as reef dives, reef fish, moray eels and plenty of macro life. Get up close and personal at the cleaning stations without disturbing the locals! One of the most famous dive sites is Maaya Thila; this pinnacle is around 30 metres in diameter and drops off to reveal sharks and fish galore.
There is no minimum number of dives required, but you should be comfortable with drift dives as the currents can be strong.
Many of the dives on the Best of Maldives, Manta Madness and Pelagic Magic itineraries are suitable for divers of all levels, but unpredictable and strong currents can be expected in certain areas. Inexperienced divers and novice divers may find some dives challenging and may be asked by the cruise director to skip dives that are not suitable for their diving experience. On some dives the recommended depth is below 18 metres, so advanced or deep dive training is recommended.
All dives are made from dhonis or zodiacs to provide precise entry and exit points. Experienced divers can dive in a buddy pair without a guide.
Free shared pick-up times from the airport are 12.00 and 16.00. Pick-ups can be arranged at other times from USD 15 per person.
Slideshow Items
Double cabin lower deck twin
- 2 single beds
- en-suite bathroom
- Adjustable air conditioning
- max. 2 guests
Slideshow Items
Double cabin lower deck
- 1 double bed
- En-suite bathroom
- adjustable air conditioning
- max. 2 guests
Slideshow Items
Double cabin main deck
- 1 double or 2 single beds
- en-suite bathroom
- adjustable air conditioning
- max. 2 guests
Slideshow Items
Double cabin upper deck
- 1 double or 2 single beds
- en-suite bathroom
- adjustable air conditioning
- max. 2 guests
Included: VAT, harbour fees, national park fees, fuel surcharge, environmental tax, airport transfers, tea & coffee, drinking water, wine with dinner, snacks, beach barbecue, full board (all meals), nitrox, dive packages, towels for use on deck, cabin towels, complimentary toiletries.
Optional extras: diving insurance (6 EUR per day), tips, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, rental equipment, Nitrox course (284 USD), private diving guide, diving courses (101-466 USD), WLAN (31 USD).
Prices for rental equipment
Rental equipment is available on this ship. Please indicate what you need on the booking form. Details below of what is included and the additional prices.
- Regulators 69-106 USD per trip
- BCD 69-106 USD per trip
- Fins 25-38 USD per trip
- Mask 19-32 USD per trip
- Snorkelling set Included
- Signal buoy Included
- Torch 10 USD per day
- Dive computer 82-119 USD per trip
- Full equipment (with: regulator, BCD, fins, mask, signal buoy, dive computer, wetsuit) 271-403 USD per trip
- Wetsuit 57-88 USD per trip
- Air temperature: Stable all year round between 27 °C and 28.5 °C.
- Water temperature: Constantly warm between 28 °C and 30 °C, ideal for diving.
- Rainfall: Drier months from January to March; wetter period from May to October, with the highest rainfall in October.
The Maldives
is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean consisting of around 1,200 islands, of which around 200 are inhabited. These islands are located southwest of Sri Lanka and India and form one of the world's most famous and beautiful holiday destinations. The Maldives is known for its stunning white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and rich marine life that attracts divers and snorkellers from all over the world.
Location and geography:
The Maldives covers an area of around 90,000 square kilometres, with the majority consisting of coral atolls. The capital Malé is located on one of the largest islands and is the political and economic centre of the country. The islands are located in a tropical climate zone, which means that they enjoy high temperatures and high humidity all year round.
Population and religion:
The population of the Maldives is relatively small at around 520,000 people. The majority of the population are ethnic Maldivians and the national language is Dhivehi. The Maldives is a Muslim country and Islam is the state religion. Around 98% of the population are Sunni Muslims, which strongly characterises the country's cultural and religious identity.
Economic situation:
The economy of the Maldives is mainly based on tourism, fishing and boat building. The tourism sector is of crucial importance as it accounts for a significant proportion of the gross domestic product (GDP) and creates many jobs. The Maldives is a popular destination for luxury travellers due to its unspoilt nature, luxurious resorts and world-famous diving opportunities. Fishing, especially tuna fishing, also plays an important role in the country's economy.
Position in the Indian Ocean:
The Maldives occupies a strategically important position in the Indian Ocean, between the Arabian Peninsula and South Asia. This geographical position makes it an important hub for maritime trade and shipping. The islands are also vulnerable to the effects of climate change, especially sea level rise, as many islands are only a few metres above sea level.
Importance of diving tourism:
Diving plays a central role in the Maldivian tourism industry. The country is known worldwide for its spectacular diving spots, including coral reefs, shipwrecks and a variety of marine life such as manta rays, sharks, turtles and colourful tropical fish. The unspoilt nature and impressive underwater biodiversity make the Maldives one of the best diving destinations in the world. Many tourists come for this reason, and the Maldivian islands offer a variety of diving centres and schools for beginners and experienced divers.
The Maldives is therefore not only a tourist paradise, but also a country with a unique geographical location, a close connection to nature and a significant role in international diving tourism.