Emperor Virgo

MV Emperor Virgo is one of a few stellar liveaboards from the Emperor fleet operating diving safaris around the best sites of the Maldives central atolls. Most trips are 7 nights out of Male City, taking in North Male, South Male and Ari Atoll, and are all-inclusive of fuel surcharges, local taxes/GST, marine park fees, green/environment fees, airport transfers etc.

Up to 18 divers are comfortably accommodated on this 32m motor yacht where a crew of 12 will cater to your every need. You can relax in the middle deck's air conditioned saloon with TV, DVD and music system and library of books. There is also Wi-Fi available for those with their own devices (signal varies from place to place). Otherwise the sundeck is a popular spot for taking it easy between dives.

Cabins are double or twin and are located across the lower, middle and upper decks. All cabins have air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms as well as minibars, TVs and DVDs. indeed the Emperor Virgo has many of the facilities of a boat from a much higher price range and represents exceptional value for money.

Diving is done from the accompanying dhoni and with free nitrox and CO analysers. Photographers will appreciate the camera rinse tank and camera table on the dhoni, and everyone welcomes the post-dive fresh fruit that adds a touch of class to Emperor Virgo's cruise service.

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Dive experience: Recommended: Maldives Central and Northern Atolls: participants should be Advanced Open Water Diver qualified. Maldives Central & Southern Atolls: divers should be Advanced Open Water Diver and have 30 logged dives. Maldives Southern Atolls: Advanced Open Water Diver and 100 logged dives. Divers with less experience will be able to join trips but may have to sit out some dives if their scuba skills are insufficient for the planned dives.

Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner (1 BBQ on deserted island weather permitting), snacks, drinking water, hot drinks, glass of wine with dinner, transfers to the boat from the airport, dives (as detailed in the trips above), nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers, experienced English speaking divemasters (6 divers per guide), tanks, weights and weight belts, Green Tax, GST on cruise price.

Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment rental (full set including SMB and dive computer US$ 336 per week, must be pre-booked), reef hooks, dive insurance. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash or credit card).

Optional extras: Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, 15 litre tank (US$ 101 per week), torch (US$ 101 per week). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.

How to get there: The regular port used by the MV Emperor Virgo liveaboard is Male, however some southern trips depart from Kadhdoo and Kooddoo. Your can arrive at any time on the first day as the first night is spent in the harbour. For more arrival details, including airlines, see our How to get to the Maldives section.
There are 2 complimentary transfer timings from the airport to the boat on embarkation day; 12 noon and 16:00 hrs. All transfers are arranged by a representative wearing an Emperor Maldives T-shirt and holding an Emperor Maldives sign. The meeting point at Male (Velana) International Airport is beside the Help Desk, or outside of the arrivals hall at Addu City (Gan) International Airport. Guests taking the 12 noon transfer from the airport to the boat have to accept that the boat will not be fully cleaned until 13:00 hrs. Any other transfers required on embarkation day, other than the 2 stated above, can be arranged at a charge of approx. US$ 15 each way. Groups with a minimum of 8 guests arriving on the same flight will not be charged if an alternative transfer is required on embarking day (after 12 noon).
The last dive of the trip will be at around 13:00 hrs on the second last day of the trip, before returning to port for the final night. You will disembark at 8 am on the final day. Please wait at least 18 hours before flying after diving.

Non-diver rate: Non-divers receive a free snorkeling kit and a voucher worth US$ 50 to spend on board.

Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - single travelers may choose to share a cabin, or pay a supplement of 50% of the published price for their own cabin. If there is no other same sex guest for you to share with, you will receive a cabin to yourself with no single supplement.

Dive clubs and group discounts: Pay for 9 guests and 1 extra person can join the cruise in a Standard cabin free of charge (total 10+ guests).

Whole boat charter rate (per night): Pay for 16 guests and 2 additional persons can join free of charge.

Maldives Central Atolls (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 Dives)

Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: North Male, Rasdhoo, Ari and South Male atolls

Day 1
A representative of MV Emperor Virgo will meet you at Male International Airport and take you to the dhoni that will take you on board this fantastic 31m motor yacht and its crew of 12. Lunch and dinner will be served during the day, depending on your arrival time. There will be no diving during the day but you will be able to get to know the crew and the boat better during the introductory briefing that the tour leader will give once all the guests are on board. There is plenty of time to unpack your gear, relax and get in the vacation mood: you are about to have a great week of diving, fun and relaxation!

