Maldives Liveaboard With Kids (Family Scuba Diving Holidays)

Maldives liveaboard with kids - Family scuba diving holidays
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Maldives dive liveaboards for families with children with family cabins

If you’re thinking about a Maldives liveaboard diving trip with kids, what are the considerations for a trip like this? I know when I scuba dived with my daughter for the first time I was excited by the idea of showing her the underwater world. But there are other things to think about when you’re on a liveaboard boat for a week or so with kids.

Before you decide on your Maldives liveaboard with kids, this article is worth checking as it has two handy tables “What age can a child learn to scuba dive” and “How deep can a child scuba dive“.

The best way to dive the Maldives with your family, especially if you all dive, is by a scuba diving liveaboard. You can check the latest and best deals on Maldives liveaboards using the following window:

Maldives liveaboard with kids – Family friendly Maldives liveaboards:

  1. Azalea liveaboard.
  2. Blue Force One liveaboard
  3. Soleil 2 Maldives liveaboard.
  4. The Horizon 3 liveaboard.
  5. Princess Rani Maldive liveaboard.
  6. The Nautilus One.
  7. Duke of York Liveaboard.
  8. Adora Liveaboard.
  9. The Honors Legacy.
  10. Sachika Maldives liveaboard.
  11. The Theia liveaboard.
  12. Conte Max liveaboard.
  13. Ocean Sapphire.
  14. Carpe Novo*.

* The carpe Novo doesn’t have family cabins, but was chosen for the trips with ‘no minimum number of dives’.

Maldives liveaboard with kids isn’t just about the type of scuba diving on the trip. It’s about making sure the dive holiday is suitable for a family with children. This includes whether your kids can dive with the level of experience or certification they have. Plus what facilities the liveaboard has onboard to keep your kids occupied.

Before going into detail about each of these Maldives liveaboards, I review the aspects of liveaboards that are important for a family with children.

But you can always quickly scroll to the table of these Maldives liveaboards for children or their detailed review below (or use the ‘Article Contents above to jump to the table).

Maldives liveaboard with kids – what are the considerations?

Let’s take a look at what parents should consider when looking at a Maldives liveaboard with kids.

Maldives liveaboard considerations for children

  1. Will your kids be bored staying on a liveaboard dive boat for several days?
  2. Do your children know how to scuba dive at all?
  3. How experienced are your children at diving and how many logged dives have they got?
  4. What type of diving does the Maldives liveaboard offer and how deep are the dives?
  5. Do any of the dives require certain types of experience or training like night dives or drift dives?
  6. Is snorkeling available on the dive boat?
  7. Does the Maldives liveaboard have family cabins or suites?
  8. Does the liveaboard boat cater for children by way of food and drinks?

So let’s now take a look at each of these in detail, but in relation specifically for Maldives liveaboard with kids.

Liveaboard.com search Maldives-scroll

1. Will your kids be bored staying on a liveaboard dive boat for several days?

Depending on the age of your children, will depend on what they are in to. This may be watching TV, playing computer games or going out and climbing trees.

Children love to keep abreast of what’s happening on social media with their friends too. With this in mind and depending on your budget, you may want to find a Maldives liveaboard for kids that has free internet. This article lists all Maldives liveaboards with Wifi and internet, but it includes all the ones that offer free internet too.

But then as your kids get older, they will start to become interest in the opposite sex too. Many teenagers don’t see it as being cool to spend too much time with their parents. Some wouldn’t want to be seen to go on holiday with mum and dad!

However, going on a scuba diving holiday on a liveaboard trip to the Maldives may be seen as ‘cool’ with their piers!

But as a parent, it’s true to say that no matter how old your kids are, we all know they don’t always have the same amount of patience as we have as adults. Also, their level or span of interest in things is rarely the same as an adults has.

With this in mind, when you select your Maldives liveaboard dive boat it’s important to take these things into account.

More Reading: The 9 best budget dive liveaboards Maldives (Cheap Luxury!)

The type of activities to help keep the interest of kids may include:

  • Stand Up Paddleboards on board.
  • Wakeboarding and water skiing.
  • Jet Skis.
  • Kayaks on board.
  • Snorkeling equipment.
  • Free internet.
  • Audio & video entertainment.
  • Fishing.
  • Snacks all day, as kids burn lots of calories and want to keep eating.

See table below for what Maldives liveaboards off the above activities.

2. Do your children know how to scuba dive?

If you’re planning a Maldives liveaboard trip with your children, I’d recommend your kids learn to scuba dive before your trip. If your children have never dived before the following article is worth a read:

More Reading: What is It Like Scuba Diving For The First Time (Is Scuba Diving Scary?)

Liveaboard dive trips tend to be a bit more expensive than a conventional family holiday with diving. The table below lists the cost of each family friendly Maldives liveaboard.

