MV Yasawa Princess

If you're looking to explore the Maldives and are looking for a cruise that offers more then just diving, then the Yasawa Princess might just be for you! This boutique Maldives liveaboard offers plenty of scuba diving, but also focusses on virgin island blue water adventures for snorkelling and swimming: You will go beachcombing to lay the first footprint in the sand, enjoy picnics under the tropical sun and beach BBQs during the cool nights.

Each cruise runs for 2 weeks and you join for the full 2 weeks or board or depart after 1 week. You will tour the central atolls of the Maldives which includes South Male, Felidhoo and Ari Atoll. The Itinerary is designed for both snorkelers and divers covering the best in the region. Highlights Include night snorkeling with nurse sharks, sting rays and giant trevallies, a whale shark excursion and a manta ray excursion.

There are 28 cosy air-conditioned cabins to accommodate 56 guests in 3 different categories set on 3 decks, each with their own private bathrooms. All are designed with tropical charm and modern convenience. The upper deck saloon has a book library and videos. It opens up to a large wooden dining area where a fine variety of both local and international cuisine is served buffet-style. The saloon bar offers a wide selection of fine wines, cocktails and spirits, and a variety of beers, which you can enjoy while drinking in the views. The sun deck is the place to be to catch some morning rays on the loungers laid out on the bridge.

There is an accompanying dive boat (max: 16 pax) to take you on your scheduled 2-tank dive trips. Dive equipment is available for rent, and all is thoroughly checked and maintained according to safety standards. All dives are supervised by a divemaster or instructor, and less experienced will be guided in groups. You can even learn to dive onboard - there are student programmes from introduction dives, to the open water licence and the advanced course!

The 55 metre long, steel hulled Yasawa Princess cruise ship has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, and is the ideal liveaboard option for those seeking to explore a little more than the standard dive sites of the Maldives.

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Notes: Persons under the age of 12 years are not allowed onboard.

Dive experience: All divers with a full open water license are welcome to dive onboard.

Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, 1 beach BBQ dinner, drinking water, hot drinks, return transfers to the boat from local airport, dives (as detailed in the trips above), tanks, weights and weightbelts, experienced English-speaking divemaster(s) (max. 8 divers per guide), island visits, Male City sightseeing/shopping tour (on trips that end in Male only), Green tax, 16% GST on cruise price, 10% service charge (crew tips).

Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment rental (full set including computer US$ 16 per day), dive insurance. Christmas/New Year cruise supplement (US$ 75 per person each). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash - EUR, GBP, USD - or credit card).

Optional extras: Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, additional dives (US$ 37 each), nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers (US$ 5 per dive), 15 litre tank (US$ 5 per dive), torch (US$ 5 per dive), whale shark and manta ray excursion (US$ 15 each), night snorkelling trip (US$ 15), underwater camera, underwater scooter (DPV), night fishing, spa services, early check in/late check out (US$ 83 per person per night). 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 Yasawas Princess liveaboard 2 week cruises begin and end in Male every second Monday. Guests can opt to join the full 2 week cruise, or can embark or disembark after 1 week in Maamagili, Ari Atoll for a 1 week cruise. Guests that opt for the 1 week option will need a short domestic flight from Male (MLE) to or from Maamagili (VAM). The cost of the one way flight is US$ 225. In any case, local airport to boat transfers are provided. Boarding begins at noon but the boat only leaves its anchor in the early morning of day 2.
Disembarkation is also at noon, but the boat returns to port in the late afternoon of the penultimate day. The last dive of the trip will be at around 10 am on the second last day of the trip. Please wait at least 18 hours before flying after diving.
For more details, including airlines, see our How to Get to the Maldives section.

Non-diver rate: 10% discount from the published rate.

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 of 25% of the published price.

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

Whole boat charter rate (per night): None.