Days 2-7
Be ready to dive the best and most famous dive sites of the Maldives around Male and Ari atolls. Different underwater environments like channels where you will drift dive, and pinnacles where you will have high a chance of meeting mantas, snorkel and dive with whale sharks, hammerheads, grey reef sharks and mesmerising marine life living on beautiful reefs. A great wreck dive in South Male will show you the macro creatures that have made the wreck their home. There are 3 dives a day, except on the last full day of the trip when there are only 2 morning dives before returning to Male.
3 main meals a day will give you enough energy for all the diving of the safari, while the snacks served each day are aimed to simply spoil you! Meals are buffet style and served inside the air-con saloon, prepared-daily using chicken, fish, fresh vegetables, curries, pasta and salads, and cooked with local and international receipes. Maldivian vegetable curry with rice and roti, grilled fish with pasta and fresh salad are just a sample of what to expect from the 2 cooks on board. One dinner will be a sunset barbeque on a deserted beach that will leave you with fond memories.

Day 8
Wake up with the smell of the last breakfast of the tour being served in the early morning. Say your farewells and take your last group pictures before heading to Male airport.

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Maldives Central & Southern Atolls (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 Dives)

Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: South Ari, South Male, Felidhoo, Meemu atolls

Day 1
A representative of MV Emperor Virgo will meet you at Male International Airport and take you to the dhoni that will take you on board this fantastic liveaboard that will be your home for the duration of the trip. Lunch and dinner will be served during the day, depending on your arrival time. There will be no diving during the day but you will be able to get to know the crew and the boat better during the introductory briefing that the tour leader will give once all the guests are on board. There is plenty of time to unpack your gear, relax and get in the vacation mood: you are about to have a great week of diving, fun and relaxation!
The boat leaves the harbour on the following morning.

Days 2-7
The currents running through the Indian Ocean bring a variety of hungry pelagics to the Maldives and they can be seen by scuba divers even from distance, thanks to a visibility often of 40m. The channels, called kandus by locals, host a great number of grey reef sharks, dogtooth tuna, eagle rays, and quite often surprises await in the blue for patient divers and guides that know what to look for.
The walls of Felidhoo and Meemu atolls feature majestic yellow soft coral and countless species of reef fish. Here you will have a chance of night diving with nurse sharks. And just when you think it can't get any better, South Ari Atoll will surprise you again with its close encounters with whale sharks and oceanic mantas. A great vacation!
3 main meals a day will give you enough energy for all the diving of the safari, while the snacks served each day are aimed to simply spoil you! Meals are buffet style and served inside the air-con saloon, prepared-daily using chicken, fish, fresh vegetables, curries, pasta and salads, and cooked with local and international recipes. Maldivian vegetable curry with rice and roti, grilled fish with pasta and fresh salad are just a sample of what to expect from the 2 cooks on board. One dinner will be a sunset barbeque on a deserted beach that will leave you with fond memories.

Day 8
Wake up with the smell of the last breakfast of the tour being served in the early morning. Say your farewells and take your last group pictures before heading to Male airport.

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Maldives Central Atolls (11 Days / 10 Nights - 26 Dives)

Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: North Male, Rasdhoo, Ari atolls, Felidhoo, South Male

Day 1
A representative of MV Emperor Virgo will meet you at Male International Airport and take you to the dhoni that will take you on board this fantastic 31m motor yacht and its crew of 12. Lunch and dinner will be served during the day, depending on your arrival time. There will be no diving during the day but you will be able to get to know the crew and the boat better during the introductory briefing that the tour leader will give once all the guests are on board. There is plenty of time to unpack your gear, relax and get in the vacation mood: you are about to have a great week of diving, fun and relaxation!

Days 2-10
Be ready to dive the best and most famous dive sites of the Maldives around Male, Felidhoo and Ari atolls. Different underwater environments like channels where you will drift dive, and pinnacles where you will have high a chance of meeting mantas, snorkel and dive with whale sharks, hammerheads, grey reef sharks and mesmerising marine life living on beautiful reefs. A great wreck dive in South Male will show you the macro creatures that have made the wreck their home. There are 3 dives a day, except on the last full day of the trip when there are only 2 morning dives before returning to Male.
3 main meals a day will give you enough energy for all the diving of the safari, while the snacks served each day are aimed to simply spoil you! Meals are buffet style and served inside the air-con saloon, prepared-daily using chicken, fish, fresh vegetables, curries, pasta and salads, and cooked with local and international recipes. Maldivian vegetable curry with rice and roti, grilled fish with pasta and fresh salad are just a sample of what to expect from the 2 cooks on board. One dinner will be a sunset barbeque on a deserted beach that will leave you with fond memories.