However, having said that, Pound for Pound or Dollar for Dollar you get more dives for your money on a liveaboard dive trip than you do on a resort diving holiday.

More Reading: Liveaboard Diving or Resort Diving (The Pros Versus The Cons Of Both)

With that said, you want to be able to capitalise on the diving opportunities for you and your children.

On many liveaboard dive trips there’s the opportunity to dive several times every day. This means you don’t want your children missing out on scuba diving opportunities available on the trip.

If your children are not already certified to scuba dive, I’d suggest you plan to get them certified to scuba before you go.

This should at the very least mean your children should take an Open Water dive certification or equivalent before you book your Maldives liveaboard trip.

More Reading: Can an 8 year old scuba dive? (Scuba diving age restrictions)

3. How experienced are your children at diving and how many logged dives have they got?

How experienced are your children at diving and how many logged dives have they got

A number of the Maldives liveaboards don’t have a minimum number of logged dives requirement. For example, on the Maldives liveaboard dive boat Carpe Novo, this states that Advanced Open Water certification is required. But there’s no minimum logged dives requirement.

However, you may find that certain dives can only be dived where you and/or your children have the relevant experience.

For example, there are a number of dives in the Maldives when scuba divers experience strong currents. These drift dives require the relevant training and drift diving experience. Included below is a short review, with examples of the dives, for each of the liveaboards included in the table below.

Be aware of the currents and deeper dives in the Maldives

The dive itinerary on Liveaboard.com for the North Male Atoll – Ari Atoll – Vaavu Atoll – South Male Atoll trip, they states the following:

Carpe Novo Maldives liveaboard for kids
Carpe Novo Maldives liveaboard for kids – image courtesy of Liveaboard.com

Diving conditions in the Maldives can be challenging, especially on Deep South itineraries. We therefore strongly recommend an AOW certification or OW with a minimum of 100 dives with experience in deep dives (up to 30 m), current and night dives in order to be able to participate in all the dives offered during an itinerary and to have the best chance of being comfortable with all of the diving conditions you’ll encounter. Our dive instructor on board is responsible for everyone’s safety and can ask people to sit a certain dive out if he believes they are not experienced enough for a particular dive. PADI courses are available onboard and can be done during our trips.”

Liveaboard.com – Carpe Novo Maldives – Rated 9.3 out of 10, 4.5 stars and Superb

The Maldives Azalea liveaboard

On the dive trip that visits the ‘Best of the Maldives‘, they state a minimum of 50 logged dives are required. For details of this Maldives liveaboard dive boat available from Liveaboard.com, follow this link – Click here for more details and to find the latest prices for the Azalea Liveaboard.

Azalea Maldives Liveaboard for kids
Azalea Maldives Liveaboard for kids – image courtesy of Liveaboard.com

The Azalea Maldives liveaboard should be top of your selection list of Maldives liveaboards for kids. The Azalea is ideal for families as it has the most activities on offer. It also has family cabins.

Kids activities include:

  • Stand up paddleboards.
  • Wakeboarding and water skiing.
  • Jet skis.
  • Kayaks.
  • Snorkelling equipment.
  • Free internet.
  • Audio & video entertainment.
  • Fishing.
  • All-day snacks.

See below for more Maldives liveaboards with family cabins. But also, take a look at the table which lists all activities and extras on offer with the Azalea liveaboard.

More Reading: Is Liveaboard.com legit? (Liveaboard.com reviews)

4. What type of diving does the Maldives liveaboard offer and how deep are the dives?

It’s important to review the type of diving available on the Maldives liveaboard you choose for your family diving holiday.

You want to choose the right level of diving that works for your family as a whole, so that everyone enjoys the liveaboard trip.

Example #1: The following trips are available on the Carpe Novo, Maldives (but no family cabins):

Carpe Novo Maldives liveaboard diving for children
Carpe Novo Maldives liveaboard diving for children – image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
  • North Male – Ari – Vaavu – South Male – approx 17 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – No minimum logged dives required. Diving conditions in the Maldives can be challenging, especially on deep south itineraries.
  • North Male – Lhaviyani – Noonu – Raa – Baa – Rasdhoo – Ari – Vaavu – South Male – approx 27 dives over 11 days/10 nights. Experience required Advanced Open Water – 100 minimum logged dives required.
  • North Male – Lhaviyani – Noonu – Shaviyani – Haa Dhaalu – Shaviyani – Raa – Baa – Rasdhoo – Ari – Vaavu – South Male (CN) – 30 dives over 12 days/11 nights. Experience required Advanced Open Water – No minimum logged dives required.

I’ve chosen this Maldives liveaboard because of it’s high rating from customers who’ve dived in the Maldives from her.

But you may wish to choose from the other liveaboards included in this article, as all the others have family cabins, whereas this liveaboard doesn’t. An example review of this dive boat is below.

