Maldives Liveaboard 2027 — Veteran Group Dive Trip
7 nights on the Emperor Explorer liveaboard. Central Atolls circuit (Male, Rasdhoo, Vaavu, Ari). Free Nitrox. No hidden fees. Partner trip with Carlu Dive & Travel.
Dates
October 3–10, 2027
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights | 18–20 Dives
Type
ADVANCED SCUBA
Availability
Limited to 24 divers — cabins filling by deck
Vessel
Emperor Explorer
Partner
Carlu Dive & Travel
Route
Male – Male
Nitrox
Free (up to 32%)
Featured Experience
18–20 dives across the Central Atolls — mantas, whale sharks, nurse sharks
Central Atolls circuit — North & South Male, Rasdhoo, Vaavu, North & South Ari. Cleaning stations, channel dives and thilas with high probability of reef mantas, whale sharks, nurse sharks, grey reef sharks and turtles. Day and night dives, optional manta night dive.
What Tourists Miss
Operator Add-Ons
- Free Nitrox up to 32% — no fill fees
- Island visit and beach dinner
- Professional photos and video of the trip, included
- Optional night snorkel with nurse sharks in Vaavu Atoll
- Marine park, port, fuel fees and local taxes all covered — no hidden extras
Who This Trip Is For & What It Takes
Who It's For
Certified divers who want a full week of bottom time. Dive computer required; drift and channel diving experience strongly recommended.
- Certified divers who want a full week of bottom time, not two dives a day
- Veterans and service members comfortable in current and channel dives
- Underwater photographers chasing mantas, whale sharks and big-animal encounters
- Buddy pairs and small crews who would rather live on the boat than a resort
Difficulty & Fitness
HighModerate–High. Channel and drift dives with current, up to 4 dives a day including night dives. Reef hook and SMB required on every dive.
What's Included & What's Not
What's Included
- Airport transfers — airport to boat, boat to airport
- Coordinator from Carlu Travel
- 8 days & 7 nights on the liveaboard
- 3 meals a day plus snacks
- 18–20 dives (weather depending)
- 12 liter tanks, weights and weight belts
- Nitrox (EANx)
- Dive guides
- Marine park fees
- Port fees
- Fuel fees
- Local taxes
- Professional pictures and videos of the trip
Not Included
- Flights
- Full equipment rental — €270 per week
- Dive insurance (bookable through Carlu Travel)
- Travel insurance
- Crew tips — €150 recommended
- Soft and alcoholic drinks
- Anything not listed as included
Cabin Pricing
Lower Deck
€2,850
Twin or double, port holes, ensuite
Main Deck
€3,050
Suite, windows, king + single
Upper Deck
€3,250
Suite, windows, king double
Per person. Payment options: full payment at booking, or €700 non-refundable deposit, additional 25% due 7 months out, balance no later than 90 days prior to departure.
Itinerary
Day by day schedule
- Day 1Arrive Velana International (MLE). Midday transfer by dhoni to the Emperor Explorer. Check in, gear set up, boat and dive briefing, dinner onboard.
- Day 22–3 dives, North Male Atoll. First dive is the check dive.
- Day 33 dives, Rasdhoo Atoll. Hunting pelagics.
- Day 43 dives, North Ari Atoll. Pinnacles, with the option of a manta night dive.
- Day 53 dives, South Ari Atoll. Whale shark water.
- Day 63 dives, Vaavu Atoll. Nurse sharks, with an optional night snorkel.
- Day 72 dives, South Male Atoll. Channel dives with pelagics.
- Day 8Check out. 07:00 transfer to Velana International. Day-hotel option near the airport for afternoon flights.
Packing & Preparation
Pack This
- Dive computer — required, no exceptions
- Reef hook and SMB, required on every dive
- 3mm full wetsuit; water runs 82-84F but four dives a day gets cold
- Save-a-dive kit, spare mask strap and fin straps
- Dry bag and a hard case for camera gear
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a long-sleeve rash guard for surface intervals
Prep Before You Fly
- Drift and channel diving experience is strongly recommended before you board
- Log a refresher dive if you've been dry more than six months
- Dive insurance is required and bookable through Carlu Travel
- Fly in a day early if you can — no diving within 24 hours of your flight home
- Full gear rental is EUR 270 for the week if you'd rather not haul yours
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dives are included?
18-20 dives across 7 nights, weather depending. Up to four a day including night dives, with an optional manta night dive in North Ari.
What certification level do I need?
Open Water minimum with a dive computer, but Advanced Open Water and prior drift or channel experience is strongly recommended. Reef hook and SMB use is mandatory.
What will we actually see?
Reef mantas on cleaning stations, whale sharks in South Ari, nurse sharks in Vaavu, grey reef sharks on channel dives, plus turtles and heavy reef fish. High probability, not guaranteed — it's the ocean.
Is Nitrox included?
Yes. Free Nitrox up to 32% with no fill fees, as long as you show a valid Nitrox certification at check-in.
What are the cabin options and payment terms?
Lower deck EUR 2,850, main deck EUR 3,050, upper deck EUR 3,250 per person. Pay in full at booking, or a EUR 700 non-refundable deposit, another 25% at 7 months out, balance 90 days before departure.
Are flights and marine park fees included?
Marine park, port, fuel fees and local taxes are all covered — no hidden extras onboard. Flights to Velana International (MLE) are not included.
Keep your certs and dive logs squared away in My Dive Locker before you board — briefings move fast and the crew will ask.
Before You Book
Passport Membership
Member rates on every Military Escape, plus the member booking engine.
Flight Alerts
Airfare isn't included — let us watch fares out of your home airport.
My Dive Locker
Store certs, dive logs, and insurance details before the crew asks for them.
from €2,850
From EUR 2,850 per person, lower deck
No payment now. We contact you first when the roster opens.
