Solitude Gaia Maldives, launching August 2027. Concept render: Solitude Liveaboards; final design may differ.

Maldives liveaboard · New boat · Updated 8 November 2026 · By Abdulla Maseeh

Solitude Gaia Maldives Liveaboard

Solitude Gaia Maldives is a new 40-metre steel dive liveaboard, built to RINA class for Solitude Liveaboards and Resorts and due to start sailing on 31 July 2027. She has 10 cabins for 20 guests, two dive boats, a dedicated camera room, Starlink and a spa on the sundeck. Published rates start at US$4,865 per diver for 7 nights, with the tourism GST and service charge included. Below: the floor plan, every 2027/28 departure with its rate, the routes, what is extra and the booking terms.

Reserve a cabin See 2027/28 dates

Solitude Gaia at a glance

Aug 2027first cruises, from 31 July

40 msteel hull, 10 m beam, 4 decks

10cabins, 20 guests

2dive boats: skiff and dhoni

1 : 6guide to divers

US$4,8657 nights, Deluxe, per diver

The boat is under construction. Every interior and exterior image on this page is Solitude’s concept render, and Solitude notes that final design and details may differ once construction is complete. The specifications below are from Solitude’s 2026 data sheet.

Solitude runs liveaboards and dive resorts in Indonesia, Palau and the Philippines, and Gaia Maldives is the first boat it has designed from scratch with its own crews and guests’ feedback. The result is a smaller, quieter boat than the big Maldivian 42-metre safaris: 20 guests on four decks, a steel monohull of 471 gross tonnes with an aluminium superstructure, and interiors in wood, stone tones and sea green. Ten cabins means a dive group of up to 20 split across two boats with a guide for every six.

For divers, the details are strong. Three Bauer Poseidon compressors and a nitrox membrane, cylinders in a range of DIN sizes with yoke adaptors, a side-mount friendly set-up, rebreather support on full charters, and a digital area with camera rinse tanks, air guns, editing benches and surge-protected charging. Off the dive deck there is Starlink internet, a sundeck spa, 24-hour snacks and a mix of buffet and a la carte meals. It is priced above the Maldivian-built fleet and aimed at photographers and divers who want a calmer, smaller boat.

Concept render of the dive deck on Solitude Gaia Maldives with tank racks, kit benches and rinse tanks — The dive deck, with camera rinse tanks nearby. Concept render: Solitude Liveaboards; final design may differ.

Concept render of the dining room on Solitude Gaia Maldives with long tables and panoramic windows — Buffet and a la carte dining. Concept render: Solitude Liveaboards; final design may differ.

Concept render of the sundeck on Solitude Gaia Maldives with loungers and a shaded seating area — The sundeck, where the spa treatments happen. Concept render: Solitude Liveaboards; final design may differ.

Concept render of the dining room on Solitude Gaia Maldives set for a meal — The dining room. Concept render: Solitude Liveaboards; final design may differ.

Concept render of a shaded outdoor deck with seating on Solitude Gaia Maldives — Shaded seating on deck. Concept render: Solitude Liveaboards; final design may differ.

Concept render of the sun deck with loungers on Solitude Gaia Maldives — Loungers on the sun deck. Concept render: Solitude Liveaboards; final design may differ.

Cabins and floor plan

Ten cabins in mirrored pairs: two Staterooms with private balconies on the upper deck, six twin-or-double Deluxe cabins and two double-only Deluxe cabins on the main deck. Every cabin has individual climate control, a safe, a desk with universal sockets, a hair dryer, bathrobes and an en-suite shower room; mattresses are 202 cm long. Sheets and towels are changed every three days, cabins cleaned daily.

Solitude Gaia Maldives cabins: 10 cabins, 20 guests, all en suite with individual air conditioning, safe, hair dryer and bathrobes.
Category	Cabins	Deck	Size	Beds
Stateroom	2: cabins 301 and 302	Upper deck	19 m²	Twin or double, private balcony
Deluxe	6: cabins 201 to 206	Main deck	19 m²	Twin or double
Deluxe double	2: cabins 207 and 208	Main deck	16 m²	Double bed only

Concept render of an upper-deck Stateroom on Solitude Gaia Maldives with twin beds and sea-view windows — Stateroom, upper deck, 19 m² with a private balcony. Concept render: Solitude Liveaboards; final design may differ.