Review of the Carpe Novo:

Great!This was my first liveaboard, but everything was fantastic! The crew and the dive guides were great. Food was delicious. We’ve had a really good group of divers as well, so overall a wonderful experience, would definitely recommend Carpe Novo.” Recommended for: the dive sites, dive guides, food was great.Yevgeniya M, rated 9.6 out of 10 and Exceptional with 5 stars! From the United Kingdom

Click this link for more information on the Carpe Novo and to find prices from Liveaboard.com

Example #2: The following Maldives dive trips are available on the Azalea Liveaboard, Maldives (includes family cabins):

Family Maldives liveaboard Azalea
Family Maldives liveaboard Azalea – image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
  • Best of the Maldives – Approx 17 dives over 8 days/7 nights. Experience required Open Water Diver – 50 minimum logged dives required.
  • Best of the Maldives – Approx 15 dives over 7 days/6 nights. Experience required Open Water Diver – 50 minimum logged dives required.
  • Best of the Maldives – Approx 12 dives over 6 days/5 nights. Experience required Open Water Diver – 50 minimum logged dives required.

Review of Azalea liveaboard:

It was awesome!!!This was my first liveaboard and I am sure it will be the best! Everything on the boat is very clean, many free public space for leisure times. Different tasty fruit drink served after each dive. High quality services delivered by professional crews. Food and the table set up are also awesome! In general, it was a fantastic experience with Azalea! I will definitely be on this boat again!Recommended for: Boat condition, crew service including food, diving plan.

Xiangyu K rated 10 out of 10, Exceptional and 5 stars! From China

Click this link for more information on the Azalea Liveaboard and to find prices from Liveaboard.com

More Reading: Maldives Azalea liveaboard review

Example #3: The following dive trips are available on the Blue Force One, Maldives (includes family cabins):

Blue Force One Maldives liveaboard with family rooms
Blue Force One Maldives liveaboard with family rooms – image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
  • Central Atolls Classical Route – Approx 18 dives over 8 days/7 nights. Experience required Advanced Open Water – 50 minimum logged dives required. This is the best well-known route in the Maldives but at the same time the one that offers best and most varied dives.

This family friendly Maldives liveaboard will be difficult to beat both on price and comfort. The reviews are exceptional and it was difficult to choose one from so many amazing reviews and feedback.

Review of the Blue Force One:

Christmas in September. “This is the way to go. The boat is amazing, plenty of space to get some alone time yet totally engaging for the entire group. The diving is simply amazing, trying to describe it is like trying to describe being in love, words don’t do it you have to experience it all! Sharks, mantas, whale sharks, turtles, octopi…. the list goes on and on! Bitches and balls dive crew was lead by Hommie a once In a lifetime dive guide. Honestly there is so much more aside from the diving, the food was perfect. The land excursions totally worth the time and always engaging! The dive briefings made you feel totally informed about what your doing that day! Everything is organized so you get more than your money’s worth! Thanks again to everyone on Blue Force One!!” Recommended for: Diving, boat, Crew.

Anthony M, United States – 10 out of 10, rated Exceptional and 5 stars!

Click this link for more information on the Blue Force One Liveaboard and to find prices from Liveaboard.com

There are more liveaboards detailed below too, but you should take a look at the Blue Force One, as it would be one of my choices for a family scuba diving holiday.

How deep are the dives in the Maldives?

In some cases the dives can be up to 30 metres (100 feet deep). This means you and your children need to have the right scuba diving certification to be able to go that deep.

More Reading: PADI vs SSI vs NAUI vs BSAC (Differences & is one certification better?)

5. Does the diving in the Maldives require specific types of experience or training like night dives or drift dives?

Scuba diving is about safety at all times. Plus as any good parent we want our children to be safe and we want to be the best roles models. That means you are best to review the types of diving available on the Maldives liveaboard of your choice.

More Reading: 10 Top Safety Tips For Scuba Diving (Making Scuba Safe)

The types of dive might include night diving, which in most cases is on offer on liveaboard trips, the Maldives included. Scuba diving at night is exciting and interesting.

At night you have the opportunity to see other sea creatures and sometimes the same fish you saw during the day, but that are now asleep. You also have the chance to see night diving bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is seen when you switch off your dive torch and wave your hands around in the water.

To night dive and have the confidence to scuba diving in the dark, you are best to master scuba diving when it’s light first. In the dark you need to be confidence with your scuba diving equipment.

The last thing you need is for you or your kids to have a panic attack underwater due a lack of experience.

More Reading: Best Place To Scuba Dive With Whale Sharks (The Biggest Fish In The Oceans)

What about the currents in the Maldives?

The other type of diving that’s common in the Maldives is drift diving. To be able to do a drift dive you also need to have a reasonable amount of experience first. You must be comfortable with your buoyancy and the use of your buoyancy control device.

