The Maldives is renowned for drift dives through clear waters, encounters with graceful manta rays and reef sharks, and walls thick with fish. To explore this Indian Ocean paradise in comfort, the 41-metre MV Soleil II liveaboard offers a compelling home. Operating since 2015, this fibre-glass-hulled yacht combines genuine spaciousness with a range of cruises that take in the central, northern, and southern atolls, putting some of the nation's most celebrated dive sites - from the famous channels of Ari Atoll to the manta cleaning stations of Hanifaru Bay - within easy reach.
Onboard the Soleil II, the sense of space is immediate. 14 cabins accommodate up to 28 guests, spread across 3 decks to offer genuine variety. The 6 Upper Deck Balcony Suites are a notable feature, providing private outdoor space to enjoy the tropical air. Below, the Main Deck Master Suites and comfortable Lower Deck cabins all include private en-suite bathrooms and individual air-conditioning. Beyond the cabins, you’ll find an air-conditioned saloon with entertainment options for reviewing the day’s footage, plus an inviting outdoor hot tub on the upper deck, a welcome spot to unwind as the sun sets.
Rather than gearing up on the main vessel, all diving is conducted from a dedicated 19-metre dhoni, The Pelican. This traditional support boat keeps the main deck quiet and houses all dive gear, camera preparation tables with rinse tanks, and fresh water showers. With facilities for up to 3 dives daily, including night dives on some days, the crew can cater to different experience levels, offering everything from 12-litre tanks to nitrox for those seeking extended bottom times on the deeper channels and thilas.
Much of the confidence to book the MV Soleil II liveaboard comes from the consistency of its crew and operator. Reviews frequently mention the hands-on owner involvement, whose decades of local knowledge and genuine passion for the islands are reflected in his team's attentive service. Whether it's the dive guides ensuring safe, rewarding dives for all abilities or the kitchen crew preparing varied international and local dishes, the emphasis is on reliable, friendly professionalism. This human element transforms a well-appointed boat into a memorable liveaboard experience.
A week aboard the MV Soleil II liveaboard is about accessing the Maldives' underwater diversity without sacrificing comfort. The dive trips are designed to showcase the best of the atolls, from the plankton-rich bays of the north to the less-visited southern routes. With the freedom of a dedicated dive dhoni and the genuine hospitality of a seasoned crew, it's a practical and rewarding choice for divers looking to immerse themselves fully in what makes the Maldives archipelago a world-class destination.
The MV Soleil II has a total of 14 spacious 'hotel-room' cabins: The lower deck has 4 Standard cabins (19 sqm) with twin or double beds and 3 Large Standard cabins (24 sqm) with 2 queen-size beds each. The main deck has 2 Master cabins (24 sqm) with king-size double or twin bed. The upper deck has 6 Balcony cabins (13 sqm) with king-size double or twin beds and private balcony. All of the cabins feature an ensuite bathroom.
All the cabins have:
- Air-conditioning and fan
- Windows (upper and middle deck only) or portholes (lower deck)
- Private bathroom with hot water shower
- Hand basin, toiletries and towels
- Housekeeping (twice per day)
- Reading lights
- Space for luggage
- Bedside table
- Wardrobe and mirror
- Life jackets, fire alarm
- Minibar fridge
- Bedding
- 220V electricity supply, UK style 3-pin plugs
No. of bathrooms / showers - 14/ 14 - 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
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, very popular, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: North Male: Maagiri, Felidhoo: Alimaatha, Miyaru Kandu, Dhevana Kandu; Ari: Kudarah Thila, Maamagili, Moofushi Manta Point, Maaya Thila, Himandhoo Thila, Fesdhu, Vilamendhoo, Five Rocks, Rangali Manta, Rai Dhiga, Panathone, Fish Head, Bathala Maagau; South Male: Embudhoo Express, Guraidhoo Corner, Kandooma, Fish Tank, Kudahaa
Day 1
Arrive at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Male. After boarding the Soleil II liveaboard, you will enjoy a welcome drink and listen to a detailed boat introduction. Refreshments and dinner are served during the day, depending on your arrival time. The vessel remains anchored at the harbour for the night, departing the following morning at first light.