Concept render of an upper-deck Stateroom on Solitude Gaia Maldives with curtains drawn — Stateroom with curtains drawn. Concept render: Solitude Liveaboards; final design may differ.

Concept render of the private balcony of a Stateroom on Solitude Gaia Maldives — The Stateroom balcony. Concept render: Solitude Liveaboards; final design may differ.

Concept render of a Deluxe cabin on Solitude Gaia Maldives with a large double bed and wood panelling — Deluxe cabin, main deck, 16 to 19 m². Concept render: Solitude Liveaboards; final design may differ.

Concept render of an en-suite bathroom on Solitude Gaia Maldives with basin, shelving and toilet — Every cabin has its own shower room. Concept render: Solitude Liveaboards; final design may differ.

Concept render of a modern en-suite shower room on Solitude Gaia Maldives — An en-suite shower room. Concept render: Solitude Liveaboards; final design may differ.

Solitude Gaia Maldives deck plan showing upper deck dining, lounge, Staterooms 301 and 302 and sun deck, and main deck dive deck and Deluxe cabins 201 to 208 — Upper and main deck plan. Plan: Solitude Liveaboards; layout may change on completion.

Singles: a cabin to yourself costs 60 percent extra. Staterooms are 19 m², the six twin-or-double Deluxe cabins 19 m², and Deluxe 207 and 208 16 m² with a fixed double bed.

2027/28 departures and rates

Solitude has published its first year of dates, from 31 July 2027 to August 2028, with rates per diver sharing. Non-divers pay 10 percent less. Departures shown as chartered were taken by groups when the schedule came out; for every other date, we confirm cabin space with Solitude the same day.

Solitude Gaia Maldives schedule and published rates per diver, sharing, from the operator’s 2027/28 schedule (rates as published for bookings to 31 December 2026). “Chartered” departures were booked by groups when the schedule was issued; we confirm live space for any date.
Departs	Returns	Route	Nights	Ports	Deluxe from	Stateroom from	Status
31 Jul 2027	9 Aug 2027	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	9	Malé	US$6,255	US$7,605	On request
11 Aug 2027	18 Aug 2027	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	7	Malé	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
20 Aug 2027	27 Aug 2027	Baa Manta Madness	7	Malé	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
27 Aug 2027	3 Sep 2027	Baa Manta Madness	7	Malé	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
4 Sep 2027	11 Sep 2027	Baa Manta Madness	7	Malé	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
11 Sep 2027	18 Sep 2027	Baa Manta Madness	7	Malé	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
19 Sep 2027	26 Sep 2027	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	7	Malé	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
29 Sep 2027	7 Oct 2027	Baa Manta Madness	8	Malé	US$5,560	US$6,760	Chartered
9 Oct 2027	19 Oct 2027	Baa Manta Madness	10	Malé	US$6,600	US$8,000	On request
22 Oct 2027	6 Nov 2027	Far North: Lhaviyani, Noonu, Shaviyani, Haa Dhaalu, Raa, Baa	15	Malé	US$9,900	US$12,000	Chartered
13 Nov 2027	21 Nov 2027	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	8	Malé	US$5,560	US$6,760	On request
23 Nov 2027	1 Dec 2027	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	8	Malé	US$5,560	US$6,760	On request
3 Dec 2027	11 Dec 2027	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	8	Malé	US$5,560	US$6,760	On request
12 Dec 2027	20 Dec 2027	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	8	Malé	US$5,560	US$6,760	On request
23 Dec 2027	2 Jan 2028	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	10	Malé	US$6,600	US$8,000	Chartered
3 Jan 2028	13 Jan 2028	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	10	Malé	US$6,600	US$8,000	On request
15 Jan 2028	25 Jan 2028	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	10	Malé	US$6,600	US$8,000	On request
26 Jan 2028	5 Feb 2028	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	10	Malé	US$6,600	US$8,000	On request
11 Feb 2028	26 Feb 2028	Deep South, Malé round trip via Vaavu, Meemu, Thaa, Laamu, Huvadhoo, Fuvahmulah, Addu	15	Malé	US$9,900	US$12,000	Chartered
28 Feb 2028	6 Mar 2028	Deep South: Addu, Fuvahmulah, Huvadhoo	7	Gan to Kooddoo	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
7 Mar 2028	14 Mar 2028	Deep South: Huvadhoo, Fuvahmulah, Addu	7	Kooddoo to Gan	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
16 Mar 2028	28 Mar 2028	Deep South to Malé via Fuvahmulah, Huvadhoo, Laamu, Thaa, Meemu, Vaavu	12	Gan to Malé	US$7,900	US$9,600	On request
1 Apr 2028	9 Apr 2028	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	8	Malé	US$5,560	US$6,760	Chartered
10 Apr 2028	18 Apr 2028	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	8	Malé	US$5,560	US$6,760	Chartered
19 Apr 2028	26 Apr 2028	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	7	Malé	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
27 Apr 2028	4 May 2028	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	7	Malé	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
6 May 2028	13 May 2028	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	7	Malé	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
16 May 2028	23 May 2028	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	7	Malé	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
25 May 2028	1 Jun 2028	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	7	Malé	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
3 Jun 2028	10 Jun 2028	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	7	Malé	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
5 Jul 2028	12 Jul 2028	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	7	Malé	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
14 Jul 2028	21 Jul 2028	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	7	Malé	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
22 Jul 2028	29 Jul 2028	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	7	Malé	US$4,865	US$5,915	On request
1 Aug 2028	10 Aug 2028	Best of Maldives: North and South Malé, Vaavu, Ari	9	Malé	US$6,255	US$7,605	On request

