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Emperor Explorer is a deluxe standard yacht run by Emperor Fleet, offering scuba safaris year-round through the Maldives atolls. It can accommodate 26 guests.

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Description

Boat

Emperor Explorer is a brand new liveaboard runs by the famous Emperor Fleet, it was launched in 2019. Measuring 42 meters long, and 13.2 meters wide, with cruising speed at 12 knots per hour. It is a contemporary, spacious liveaboard where fine accommodation and service is standard.

Emperor Explorer has 4 decks in total, offering guests spacious social spaces as well as personal privacy. The sundeck is perfect for catching those sunrays or having a reviving nap. The upper deck boasts a covered, open area ideal for watching photos and footage from your diving or just relaxing, star gazing and soaking up the wonderful Maldivian ambience.

On the main deck, there is an open air dining area at the stern with dining tables and charis. Inside the air-conditioned saloon, there are several sofas and tables await you for relaxing or watching TV, enjoy the movies from the DVD station, enjoy a book from the library or paly board games with others.

Emperor Explorer usually offer buffet style meals with a variety of dishes to suit everyone, water, tea and coffee are complimentary, plus a complimentary glass of wine is served with dinner. Soft drinks, fresh juices and alcohol (cocktails, liquors, wine and beer) are chargeable. For any special dietary requests, such as vegetarian or any allergies, please inform us prior to booking.

Emperor Explorer provide diving from the Dhoni, a large auxiliary boat where the air compressors, nitrox membrane and dive equipment are stored. The dive equipment is stored in the dhoni all the week, the tank is refilled after every dive. The Dhoni is completely independent from the boat, so thanks to its maneuverability it is quite easy to access to the dive spots and the divers’ collection is more comfortable. And it keeps the noise of the compressors away from onboard guests and humidity equipment will never be a problem anymore.

Emperor Explorer is rebreather-friendly and offers free NITROX, all diving and safety equipment as well as a photography charging station and four dive guides.

Non-divers are very welcome and get a free snorkelling kit + $50 voucher to spend on board.


Cabin

Emperor Explorer has 13 well-appointed cabins, accommodating up to 26 guests onboard.

All cabins have individually controlled air-conditioned, ensuite bathroom with shower (2 cabin towels per guest, hairdryers available, on request.), mini safe, flat screen TV with USB connection, 220V power plug facilities.

2 Upper Deck Suites :
Located on the upper deck, approx. 14.5sqm, each cabin comes with one king-size double bed, ensuite bathroom with shower, approx. 5.5sqm, seaview windows.

2 Upper Deck Cabins :
Located on the upper deck, approx. 9sqm, each cabin comes with two single beds side by side, ensuite bathroom with shower, approx. 4sqm, seaview windows.

2 Main Deck Suites :
Located on the main deck, approx. 18sqm, each cabin comes with one double bed and one separate single bed, ensuite bathroom with shower, approx. 5sqm, seaview windows.

5 Standard Cabins:
Located on the lower deck, 11 - 12sqm, each cabin comes with one double bed and one separate single bed, ensuite bathroom with shower, approx. 4 - 5sqm, portholes.

2 Standard Cabins:
Located on the lower deck, 9sqm, each cabin comes with one double bed, ensuite bathroom with shower, approx. 4.5sqm, portholes.

If you are travelling alone, the double with a single bed cabins can be booked on a twin share basis with one guest using the double bed and the other the single. To guarantee the double bed, a supplement of €35 per week is charged.


Diving

  • 17 dives per week, include 1 night, depends on conditions.
  • Only 2 dives will be provided on the day before departure.

  • No dive provided on the day of arrival and departure.

  • All diving will provide experienced guide to lead the dive.


Other Information

  • Nitrox:Complimentary for certified divers
  • 15L Tanks:Available with additional charge
  • Rebreather Dive: Supported with surcharge
  • Technical Dive:Not available at the moment yet
  • Dive Equipment Rental:Available with additional charge
  • Dive insurance:Divers must have valid dive insurance
  • Wi-Fi Internet :Available with additional cost
  • Laundry Service:Not available at the moment
  • Massage Service:Not available at the moment
  • Payment on board:Cash (USD/EUR/GBP), credit cards.
  • Crew Number:24+, include 4 dive guides

Itineraries

Best of the Maldives (All year round)

You don't need a minimum number of dives but you should be comfortable with drift dives, as currents can be unpredictable and strong.

Rasdhoo Atoll: Hammerhead Dive, Beautiful Reef with Pelagics
North Ari Atoll: Grey Reef Sharks, Maaya Thila Night Dive, Multiple Manta Cleaning Stations
South Ari Atoll: Whalesharks, Beautiful Pinnacles
South Male Atoll: Grey Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays, Other Pelagics, Beautiful Macro Wreck
Vaavu Atoll: Beautiful channels with magical soft corals and pelagic delights. Action packed night dive with Nurse Sharks and others.
North Male Atoll: Beautiful Pinnacles


Deep South & Southern Sharks (February & March)

We recommend you have 100 logged dives to join this trip and require that you are Deep Diver/Advanced Open Water or equivalent.

