UD Rating - 4 Star

May to September

Maldives

Advanced Open Water

Reefs and Manta Rays

Amba

A Premier Diving Safari in the Maldives

The Amba Liveaboard is a 30-meter dive safari vessel cruising the Maldives’ central atolls, including Malé, Ari, and Vaavu. Accommodating up to 20 guests, it offers personalized diving adventures with expert guides. Explore vibrant coral gardens, thrilling drift dives, and seasonal encounters with manta rays and whale sharks in comfort and style.

The Amba navigates the central atolls of the Maldives; including Malé, Rasdhoo, Ari, and Vaavu, offering access to some of the country's most iconic and vibrant dive sites. During the early part of the season, the yacht ventures north, offering a unique chance to snorkel with manta rays and whale sharks in the famed Hanifaru Bay, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Accommodations aboard the Amba offer the comfort of a floating hotel. The yacht features 11 cosy cabins, each equipped with a private bathroom, adjustable air conditioning, and quality bed linens to ensure restful nights. Guests gather in the main saloon and dining area to enjoy three freshly prepared meals daily, along with afternoon snacks, cakes, tea, coffee, and filtered water. For breakfast lovers, the onboard chefs bake fresh sourdough bread every morning.

Dive operations are run from the vessel’s dedicated 18-metre Dhoni, ensuring safe and efficient access to dive sites. For additional flexibility, small speedboats are available for excursions to nearby islands or closer reef entry points. The Amba is distinguished by its Bauer PureAir system, which delivers top-level air safety standards for all divers.

Guests are guided by a multilingual crew with extensive experience in Maldivian waters, ensuring not only seamless logistics but also a personalized and memorable diving experience from start to finish.

Upper Deck Suite

The large Upper Deck Luxury Cabins can be booked as single or double occupancy. The cabins are spacious and have the following amenities:

  • Double and Single Bed
  • Private bathroom with hot shower
  • Air conditioning

Standard Cabin

The Standard Cabins are very spacious and can be booked as single or double occupancy. The cabins have the following amenities:

  • Double Bed and Single Bed
  • Private bathroom with hot shower
  • Air Conditioning

Upper Deck Cabin

The Upper Deck bunk bed cabins have large windows and are spacious with the following amenities:

  • Double and Single Bunk Beds
  • Private Bathroom with hot shower
  • Air conditioning

Upper Deck Double Cabin

The Upper Deck Standard Double Cabin is smaller than the Upper deck luxury cabins but also features lots of space and has the following amenities:

  • Double Bed
  • Private bathroom with hot shower
  • Air conditioning

Route Options

11 Days 10 Nights

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Maldives, exploring the vibrant atolls of Ari, Vaavu, and Malé. This round-trip itinerary from Malé offers world-class diving amid thriving coral reefs, abundant marine life, and some of the Indian Ocean’s most iconic underwater sites.

Highlights of the Route
Ari Atoll – Known for frequent sightings of whale sharks and manta rays, Ari also boasts dramatic pinnacles brimming with marine life.

Vaavu Atoll – Offers exhilarating drift dives through deep channels (Kandus) and unforgettable night dives with nurse sharks.

Malé Atoll – Combines colorful coral reefs with fascinating wreck dives, offering variety and adventure.

Sample Itinerary
Arrival Day
Guests are welcomed at Malé International Airport at 12:00 PM by the AMBA crew. For those arriving later, scheduled pickups are arranged. Onboard, a refreshing welcome drink and cool towel set the tone for the journey ahead. Following a brief orientation of the vessel, guests settle into their cabins and unwind.

From 2:00 to 4:00 PM, dive certifications and insurance documents are verified, and guests assemble their gear on the dive tender (Dhoni) with guidance from the dive team. Dinner is served around 6:00 PM, followed by crew introductions and a comprehensive safety briefing. The evening is spent at leisure, offering a chance to relax or socialize with fellow divers.

Diving Days
Each day features two to three dives, with three dives typically scheduled unless longer crossings are required. Dive briefings are conducted in English, German, and Spanish. One night dive is offered during the trip.