The level of experience required will depend on the strength of the currents you might experience, but I’d say to do around 20 dives first before you experience a relatively strong drift dive.

On a drift dive you’ll probably need to be able use a surface marker buoy.

If you or your kids don’t have the level of experience or the right number of logged dives for the type of dive taking place, you or your children will have to sit the dive out.

This would be a shame if you paid the cost of a Maldives liveaboard and you’re not able to capitalise on all the dives available.

Is snorkeling available on the dive boat?

If your children can dive, you want to have as many activities they can do between dives. This includes being able to snorkel. Most liveaboard dive boats in the Maldives offer snorkeling as an option.

If your children don’t scuba dive, but you want to book on a family holiday on a Maldives liveaboard in any case, if snorkeling is on offer amongst other activities, this may be sufficient to keep your non-diving family members occupied.

7. Does the Maldives liveaboard have family cabins or suites?

A number of the liveaboards on offer in the Maldives provide family cabins (see table below). However, even if this is not an option, you could still book a dive boat with cabins next to each other for you and your family.

As already mentioned above Maldives liveaboards Azalea and Blue Force One both have family cabins.

8. Does the liveaboard boat cater for children by way of food and drinks?

If your children aren’t fussy in what they eat, then the food on most liveaboards in the Maldives should be just fine for your children. But if your children are fussy, then you may wish to consider the food available on board.

Another consideration is whether the liveaboard has a ‘snacks all day’ option, which will keep your children happy.

Children tend to eat more often than adults as they tend to have a higher metabolism. Keeping them fed and happy is more of a challenge.

Below is a table of family friendly Maldives liveaboards with family cabins (except Capo Novo). Included are the ‘Other Activities‘, which will help for those non-diving family members who might be looking for things to do other than diving. (p.s. this table is better viewed in landscape view or on a wider computer screen to get everything in).

Table of Family Friendly Maldives Liveaboards For Kids (Scroll table right for more info.)

LiveaboardRating
Out of 10
Cost Per DayEnquireFlexible BookingNitroxFamily
Cabins
Other
Activities
Non-diver
Snorkeler
Friendly
Internet
Cost
Max Guests/
Cabins/Bathrooms
Tech
Diving
Length
Adora Liveaboard8.5From £142/$193/€159EnquireYesPaidYes1.Fishing.
2.Audio & video entertainment.
3.Library.
YesFree21/11/11No38m/123f
Azalea Liveaboard9.3From £193/$263/€216EnquireNoPaidYes1.Kayaks.
2.Water Ski.
3.Wakeboarding.
4.Jet Ski.
5.Stand Up Paddleboard.
6.Audio & video entertainment.
7.Naturalist Guide.
8.Fishing.
9.Library.
10.Massage.
11.Jacuzzi/Hot Tub.
12.Glass Bottom Boat Excursion.
YesFree16/9/91.Tech diving.38m/125f
Blue Force One9.2From £144/$196/€161EnquireYesPaidYes1.Kayaks.
2.Water Ski.
3.Wakeboarding.
4.Jet Ski.
5.Stand Up Paddleboard.
6.Audio & video entertainment.
7.Naturalist Guide.
8.Glass Bottom Boat Excursion.
9.Jacuzzi/Hot Tub.
YesEnquire24/12/12No42m/138f
Carpe Novo9.3From £156/$212/€175EnquireYesFreeNo1.Library.
2.Audio & video entertainment.
YesFrom £11-15/$15-20/€13-17/trip22/12/15No43m/141f
Conte Max Liveaboard7.6From £156/$212/€175EnquireYesFreeYes1.Library.
2.Kayaks.
3.Audio & video entertainment.
YesEnquire20/8/81.Rebreather Support.
2.Sidemount Diving.
3.Tech diving.
33m/108f
Duke of York Liveaboard8.0From £203/$276/€227EnquireYesFreeYes1.Audio & video entertainment.
2.Library.
3.Kayaks.
4.Massage.
YesFrom £19/$25/€2125/10/101.Rebreather Support.
2.Sidemount Diving.
3.Tech diving.
36m/118f
Honors Legacy7.6From £171/$233/€192EnquireYesNoYes1.Audio & video entertainment.
2.Fishing.
3.Library.
4.Massage & Spa.
5.Jacuzzi/Hot Tub.
YesEnquire18/9/10No33.5m/110f
Horizon 3 Liveaboard8.8From £104/$142/€117EnquireYesPaidYes1.Library.
2.Water Ski.
3.Wakeboarding.
4.Jet Ski.
5.Kayaks.
6.Stand Up Paddleboard.
7.Fishing.
8.Audio & video entertainment.
9.Massage.
YesEnquire24/12/121.Sidemount Diving.36m/118f
Nautilus One8.9From £171/$233/€192EnquireYesPaidYes1.Stand Up Paddleboard.
2.Kayaks.
3.Audio & video entertainment.
4.Fishing.
5.Library.
YesFree14/7/7No30m/99f
Ocean Sapphire9.2From £129/$176/€145EnquireYesPaidYes1.Library.
2.Naturalist Guide.
3.Fishing.
4.Audio & video entertainment.
5.Jacuzzi/Hot Tub.
YesFrom £15/$10/€1722/11/11No35m/115f
Princess Rani9.5From £134/$182/€150EnquireYesPaidYes1.Naturalist Guide.
2.Audio & video entertainment.
3.Library.
4.Fishing.
YesFrom £9/$12.5/€10/week22/10/10No35m/115f
Sachika Liveaboard9.3From £136/$185/€152EnquireYesPaidYes1.Library.
2.Kayaks.
3.Fishing.
4.Audio & video entertainment.
5.Naturalist Itineraries.
6.Jacuzzi/Hot Tub.
YesFrom £15/$20/€1722/10/11No33m/108f
Soleil 29.3From £125/$170/€140EnquireYesPaidYes1.Audio & video entertainment.
2.Kayaks.
3.Spa.
4.Library.
5.Fishing.
6.Jacuzzi/Hot Tub.
YesFree30/15/15No44m/144f
Theia Liveaboard9.5From £182/$248/€204EnquireNoFreeYes1.Kayaks.
2.Jacuzzi/Hot Tub.
3.Audio & video entertainment.
YesFree18/9/91.Sidemount Diving.
2.Tech diving.
32m/105f
Table Notes:
1. The exchange rate used for GBP to USD 1.36 and GBP to Euro 1.12.
2. The 'Cost per day' column will make it easy to sort these Maldives liveaboards by cost, but these prices may vary when you visit to book. But the prices listed are a cost guide and were correct at the time of compiling this table.
3. Internet cost 'Enquire' please enquire to check the current price.
4. To scroll on desktop select table and use arrow keys. On touch screen including mobile devices scroll the table using the screen.