Addu Atoll: The most southern atoll of the Maldives, which is located south of the equator and used to be a British Royal Air Force base.
Fuvahmulah Atoll: Tiger sharks, oceanic manta and thresher sharks. Oceanic Island rising from the deep with incredible visibility.
Laamu Atoll: Beautiful fish filled channels with great shark encounters.
Huvadhoo Atoll: Whale sharks at night, abundant grey reef sharks, oceanic black tip sharks, fast and exciting channel dives - don't take your eyes off the blue; silky sharks, great hammerhead sharks, mola-mola and bull sharks seen from time to time.


Hanifaru & North (July - October)

You don't need a minimum number of dives but you should be comfortable with drift dives. Currents can be strong.

Baa Atoll: Hanifaru Bay and Nelivaru Thila, Dhiggu Thila and many more
Lhaviyani Atoll: Fushivaru Thila, Kuredu Express, and Kuredu Caves
North Male Atoll: Beautiful Pinnacles, Lankan Manta Point


Pelagic Magic (April - July)

You don't need a minimum number of dives but you should be comfortable with drift dives, as currents can be unpredictable and strong.

North Ari Atoll: Grey Reef Sharks, Maaya Thila Night Dive, Multiple Manta Cleaning Stations
South Ari Atoll: Whalesharks, Beautiful Pinnacles


Sharktastic - visiting 4 Atolls (January - April)

This itinerary is not for beginners. We recommend you have 30 logged dives to join this trip and require that you are Deep Diver/Advanced Open Water or equivalent.

South Ari Atoll: Whale Sharks, Beautiful Pinnacles
South Male Atoll: Grey Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays, Other Pelagics, Beautiful Macro Wreck.
Vaavu Atoll: Beautiful channels with magical soft corals and pelagic delights. Action packed night dive with Nurse Sharks and others.
Meemu Atoll: Beautiful channels with pelagic action, Sailfish, Grey Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays and beautiful soft coral. Manta cleaning station.


South Central Atolls (January to March)

We recommend you have 100 logged dives to join this trip and require that you are Deep Diver/Advanced Open Water or equivalent.

North Male Atoll: (Check Dive): Beautiful Pinnacles & House Reefs.
South Male Atoll: Grey reef sharks, eagle rays, other pelagics, beautiful macro wreck.
Vaavu Atoll: Beautiful channels with magical soft corals and pelagic delights. Action packed night dive with Nurse sharks and others.
Meemu Atoll: Enchanting channels with pelagic action, Sailfish, Grey reef sharks, Eagle rays and beautiful soft coral. Manta cleaning station.
Thaa Atoll: Hammerhead sharks, Whale sharks at night.
Laamu Atoll: Beautiful fish filled channels with great shark encounters.


Northern Hi-Lights (July - October) | Male to Male

You don't need a minimum number of dives but you should be comfortable with drift dives as currents can be unpredictable and strong.

North Male Atoll: (Check Dive): Beautiful Pinnacles & House Reefs.
Lhaviyani Atoll: Fushivaru Thila, Kuredu Express, and Kuredu Caves
Baa Atoll: Hanifaru Bay and Nelivaru Thila, Dhiggu Thila and many more
Rasdhoo Atoll: Hammerhead Dive, Beautiful Reef with Pelagics
North Ari Atoll: Grey Reef Sharks, Maaya Thila Night Dive, Multiple Manta Cleaning Stations

Schedules & routes

19/04/2026 to 26/04/2026

Central Maldives

Emperor Explorer is a deluxe standard yacht run by Emperor Fleet, offering scuba safaris year-round through the Maldives atolls. It can accommodate 26 guests.

26/04/2026 to 03/05/2026

Central Maldives

Emperor Explorer is a deluxe standard yacht run by Emperor Fleet, offering scuba safaris year-round through the Maldives atolls. It can accommodate 26 guests.

10/05/2026 to 17/05/2026

Central Maldives

Emperor Explorer is a deluxe standard yacht run by Emperor Fleet, offering scuba safaris year-round through the Maldives atolls. It can accommodate 26 guests.

17/05/2026 to 24/05/2026

Central Maldives

Emperor Explorer is a deluxe standard yacht run by Emperor Fleet, offering scuba safaris year-round through the Maldives atolls. It can accommodate 26 guests.

31/05/2026 to 07/06/2026

Central Maldives

Emperor Explorer is a deluxe standard yacht run by Emperor Fleet, offering scuba safaris year-round through the Maldives atolls. It can accommodate 26 guests.

