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When it comes to discovering the Maldives, nothing beats the freedom that a liveaboard holiday offers. Spending a few days or a couple of weeks on a boat, sailing around the archipelago, a safari is a genuinely unique accommodation like no other.
Admittedly, a resort is no less fantastic. It comes with its own set of luxuries. From indulging in various cuisines and staying in lavish villas to the convenience of getting out of bed and snorkeling in the house reef, there is plenty to appreciate.
Still, a liveaboard has its advantages. While on the boat, you have the pleasure of cruising around various islands and exploring otherwise hard-to-reach diving spots. The food is fresh, and the service is beyond amicable. Of course, the biggest asset of a liveaboard is that it provides you with direct access to the vibrant aquatic life of the Indian Ocean.
The good news is that liveaboards are for everyone, catering to both luxury and budget travelers in the Maldives.
So, when deciding on a liveaboard, you must pick a boat that not only grants you the best deal and conveniences but one that caters specifically to your preferences.
To help you on this endeavor, here are 11 points to consider when picking a liveaboard in the Maldives.
Budget
The idea of living on a yacht might seem expensive, but in the Maldives, you can enjoy a liveaboard even on a budget. It does mean giving up on a few extravagances.
For example, the rooms will be comfortable but basic in amenities. In some cases, you will have to share the cabin with another guest. Moreover, you might only have one or two dives a day included in the price. Usually, the daily cost of a liveaboard can range from $125 all the way to $400 and more if you go ultra-luxurious.
Duration
The duration of your liveaboard makes a significant difference in how much you will enjoy and spend during your holiday. There are rare cases where you’ll find a 3–5-day safari.
However, most liveaboards sail for 8 to 11 days. This allows guests to truly get a feel of the Maldives and venture out to far-off places rather than staying close to popular islands.
Transfers
All returning tourists to the Maldives will tell you that transfers to and from the resort can exponentially increase your overall holiday budget. Whether you choose boat travel or a seaplane, transportation is expensive.
So, when looking at liveaboards, first check where you will board the boat. If it is near Malé, they will most probably include transfers. However, if your safari boat is next to a faraway island, then you will have to take a flight or a speed boat on your own to reach there.
Pro-Tip:
No matter where your boat is, it is always a good idea to reach a nearby island the day before. This way, you can rest and overcome any jetlag before you set sail on your voyage.
Boat size
Size definitely matters when it comes to liveaboards. The bigger the boat, the more facilities it will provide. However, you still need to check the total number of cabins.
A large ship with more cabins means things will get crowded. At the same time, if there are fewer rooms, you will have more space to lounge around and enjoy your vacation peacefully.
Certification
Another critical aspect to check about the liveaboard you plan to book is if they require any specific diving certification. The requirements depend on the route and dive sites your boat will visit. For example, a safari boat may expect divers to have over 20 hours of dives in open waters before entering the sea where currents are strong.
However, several boats accept beginners. Also, a few liveaboards have options where you can learn to dive and take courses to complete your PADI certification. A beginner’s scuba diving course costs around $250 compared to $900 for an open-water certificate.
Amenities
As is the case with any resort or hotel stay, the amenities and facilities of a safari boat can make or break your vacation. In general, the yachts in the Maldives offer excellent services and conveniences. While budget liveaboards have fewer luxuries, they are still comfortable and a pleasure to sail on.
When picking a liveaboard in the Maldives, some of the standard inclusions in the price are three meals, two to three dives, mineral water, and basic water sports equipment.
But as we all know; extravagance is an integral part of any vacation in the Maldives. And you get a fair share of that while staying on a liveaboard. Some of the topmost safari boats have en-suite air-conditioned cabins, multiple sun decks, Jacuzzis, contemporary interiors, free internet, outdoor lounges, bars, nitrox for divers, and a separate diving dhoni for entering hard-to-reach locations.
Crew-to-passenger ratio
There’s no fixed crew-to-passenger ratio that will guarantee a memorable liveaboard. Sometimes a few experienced crew members can take care of multiple guests with ease. On the other hand, occasionally, travelers might have just an okay vacation even with a 1:1 crew-to-passenger ratio.
Therefore, instead of focusing on the staff number, ask about the professionals on board. How many staff members are responsible for the kitchen? Does the boat have dive guides or a marine biologist? Eventually, the specialists will add a unique flavor to your trip and make it more informative and exciting.
Cruise style
When aiming to pick the best liveaboard in the Maldives for yourself, try and figure out who the safari boat typically attracts. After all, you do not want to get stuck on a yacht that isn’t in tune with what you want on holiday.
By taking note of onboard events, activities, and the facilities on offer, you’ll get an idea of whether the safari is suitable for professional divers, couples, or families. If you are not sure. don’t be afraid to shoot an email asking if they offer what you want.
Purpose
Is the purpose of your holiday the same as the main aim of the safari boat? That’s an important question to ask when choosing a liveaboard. Most cruises are meant for divers and snorkelers and will have three or more dives a day.
But if you are not into diving, pick a boat with different extracurricular activities and limited diving. This can include romantic dinners on a sandbank, water sports like jet skiing and kayaking, visiting inhabited islands or resorts, and stopping at locations where you can swim (not dive necessarily) with manta rays or sharks.
Another point to remember is that boats often have a fixed schedule. If on a diving-centric safari boat, passengers have set breakfast, lunch, and dinner times, followed by briefings before every dive.
Route
North, South, and Central Maldives, safari boats are sailing all around the archipelago. While central atolls of the archipelago are the most popular, the Deep South liveaboard adventure is gaining fame among die-hard divers. Here, you visit Laamu, Huvadhoo, Foammulah, and Addu Atoll on the other side of the Equator. Among an abundance of pelagic creatures, you’ll come across tiger sharks, mantas, hammerheads, and a variety of colorful marine life.
In contrast, a trip to the North includes anchoring in North Male, Rasdhoo, Baa, North Ari, and Lhavyani atolls. This area is perfect for underwater photography and offers dives through caves and wrecks. While on this trip, you can also swim with Manta Rays at Hanifaru Bay. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, diving is not allowed in this area.
Lastly, the central liveaboard route has boats sailing around Thaa, Rasdhoo, Laamu, and Mulaku atolls. Once again, the aquatic life is spectacular, and you are more than likely to come across mantas, eagle rays, turtles, white tip sharks, and hammerheads.
Note:
While routes are fixed before departure, they can change depending on the weather. When on a liveaboard, always have an open mind and be ready for new adventures that come along unexpectedly.
Co-passengers
Let’s be honest here, you can’t choose your co-passengers on a liveaboard unless you are booking the entire yacht. Still, there is no harm in reading a few reviews of the vessel in question to see what kind of people typically use their services and the type of expectations they have.
In the end, though, a liveaboard is an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded travelers. While sailing the seas, you get to share stories over food and sunbathing sessions and indulge in fun activities together. Not surprisingly, friendships and long-lasting bonds are easy to form when exploring unknown regions in the middle of paradise.
N.B.:all information is correct as of the post publication date, and prices are subjected to change.