Guests explore a variety of dive environments, from coral gardens to thrilling encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks, and more. All dives are conducted in self-reliant buddy teams, with experienced guides accompanying the group to showcase the highlights of each site. Divers are expected to be proficient in independent ascents and the use of surface marker buoys when needed.

Final Dive & Farewell
The last dive of the trip takes place at 8:00 AM on the day before disembarkation. Afterwards, guests rinse and dry their equipment in preparation for packing. In the afternoon, there’s an opportunity to explore the capital city of Malé. The farewell gathering is held in the evening, followed by a final dinner shared onboard.

This dive safari is perfect for avid divers seeking crystal-clear waters and spectacular experiences around Hanifaru Bay. Hanifaru Bay is world-famous for its large gatherings of manta rays (especially during the plankton season from May to November) and occasional whale shark sightings. The itinerary combines a variety of drift and reef dives with stunning underwater landscapes, including vibrant coral gardens, caves, channels, and healthy reef walls.

Arrival Day:

Guests are welcomed at the airport by the crew at noon (12:00 pm). For later arrivals, transfers are arranged at a pre-scheduled time.

Upon boarding the AMBA liveaboard, guests are greeted with a refreshing drink and lime-scented towel. A short orientation introduces the vessel’s layout and the day’s schedule, after which guests may settle into their cabins and freshen up.

At 5:00 pm, check-in documents are completed, followed by equipment assembly on the dive boat (dhoni) with assistance from the dive crew.

Dinner is served at 6:30 pm, followed by crew introductions and a comprehensive safety briefing. The evening is free to relax, socialise, and adjust dive computers with the support of the dive team.

Day 2 to the Last Diving Day:

Each day includes 2–3 dives (typically three, unless long crossings are required), all conducted from the dhoni, with one night dive per trip.

Dive sites are carefully selected, with detailed briefings provided in English (German translation available). Expect vibrant coral gardens and exciting encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks, bull sharks, guitar rays, and other marine life.

Dives are conducted in self-reliant buddy teams, accompanied by experienced guides. Divers must be confident making independent ascents and using surface marker buoys when required.

If manta rays or whale sharks are sighted at Hanifaru Bay, the schedule may change to allow snorkelling with these giants. In such cases, the full three dives may not be completed.

Last Diving Day – Day Before Departure:

The final dive takes place at 8:00 am. Afterwards, equipment can be rinsed and left to dry before packing.

In the afternoon, guests may visit Malé from 4:00–6:00 pm. A farewell gathering is held at 6:30 pm, followed by dinner.

Departure Day:

Check-out is before 8:30 am. A light breakfast is provided, with earlier departures available on request. Late check-outs are not possible due to vessel preparations.

Guests with later flights may store luggage at the airport and use the time to explore nearby islands or relax at the airport hotel.

Discover the best of the Central South Maldives on this spectacular liveaboard journey, departing and returning to Malé. Cruise through Ari, Vaavu, Faavu and Meemu Atolls, diving vibrant coral reefs, thrilling channels and iconic sites rich in marine life. Expect encounters with whale sharks and manta rays in Ari, nurse sharks on Vaavu night dives, pristine drift dives in remote Faavu, dramatic channels in Meemu alive with grey reef sharks, and colourful reefs and wrecks in Malé — a perfect blend of big fish action and classic Maldivian diving.

Arrival Day

Guests are welcomed at the airport by the crew at noon (12:00 pm). For later arrivals, transfers are arranged at a pre-scheduled time.

Upon boarding the AMBA liveaboard, guests are greeted with a refreshing drink and lime-scented towel. A short orientation introduces the vessel’s layout and itinerary, after which guests may settle into their cabins and freshen up.

At 5:00 pm, check-in documents are completed, followed by equipment assembly on the dive boat (dhoni) with assistance from the dive crew.

Dinner is served at 6:30 pm, followed by crew introductions and a comprehensive safety briefing. The evening is free for relaxation, socialising, and adjusting dive computers with support from the dive team.

Day 2 to the Last Diving Day

Each day includes 2–3 dives (typically three, unless long crossings are required), conducted from the dhoni, including one night dive per trip.

Dive sites are carefully selected, with detailed briefings provided in English (German translation available). The Maldives offers exceptional underwater experiences, from vibrant coral gardens to encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks, bull sharks, guitar rays and diverse reef life.