Maldives Central Atolls (adventure) (8 Days / 7 Nights - 15 Dives)

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

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 Male: Vaagali Caves, Vaagali Thila, Kuda Giri Wreck, Kandooma Thila, Cocoa Corner; Felidhoo Atoll: Miyaru Kandu, Devana Kandu, Rakeedhoo Kandu, Golden Wall, Keyodhoo Kandu, Alimathaa House Reef
Land visits for swimming, snorkelling, night snorkelling, whale shark excursion, night fishing, spa, sun bathing, stargazing, relaxing, picnic, evening BBQ - Kalhuhuraa, Dhiggiri and Alimaatha sand banks, Ambara, Keyodhoo Village, Maafushi, Villigili

Day 1
Welcome to the Maldives! Yasawa Princess will be anchored just off of Villigili, just a 20 minute boat ride from Male International Airport. A Guest Relations Officer will greet you on arrival and assist you to the boat’s private tender for your transfer. On arrival to the boat you will be checked into your cabin and be provided with a welcome briefing, including safety procedures and an introduction to the cruise experience. You will meet the guests onboard, the dive team and crew members who will assist you throughout the cruise. Then follows a pre-dinner cocktail in the bar/restaurant deck and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. The boat departs for South Male early the next morning.

Days 2-7
The Yasawa Princess offers cruises with a difference. Not only will you have the opportunity to dive at some of the best sites in the central atolls, but there is also a fun-packed schedule of general cruise activities. Along with the plentiful island and beach visits, some of the highlights include night snorkelling at Alimatha House Reef to see huge nurse sharks, sting rays and giant trevallies, night fishing, and a beach BBQ under the stars, with drinks and live music.
And get ready to explore some of the best and most famous dive sites of South Male and Felidhoo atolls. There are channels where you will drift dive, and pinnacles where you will have high a chance of meeting mantas, snorkel and dive with whale sharks, grey reef sharks, and meet the mesmerising marine life living on these reefs. There are 2-3 dives a day and 1 night dive.
Meals are served buffet style in the informal dining area of the main saloon. Breakfast is at 7:30-9 am, lunch at 12:30-1:30 pm, and dinner at 7:30-9 pm. There is a fine variety of both local and international cuisine to suit everyone’s tastes. If you have food allergies or particular dislikes, please inform us during the booking process so we can inform the boat. There is also a bar in the dining area that offers a wide selection of fine wines, cocktails and spirits, and a variety of beers.

Day 8
Wake up to the smell of the last breakfast of the trip. Say your farewells and take your last group pictures before heading back to Male Airport.

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Maldives Central Atolls (adventure) (8 Days / 7 Nights - 15 Dives)

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

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: Ari Atoll: Angaga Thila, Aiyabe Thila, Moofushi Kandu, Emboodhoo Thila, Miyaru Gaa Thila, Dega Thila, Fish Head, Kandu Thila, Maaya Thila, Bathala Maagaa Kan
Land visits for swimming, snorkelling, manta ray excursion, night fishing, sun bathing, stargazing, relaxing, picnic, evening BBQ, sightseeing, shopping - Hurasdhoo Island, Emboodhoo, Raiydhigaa, Alikoi Rah, Maayafushi and Maaya sand banks, Alihuras Kandu, Male City

Day 1
Welcome to the Maldives! A representative will help you check in for your domestic flight from Male to Maamagili. Yasawa Princess will be anchored in the harbour, next to the local airport. A Guest Relations Officer will greet you and assist you to the boat, You will be checked into your cabin and be provided with a welcome briefing, including safety procedures and an introduction to the cruise experience. You will meet guests onboard, the dive team and the crew members who will assist you throughout the cruise. Then follows a pre-dinner cocktail in the bar/restaurant deck and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. The boat departs anchorage early the next morning.

