To dive the Maldives is to experience some of the Indian Ocean’s most iconic underwater seascapes. For over 3 decades, the team behind the Princess Haleema has been at the forefront of showing divers these waters. As one of the pioneering operations in the region, they were among the first to identify and establish many of the dive sites now considered classics. That heritage translates into an intimate knowledge of atolls, currents, and marine aggregation points - knowledge that directly enriches your time underwater. Choosing a Princess Haleema liveaboard holiday means placing your trust in that deep-rooted expertise.
At 36 metres with an 11.5-metre beam, the award-winning Princess Haleema offers a stable and spacious platform from which to explore. The vessel, which received a comprehensive refurbishment in 2018, balances a sleek exterior with genuinely comfortable interiors. Accommodation is spread across 11 en-suite cabins; those on the upper deck are particularly sought after for their large windows that frame the passing atolls. A point of difference here is the dedicated dive dhoni, a separate 19-metre boat that handles all diving operations. This leaves the main deck of the liveaboard free for relaxation; a layout that minimises clutter and maximises your comfort between dives. Every corner of the Princess Haleema is designed to enhance the guest experience.
The philosophy onboard leans heavily towards unhurried exploration. Daily schedules include snorkelling excursions and visits to sand banks and local islands, offering a varied rhythm to the week. Underwater, the ratio of 3 dive guides per cruise allows for smaller groups and a more personalised service. A marine biologist is also regularly part of the team, on hand to add context to the encounters, whether it’s the behaviour of a passing grey reef shark or the intricate symbiosis on a thila top. This attention to detail is what defines a Princess Haleema liveaboard cruise.
The atmosphere is distinctly Italian-influenced, from the warm hospitality of the long-standing crew to the cuisine prepared by the 2 onboard chefs. After a dive, the three open-air relaxation decks come into their own. The upper sundeck, complete with 2 Jacuzzis, is a favourite spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon, drink in hand, as the liveaboard cruises towards the next day’s sites. The sense of space and comfort on the Princess Haleema makes the time between dives as enjoyable as the dives themselves.
Overall, the Princess Haleema liveaboard suits scuba divers who appreciate a blend of genuine experience and solid comfort. You are booking into a style of liveaboard travel that is led by a crew who know these atolls intimately, on a vessel designed to make the most of the seascape, both above and below the water. It is a considered way to see the Maldives, one dive at a time.
There are 8 spacious double or twin bed cabins on the lower deck, and on the upper deck there are 2 king-size double bed suites and 1 cabin with 2 double beds. The upper deck accommodation has large seaview windows. All of the cabins are en-suite (have private bathrooms).
All the cabins have:
Air-conditioning
Portholes (lower deck) or windows (upper deck)
Private bathroom with hot water shower and hand basin
Soap, towels and beach towel
Minibar fridge (upper deck only)
Bedside lights
Bedside cabinet
Wardrobe, shelves and mirror
Bedding and luggage space
Daily housekeeping
3 Prong UK-style mains outlet 230-240 volts - 24 hours per day
Fire alarm, life jackets and fire extinguishers
No. of bathrooms / showers - 11 / 11 - hot water
Maldives Central Atolls (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Dive sites and activities: Rasdhoo, North Ari, South Ari, North Felidhoo, South Male atolls
Day 1
Your Maldives diving adventure commences in Malé, the bustling capital. After arrival, you will be escorted directly to the Princess Haleema liveaboard, your dedicated base for exploring the Central Atolls. Once you have settled into your cabin, a welcome lunch will be served, followed by a detailed boat and safety briefing from the captain and crew. This initial period is the perfect opportunity to acclimatise, meet your fellow divers, and prepare for the incredible week of scuba diving ahead.
Core Days
Over the forthcoming days, this tour navigates the most celebrated dive locations in the Maldives Central Atolls. The route is specifically designed to showcase the region’s dual appeal of vibrant reef life and exhilarating big animal encounters. It begins in the dynamic North Ari and Rasdhoo Atolls, famed for their deep oceanic channels and powerful currents. These nutrient-rich zones are a magnet for large pelagic species, offering high-octane diving experiences. Early morning immersions at sites like Rasdhoo Madivaru present opportunities to spot schooling hammerhead sharks, while graceful oceanic manta rays frequently patrol the deeper drop-offs. Here, you’ll be immersed in some of the most concentrated big fish action the archipelago provides.
The Princess Haleema focus shifts to the protected marine sanctuary of South Ari Atoll, widely recognised as the Maldives’ premier destination for encountering whale sharks. This vast, calm area offers divers a regular opportunity to swim alongside these magnificent, gentle giants as they glide peacefully in the clear blue water, making it a particularly special highlight of the trip.
Further exploration takes you to Felidhoo Atoll, which is defined by dramatic underwater structures. Divers will explore spectacular wall dives and large caverns, beautifully adorned with bushes of black coral and vivid soft corals. The fast-moving channels here are excellent hunting grounds for whitetip and grey reef sharks. A true spectacle in this region is the signature night dive at Alimatha, where dozens of nurse sharks and large stingrays congregate under the jetty lights for an unforgettable close-up encounter.
As Princess Haleema concludes the diving circuit, you explore South Malé Atoll, a key area known for its exceptional marine biodiversity. Current-swept dive sites such as Cocoa Thila host huge schools of snapper and fusiliers, while the atoll also features a popular wreck site which has transformed into a thriving artificial reef. Expect impressive parades of reef sharks and sightings of eagle rays cruising the channel entrances, offering a fitting finale to the trip on the Princess Haleema liveaboard.
Day 8
On your final morning, following a last breakfast served onboard, the crew will assist with your disembarkation and transfer back to Malé International Airport, leaving you with lasting memories of your extraordinary underwater adventure.