Day 11
Wake up with the smell of the last breakfast of the tour being served in the early morning. Say your farewells and take your last group pictures before heading to Male airport.

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Maldives Central & Southern Atolls (12 Days / 11 Nights - 29 Dives)

Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: South Ari Atoll, South Male Atoll, Felidhoo Atoll, Meemu Atoll

Day 1
A representative of MV Emperor Virgo will meet you at Male International Airport and take you to the dhoni that will take you on board this fantastic liveaboard that will be your home for the duration of the trip. Lunch and dinner will be served during the day, depending on your arrival time. There will be no diving during the day but you will be able to get to know the crew and the boat better during the introductory briefing that the tour leader will give once all the guests are on board. There is plenty of time to unpack your gear, relax and get in the vacation mood: you are about to have a great week of diving, fun and relaxation!
The boat leaves the harbour on the following morning.

Days 2-11
The currents running through the Indian Ocean bring a variety of hungry pelagics to the Maldives and they can be seen by scuba divers even from distance, thanks to a visibility often of 40m. The channels, called kandus by locals, host a great number of grey reef sharks, dogtooth tuna, eagle rays, and quite often surprises await in the blue for patient divers and guides that know what to look for.
The walls of Felidhoo and Meemu atolls feature majestic yellow soft coral and countless species of reef fish. Here you will have a chance of night diving with nurse sharks. And just when you think it can't get any better, South Ari Atoll will surprise you again with its close encounters with whale sharks and oceanic mantas. A great vacation!
3 main meals a day will give you enough energy for all the diving of the safari, while the snacks served each day are aimed to simply spoil you! Meals are buffet style and served inside the air-con saloon, prepared-daily using chicken, fish, fresh vegetables, curries, pasta and salads, and cooked with local and international recipes. Maldivian vegetable curry with rice and roti, grilled fish with pasta and fresh salad are just a sample of what to expect from the 2 cooks on board. One dinner will be a sunset barbeque on a deserted beach that will leave you with fond memories.

Day 12
Wake up with the smell of the last breakfast of the tour being served in the early morning. Say your farewells and take your last group pictures before heading to Male airport.

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[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].

The MV Emperor Virgo has a total of 9 cabins: 2 Main deck twin/double bed cabins, 5 Standard twin/double cabins on the lower deck and 2 Upper deck twin/double cabins. All twin bed cabins can be converted to doubles, and all feature an ensuite bathroom, TV, DVD and minbar.

All the cabins have: No. of bathrooms / showers - 10 / 11 - hot water

Virgo's crew of 12 comprises: Complimentary nitrox - Dhoni (see below) - Motorised dinghy - Saloon with TV, DVD, computer, wi-fi internet & music system - Book library, movies, games & magazines - Fish ID & diving books - Restaurant with bar - Sun deck with sun chairs, mattresses - Upper deck open-air shaded area with bar - Water dispenser

All the onboard the Emperor Virgo liveaboard is done from an accompanying 17m long dhoni. This boat carries all the guests' scuba equipment, the compressors and scuba tanks. There is a toilet and fresh water shower on board, rinse tanks and a camera table. The dhoni also carries the emergency breathing oxygen.

Emperor Virgo takes great pride in the quality of cuisine served to its guests. The dining experience usually begins with a light lunch on the day of arrival. Each day the 2 cooks prepare a light pre-breakfast, cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals are buffet style and you can expect a range of international dishes mixed with local Maldivian specialties. Each cruise features a candle-lit barbecue on a local island.

• Maldivian and International cuisine, with weekly island BBQ.
• Main meals are served buffet-style in the air-conditioned restaurant and comprise pre-breakfast, breakfast, lunch & dinner, with snacks in between.
• Snacks, bread/toast, fresh fruit, drinking water, and tea & coffee are available free of charge.
• Soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits are all available for purchase onboard.
• First meal served is lunch or dinner on the first day of the safari, depending on your time of arrival.
• All special diets can be catered for with prior notice.

Sample dishes: Maldivian vegetable curry with rice and roti; Grilled fish with pasta and fresh salad ...

Customer reviews:

"From the moment I sat foot on the boat the crew was friendly and forthcoming. It all made me feel very welcome. Dive briefings were done professionally and we were divided into smaller groups. We were limited to 4 divers per guide. The guides noted all dives on the whiteboard throughout the week and they actually plotted our route on a map as well. Cool service. My cabin was spacious and cleaned daily. The food served was tasty and despite the fact that we have limited ressources the chefs managed to make the menus varied throughout the week." - Thomas Weber, Denmark, 28 January 2019 ...