The Dhoni: The Perfect Diving Boat

There are many reasons why we can say that the Maldives is probably the best place in the world for diving.
Its tropical climate, spectacular underwater topography, and dreamlike landscapes are just a few of the many reasons that make this country the ideal destination for a diving vacation.
But there is one unique element that makes diving in the Maldives a truly distinctive and unforgettable experience: the dhoni.

What is a dhoni?

The dhoni is the traditional and most iconic boat of the Maldives.
Originally a sailing vessel, it was always handcrafted and made from coconut wood. Its origin is attributed to Arab influence in the region, and it bears a strong resemblance to the traditional dhow boats.
It is an extremely versatile vessel that, depending on its size, can be used for transporting people or goods, for fishing, and of course, as a diving boat.

A Vessel with Endless Uses

The Maldives has a vast fishing fleet of dhonis, each capable of carrying between eight and twelve people.
Although today’s dhonis are modernized versions of the traditional design, their essence remains intact.
They are built in small artisanal shipyards located across several islands — one of the most renowned is in Alifushi, in the Raa Atoll.

How a Dhoni Is Built

The construction of dhonis is one of the oldest and most respected crafts in the Maldives.
Young apprentices learn the trade from master boat builders who, for generations, have built each vessel entirely by hand.
Modern dhonis combine fiberglass and wood, while maintaining their original shape and style.

Although the tools have evolved, the process remains intuitive and artisanal: builders work without blueprints or molds, allowing the design and symmetry to emerge naturally as the vessel takes shape.

Today, the hull is made from imported hardwoods instead of traditional coconut wood, and the planks are joined with copper rivets, replacing the former coconut-fiber bindings.
The old square sails made from palm leaves were replaced by triangular lateen sails, which were eventually succeeded by diesel engines, now standard on all dhonis.

A traditional dhoni could be about three meters long and was used for short trips or to cross shallow lagoons.
Fishing dhonis were typically around ten meters in length, although modern ones can be double or even triple that size.
Their design has long proven its seaworthiness and durability, refined over centuries in the waters of the Maldivian archipelago.

The Dhoni: A Unique Boat in the Diving World

The Maldives is the only diving destination in the world where the diving support boat has the size, design, and performance of a dhoni.
This distinctive feature adds unique value to any liveaboard diving experience.

A complete liveaboard diving operation in the Maldives consists of three vessels:

• the main boat,
• the dhoni,
• and the dinghy.

The main boat — in our case, the Maldives Blue Force One and the Maldives Blue Force 3 — is a true floating hotel, offering all the services, comfort, and activities needed to fully enjoy the week between dives, while maintaining a direct connection with nature and the ocean environment.
It comfortably sails from one atoll to another, exploring the best dive sites in each area.

Accompanying each main vessel is our beloved dhoni, the diving support boat: a true floating dive center.
Its main advantage is that all diving gear — wetsuits, tanks, equipment, and accessories — remains on board the dhoni throughout the week.
It is a functional, comfortable, and perfectly organized space where divers can gear up with the assistance of the crew and guides while the dhoni approaches the dive site, sheltered from the sun or tropical rain.
Its upper deck is also an ideal spot to relax, chat, or sunbathe while cruising.

After each dive, divers leave their equipment on the dhoni and return to the main boat, where they can rest, eat, sunbathe, or take a nap.
Meanwhile, the dhoni quietly moves away to recharge the tanks, without disturbing those enjoying their time on board.

The third vessel in a liveaboard operation is the dinghy, a small boat of about six to eight meters in length used for short transfers — from the main vessel to beaches or sandbanks — and for snorkeling excursions or island visits with non-diving companions.

How Our Diving Dhoni Is Equipped

At Blue Force Fleet, we are uncompromising when it comes to onboard comfort, service quality, and above all, safety.
For us, the experience of our guests is paramount, and that’s why we continuously invest in refining every detail.

We are proud to have built two of the best diving dhonis in the Maldives: the Maldives Blue Force Dive 1 (launched in November 2020) and the Maldives Blue Force Dive 2 (February 2023).
Both were designed by our own team, drawing on more than 25 years of experience operating liveaboard cruises in the Maldives.
They were designed by divers, for divers, with every aspect carefully crafted to ensure a safe, practical, and comfortable experience.

Main Features:

• 23 meters long and 7 meters wide, making them possibly the widest diving dhonis in the Maldives.
• Lowered deck, allowing easier and safer entry into the water.
• Extra-wide diving platform with double gates on each side, improving comfort and safety.
• Mechanical systems located below deck, keeping passengers away from technical equipment.
• Three compressors and two NITROX membrane systems per dhoni, ensuring full redundancy and minimal tank-filling times.
• Interior bathrooms with hot-water showers and outdoor showers, plus dedicated camera areas with two rinse tanks (one for cameras and another for dive gear).
• Wide, ergonomic benches with individual space and a personal storage box for each diver.
• Own captain and crew, with forward cabins for rest and continuous service.
• Comprehensive safety equipment, including the ENOS diver localization system, defibrillator, oxygen kit, rescue stretcher, and first-aid kit.

Come and Experience It

The Maldives and our dhoni are waiting for you.
Come and experience diving with Blue Force Fleet and discover why this perfect combination of tradition, comfort, and safety makes every cruise an unforgettable adventure.