[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].
A typical day on the Princess Haleema liveaboard is a seamless blend of world-class diving and onboard comfort. The schedule is designed to maximise your time underwater while also providing ample opportunities for relaxation and enjoying the stunning Maldivian scenery.
Your day starts early with a light breakfast at 6 am, followed by the first dive of the day. By 7:30 am, you'll return to the boat for a full, satisfying breakfast to refuel. The rest of the morning offers time to relax on the sundeck, go snorkelling, or take a shore excursion before the 2nd dive begins around 10 am.
Lunch is served at 12 pm, which may occasionally be a special island picnic, offering a chance to enjoy a meal on a secluded beach. The 3rd dive of the day is scheduled for 2:30 pm, followed by tea time at 5:30 pm, featuring freshly baked cakes and biscuits. As the sun sets around 6:30 pm, you can try your hand at sunset fishing before dinner is served at 7:30 pm. To round out your comprehensive diving experience, at least 1 thrilling night dive is included in every trip.
The culinary experience on the Princess Haleema is a highlight of the trip, with onboard chefs specializing in a fusion of unique Italian-style dishes and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Meals are served at the table in either the open-air upper deck (weather permitting) or the air-conditioned dining room.
* For breakfast, you can expect a mix of European and continental options, including fresh fruits, muesli, and various kinds of bread. You can also request eggs made to order and freshly baked cakes..
* Lunch and dinner menus typically include a delicious Italian pasta dish, a rice dish, and your choice of fresh fish, chicken, or meat, served alongside fresh salads and cooked vegetables.
* Freshly baked bread and homemade cakes are prepared daily for all guests to enjoy.
* Drinking water, tea, and coffee are available all day. Soft drinks, beer, wine, and spirits can be purchased as additional extras.
The crew of the Princess Haleema also aims to host at least 1 special BBQ party per trip on a secluded beach, providing a memorable social event under the stars.
"The only reason why i don't give excellent rating is that during our trip we had a very bad inconvenience: a part of the diving dhoni engine broke and 1) they didn't have a spare part onboard, 2) obviously they hadn't [check] the engine before leaving for our long cruise, but I know this isn't Macana's fault; it's the boat owner and the captain's fault. Macana did its best to solve the situation, but nonetheless because of this inconvenience we lost one day. Even if it wasn't basically its fault, Macana gave us a voucher as compensation for a future trip to apologize." - Alessandra Terzaghi, Italy, 27 March 2024 ...
DEPARTURE SCHEDULE & PRICES
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MORE TRIP DETAILS
Notes: TBC ~ To be confirmed. Central atolls cruises depart and return from Male. Deep South cruises use the port of Addu. Please see the detailed itinerary description for confirmation of ports.
Dive experience: Since the Princess Haleema liveaboard has 3 instructor/guides onboard certified divers of any experience level are welcome to join these safaris. However, for the Deep South trips you must be Advanced Open Water certified.
Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, hot drinks, drinking water, return transfers from Male Airport to the boat, dives (as detailed in the trips above), 3 European PADI diving instructors and a snorkelling guide, 2 guided snorkelling tours per day, tanks (15 litre), weights and weight belt, introductory dive for non-divers, fishing island excursions, Green Tax, sales tax.
Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment rental (per week - regs/BCD/wetsiut: USD202, dive computer: USD40, mask and fins: USD29 - all +GST and S/C), diving insurance, service charge (i.e. tips USD104 per week), Fuvahmulah port fee (where applicable: USD25 per night), fuel surcharge (USD138 per week). Unless otherwise stated, all listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash only - EUR or USD).
Optional extras: Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, 28% nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers (USD104 per week), extra dives (USD40, max. 3 per week), torch (USD15 per dive), Island entry fees. All prices will be subject to 17% sales tax and 10% S/C. 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 liveaboard vessel Princess Haleema operates on a Saturday-to-Saturday schedule, departing from Male. Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests will be greeted by a liveaboard representative wearing a distinctive Macana shirt. From there, you’ll be transferred to the boat by dhoni. Boarding takes place between 11 am and 1 pm. Guests arriving after this window will require a private transfer at a cost of USD58.
If you arrive early and prefer not to wait, you’re welcome to store your luggage at the airport and explore Male City or Hulhumale before returning around 11 am. For those staying at a local hotel the night before departure, we recommend arranging to be dropped off at the airport by 10:30 am, near Burger King, where a crew member will be waiting. Please inform us of your hotel in advance so we can coordinate to ensure a timely pickup.
The final dive of the trip takes place at 7 am on the second-to-last day. A minimum 18-hour surface interval is required before flying. Disembarkation is at 7 am on the final morning.
For diving tours in the Deep South, the embarkation point is a local port in Addu Atoll. Gan Airport (GAN) is accessible via domestic flight from Male with Maldivian Airlines, or via international flight from Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines. We can arrange domestic flights for you or you may book directly at www.maldivian.aero. Boarding begins at 2 pm, and disembarkation is at 10 am. The final dive of these trips takes place in the early afternoon of the penultimate day.
For further travel options and airline information, please refer to our How to Get to the Maldives section.
Non-diver rate: None, as there is plenty of activity for non-divers.
Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - single travellers may choose to share a cabin or pay a supplement for their own cabin. The supplement varies depending on time of year but varies between 50-60%. Please ask us for details.
Dive clubs and group discounts: Rates for a third person sharing a cabin available for adults and children.
Pay for 8 guests and 1 additional person can join the cruise free of charge.
Whole boat charter rate (per night): Pay for 19 guests and 3 additional persons can join the cruise free of charge (total 22 guests).
Click to view product. Special discounted trips highlighted in yellow