A review of Maldives liveaboard dive boats offering family cabins:

  1. Rated superb and scored 9.3 out of 10 is the Soleil 2.
  2. The Horizon 3 Liveaboard, rated Fabulous, 8.8 out of 10 and 4.5 stars.
  3. Princess Rani Maldive liveaboard, rated Superb, 9.2 out of 10 and 4.5 stars.
  4. The Nautilus One, rated Fabulous, 8.9 out of 10 and 4.5 stars.
  5. Duke of York Liveaboard rated Good and 8 out of 10 with 4 stars.
  6. Adora Liveaboard is rated Fabulous with 8.5 out of 10 and 4 stars.
  7. The Honors Legacy is rated Good and is only 7.6 out of 10 with 4 stars.
  8. Sachika Maldives liveaboard rate Superb and 9.1 out of 10 with 4.5 stars.
  9. The Theia liveaboard is an Exceptional rated Maldives liveaboard with 9.5 out of 10 and 5 stars.
  10. Conte Max liveaboard is yet to be reviewed and rated.
  11. Ocean Sapphire rated Superb and 9.1 out of 10 with 4.5 stars.

The Blue Force One, Azalea and Carpe Novo liveaboards have already been reviewed above under section 4 about the type of diving Maldives liveaboards off.

Let’s now take a look at each of these family friendly Maldives dive liveaboards in more detail.

Soleil 2 Maldives liveaboard has following dive trips:

Soleil 2 Maldives liveaboard for families and kids
Soleil 2 Maldives liveaboard for families and kids – image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
  • Noonu Atoll Dive Trip – Approx 15 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 50 minimum logged dives required.
  • Ari Atoll, Vaavu Atoll Dive trip – Approx 15 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 50 minimum logged dives required.
  • Deep South Trip (Addu – Gaafu) – Approx 15 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 50 minimum logged dives required.

Review of the Soleil 2:

Great boat, fantastic crew, attentive and caring, plenty of good food. “The night dive with manta rays, island bbq, whale sharks, giant manta rays, numerous grey sharks, and the amazing crew. The owner Saiad was on-board and available all day. He worked hard to find whale sharks, and he did! He is friendly, mingled with everyone and enjoys he enjoys making sure we all had a great trip. The group I was with from around the world [Australia,England, Spain and France] bonded immediately. Fresh water snacks available all day. Rooms cleaned each day. Comfortable air con dining room. Thanks Saiad for making this a FANTASTIC experience for my first live-aboard!” Recommended for: crew, room and boat.

Dorne C, United States – 10 out of 10, rated Exceptional and 5 stars

Click this link for more information on the Soleil 2 Liveaboard and to find prices from Liveaboard.com

Or to read my review of the Soleil 2, please take a look at this review article here.