02/08/2026 to 09/08/2026

Central Maldives

Emperor Explorer is a deluxe standard yacht run by Emperor Fleet, offering scuba safaris year-round through the Maldives atolls. It can accommodate 26 guests.

09/08/2026 to 16/08/2026

Central Maldives

Emperor Explorer is a deluxe standard yacht run by Emperor Fleet, offering scuba safaris year-round through the Maldives atolls. It can accommodate 26 guests.

16/08/2026 to 23/08/2026

Central Maldives

Emperor Explorer is a deluxe standard yacht run by Emperor Fleet, offering scuba safaris year-round through the Maldives atolls. It can accommodate 26 guests.

23/08/2026 to 30/08/2026

Central Maldives

Emperor Explorer is a deluxe standard yacht run by Emperor Fleet, offering scuba safaris year-round through the Maldives atolls. It can accommodate 26 guests.

30/08/2026 to 06/09/2026

Central Maldives

Emperor Explorer is a deluxe standard yacht run by Emperor Fleet, offering scuba safaris year-round through the Maldives atolls. It can accommodate 26 guests.

Prices & conditions

Included

  • Transfers from airport and/or hotel to the yacht
  • Marine park fees & Port fees
  • VAT and local taxes
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Maldives Green Tax - $12 per night
  • Maldivian GST Tax 17%
  • Full-board meal plan (including snacks)
  • Complimentary beverages (water, tea, coffee)
  • Complimentary alcoholic beverage with dinner
  • Diving activity (incl. tanks, weights, weight belts)
  • Dive guide service
  • Nitrox fills
  • Land excursions and activities throughout the trip
  • Boat accident insurance
  • Cabin towels and complimentary toiletries
  • Cabin cleaning service

Not included

  • Domestic flights in destination country
  • Alcoholic beverage
  • Soft drinks
  • Dive equipment rentals
  • Larger tank (15 L)
  • Dive courses on board
  • Dive insurance (mandatory requirement)
  • Travel insurance (trip cancellation insurance)
  • Wi-Fi
  • Crew gratuity

Useful information

Central Maldives

Best time for diving
December to April, Central Maldives is suitable for diving year-round, these months are the Northeast dry season, and it's the time for best visibility and weather condition.
The visibility range between 20 - 40 meters year-round. And the currents are usually mild to intermediate. Diving depth range from 10 - 40 meters.

About temperatures
Air : range between 27°C - 32°C year-round.
Sea : very stable and warm, range from 28°C - 30°C year-round.

Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a dive Skin or 3 mm wetsuit throughout the year.

Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels, but to enjoy the best out of it, we recommend an AOW level with 30 dives.
You can find out more information about diving in Central Maldives here : Central Maldives

Embarkation / Disembarkation
The embarkation / disembarkation for Central Maldives cruise will be in Malé, guests need to fly in/out to Velana International Airport (MLE).

Visa Requirements
A 30 days tourist visa is granted for all nationalities on arrival to Maldives. This period of stay is not for the visitor to claim, but lies at the discretion of the Maldives Immigration to grant any number of days less than or equal to 30. Please refer to Maldives Tourist Visa for details.

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Money Matters
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (Rf), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD or EUR.
Most travel-related costs will be billed in the major global currencies such as USD, EUR, as well as credit cards. The ATMs will only provide cash in Maldivian Rufiyaa.

Drones
Flying a drone is legal in the Maldives, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations. Please check Maldives Civil Aviation Authority for details.

Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.


North Maldives

Best time for diving
June to November, North Maldives offers great diving all year, especially in the Far North Atolls, you can expect sunny skies most of the year. And in Hanifaru Bay, each year during June to November is the famous cyclone feeding, which is a rare and spectacular event where over 100 manta rays can feed together and create a chain which the head of each manta ray touches the tail of the manta in front. This creates a huge spiral of up to 200 mantas along with their fellow plankton feeders the Whale Shark.

About temperatures
Air : range between 27°C - 32°C year-round.
Sea : very stable and warm, range from 27°C - 29°C year-round.

Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a dive Skin or 3 mm wetsuit throughout the year.

Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels, but to enjoy the best out of it, we recommend an AOW level with 30 dives. For the Far North Atolls, currents can be strong with choppy wave action, we recommend only for experienced divers.
You can find out more information about diving in North Maldives here : North Maldives

Embarkation / Disembarkation
Most of the embarkation / disembarkation for North Maldives cruise (Baa atoll, Raa atoll, Lhaviyani, Noonu atoll) will be in Malé, guests need to fly in/out to Velana International Airport (MLE).

For the Far North Atolls (Shaviyani atoll, Haa Dhaalu atoll, Haa Alifu atoll), domestic flights / seaplane transfers are required for Haa Alif Atoll (HRF) or KHaa Dhaalu Atoll (HDK).

