How Much Does a Maldives Liveaboard Cost in 2026?

A week-long Maldives liveaboard usually costs between 1,800 and 4,500 US dollars per person. The spread is wide because it depends on the boat, the cabin and the season, so it helps to know what actually moves the price.

What is in the price?

On most boats the nightly rate lands around 200 to 350 US dollars and covers your cabin, full board (three meals a day plus snacks), and the diving, usually three to four dives a day with tanks and weights. Guides, boat transfers to and from the airport, and the dive dhoni are normally part of the package too.

What is not included?

Budget a little on top for the things that sit outside the base rate. The usual extras are nitrox if you use it, equipment rental if you do not bring your own, marine park and conservation fees (the Hanifaru Bay fee is small but separate), crew tips, and any alcohol. Flights to Malé are always separate. None of these are large on their own, but they add up, so ask for an all-in figure before you book.

Why do prices vary so much?

Three things drive the number. The boat itself, since a newer or more spacious vessel costs more than a simple one. The cabin, where a private ensuite sits above a shared or lower-deck cabin. And the season, because peak weeks around the holidays and the best manta months carry higher rates than the quieter shoulder periods.

How do you get the best value?

Travel as a group and the maths improves quickly, because cabins and charters price better per person when the boat is full. Booking a shoulder date rather than a peak week helps too, and it often lines up with excellent diving. Our current Maldives Manta Ray Liveaboard runs up to 30 percent off on selected summer weeks, which is a straightforward way to bring the per-person cost down without giving up the manta season.

Is a liveaboard cheaper than a dive resort?

For divers, usually yes. A resort charges for the room, then adds meals, transfers and each dive on top, and outer-atoll transfers alone can run hundreds of dollars per person. A liveaboard bundles all of it, and you dive far more sites for the money. If you want to compare the two properly, read our guide to the best Maldives resorts for divers and our full Maldives liveaboard diving collection.

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