When diving in the Maldives, should you choose a hotel or a liveaboard? I spent three weeks diving in the Maldives and stayed both on a liveaboard and in a resort. In this article, I list the pros and cons of liveaboard and resort diving in the Maldives so that you can choose the best option for you. diving the Maldives Liveaboard or Resort

Liveaboard yachts aren’t exactly as luxurious as the Four Seasons or Six Senses, but it’s definitely something different, exciting, and cost-effective. I did the Blueforce one diving cruise to the Maldives, and the boat was surprisingly big. The cabins were more spacious and comfortable than I was expecting.

Pros of diving on a liveaboard in the Maldives:

1. More dives as you get to dive 3 or 4 times a day

The main point of liveaboard diving is to maximize the amount of time diving. It can be done on the resort itself, but one has to book a boat ride or diving trip to the dive sites, return to the resort, and then book again, which can get time-consuming and expensive. Liveaboard diving means being able to visit more dive sites which is three to four times a day during my cruise on Blueforce One.

2. You see more dive sites as the boat gets to a new destination every day.

The variety of dives from a resort is also more limited as you will be diving the area around the resort. While on the Blueforce liveaboard central Maldives itinerary, we got to dive five different atolls and saw countless sharks, mantas, and even dolphins.

Besides more diversity in dive sites, you also get to spend time cruising on the boat. I really enjoyed the end of the afternoon and sunset navigation.

3.  It is easier to meet other divers for people traveling alone

Traveling solo to a resort in the Maldives can be solitary as most people come in couple or family and don’t mingle with other guests.

Liveaboards are more friendly for people traveling alone. Many divers travel solo, and meals are usually around a communal table which is a great way to meet the other people on board. As everyone is on the same schedule, it is also easier to get to know the other passengers.

 4. You get excursions to remote islands, villages, and sandbanks

In addition to the dive sites, we visited reefs, islands, remote villages, and sandbanks, as our itinerary on Blueforce liveaboard included a few overland activities as well.

5. Liveaboards are usually cheaper than resorts.

Resorts in the Maldives are expensive. You need to budget at least 500 USD per night for a decent overwater bungalow. A single dive in a resort will set you back about 80 USD. If you were doing 20 dives in a resort, it would cost you 3350 USD per person if you share a room. A good liveaboard like the Blueforce One costs around 2000 USD per person per week. And it includes over 20 dives and a full board, so it is much more affordable.

 Pros of staying in a resort while in the Maldives

1. More activities for non-divers

If you are traveling with non-divers, they might be happier in a resort. Resorts typically offer watersports, excursions, sport, and a spa.

You also get to spend more time on the beach.

2. Bigger and nicer rooms

The significant disadvantage of liveaboard diving is having limited room space. Cabins on boats are comfortable but small. And unless you chose an upper deck cabin, they often don’t have a view.

Rooms in the resorts in the Maldives can be extravagant. Think about water bungalows with wrap-around balconies and outdoor bathrooms facing the reef.

3. More food options

The more prominent resorts typically have a few restaurants with different cuisine. You also have more flexibility in choosing your mealtimes. For example, during my stay at Maafushivaru resort, I got to try their Indian restaurant, Japanese restaurant, and Italian restaurant. Everything is a la carte, so I could really choose where to eat depending on my mood.

4. More flexibility.

In a resort, You don’t have to follow the schedule of the boat and can do what you want when you want. Feel like sleeping in one morning; you can do it. Want to go snorkeling at sunset? It is easy to do.

On a boat, everyone follows the same schedule. Dive time and meal times are usually set.

In conclusion: What is the best way to dive the Maldives? Liveaboard or resort?

If you’re someone who just can’t get enough of the underwater world, then liveaboard diving might be the way to go. It’s basically cheaper than a resort and offers more site diversity. Getting a resort room is best for those who want to dive casually and enjoy the paradise-looking beaches of the Maldives.

But in my opinion, the absolute best way to travel the Maldives is to start with a liveaboard and then extend your trip with a few days on an island resort.

I did just that during my trip with a week on the Blueforce one liveaboard followed by four days at Maafushivaru resort.

For more information about traveling to the Maldives, read my articles on the Blueforce Liveaboard, the Scubaspa liveaboard, and the Maafushivaru resort.

For more information about how to fly to the Maldives, read my article about Emirates Business class flight to Male