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Emperor Explorer II
Best of the Maldives
18 Oct 2026 · 7 nights · Indian Ocean, Maldives
£2595 *
3 twin cabins available
Step aboard Emperor Explorer II, the newest addition to the Emperor fleet and their largest liveaboard in the Maldives fleet. Designed with divers in mind, this modern vessel combines generous spa ...
Step aboard Emperor Explorer II, the newest addition to the Emperor fleet and their largest liveaboard in the Maldives fleet. Designed with divers in mind, this modern vessel combines generous space, contemporary style and a smooth, well-organised dive operation to create a truly relaxed liveaboard experience.
With bright interiors, multiple social areas and a dedicated dive dhoni, Explorer II is ideal for divers who want comfort above the surface and efficiency below it.
Explorer II has been designed to give you plenty of space to relax between dives.
The air-conditioned indoor lounge offers comfortable seating, a TV, library and dining area, while the outdoor decks provide a mix of shaded seating, sunbeds, beanbags and a bar area perfect for unwinding after a day's diving.
Whether you want to socialise with other divers or find a quiet corner to relax, there's space to do both.
Explorer II accommodates up to 26 guests across 13 cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms and individually controlled air-conditioning.
Four spacious suites featuring a queen-size double bed and a single bed. Ideal for guests who want great views, extra space and plenty of natural light.
Two large suites with a king-size double and single bed, offering generous space and convenient access to the main social areas.
Six cabins with a double and single bed, plus one double cabin. Comfortable, practical and well-designed for a relaxing stay.
Solo travellers are well catered for, with same-sex cabin sharing guaranteed. If this isn't possible, you'll receive a cabin to yourself with no single supplement.
Diving is run from a separate, fully equipped 24m dive dhoni, keeping the main boat uncluttered and ensuring a smooth, efficient experience.
This setup makes diving easy and stress-free, whether you're exploring channels, pinnacles or cleaning stations across the Maldives.
Explorer II also includes great-value extras, helping keep your overall trip cost predictable and straightforward.
Click here for more details about Emperor Explorer II This link contains lots of the information you need, pictures, reviews, and other FAQ information. Or call one of our diving holiday experts on +44(0)1483 411590.
The Best of the Maldives does just what it says - manta, whalesharks, sharks, turtles, channel dives, thilas... and so much more! Best of the Maldives remains one of our most popular Maldives itineraries for a reason.
The Best of the Maldives does just what it says on the tin - you dive the best and most famous dive sites of the Maldives in a single week of sublime liveaboard diving across Male and Ari atolls. This is a dive holiday in the Maldives to remember that hits all the seasonal hot spots of North Male, South Male and Ari Atoll. Dive the many channels, drifts and pinnacles, encountering the manta, whalesharks and reef residents as you go. The exact order of things is left deliberately flexible to ensure that no matter what time of year your holiday to the Maldives is, the breathtaking world underwater is unveiled in all its perfection.
Scuba Travel's Best of the Maldives itinerary aims to mix up big fish manta and shark dives with scenic reefs dives, hunting out the smallest reef fish, morays and macro life that are so abundant. Due to seasonal nature of the marine life, the exact dive sites visited on a Best of the Maldives trip may vary, but are all chosen by each of our liveaboards so you see the Maldives marine life at it's most exciting. All will usually dive North Male, South Male, South Ari and North Ari dive sites, and may stop at one (or both) of Vaavuu and Rasdhoo atolls. Cleaning stations allow you to get up close and personal with massive Maldivian manta, and dives at Manta Point, Dhonkalo Thila and Madivaru provide just such opportunities. Kandhooma thila and Medu Faru are hopt spots for eagle rays. Maaya Thila is one of the best known dive sites in the Maldives and for a good reason. This pinnacle is about 30m diameter that descends to reveal sharks and fish a plenty. Night diving here is hard to beat and should not be missed. Log yet more pelagic sightings as grey reef sharks patrol the north and south ari Atoll area. Radhiga thila, Maalhos thila and Hafsa thila are just some of the stand out dives in this area. The boat will also take some time out along the route to look for whalesharks you can snorkel with - grab your fins as these gentle giants can move fast! Maamagili Beyru is one of the best places to see whalesharks on this itinerary.
The Best of the Maldives is an ideal itinerary for any first time visitor to the Maldives. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving but no minimum no of dives is required. Many of the dives on the Best of Maldives itinerary is suitable for all levels of divers, however, unpredictable and strong currents are to be expected in certain areas. Inexperienced and beginner 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 18m therefore advanced or Deep Diver training is advised. Carpe Fleet require an AOW certification. All diving is made from dhonis to give precision entry and exits points. Night diving is limited to sheltered moorings but well worth jumping in for. With so many excellent and remarkable sites in and around North - South Male Atolls and the Ari Atolls, the Best of the Maldives is a route that can be dived time and time again. Surely no one can tire of the jaw dropping diversity and life on display. From the tiny creatures that thrill macro lovers to the elegant and inspiring big fish, there more than enough to keep you coming back for more.
Click here for more details about Best of the Maldives contains all the detailed information you need, a full day by day itinerary, pictures, videos, reviews, and other practical information. Or call one of our diving holiday experts on +44(0)1483 411590.
Sail away on Emperor’s flagship Maldives liveaboard, launched in 2026. Manta, sharks, eagle rays and so much more on this classic Maldives itinerary - dive the seasonal hot spots from a dhoni tender with an average of 20 dives total including 1 night dive. You have 7 nights on board on a full board basis (twin/double share cabin) - main deck and upper deck cabin upgrades available. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with dinner. All trips are fully guided with expert guides and include 12lt tank and weights, as well as free recreational nitrox. To pay on board are alcoholic drinks, fruit juice, fizzy drinks, additional kit hire and any on board souvenirs. Do let us know if you would like to prebook any courses or kit hire on board, or have any dietary requirements.
You have booked a holiday excluding international flights, with return Male airport transfers. We are able to add flights with a wide range of airlines, including regional departures. Flights will incur small booking fee. Please ask your consultant for competitive quote for any flight option. Do not book any flights until your boat space is confirmed by Scuba Travel. Transfers operate at fixed times.
* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking
Please DO NOT book any connecting flights, insurance, or additional parts to this holiday as your trip is subject to availability and will NOT be confirmed until you have spoken with our operators. If you have any requests beyond our normal itineraries please note them in the comments and we will discuss these with you when we call to arrange your holiday.
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The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Tony Backhurst Scuba ltd t/a Scuba Travel - member number 5194, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for:
• Non-flight packages for UK and EU customers only
ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if transportation was included in your package. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Tony Backhurst Scuba ltd t/a Scuba Travel.
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All holidays sold for customers with a postal address outside the EU or UK are not financially protected. It is your responsibility to ensure you have insurance in place to protect your holiday in the event of our insolvency. The holidays are covered under their own specific terms and conditions, which are issued on the booking/payment confirmation.