The Maldives has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons created by the two opposing monsoon cycles. The most popular for sun-seeking tourists is the dry season from about January to May, created by the winter northeastern monsoon. However, diving is still possible throughout the wet season from June to December, though some itineraries will be unavailable because of rough conditions created by the southwest monsoon. As the country straddles the equator, temperatures remain pretty consistent throughout the year at an average water temperature of 27-30°C/81-86°F.
The Best Time for Diving on Liveaboard in the Maldives
The best time to scuba dive in the Maldives is from January to March, in the driest part of the dry season. The seas are at their calmest, providing crystal-clear waters with extremely good visibility. The months before and after this period are still generally good, but your chances of seeing a whale shark are lower.
The rough seas created by the wet season stirs up nutrients from the seafloor and creates a lot of plankton. While this dramatically reduces visibility, it also attracts mantas and whale sharks. This means that this period can be especially good for specific LOB diving itineraries in the Maldives. However, May to November is still widely considered to be the low season for diving in the Maldives.
You shall also keep an eye on prices, many liveaboards offer discounted trips and specials throughout a year.
Most Popular Maldives Liveaboard Trips
Most of the Maldives safari boats offer 7-night trips, with 10 to 14-night trips being much rarer due to there being less demand for them as they exceed most peoples' budget for liveaboard diving in the Maldives. Depending on the duration of the cruise, boats usually visit 1-3 atolls or as many as 5-6 atolls in one trip. It is important to note, however, that a greater number of atolls visited does not automatically make it a better choice. It is possible to get all of the top marine life encounters and some great macro diving and awesome night diving all from just a single atoll. It is much more important be in the right place at the right time.
Central Atolls Liveaboard Itineraries
North Malé - South Malé - Ari Atolls: Starting from Malé, this itinerary, with some variations, is the most popular one for 7-night packages during the winter high season months. The best time for this itinerary is January to March, though December or April sailings are also pretty good. Along with the Rasdhoo and Vaavoo Atolls, this itinerary is also commonly known as Best of Maldives.
North Malé - Baa - Raa Atolls: This itinerary is also a good one for the winter months, but can also also make for a memorable experience during the wet season. It visits some of the best places to witness the migration of mantas and whale sharks, with Hanifaru Bay on Baa Atoll being the real highlight.
Far North Liveaboard Itinerary
Haa Alifu Atoll: This is the northernmost atoll in the Maldives and is well-known for providing great opportunities for spotting mantas at practically every dive site, especially from September to October. There are, however, only a few Maldives liveaboards that operate in this atoll.
Deep South Liveaboard Itinerary
Deep South Atolls: This part of the Maldives is one of the most interesting for divers, especially those who have come to see sharks. Whale sharks can be found at Gaafu Atoll, and thresher sharks, white-tip sharks, and tiger sharks can be found at Foahmulah Island. The only time when Maldives liveaboards operate here is mid-January to mid-March.