Core Days
Each day of this Maldives dive cruise focuses on the Central Atolls, offering an extensive tour of North Male, South Male, Ari, and Felidhoo Atolls, with the potential to visit some of the region's most celebrated dive sites. The diving experience on the Soleil II is defined by strong currents that draw large pelagic life, including grey reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks, as well as schools of tuna and oceanic manta rays. Dive sites often include thilas (underwater islands), which feature spectacular soft and hard coral formations and attract diverse marine life, such as Napoleon wrasse, moray eels, and pufferfish. Whale sharks are also common sights in these waters.
In North Male Atoll, sites like Maagiri offer superb reef topography, while South Male Atoll provides high-energy channel dives. Sites such as Embudhoo Express and Guraidhoo Corner are renowned for intense current dives, attracting sharks and pelagics. Additionally, Kandooma, Fish Tank, and Kudahaa offer excellent opportunities to explore colourful reefs. The diving then extends into Felidhoo Atoll, where you can explore the famous Alimaatha, Miyaru Kandu, and Dhevana Kandu channels, known for thrilling drift dives.
Ari Atoll is a major highlight, globally recognised for its marine conservation efforts and for the high probability of encounters with whale sharks. The Soleil II tour includes visits to numerous top Ari Atoll dive sites such as Kudarah Thila, Maamagili, and Fish Head. Seasonal highlights include visiting cleaning stations like Moofushi Manta Point and Rangali Manta to observe these magnificent filter feeders. You can also explore famed pinnacles such as Maaya Thila (an excellent night dive), Himandhoo Thila, and Five Rocks, ensuring a varied and unforgettable Central Atolls diving experience aboard the Soleil II liveaboard.
Please note that there is only one dive scheduled on the last full day of the trip, before heading to Male.
Day 8
The departure morning is your final chance to enjoy breakfast aboard the Soleil II. After saying your farewells and exchanging contact details, you will be transferred back to Male International Airport.
Maldives Deep South Atolls (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Huvadhoo: Villingili, Kooddoo Beyru; Fuvahmulah: Tiger Zoo, Plateau; Addu Manta Point
Day 1
Arrive at Gan International Airport in Addu. After boarding the Soleil II liveaboard, you will enjoy a welcome drink and listen to a detailed boat introduction. Refreshments and dinner are served during the day, depending on your arrival time. The vessel remains anchored for the night, departing the following morning at first light.
Core Days
This diving tour focuses intensely on the Deep South Atolls of Huvadhoo, Fuvahmulah, and Addu, offering experienced experienced divers unmatched access to the Maldives' strongest currents and largest predators. The Soleil II's route is tailored to maximise big-fish encounters, a primary feature of this remote region.
Fuvahmulah Atoll is often the main draw, an isolated oceanic island where deep water exposes divers to apex predators. At sites like Tiger Zoo and the Plateau, be prepared for encounters with tiger sharks, thresher sharks, and oceanic whitetips. You'll also dive with a variety of large pelagics, including whale sharks, mola mola, and schools of tuna, drawn in by the deep currents that sweep past this unique submerged mountain.
Huvadhoo Atoll, the largest and deepest in the Maldives, is a spectacular area featuring strong channel currents. Sites such as Villingili and Kooddoo Beyru are rich with marine life, including green turtles, stingrays, and various sharks, such as blacktip and whitetip reef sharks. The cruise also includes dives at Addu Atoll, which boasts over 30 world-class sites. Addu is home to the British Loyalty shipwreck and, critically, offers reliable encounters with reef and oceanic manta rays at sites like Addu Manta Point. The large wingspans of oceanic manta rays often exceed 5 metres, making this a spectacular destination to round out the Deep South experience.
Day 8
The departure morning is your final chance to enjoy breakfast aboard the Soleil II. After saying your farewells, you will be transferred to Kooddoo airport in Huvadhoo for your flight back to Male.
Note: this cruise sometimes runs in reverse so please check for exact port details.
Maldives Northern Atolls (8 Days / 7 Nights - 16 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: North Male, Lhaviyani, Baa atolls, including Hanifaru Bay
Day 1
Arrive at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Male. After boarding the Soleil II liveaboard, you will enjoy a welcome drink and listen to a detailed boat introduction. Refreshments and dinner are served during the day, depending on your arrival time. The vessel remains anchored at the harbour for the night, departing early the following morning.