Dives are conducted in self-reliant buddy teams, accompanied by experienced guides. Divers must be confident in performing independent ascents in buddy pairs using surface marker buoys when required.

Last Diving Day – Day Before Departure

The final dive is scheduled for 8:00 am on the day before disembarkation.

Afterwards, equipment may be rinsed in freshwater tanks and left to dry before packing.

In the afternoon, guests are invited to visit Malé from 4:00–6:00 pm. A farewell gathering takes place at 6:30 pm, followed by dinner.

Departure Day

Check-out is before 8:30 am. A light breakfast is provided, with earlier departures available upon request. Late check-outs are not possible due to preparations for the next voyage.

Guests with later flights may store luggage at the airport and use the time to explore nearby islands or relax at the airport hotel.

Vessel Details

Length & Width 30m x 10m
Engines Yanmar Heavy Duty 350 HP
Generators 2x Fischer Panda 40 KW, 1x Kohler 80 KW
Compressors 2x Bauer compressors, Bauer Pure Air certified, 1x membrane for Nitrox
Diving Bottles 12 liters aluminum, 15 liters aluminum, DIN valves, with or without inlet
Navigation Compass, radio, GPS, depth gauge, fish finder
Top Speed 13 knots
Cruising Speed 8.5 knots
Fuel capacity 4000 litres
Freshwater maker 6000 litres per day
Equipment Rental Available
Rinse Hose Available
Sidemount diving Available
Shaded diving area Available
Dive Deck Available
DIN Adaptors Available
Tenders for diving 2
Diving Dhoni Available
15 liter tank USD 12 per day
Mask and snorkel USD 6 per day
Fins USD 6 per day
Wetsuit USD 12 per day
Dive Computer USD 12 per day
Buoyancy compensator USD 12 per day
Regulator Set USD 12 per day
Diving Lamp USD 12 per day
Reef Hook free
Surface Buoy free
Full Equipment USD 50 per day

Available Experiences

ITINERARIES AVAILABLE IN THIS DESTINATION

Marcelina

Friday, 06 December 2013

Fabulous Fiji by Marcelina Jesus on Sport Diver Magazine

Lured by the promise of world-class reefs and adrenaline-fueled shark encounters Marcelina Jesus ventures to the wild islands of Fiji.

Fabulous Fiji by Marcelina Jesus on Sport Diver Magazine

What Our Customers Have To Say

Reviews from our Clients, Journalists, Photo Pro's and our own Experts

Our reviews and blogs are an additional guide to evaluate of the holiday is exactley what you are looking for or not. Some love an Eco-Resort, some love air-con and a flat screen TV, we aim to ensure you get what you are looking for, at great value for money.

Kudarah Thila

Ari Atoll , Maldives

The topography here is quite complex. The thila is divided into four large coral heads, of varying sizes, that sit on a plateau rising from 40m (130ft) to 12m (40ft). The thila is no more than 100m (110yd) in diameter, and you can swim around the whole site in a single dive. Each of the blocks is undercut from 15m (50ft) to 25m (80ft) with superb caves jammed full of soft corals, gorgonians and whip corals.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Advanced Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 25m

Felidhoo

Northern Region, Maldives

The Felidhoo is a sloping wall with overhangs and divers can expect to see white tip reef sharks, banner fish, stingrays, boxfish, barracuda and fusiliers.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Advanced Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 30m

Rasfari Corner

Ari Atoll , Maldives

Large and shallow plateaus (10 - 20 ft) on the west side of the atoll, right next to the wide lagoon of Rasfari. It is covered with hard corals and hosts a cleaning station during the northeast monsoon. The most common way to do the dive here is to start on top of the reef, which is protected from the currents and after spending some time with the mantas continue the dive towards the wall that drops down to about 75 feet. The wall is nicely covered with hard corals, rich with fish life and popular with turtles.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 18

North Male

South Male Atoll, Maldives

Explore the captivating underwater world of North Male Atoll with its renowned dive sites like Lankan Manta Point and Fish Factory. Encounter vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life including mantas, sharks, and colorful reef fish, making it a diver's paradise.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 18