Horizon 3 Liveaboard, Maldives has the following dive trips:

Horizon 3 Liveaboard Maldives for families and children
Horizon 3 Liveaboard Maldives for families and children – image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
  • Male – North Male – Rasdhoo – Ari North – Ari South – Felidhoo – South Male – Male – Approx 16 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 40 minimum logged dives required.
  • Male to Laamu Atoll – Approx 16 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 40 minimum logged dives required.
  • Laamu to Huvadhoo – Approx 16 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 40 minimum logged dives required.
  • Huvadhoo to Addu – Approx 16 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 40 minimum logged dives required.
  • Addu – Fuvahmulah – Addu – Approx 16 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 40 minimum logged dives required.
  • Addu – Fuvahmulah – Huvadhoo – Approx 16 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 40 minimum logged dives required.

Review of Horizon 3:

Awesome. “The crew was absolutely fabulous. They made the cruise and the diving a truly memorable experience.” Recommended for: Crew, crew, crew.

John B, United States – rated Fabulous, 8.8 out of 10 and 4.5 stars.

Click this link for more information on the Horizon 3 Liveaboard and to find prices from Liveaboard.com

Or to read my review of the Horizon 3, please take a look at this review article here.

Princess Rani Maldive liveaboard has the following trips available:

Princess Rani Maldives liveaboard with family cabins on board
Princess Rani Maldive liveaboard with family cabins on board – image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
  • Tiger Shark Cruise (Addu-Fuvahmulah-Addu) – Approx 16 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 50 minimum logged dives required.
  • Addu – Male – Approx 14 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Open Water – 30 minimum logged dives required.
  • Classic Maldives – Approx 14 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Open Water – 30 minimum logged dives required.
  • Deep South (Suvadiva – Addu) – Approx 14 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Open Water – 30 minimum logged dives required.

Review of Princess Rani:

Land of the tiger sharks!Fuvamulah Island is in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Addu Atoll which is the most southern point of Maldvives. Due to the availability of food that they like, the area surrounding the island is definitely a tiger shark haven!

Tiger shark is a solitary hunter,very stealth and it’s got tiger strips on it that make it very distinct and intimidating! It’s huge as it could get up to, like, 6m! It could be a man-eater as, next to the dreaded Great White, it inflicts more attacks on human than any other shark specie! ‘Princess Rani’ liveaboard, based at Addu Atoll for part of the year, specializes in tiger shark viewing and it delivers!

Keep in mind that tiger sharks are very elusive and live in the deep, yet I managed to see them in 4 of the 5 dives that I did in the area specifying as tiger shark dives! For shark lover and thrill seeker like me here, the dive trip is exhilarating, to see the least! ‘Princess Rani’ is a spacious beautiful boat and has all the modern amenities, yet it’s built like a medieval Italian castle, with exposed wood everywhere, that I love!

Now, like traditional South Mediterranean style, we all sat together like a big happy family and ate all the meals on this big table on the canopied terrace of the boat in the fresh air! Definitely a new experience! And the genuine Italian cuisine, is out of this world! I felt like I was at some fancy Italian restaurant for every single meal—I actually took photos on my smartphone at every mealtime and send them home to share the amazing footage with my family (Now my husband wishes he could snorkel or dive and join the ‘Princess Rani’…just for the food!).

The cooking staff was also very considerate as I could not have cheese and they made sure that I was given portion without cheese whenever an Italian cheesy dish was coming up. Besides wonderful and exciting diving, liveaboard on ‘Princess Rani’ is a culinary delight— it’s definitely a trip for Foodie cum Diver/ Snorkeler! Bravo!!! At the time that I went, in late November, ‘Princess Rani’ was the only liveaboard in Addu City and the Fuvamulah Island! We had the whole of the Deep South of Maldives all to ourselves. There were no other divers…which made the tiger shark dives especially—very eerie!…I love it!

On many famous dive sites in the world, there are always other divers as diving is a popular and alluring sport. Yet on this dive trip, I felt like that I had the whole ocean to our group of divers and the tiger sharks were there to greet us, not the other way around! I heard that even during other times of the year, there weren’t many dive boats there either, so this is for sure Virgin Tiger Shark Country there! Go now!Recommended for: Tiger sharks, Italian food, had the remote dive area all to ourselves!

Becky B, Canada – Rated 10 out of 10 Exceptional and 5 stars

Click this link for more information on the Princess Rani Liveaboard and to find prices from Liveaboard.com

Or to read my review of the Princess Rani, please take a look at this review article here.

