Dive Liveaboards Indian Ocean
A liveaboard in the Indian Ocean lets you sleep aboard while you move between reefs, atolls and channels, with diving from the boat each day. You can choose the Maldives, Seychelles or Madagascar, from 48 liveaboards and from £913$1,220€1,090. Expect manta rays, reef sharks, turtles, whale sharks and large schools of fish, with routes shaped by the season and weather.
Indian Ocean liveaboard: countries and departures
This table shows, country by country, the liveaboards and departures on sale over the next twelve months, with the lowest price at the most common length. Figures are refreshed every night.
| Country | Boats | Most common length | From | Departures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maldives | 43 | 7 nights | £1,298$1,735€1,550 | 1599 |
| Seychelles | 4 | 7 nights | £1,164$1,556€1,390 | 259 |
| Madagascar | 1 | 5 nights | £913$1,220€1,090 | 29 |
Price per person, excluding flights and costs on board.
Dive liveaboard deals in the Indian Ocean
−£1,793−$2,398−€2,142Horizon 3
Maldives
Indian Ocean★ 8.5/10 (131 reviews)
Departs 12 Dec 2027 · 14 nights
−39%per person
£2,815 £4,608$3,763 $6,161€3,362 €5,504
and 1 more departure on offer
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−£1,343−$1,796−€1,604Maldives Aggressor II
Maldives
Indian Ocean★ 9.1/10 (143 reviews)
Departs 8 Nov · 7 nights
−45%per person
£1,630 £2,973$2,179 $3,975€1,947 €3,551
and 13 more departures on offer
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−£972−$1,299−€1,161Sea Bird
Seychelles
Indian Ocean★ 8.5/10 (30 reviews)
Departs 23 Jan 2027 · 7 nights
−46%per person
£1,164 £2,136$1,556 $2,855€1,390 €2,551
and 12 more departures on offer
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−£748−$999−€893Blue Force One
Maldives
Indian Ocean★ 9.4/10 (201 reviews)
Departs 31 Oct · 7 nights
−33%per person
£1,487 £2,235$1,988 $2,987€1,776 €2,669
and 2 more departures on offer
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−£724−$968−€865Felicity
Maldives
Indian Ocean★ 8.8/10 (138 reviews)
Departs 25 Jul 2027 · 7 nights
−35%per person
£1,366 £2,090$1,826 $2,794€1,631 €2,496
and 5 more departures on offer
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−£704−$941−€841Amba Liveaboard
Maldives
Indian Ocean★ 8.9/10 (91 reviews)
Departs 18 Apr 2027 · 11 nights
−28%per person
£1,815 £2,519$2,427 $3,368€2,168 €3,009
and 1 more departure on offer
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Top-rated dive liveaboards in the Indian Ocean
Scubaspa Yang
Departing from Male Harbour
★ 9.6/10 (239 reviews)
from £340$454€406/day
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Scubaspa Yin
Departing from Dharavandhoo
★ 9.5/10 (139 reviews)
from £340$454€406/day
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Sachika
Departing from Male Harbour
★ 9.4/10 (160 reviews)
from £187$250€223/day
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Princess Dhonkamana
Departing from Male Harbour
★ 9.5/10 (85 reviews)
from £171$228€204/day
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Emperor Serenity
Departing from Male Harbour
★ 9.3/10 (202 reviews)
from £223$298€266/day
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Soleil 2
Departing from Male Harbour
★ 9.2/10 (132 reviews)
from £187$250€223/day
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Princess Sara
Departing from Male Harbour
★ 9.1/10 (199 reviews)
from £162$217€194/day
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Carpe Novo
★ 9.1/10 (194 reviews)
from £241$322€288/day
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Continue your exploration
Indian Ocean liveaboard: questions to help you choose
Which country should you choose for an Indian Ocean liveaboard?
Choose the Maldives for several atolls in a week, channel diving and manta rays, grey reef sharks and schools of jacks. The Seychelles suit you if you want granite islands, turtles and rays, while Madagascar offers a five-night route around the Radama and Mitsio islands.
When should you book an Indian Ocean liveaboard?
The Maldives operates year-round, with routes changing with the monsoon. Hanifaru Bay is visited roughly from June to November, while the deep south is mostly visited between December and April; the Seychelles also operates year-round, and Madagascar has few departures.
How much does an Indian Ocean liveaboard cost?
Prices start from £913$1,220€1,090. Check what is included before booking, as marine park fees, nitrox, equipment rental, crew tips and transfers are often extra.
What certification do you need for an Indian Ocean liveaboard?
Depending on the route, you need Open Water, or Advanced Open Water and a minimum of 30 or 50 dives. The channels in the Maldives call for confidence in current, so read the route description carefully.
Indian Ocean liveaboard FAQ
Where do Maldives liveaboards depart from?
Almost all Maldives liveaboards depart from Male. Routes then move between atolls and channels, often changing with the monsoon and local conditions.
How long is an Indian Ocean liveaboard trip?
Maldives trips are usually seven nights. Seychelles routes last two to seven nights, while the Madagascar itinerary lasts five nights.
How many dives do you do on a liveaboard?
You usually make three or four dives a day. There is no diving on the last day.
What can you see on an Indian Ocean liveaboard?
Depending on the route, you may see manta rays, grey reef sharks, turtles, rays, whale sharks, tiger sharks and large schools of fish. The scenery ranges from Maldivian atolls to Seychelles granite boulders and remote islands in Madagascar.
How long should you wait before flying after liveaboard diving?
Allow at least 24 hours between your last dive and flying. There is no diving on the final day of the trip.
Do you need dive insurance for an Indian Ocean liveaboard?
Dive insurance is strongly recommended. Check that it covers liveaboard diving, the route you choose and any emergency evacuation.