Days 2-7
The Yasawa Princess offers cruises with a difference. Not only will you have the opportunity to dive at some of the best sites in the central atolls, but there is also a fun-packed schedule of general cruise activities. Along with the plentiful island and beach visits, some of the highlights include snorkelling at Alikoi Rah House Reef with eagle rays, lots of fish and turtles, night fishing, and a beach BBQ under the stars, with drinks and live music.
And get ready to explore some of the best and most famous dive sites of Ari Atoll. There many pinnacles where you will have high a chance of meeting mantas, grey reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and meet some of the mesmerising macro life living on these reefs, such as leaffish and ghost pipefish. There will also be a dive at Fish Head, one of the best in the region for fish biomass. There are 2-3 dives a day and 1 night dive.
Meals are served buffet style in the informal dining area of the main saloon. Breakfast is at 7:30-9 am, lunch at 12:30-1:30 pm, and dinner at 7:30-9 pm. There is a fine variety of both local and international cuisine to suit everyone’s tastes. If you have food allergies or particular dislikes, please inform us during the booking process so we can inform the boat. There is also a bar in the dining area that offers a wide selection of fine wines, cocktails and spirits, and a variety of beers.

Day 8
Wake up to the smell of the last breakfast of the trip. Say your farewells and take your last group pictures before heading to Male Airport.

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ZZDUMP (8 Days / 7 Nights - 0 Dives)

Trip highlights: non diving activities

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: aa

aa

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Maldives Northern Atolls (8 Days / 7 Nights - 20 Dives)

Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, 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: Baa Atoll: Muthaafushi Thila, Maavaru Kandu, Atholhugali, Beryan Thila, Dhigufaru Thila, Ahivah Kandu, Hanifaru Beyru, Kihaa Rocks, Dhonfanu Thila, Dhigu Thila, Dharavandhoo Thila, Dhigali Haa, Nelivaru; Raa Atoll: Vandhoo Wall, Kottefaru Wall, Kottefaru Thila, Neyo Faru

Day 1
Welcome to the Maldives! Yasawa Princess will be anchored at the Dharavandhoo dock, Baa Atoll. A Guest Relations Officer will greet you on arrival at Dharavandhoo Airport and assist you to the boat. On arrival you will be checked into your cabin and be provided with a welcome briefing, including safety procedures and an introduction to the cruise experience. You will meet the guests onboard, the dive team and crew members who will assist you throughout the cruise. If there are no delays on arrival, there will be 2 dives in Baa. Then follows a pre-dinner cocktail in the bar/restaurant deck and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. Dinner will be then be served during the evening.

Days 2-7
During the months of August to November, the currents mainly run from west to east which opens up channels on the western edge of the Maldives, with clear visibility and large pelagics. The eastern side of the atolls aggregates most of the plankton which attracts plankton-lovers such as manta rays and whales harks. Most of the dive sites selected on this route will give you the best chances of seeing these gentle giants! Other highlights of the cruise include encounters with grey reef sharks, barracuda, jacks, snappers and eagle rays.
The Yasawa Princess also offers cruises with a difference. Not only will you have the opportunity to dive at some of the best sites in the northern atolls, but there is also a fun-packed schedule of general cruise activities. Along with the plentiful island and beach visits, some of the highlights include snorkelling in Hanifaru Bay to see huge congregations of mantas and whale sharks, night fishing, and a beach BBQ under the stars, with drinks and live music. There are 2-3 dives a day and 1 night dive, except on the penultimate day when there will be 1-2 dives before the boat travels back to Dharavandhoo.
Meals are served buffet style in the informal dining area of the main saloon. Breakfast is at 7:30-9 am, lunch at 12:30-1:30 pm, and dinner at 7:30-9 pm. There is a fine variety of both local and international cuisine to suit everyone’s tastes. If you have food allergies or particular dislikes, please inform us during the booking process so we can inform the boat. There is also a bar in the dining area that offers a wide selection of fine wines, cocktails and spirits, and a variety of beers.

Day 8
Wake up to the smell of the last breakfast of the trip. Say your farewells and take your last group pictures before heading back to Dharavandhoo Airport for your short flight back to Male.