More Reading: Bahamas Tiger Shark Diving Liveaboard (Tiger Beach Scuba Diving Safety)

Nautilus One Maldives liveaboard suitable for families with the following trips

Nautilus One Maldives liveaboard suitable for families
Nautilus One Maldives liveaboard suitable for families – image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
  • Ari Atoll and South – Approx 30 dives over 11 days/10 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 40 minimum logged dives required.
  • Ari Atoll and South – Approx 27 dives over 10 days/9 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 40 minimum logged dives required.
  • Ari Atoll and South – Approx 24 dives over 9 days/8 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 40 minimum logged dives required.
  • South – Approx 18 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 40 minimum logged dives required.
  • Ari Atoll – Approx 18 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 40 minimum logged dives required.
  • Deep South (Male-South-Felidhoo Atoll-Mulaku Atoll-Thaa Atoll-South Male Atoll-Male) – Approx 34 dives over 14 days/13 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 60 minimum logged dives required.

Review of Nautilus One:

An excellent trip which I really enjoyed. “There were many highlights to list. I really enjoyed being on the boat, the crew were all so good, friendly and helpful, there was a really good atmosphere on the boat. The beach BBQ was an unforgettable experience. The dive guide was super knowledgeable about the sites dived and was friendly and helpful.” Recommended for: The crew were fantastic, super friendly and helpful. The food was excellent, the best on any liveaboard I have done. The diving was really good, well guided, safe and enjoyable.

David D, United Kingdom – Rated Exceptional, 10 out of 10 and 5 stars

Click this link for more information on the Nautilus One Liveaboard and to find prices from Liveaboard.com

Or to read my review of the Nautilus One, please take a look at this review article here.

Duke of York Liveaboard has the following Maldives dive trips:

Duke of York Liveaboard with family cabins
Duke of York Liveaboard with family cabins – image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
  • Central Atolls (Male-Male) – Approx 17 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Open Water – No minimum logged dives required.
  • Central Atolls (Male – Male) – Approx 15 dives over 7 days/6 nights; Experience required Open Water – No minimum logged dives required.

Review of the Duke of York:

Comfortable boat and awesome food. “Very good diving around Fuvamullah and Addu atolls in channels. The food on board is mainly European style and is very very good. Cabins are very comfortable. Local dive guides were great. The Italian dive leader is very friendly and professional.” Recommended for: Italian food, very comfortable cabins, friendly dive leader.

Anne M, France – Rated Very Good, 8 out of 10 and 4 stars

Click this link for more information on the Duke of York Liveaboard and to find prices from Liveaboard.com

Or to read my review of the Duke of York, please take a look at this review article here.

Adora Liveaboard suitable for families has the following dive trips in the Maldives:

Adora Liveaboard suitable for families with family cabins
Adora Liveaboard suitable for families with family cabins – image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
  • Best of Maldives – Approx 17 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 30 minimum logged dives required.

Review of Adora:

Wonderful week on the Adora. “Mantas mantas mantas! Crew is wonderful, boat is very comfortable. Single cabin was a wonderful value, so nice to have my own private cabin.” Recommended for: Service, value, single occupancy cabin.Christina P, USA – Rated Superb 9.2 out of 10 and 4.5 stars

Click this link for more information on the Adora Liveaboard and to find prices from Liveaboard.com

Or to read my review of the Duke of York, please take a look at this review article here.

Honors Legacy Maldives liveaboard for kids and families visits the following dive sites

Honors Legacy Maldives liveaboard
Honors Legacy Maldives liveaboard – image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
  • Best of Maldives – Approx 17 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 50 minimum logged dives required.
  • Charter – only Best of Maldives (Male – Male) – Approx 17 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 50 minimum logged dives required.

Click this link for more information on the Honors Legacy Liveaboard and to find prices from Liveaboard.com

Or first read my review of the Duke of York, please take a look at this review article here.

Sachika Liveaboard Maldives offers these dive sites:

Maldives Sachika Liveaboard review large
Sachika Liveaboard Maldives – image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
  • Best of Central Atolls: North Male, South Male, Felidhoo, Ari – Approx 18 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Open Water – 30 minimum logged dives required.

Review of Sachika:

Loved everything about Sachika! Must go!!Manta rays, whale shark, reef and nurse sharks. I’d highly recommend! I’ll be booking again for next year soon! My only complaint was the weather—as I ended up in rainy season but nothing that could be changed.” Recommended for: The marine life we saw, the guides were fantastic, the staff was excellent.

Morgan W, United States of America – Rated Superb, 9.2 out of 10 and 4.5 stars

Click this link for more information on the Sachika Liveaboard and to find prices from Liveaboard.com

Or first read my review of the Sachika, please take a look at this review article here.

Theia Liveaboard has the following dive itineraries:

Theia Liveaboard with family cabins
Theia Liveaboard with family cabins – image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
  • Central Route – Approx 14 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Advanced Open Water – 50 minimum logged dives required.

