Budget Liveaboards in the Maldives: Cheapest Trips (2026)
The cheapest Maldives liveaboard on Be Underwater is Salvora: 7 nights with 23 dives from USD 1,610, about US$230 per night, though it has only two open departures. AMBA comes next at about EUR 239 to 321 per night on 11 to 14 night trips. Most other 7-night boats start around USD 2,390 to 2,800.
The Maldives is not a cheap place for liveaboards, but trips range widely. In this article "budget" means the lowest price per night among boats listed on Be Underwater, not a promise of low overall cost, since flights, fees and extras add up. Prices are per person, vary by date and cabin, and are shown in each boat's own currency.
For a quality-neutral overview of the region read the best liveaboards in the Maldives, or go straight to all Maldives liveaboards.
Maldives liveaboards sorted by price per night
Sorted from lowest to highest price per night. Per-night figures are the range across each boat's listed trips.
| Boat | Nights | Dives | From price | Per night | Min. level | Trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salvora | 7 | 23 | USD 1,610 | about US$230 | No minimum listed | View trip |
| AMBA | 11–14 | See trip page | EUR 2,629–4,177 | about EUR 239–321 | Advanced Open Water, 30 logged dives | View trip |
| Seafari Explorer 2 | 7, 10, 14 | 16–34 | USD 2,500 | about US$332–395 | Advanced Open Water, 50 logged dives | View trip |
| Maldives Blue Force One | 7 | 18 | USD 2,390 | about US$341–456 | Advanced Open Water, 50 logged dives | View trip |
| Maldives Blue Force 3 | 7 | 18 | USD 2,390 | about US$341–384 | Advanced Open Water, 50 logged dives | View trip |
| DUNE Theia | 7, 10 | 16–24 | USD 2,595 | about US$350–385 | Advanced Open Water, 50 logged dives | View trip |
| Horizon 3 | 7, 14 | 17–37 | USD 2,660 | about US$380–485 | Open Water, no minimum logged dives | View trip |
| DUNE Black Manta | 7 | 16 | USD 2,795 | about US$399–456 | Advanced Open Water, 50 logged dives | View trip |
| Maldives Aggressor II | 7 | 18 | USD 3,985 | about US$569 | Advanced Open Water, 50 logged dives | View trip |
Prices are per person as listed on Be Underwater and vary by date and cabin. Mandatory extras such as park fees or fuel surcharges may apply, so check each trip page.
What "budget" means in the Maldives
Maldives liveaboards are priced above Indonesia or the Red Sea in most listings, partly because of the cost of operating in a remote atoll nation. A lower price per night often means a longer trip, a simpler boat or a date with little demand.
Salvora stands out on price per night and dives, with 23 dives in 7 nights, but it currently has only two open departures, so dates are limited. AMBA's 11 to 14 night trips have a low price per night but a high total, because the trip is long.
Extras to budget for
The price on the trip page does not always cover everything. Check the inclusions for:
- The Maldives green tax and any park or port fees charged on the trip.
- Nitrox, equipment rental and drinks.
- Crew tips.
- Flights to Male and the airport transfer to the boat, plus a hotel night if your flight times require it.
Amounts differ by boat and operator and change, so rely on the trip page rather than a fixed figure.
When to save
Compare departures on the same boat: prices change with the date, and the weeks around Christmas and New Year are generally the most expensive for liveaboards in any region. Boats listed here run mainly from October to March. For what each part of the year looks like underwater, see the best time to dive the Maldives.
Trade-offs of cheaper trips
- Experience requirements. Most boats on the list ask for Advanced Open Water and 30 to 50 logged dives because channel dives can have current. Only Horizon 3 lists Open Water with no minimum logged dives.
- Limited dates. The lowest price per night may come with few departures, as with Salvora.
- Trip length. A long trip lowers the price per night but raises the total, and you need the time off.
- Fewer dives or a lighter schedule. Compare dives per trip as well as the price. The dive count is shown on each trip page.
Other ways to dive the Maldives on a budget
If a liveaboard stretches your budget, consider land-based diving from a guesthouse island or a resort. See our Maldives diving guide and liveaboard vs resort diving. To weigh the value of a boat trip, read is a liveaboard worth it.
FAQ: Budget Maldives Liveaboards
What is the cheapest liveaboard in the Maldives?
On Be Underwater, Salvora has the lowest price per night: a 7-night trip from USD 1,610, about US$230 per night, with 23 dives. It currently has only two open departures. AMBA follows at about EUR 239 to 321 per night on 11 to 14 night trips.
How much does a budget Maldives liveaboard cost?
A 7-night trip starts from around USD 1,610 to 2,660 on the boats listed here, which is roughly US$230 to 380 per night. Prices vary by date and cabin, and extras are on top.
What extras should I budget for on a Maldives liveaboard?
Typically the Maldives green tax, park and port fees, nitrox, equipment rental, drinks and crew tips, plus flights and the airport transfer. The trip page lists what is included and what is charged separately.
Can beginners go on a budget Maldives liveaboard?
Some boats accept them. Horizon 3 lists Open Water with no minimum logged dives. Most other boats in this list ask for Advanced Open Water and 30 to 50 logged dives because of the currents in the channels.
When is the cheapest time for a Maldives liveaboard?
Prices change by departure date and holiday periods such as Christmas and New Year are generally the most expensive. Compare departures on the trip page and read our best time to dive the Maldives guide for what each season offers.
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