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Maldives Central Atolls (adventure) (8 Days / 7 Nights - 15 Dives)

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

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 Male: Vaagali Caves, Vaagali Thila, Guraidhoo Corner, Villivaru Giri; Felidhoo Atoll: Miyaru Kandu, Devana Kandu, Rakeedhoo Kandu; Ari Atoll: Kuda Rah Thila, Machafushi Wreck, Maamagili Corner, Kudadhoo Beyru
Land visits for swimming, snorkelling, night snorkelling, whale shark excursion, night fishing, spa, sun bathing, stargazing, relaxing, picnic, evening BBQ - Kalhuhuraa and Alimatha sand banks, Rannali Resort Island, Anbaraa, Oshagali Finolhu, Ariadhoo Island, Maamagili

Day 1
Welcome to the Maldives! Yasawa Princess will be anchored just off of Villigili, just a 20 minute boat ride from Male International Airport. A Guest Relations Officer will greet you on arrival and assist you to the boat’s private tender for your transfer. On arrival to the boat you will be checked into your cabin and be provided with a welcome briefing including safety procedures and an introduction to the cruise experience. You will meet the guests onboard, the dive team and crew members who will assist you throughout the cruise. Then follows a pre-dinner cocktail in the bar/restaurant deck and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. The boat departs for South Male early the next morning.

Days 2-7
The Yasawa Princess offers cruises with a difference. Not only will you have the opportunity to dive at some of the best sites in the central atolls, but there is also a fun-packed schedule of general cruise activities. Along with the plentiful island and beach visits, some of the highlights include night snorkelling at Alimatha House Reef to see huge nurse sharks, sting rays and giant trevallies, night fishing, and a beach BBQ under the stars, with drinks and live music.
And get ready to explore some of the best and most famous dive sites of South Male, Ari and Felidhoo atolls. There are channels where you will drift dive, and pinnacles where you will have high a chance of meeting mantas, snorkel and dive with whale sharks, grey reef sharks, and meet the mesmerising marine life living on these reefs. There are 2-3 dives a day and 1 night dive.
Meals are served buffet style in the informal dining area of the main saloon. Breakfast is at 7:30-9 am, lunch at 12:30-1:30 pm, and dinner at 7:30-9 pm. There is a fine variety of both local and international cuisine to suit everyone’s tastes. If you have food allergies or particular dislikes, please inform us during the booking process so we can inform the boat. There is also a bar in the dining area that offers a wide selection of fine wines, cocktails and spirits, and a variety of beers.

Day 8
Wake up to the smell of the last breakfast of the trip. Say your farewells and take your last group pictures before heading to Maamagili Airport for your short flight back to Male.

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Maldives Central Atolls (adventure) (8 Days / 7 Nights - 15 Dives)

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

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 Ari Atoll: Omadhoo Thila, Fish Head, Kandu Thila, Maaya Thila, Bathala Maagaa Kan, Rasdhoo Atoll, Madivaru Corner, Kuramathi Kandu, 3 Palms; South Male
Land visits for swimming, snorkelling, manta ray excursion, night fishing, sun bathing, stargazing, relaxing, picnic, evening BBQ, sightseeing, shopping - Rasdhoo Island, Meerufushi Picnic Island, Alikoi Rah, Madivaru, Kalhuhuraa and Maaya sand banks

Day 1
Welcome to the Maldives! Yasawa Princess will be anchored just off of Villigili, just a 20 minute boat ride from Male International Airport. A Guest Relations Officer will greet you on arrival and assist you to the boat’s private tender for your transfer. On arrival to the boat you will be checked into your cabin and be provided with a welcome briefing, including safety procedures and an introduction to the cruise experience. You will meet the guests onboard, the dive team and crew members who will assist you throughout the cruise. Then follows a pre-dinner cocktail in the bar/restaurant deck and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. The boat departs for South Male early the next morning.