Visa Requirements
A 30 days tourist visa is granted for all nationalities on arrival to Maldives. This period of stay is not for the visitor to claim, but lies at the discretion of the Maldives Immigration to grant any number of days less than or equal to 30. Please refer to Maldives Tourist Visa for details.

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Money Matters
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (Rf), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD or EUR.
Most travel-related costs will be billed in the major global currencies such as USD, EUR, as well as credit cards. The ATMs will only provide cash in Maldivian Rufiyaa.

Drones
Flying a drone is legal in the Maldives, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations. Please check Maldives Civil Aviation Authority for details.

Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.


South Maldives

Best time for diving
December to April offers the best visibility and sea conditions. Although short spells of heavy rainfall can be experienced during the summer months, but this region do offer good diving all year round.

About temperatures
Air : range between 28°C - 32°C year-round.
Sea : very stable and warm, range from 27°C - 29°C year-round.

Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a dive Skin or 3 mm wetsuit throughout the year.

Diver requirement
Suitable for divers have AOW level with good drift diving experience, as there can be strong currents in the channels surrounding the islands.
You can find out more information about diving in South Maldives here : South Maldives

Embarkation / Disembarkation
Most of the embarkation / disembarkation for South Maldives cruise (Meemu atoll, Thaa atoll, Felidhoo atoll) will be in Malé, guests need to fly in/out to Velana International Airport (MLE).

For the Deep South Atolls (Laamu atoll, Gaafu Alifu atoll, Huvadhoo atoll, Fuvahmulah, Addu atoll), domestic flights are usually required to Addu atoll (GAN), Gaafu Alifu atoll (GKK), Huvadhoo atoll (KDM) or Fuvahmulah (FVM). Longer trips like 2 weeks might depart or return to Male.

Visa Requirements
A 30 days tourist visa is granted for all nationalities on arrival to Maldives. This period of stay is not for the visitor to claim, but lies at the discretion of the Maldives Immigration to grant any number of days less than or equal to 30. Please refer to Maldives Tourist Visa for details.

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Money Matters
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (Rf), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD or EUR.
Most travel-related costs will be billed in the major global currencies such as USD, EUR, as well as credit cards. The ATMs will only provide cash in Maldivian Rufiyaa.

Drones
Flying a drone is legal in the Maldives, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations. Please check Maldives Civil Aviation Authority for details.

Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.

Diver's reviews (0)

Photos

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Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing for Emperor Explorer varies by cabin type, route and duration. Most trips start from $2,401 per person. Live prices and current availability are listed on the Schedules tab. Contact our dive team for a custom quote or private charter pricing.
Standard inclusions: airport and hotel transfers, full-board meals, soft drinks, diving (tanks, weights, weight belts), dive guide service, land excursions, cabin towels and toiletries, Wi-Fi and boat accident insurance. Excludes: international and domestic flights, marine park fees, fuel surcharge, dive and travel insurance, equipment rental, nitrox fills, alcohol, gratuity.
Central Maldives, North Maldives, South Maldives offers year-round diving with two distinct seasons. Manta and warmer water characterise the wet season, while larger pelagics and cooler water mark the dry season. Browse upcoming departures by month on the Schedules tab to pick the best window for your travel dates.
Most Emperor Explorer routes require Open Water certification with at least 50 logged dives. Some sites with strong currents require Advanced Open Water. Check the Useful Information tab on this page for destination-specific requirements.
Emperor Explorer hosts up to 16 divers per departure. The small group ratio means personalised service, flexible dive scheduling and minimal waiting between dives.
The crew speaks English. Dive briefings are given in English with translation available on request. International dive guides accompany selected departures.
Browse live departures on the Schedules tab. Each row links to the booking page with date, route and confirmed pricing. For private charters or custom itineraries, contact the Dive and Cruise dive team via the form below. No booking fees.
Full refund up to 90 days before departure, sliding scale thereafter. Travel insurance covering trip cancellation is strongly recommended and mandatory for some destinations. See the booking terms for full details.
Yes. Valid dive insurance covering emergency evacuation, hyperbaric treatment and diving accidents is mandatory on all Emperor Explorer departures. We also recommend travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage. Proof of insurance is checked at embarkation.
Emperor Explorer operates across Central Maldives, North Maldives, South Maldives. Expect schooling pelagics, reef sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, vibrant coral walls and macro critters. Seasonal highlights shift by month and region - check the destination page for the current conditions.
Nitrox is available on Emperor Explorer for an additional charge. Larger 15L tanks, rebreather support and tech diving can be arranged on request. Notify our dive team at the time of booking so we can confirm availability and add the surcharge.
Most Central Maldives, North Maldives liveaboard trips connect via a regional hub. We recommend arriving 1 day before embarkation to recover from travel and to clear any park or transit fees. Airport transfers are included in the trip price.

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