Ask about a date Compare total costs

Routes

Solitude Gaia Maldives routes for 2027/28. Routes change with weather and conditions.
Route	Length and ports	When	What you dive	Deluxe from
Best of Maldives	7 to 10 nights, Malé to Malé	Most of the year	North Malé reefs, South Malé channels, Vaavu walls and the Alimatha night dive, South Ari’s whale shark area, North Ari thilas.	US$4,865
Baa Manta Madness	7, 8 or 10 nights, Malé to Malé	August to October	North Malé and Ari, then Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: cleaning stations, and Hanifaru Bay as a snorkel (permit dependent).	US$4,865
Far North	15 nights, Malé to Malé	October 2027	Lhaviyani, Noonu, Shaviyani, Haa Dhaalu, Raa and Baa: the least-dived atolls in the country.	Chartered
Deep South	7 nights Gan and Kooddoo, 12 nights Gan to Malé, 15 nights round trip	February to March 2028	Huvadhoo channels, Fuvahmulah tiger sharks, Addu; the longer versions add Vaavu, Meemu, Thaa and Laamu.	US$4,865 (7 nights)

Best of Maldives is the classic week: two or three dives a day in North Malé, South Malé’s channels with stronger current and reef sharks, Vaavu’s walls and soft corals with the optional Alimatha night dive, South Ari’s marine protected area for whale sharks, and North Ari’s thilas. Baa Manta Madness moves north into the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in manta season, with Hanifaru Bay as a snorkel when permits allow. The Deep South trips in February and March 2028 run one way between Gan and Kooddoo, or as long voyages to and from Malé.

Diving on Solitude Gaia

Dive boatsAn aluminium dive skiff and a dhoni, plus a support skiff

Dives3 or 4 guided dives a day including a night dive; none on departure day; 18-hour no-fly rule

Gas3 Bauer Poseidon compressors; nitrox by membrane (EAN30 standard), US$8 a dive or US$15 a day

KitDIN cylinders in several sizes, yoke adaptors, side-mount friendly; rental includes computers; SMB and weights supplied

GuidesOne per six divers; private guide US$150 a diving day

RulesNo solo diving; computer, SMB, whistle and dive insurance compulsory; rebreathers on full charters only

Solitude chose EAN30 rather than EAN32 as its standard mix to give a deeper margin if a down-current catches a diver, which suits the 30-metre Maldivian limit. Read our liveaboard diving guide for the rules and experience levels by route.

