Princess Dhonkamana

The Princess Dhonkamana sails the Maldives on flexible Male–Male routes, and that flexibility is the point. Rather than following a fixed circuit, the crew reads the season, the weather and the time available, then shapes each safari around what's actually diving well. Atolls in the mix include North Male, South Male, Ari and Felidhoo, with Raa Atoll and Male Atoll also on the boat's range.

Life on board

Built for diving in 2008, the 31-metre boat carries up to 18 guests across 10 cabins with a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. Cabins are large, air-conditioned and fitted with canopy beds and en-suite bathrooms, and many look out to sea. Three sun decks, an air-conditioned saloon, a library and outdoor dining give you room to spread out between dives.

The dive deck is purpose-built, with shaded space, rinse hoses, DIN adaptors, a separate rinse for underwater cameras and tenders to reach the sites. Nitrox is available, and a naturalist guide sails with the boat. Snorkellers are welcome too, so mixed groups, families and couples all fit.