Review of Theia:

Great boat, great crew, great week. “We had a great week! Beginning with the beautiful boat and the outstanding crew (boat, dhoni and guides) the really good atmosphere between the guests and of course the diving! We were shown the best of “the north” with lots of mantas and beautiful dive sites. We will definitely come back aboard Theia!Recommended for: Atmosphere on boat, nice and super clean cabin and great diving.

Benjamin K, Germany – Rated Exceptional, 9.6 out of 10 and 5 stars

Click this link for more information on the Theia Liveaboard and to find prices from Liveaboard.com

Or first read my review of the Theia, please take a look at this review article here.

Conte Max Liveaboard has the following dive itineraries:

Conte Max Liveaboard liveaboard review large
Conte Max Liveaboard – image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
  • Central Atolls (Male-Male) – Approx 17 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Open Water – No minimum logged dives required.
  • Central Atolls – Wreck Expedition (MLE-MLE) – Approx 17 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Open Water – 30 minimum logged dives required.

Click this link for more information on the Conte Max Liveaboard and to find prices from Liveaboard.com

Or first read my review of the Conte Max, please take a look at this review article here.

Ocean Sapphire Maldives liveaboard has the following dive itineraries:

Ocean Sapphire Maldives liveaboard review large
Ocean Sapphire Maldives liveaboard – image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
  • Best of Central Atolls: North Male, South Male, Felidhoo, Ari – Approx 18 dives over 8 days/7 nights; Experience required Open Water – 30 minimum logged dives required.

Review of Ocean Sapphire:

Great experience, amazing wildlife. “Manta night dive, whale shark diving, sharks and giant turtles. Night BBQ on the island and an afternoon at the sandbar were unique and very appreciated to break up the time on the boat.” Recommended for: Animal life, value, crew.

Richard O, Canada, Rated Exceptional, 9.6 out of 10 and 5 stars

I provided a full review of the Ocean Sapphire here: Maldives Ocean Sapphire liveaboard review.

Click this link for more information on the Ocean Sapphire Liveaboard and to find prices from Liveaboard.com

Or first read my review of the Ocean Sapphire, please take a look at this review article here.

More Reading: Best Place To Scuba Dive With Turtles (Where To See Turtles Underwater)

A liveaboard is good for kids to gain experience

As with all divers, the more experience in diving the betters. There’s no doubt that taking a liveaboard trip gives you more opportunities to do more dives than any resort dive holiday.

This means that if your kids don’t have much diving experience, taking them on a liveaboard trip will give you the opportunity to provide them with more experience.

But bear in mind the minimum number of logged dives to be able to dive on the dive boats. It may be that your kids won’t be able to dive some of the dives if they don’t have the number of logged dives necessary. But if they are allowed on other dives, they will be clocking up their logged dives.

This could mean that towards the end of the liveaboard trip, they will be able to go on dives they may not have been able at the beginning of the trip.

Having said that, the Maldives is expensive for liveaboards on the whole, so you may wish to take your kids somewhere cheaper for them to build their experience, before you take them to the Maldives.

More Reading: What to pack for a liveaboard dive trip (Liveaboard essentials)

Conclusion to Maldives liveaboards for kids with family cabins

The best Maldives liveaboard for kids is the Azalea liveaboard. A highly rated and reviewed liveaboard with the most extras and activities to suit families and kids onboard.

If price isn’t an option and you want a luxury family holiday for the whole family to enjoy this is the perfect Maldives liveaboard for kids to choose from. You can enquire about and book the Azalea liveaboard here.

But if price is a factor, but you still want as many activities as possible, the Blue Force One liveaboard is the best choice. You can enquire about and book the Blue Force One here.

This article is worth checking as it has two handy tables “What age can a child learn to scuba dive” and “How deep can a child scuba dive“.

I hope you enjoyed this article about Maldives liveaboard with kids

I’d love to hear from you. Tell us about your adventures of diving and snorkeling, in the comments below. Please also share your photos. Either from your underwater cameras or videos from your waterproof Gopro’s!

If this article hasn’t answered all of your questions. If you have more questions either about snorkeling or types of scuba diving (or specifically about Maldives liveaboard with kids), please comment below with your questions.

There will also be many more articles about scuba diving (and snorkeling) for you to read and learn about these fabulous sports.

Have fun and be safe!

More Reading: The best liveaboard diving for beginners (10 top liveaboard destinations)

Maldives Liveaboard With Kids (Family Scuba Diving Holidays)

Article written by Russell Bowyer who has been a scuba diver since diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia in 1989. After his first dive he trained as a BSAC diver in the UK. He attained his Diver Leader certification with BSAC. He then went on to become a scuba diving instructor, teaching others how to dive and was voted as Diving Officer and Treasurer for the Saffron Walden BSAC club too. Russell has dived all over the world, including the UK, on liveaboards in the Red Sea, the Caribbean, South Africa and the USA. Russell is experienced in all dive types, including drift diving, deep dives that involved decompression stops and recreational dives too.

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