Diving on the Emperor Voyager
Diving in the Maldives means crystal-clear water, incredible visibility, and a wide variety of marine and coral life. Mesmerizing manta rays, eagle rays, reef sharks, whale sharks, sea turtles and schools of barracuda, trevally, and tuna abound. All this plus abundant macro life make the Maldives of the best diving destinations in the world.
A year-round tropical climate and warm temperatures provide the perfect conditions for an unforgettable dive trip. That said, divers can enjoy the Indian monsoon currents sweeping the islands and flowing through the atolls, with water temperatures ranging from 80 to 86 F (26 to 30 C).
From December to March, the water currents flow from east to west through the atolls, creating fantastic visibility of about 65 to 100 feet (20 to 30 m) along the eastern atolls, while on the western side, the visibility ranges from about 49 to 65 feet (15 to 20 m). On the other hand, August to November may be the best time of the year to see whale sharks and manta rays.
Because there are so many excellent, far-flung dive sites, a liveaboard’s varied itinerary allows guests to explore some of the most iconic, including those at North Male, South Male, Ari, and Vaavu Atoll. However, the Emperor Voyager doesn’t follow a set itinerary, so guests can delight in the surprises the Maldives has to offer every day. Certain dive sites and areas are subject to change due to weather conditions, but guests can count on up to 17 dives in total.
With three dive guides and a 65-foot (20 m) diving dhoni fully equipped with oxygen, compressors, and a first aid kit, the Emperor Voyager provides an excellent diving atmosphere and experience. Free nitrox is also available for certified divers, as well as PADI courses for those looking to advance their knowledge and certifications.
Highlights:
- Incredible marine life and iconic dive sites
- Pristine visibility up to 100 feet (30 m)
- Up to 17 dives
- Free nitrox
- Well-equipped diving dhoni and three guides
Onboard the Emperor Voyager
The Emperor Voyager is a 100-foot (30 m), modern liveaboard built in 2004 and refurbished in 2014. The boat can accommodate 20 guests in 10 ensuite air conditioned cabins with a variety of sleeping configurations.
Shared spaces include the main deck’s lounge, equipped with an entertainment system, flatscreen TV, stereo, speakers, computer, DVD player, and a mini library with books and movies. The lounge also has board games, music, a dining area, and an internationally stocked bar. Another dining area on the upper deck features comfortable sofas and tables where guests can sit back, relax, and socialize.
Both lower and upper sun decks are partially shaded and equipped with an entertainment system, bean bags, deck chairs, and sunbeds for guests to enjoy some sun between dives. With diving generally done from the dhoni, guests have plenty of room to move freely and safely.
The dive dhoni is spacious, with plenty of space and all the facilities needed for both divers and non-divers. Divers will love the large storage boxes, wetsuit hanging area, charging ports, and freshwater showers.
Highlights:
- Refurbished in 2014
- Air conditioned cabins
- Book, music, and movie library with entertainment system
- WiFi packages available for purchase onboard
Dining on the Emperor Voyager
The Emperor Voyager boasts the ultimate alfresco dining experience with large windows in the dining room offering panoramic views of the Maldivian blue waters. With a varied menu including freshly prepared seafood and vegetables, as well as Western cuisine, food is served buffet-style. A memorable BBQ on a deserted beach is planned during the trip and special dietary requests can be made at the time of booking.
Guests can enjoy complimentary wine served with dinner. In addition, beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available from the internationally stocked bar at an extra cost. Complimentary light snacks and beverages are also served throughout the day.
Highlights:
- Caters to dietary needs
- Complimentary wine with dinner
- Alternative alcoholic drinks are available at extra cost