South Male

South Male Atoll, Maldives

The South Malé Atoll offers thrilling dives characterized by strong currents, making it ideal for more experienced divers. This atoll features deep channels, known as kandus, which funnel nutrient-rich water from the open ocean into the inner lagoon, attracting large schools of fish, sharks, and other pelagic species. Coral life flourishes along the outer reef walls and on thilas—underwater pinnacles—while overhangs and caves within the channels provide shelter for a variety of macro life.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 18

Hanifaru Bay

Northern Region, Maldives

The famous Hanifaru Bay, which is known locally as Vandhumaafaru Adi, is thought to be one the few places in the world where whale sharks congregate in to mate, although recent research suggests otherwise with the vast majority of the whale sharks seen there being young males. The bay also regularly sees some of the largest gatherings of Manta rays worldwide with up to one hundred individuals in the small inlet when the tide pushes plankton into the bay.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 18

Vahhuravalhi Kandu

Southern Region, Maldives

Grey Reef Sharks and large pelagics can be seen at this site as well as manta rays, Napoleon Wrasse Eagle Rays and Sailfish.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 18

Kurali Manta Point

Southern Region, Maldives

A very shallow channel with several cleaning stations for Manta Rays. Sharks and Napoleons are also usual sightings as an almost unbelievably large field of sand eels.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 18

Hanifaru Lagoon

Male Atoll, Maldives

From May to November, an exceptional concentration of kreel attracts hundreds of mantas for feeding and often some whale sharks also feed among them.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 20m

Thuvaru

Southern Region, Maldives

Located in Meemu. Thuvaru North is a channel site, located opposite the similarly named island in the south. The north side offers a pleasant dive with marine life typical of the Maldives. Encounters with sharks resting on the sandy bottom & a variety of other reef fish along the edge of the channel, are possible. Depth: 12 - 50m

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Advanced Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 50m

Whaleshark Point

Male Atoll, Maldives

Huvadhoo atoll is known for being home to the biggest fish in the world. Just like in Thaa atoll there is now specific place where diving would guarantee an encounter with a whale shark but the common practice is to use a strong light in the evening at the back platform of the boat to attract the zooplanktons which will further attract the whale sharks. Scuba diving while having the shark at the back of the boat is rather discouraged as the bubbles may disperse the mass of the plankton. Sometimes the whale sharks will stay for hours.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 30m