Days 2-7
The Yasawa Princess offers cruises with a difference. Not only will you have the opportunity to dive at some of the best sites in the central atolls, but there is also a fun-packed schedule of general cruise activities. Along with the plentiful island and beach visits, some of the highlights include snorkelling at Alikoi Rah House Reef with eagle rays, lots of fish and turtles, night fishing, and a beach BBQ under the stars, with drinks and live music.
And get ready to explore some of the best and most famous dive sites of Ari Atoll. There many pinnacles where you will have high a chance of meeting mantas, grey reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and meet some of the mesmerising macro life living on these reefs, such as leaffish and ghost pipefish. There will also be a dive at Fish Head, one of the best in the region for fish biomass. There are 2-3 dives a day and 1 night dive.
Meals are served buffet style in the informal dining area of the main saloon. Breakfast is at 7:30-9 am, lunch at 12:30-1:30 pm, and dinner at 7:30-9 pm. There is a fine variety of both local and international cuisine to suit everyone’s tastes. If you have food allergies or particular dislikes, please inform us during the booking process so we can inform the boat. There is also a bar in the dining area that offers a wide selection of fine wines, cocktails and spirits, and a variety of beers.

Day 8
Wake up to the smell of the last breakfast of the trip. Say your farewells and take your last group pictures before heading back to Male Airport.

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Maldives Central Atolls (adventure) (8 Days / 7 Nights - 15 Dives)

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

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: Angaga Thila, Aiyabe Thila, Kuda Rah Thila, Machafushi Wreck, Fish Head, Kandu Thila, Maamagili Corner, Kudadhoo Beyru, Mahibadhoo Rock, Fanhamas Thila; North Male: Fish Tank
Land visits for swimming, snorkelling, manta ray excursion, night fishing, sun bathing, stargazing, relaxing, picnic, evening BBQ, sightseeing, shopping - Meerufenfushi, Hurasdhoo, Ari Retreat at Ariadhoo, Dhigurah Village Island, Oshagali sand bank, Male City

Day 1
Welcome to the Maldives! Yasawa Princess will be anchored just off of Villigili, just a 20 minute boat ride from Male International Airport. A Guest Relations Officer will greet you on arrival and assist you to the boat’s private tender for your transfer. On arrival to the boat you will be checked into your cabin and be provided with a welcome briefing, including safety procedures and an introduction to the cruise experience. You will meet the guests onboard, the dive team and crew members who will assist you throughout the cruise. Then follows a pre-dinner cocktail in the bar/restaurant deck and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. The boat departs for South Male early the next morning.

Days 2-7
The Yasawa Princess offers cruises with a difference. Not only will you have the opportunity to dive at some of the best sites in the central atolls, but there is also a fun-packed schedule of general cruise activities. Along with the plentiful island and beach visits, some of the highlights include snorkelling with whale sharks at Maamagili, night fishing, and a beach BBQ under the stars, with drinks and live music.
And get ready to explore some of the best and most famous dive sites of Ari Atoll. There many pinnacles where you will have high a chance of meeting mantas, grey reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and meet some of the mesmerising macro life living on these reefs, such as leaffish and ghost pipefish. There will also be a dive at Fish Head, one of the best in the region for fish biomass. There are 2-3 dives a day and 1 night dive.
Meals are served buffet style in the informal dining area of the main saloon. Breakfast is at 7:30-9 am, lunch at 12:30-1:30 pm, and dinner at 7:30-9 pm. There is a fine variety of both local and international cuisine to suit everyone’s tastes. If you have food allergies or particular dislikes, please inform us during the booking process so we can inform the boat. There is also a bar in the dining area that offers a wide selection of fine wines, cocktails and spirits, and a variety of beers.

Day 8
Wake up to the smell of the last breakfast of the trip. Say your farewells and take your last group pictures before heading back 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 lower deck features 7 tastefully decorated and spacious private quarters. Average size 142 sq ft. The middle deck has 14 cabins with warm, inviting interiors, each with its own deck window providng a beautiful view of the ocean. Average size 117 sq ft. The bridge has 7 more cabins with deck windows that offer lovely views of the tropical seas. Average size 115 sq ft. All cabins have private bathrooms and can be tiwn or double bed.

All the cabins have: No. of bathrooms / showers - 30 / 31 - hot water