Core Days
This Maldives Northern Atolls dive trip, offers access to less-visited dive sites across North Male, Lhaviyani, and Baa atolls. The cruise aims to provide certified divers with spectacular wall and thila (pinnacle) diving, exploring reefs rich with hard and soft corals, plateaus, and overhangs. Throughout the week, the Soleil II crew adapts the dive schedule daily to prevailing conditions to maximise opportunities for exceptional encounters.
The highlight of the Northern route is the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, where the Soleil II takes guests to snorkel in the world-famous Hanifaru Bay (seasonal, May to November). Here, you may witness hundreds of manta rays gathering for a spectacular feeding frenzy, scooping up plankton. While only snorkelling is permitted in Hanifaru Bay, there are many fascinating dive sites nearby.
The exploration continues in Lhaviyani Atoll, where channels attract significant marine life, including grey reef sharks, leopard sharks, guitar sharks, and eagle rays, set against a backdrop of colourful soft corals. The area is also home to the famous wreck site, The Shipyard, where 2 wrecks lie close together, providing an abundance of marine life. North Male Atoll provides foundational diving experiences on current-swept reefs and drop-offs, attracting large pelagics like manta rays, Napoleon wrasse, hawksbill turtles, and schools of giant trevally.
This unique combination of remote northern sites and iconic locations makes the Soleil II liveaboard an excellent choice for a wide-ranging Maldivian experience.
Day 8
The departure morning is your final chance to enjoy breakfast aboard the Soleil II. After saying your farewells and exchanging contact details with your new friends, you will disembark near Male International Airport.
[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 week aboard the MV Soleil II liveaboard settles into a comfortable rhythm. The crew’s aim is to have you relaxed, well-fed, and ready for the next dive. Days unfold between the dive deck, the sundeck, and the dining table, with the Indian Ocean as a constant backdrop. The routine is built around the diving. A typical day starts before sunrise. You are woken with a light pre-breakfast of tea, coffee, and biscuits - just enough to take the edge off before the first dive. This dive, often as the sun breaks the horizon, is when the reef truly awakens.
Back on board after that first dive, a proper breakfast is waiting. The buffet spreads out in the air-conditioned indoor restaurant, but on calm mornings, many guests prefer to eat at the open-air tables on the main deck of the liveaboard, watching the atoll slip by. You’ll find fresh fruits, breads, and a mix of cooked options. A guest review mentioned a particular fondness for the Maldivian breakfast of tuna and roshi (flatbread), a local touch that adds a sense of place to the start of the day.
Between dives, the Soleil II is your space to decompress. You might rinse your gear, log your dives in the saloon, or claim a spot on the sun deck. Snacks - crackers, fresh fruit - are always within reach, and the pot of coffee is never empty. There is no set schedule for relaxation; the liveaboard simply hums along until the call for the next dive.
Lunch is another hearty buffet, served after the second dive. The Soleil II kitchen draws from a few culinary traditions. Alongside international dishes, you might find Chinese influences or Italian pasta, but the freshest offerings are often those with a Maldivian twist. A sample plate could be tender fried squid with pasta, followed by vegetable fritters with a bright, simple salad, or a fragrant fresh fish curry with saffron rice. Meals are a time to swap stories with fellow divers about the reef sharks or the napoleon wrasse you encountered.
After a third dive and as the afternoon light softens, the liveaboard may anchor near a sandbank or a quiet island. If conditions allow, the crew will fire up the grill on the beach for a weekly BBQ - a simple, memorable evening of grilled food, bare feet in the sand, and the stars beginning to show. Dinner is the final gathering of the day. On one special evening during a week-long cruise, the crew might transform the rooftop deck for a farewell dinner under the stars.
The kitchen is generally accommodating. With prior notice, they can prepare meals for vegetarian, vegan, or other specific diets. Drinking water, tea, and coffee are always complimentary. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available to note on your tab.
"
Excellent boat - spacious and lots of places for lounging. The diving groups were kept fairly small - 6 per divemaster. The crew and staff were all very welcoming and friendly. Would definitely go again. Incredible diving.
Vic (Dive The World) was helpful with answering questions and getting us the best deal..." -
Ling Chen, United States, 23 January 2022 ...
