How far ahead should I book?

3-6 months for better cabin selection and routes. Peak season (December-March) books up fastest. Last-minute deals exist but you'll get whatever cabin is left.

What if I get seasick?

Take medication before boarding - once you're sick it's too late. Cabins lower and amidships are more stable. Most people adjust after 1-2 days. Ginger tablets and sea bands help some divers.

How many dives per day?

Typically 3-4 dives daily including night dives. Some operators offer up to 5 dives. Factor in surface intervals and meal times - it's a full schedule with early morning starts.

Do I need my own gear?

Rental gear available but bring mask, fins, and wetsuit if possible. 3mm wetsuit sufficient year-round. BCD and regulator rental typically $15-25/day. Computer highly recommended for multiple daily dives.

How to Plan a Maldives Diving Liveaboard Itinerary

Book a 7-10 day liveaboard covering 2-3 atolls with 3-4 dives per day. Choose routes based on season: central/south atolls (May-November) for manta rays, or north/central (December-April) for whale sharks. Book 3-6 months ahead for best cabin selection.

Choose your season and target species. December-April offers whale sharks in Ari Atoll and better visibility (30+ meters). May-November brings manta rays to southern atolls like Addu and calmer seas on the west side. Avoid October-November for rougher conditions.
Select your atoll route. Classic routes: North Male-Ari-Vaavu (whale sharks, thilas), South Male-Ari-Felidhu (mantas, channels), or South Ari-Vaavu-Meemu (advanced diving, sharks). Most 7-day trips cover 20-25 dive sites across 2-3 atolls.
Pick your liveaboard and cabin type. Budget dhonis cost $150-200/day (shared bathroom). Mid-range boats $250-350/day (private cabin). Luxury options $400-600/day (suite, nitrox included). Check dive deck size - cramped boats mean gear chaos with 16+ divers.
Book your flights and transfers. International flights to Male (MLE). Liveaboards depart Sunday evenings, return Saturday mornings. Book airport transfers through the boat operator ($10-15 per person each way). Don't book same-day international departures.
Plan your certification requirements. Advanced Open Water minimum for most sites. Deep specialty helpful for 30-40 meter thilas. Nitrox certification saves $100-150 on rental. Strong current experience essential - practice negative entries and reef hooks before you go.
Prepare your dive log and medical forms. Bring certification cards and recent dive log (recommended 50+ dives for comfort level). Medical clearance required if over 45 or taking medications. Download dive site maps and fish ID guides before departure.

How far ahead should I book?: 3-6 months for better cabin selection and routes. Peak season (December-March) books up fastest. Last-minute deals exist but you'll get whatever cabin is left.
What if I get seasick?: Take medication before boarding - once you're sick it's too late. Cabins lower and amidships are more stable. Most people adjust after 1-2 days. Ginger tablets and sea bands help some divers.
How many dives per day?: Typically 3-4 dives daily including night dives. Some operators offer up to 5 dives. Factor in surface intervals and meal times - it's a full schedule with early morning starts.
Do I need my own gear?: Rental gear available but bring mask, fins, and wetsuit if possible. 3mm wetsuit sufficient year-round. BCD and regulator rental typically $15-25/day. Computer highly recommended for multiple daily dives.