Vanhuravalhi Kandu

Southern Region, Maldives

A very narrow channel with its channel edge at about 28m and can be easily crossed if the current runs the right direction. Big swarms of big fish can be seen during the cross - big eye trevallies, barracudas, huge tunas and jacks, but the highlight is definitely groups of grey reef sharks. On your way to the other side you will pass small overhangs staffed with yellow soft corals. Finishing the dive in the shallow area at the channel corner with blue strip snapper, batfish and turtles.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 28m
Dates Duration Route Room Type Price
27 Apr 2026
7 May 2026
10 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Suite £2202
10 May 2026
20 May 2026
10 Nights Best of Maldives Standard Cabin £1613
10 May 2026
20 May 2026
10 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Cabin £1613
10 May 2026
20 May 2026
10 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Double Cabin £1908
27 May 2026
6 Jun 2026
10 Nights Best of Maldives Standard Cabin £1613
27 May 2026
6 Jun 2026
10 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Cabin £1613
27 May 2026
6 Jun 2026
10 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Suite £2202
27 May 2026
6 Jun 2026
10 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Double Cabin £1908
14 Jun 2026
22 Jun 2026
8 Nights Hanifaru Manta & Whaleshark Special-Baa & Raa Atoll Standard Cabin £1017
14 Jun 2026
22 Jun 2026
8 Nights Hanifaru Manta & Whaleshark Special-Baa & Raa Atoll Upper Deck Cabin £1017
14 Jun 2026
22 Jun 2026
8 Nights Hanifaru Manta & Whaleshark Special-Baa & Raa Atoll Upper Deck Suite £1311
14 Jun 2026
22 Jun 2026
8 Nights Hanifaru Manta & Whaleshark Special-Baa & Raa Atoll Upper Deck Double Cabin £1164
23 Jun 2026
1 Jul 2026
8 Nights Hanifaru Manta & Whaleshark Special-Baa & Raa Atoll Standard Cabin £1017
23 Jun 2026
1 Jul 2026
8 Nights Hanifaru Manta & Whaleshark Special-Baa & Raa Atoll Upper Deck Cabin £1017
23 Jun 2026
1 Jul 2026
8 Nights Hanifaru Manta & Whaleshark Special-Baa & Raa Atoll Upper Deck Suite £1311
23 Jun 2026
1 Jul 2026
8 Nights Hanifaru Manta & Whaleshark Special-Baa & Raa Atoll Upper Deck Double Cabin £1164
5 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026
11 Nights Best of Maldives Standard Cabin £1936
18 Sep 2026
29 Sep 2026
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Standard Cabin £1936
18 Sep 2026
29 Sep 2026
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Upper Deck Suite £2408
1 Oct 2026
12 Oct 2026
11 Nights Best of Maldives Standard Cabin £1936
1 Oct 2026
12 Oct 2026
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Suite £2408
1 Oct 2026
12 Oct 2026
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Double Cabin £2098
14 Oct 2026
25 Oct 2026
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Standard Cabin £1936
14 Oct 2026
25 Oct 2026
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Upper Deck Suite £2408
27 Oct 2026
7 Nov 2026
11 Nights Best of Maldives Standard Cabin £1936
27 Oct 2026
7 Nov 2026
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Suite £2408
27 Oct 2026
7 Nov 2026
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Double Cabin £2098
9 Nov 2026
20 Nov 2026
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Standard Cabin £2180
9 Nov 2026
20 Nov 2026
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Upper Deck Cabin £2180
9 Nov 2026
20 Nov 2026
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Upper Deck Double Cabin £2342
5 Dec 2026
16 Dec 2026
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Standard Cabin £2180
5 Dec 2026
16 Dec 2026
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Upper Deck Cabin £2180
5 Dec 2026
16 Dec 2026
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Upper Deck Suite £2651
5 Dec 2026
16 Dec 2026
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Upper Deck Double Cabin £2342
19 Dec 2026
30 Dec 2026
11 Nights Best of Maldives Standard Cabin £2774
19 Dec 2026
30 Dec 2026
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Double Cabin £2980
5 Jan 2027
16 Jan 2027
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Standard Cabin £2180
5 Jan 2027
16 Jan 2027
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Upper Deck Double Cabin £2342
18 Jan 2027
29 Jan 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Standard Cabin £2180
18 Jan 2027
29 Jan 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Double Cabin £2342
31 Jan 2027
11 Feb 2027
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Standard Cabin £2504
31 Jan 2027
11 Feb 2027
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Upper Deck Cabin £2504
31 Jan 2027
11 Feb 2027
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Upper Deck Suite £3137
31 Jan 2027
11 Feb 2027
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Upper Deck Double Cabin £2666
13 Feb 2027
24 Feb 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Standard Cabin £2504
13 Feb 2027
24 Feb 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Cabin £2504
13 Feb 2027
24 Feb 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Suite £3137
13 Feb 2027
24 Feb 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Double Cabin £2666
12 Mar 2027
23 Mar 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Standard Cabin £2504
12 Mar 2027
23 Mar 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Cabin £2504
12 Mar 2027
23 Mar 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Suite £3137
12 Mar 2027
23 Mar 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Double Cabin £2666
20 Apr 2027
1 May 2027
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Standard Cabin £1774
20 Apr 2027
1 May 2027
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Upper Deck Cabin £1774
20 Apr 2027
1 May 2027
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Upper Deck Suite £2408
20 Apr 2027
1 May 2027
11 Nights Best of Central South Maldives: Ari - Vaavu - Faafu - Meemu- Male Atolls Upper Deck Double Cabin £2098
3 May 2027
14 May 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Standard Cabin £1774
3 May 2027
14 May 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Cabin £1774
3 May 2027
14 May 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Suite £2408
3 May 2027
14 May 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Double Cabin £2098
16 May 2027
27 May 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Standard Cabin £1774
16 May 2027
27 May 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Cabin £1774
16 May 2027
27 May 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Suite £2408
16 May 2027
27 May 2027
11 Nights Best of Maldives Upper Deck Double Cabin £2098