Concept render of the indoor lounge on Solitude Gaia Maldives with sofas and large windows — The indoor lounge for briefings and down time. Concept render: Solitude Liveaboards; final design may differ.

Concept render of a shaded outdoor lounge on Solitude Gaia Maldives with rattan chairs and sea views — Shaded outdoor seating. Concept render: Solitude Liveaboards; final design may differ.

Concept render of the dive deck on Solitude Gaia Maldives with kit stations — Kit stations on the dive deck. Concept render: Solitude Liveaboards; final design may differ.

What the rate covers, and the terms

In the rate

Cabin in your category, full board, snacks around the clock and all non-alcoholic drinks
3 or 4 guided dives on full diving days, including a night dive
Return transfers from Velana International Airport
Tourism GST (17 percent) and the Maldives service charge

Paid separately

Green Tax US$12 per person per night; Hanifaru Bay snorkel fee US$50; Fuvahmulah tiger dive US$50 per dive
Fuel surcharge if Brent crude averages over US$70 (US$30 per person per night) or US$100 (US$50)
Nitrox, rental equipment, private guide, Starlink data, laundry, spa, alcohol
Flights, including the domestic leg on Deep South trips; dive and travel insurance

Terms. Individual bookings: 10 percent deposit within 14 days, 20 percent at 180 days, balance 61 days before departure. Groups and charters: 5 percent, then 25 percent at 240 days. Cancel 91 days or more ahead for a full booking credit valid 12 months, or a cash refund less 5 percent (minimum US$250); 90 to 61 days, 10 percent as credit or 20 percent as cash; 60 to 31 days, 30 or 50 percent; 30 days or less, no refund. Payment on board in US dollars cash or by Visa and Mastercard with a fee.

Rates and terms from Solitude’s 2027/28 schedule, inclusions sheet (September 2026) and booking terms (April 2026); we confirm every figure in writing before you pay.

Solitude Gaia against two of the newest boats in the fleet.
	Solitude Gaia Maldives	Princess Maani	Dune Black Manta
Launched	2027 (under construction)	2024	2024
Length	40 m, steel, RINA class	42 m	42 m, steel
Cabins / guests	10 / 20	14 / 28	15 / 28
Dive boats	Aluminium skiff + dhoni	Dhoni 19 m + dinghy	Dhoni 20 m + speedboat
Nitrox	US$8 a dive or US$15 a day	Free	Free
7 nights from	US$4,865 incl. GST and service	See live rates	US$2,795 all-inclusive
Feel	Boutique, 20 guests, photo-focused	Big new boat, two jacuzzis	All-inclusive, two dive boats

Solitude Gaia Maldives: questions we get asked

When does Solitude Gaia Maldives start sailing?

The first scheduled departure is 31 July 2027, a 9-night Best of Maldives from Malé, followed by Manta Madness trips in Baa Atoll from August. The boat is under construction to RINA class, so cabins and public areas are shown as concept renders; Solitude notes that final details may differ.

How much does Solitude Gaia Maldives cost?

Published rates per diver start at US$4,865 for 7 nights in a Deluxe cabin and US$5,915 in a Stateroom, rising to US$6,600 and US$8,000 for 10 nights and US$9,900 and US$12,000 for 15 nights. Non-divers pay 10 percent less; a cabin to yourself is 60 percent extra. The rate includes the 17 percent tourism GST and the service charge; Green Tax, park fees, nitrox and a possible fuel surcharge are extra.

What is not included?

Green Tax of US$12 per person per night, the Hanifaru Bay snorkelling fee (US$50 per person on manta routes), the Fuvahmulah tiger shark dive fee (US$50 per dive on Deep South trips), nitrox (US$8 a dive or US$15 a day), equipment rental, Starlink data, alcohol, laundry and spa treatments. A fuel surcharge of US$30 per person per night applies if Brent crude averages over US$70 a barrel, or US$50 at US$100 and above.

How many guests and divers are there?

Ten cabins for 20 guests: two Staterooms with balconies on the upper deck and eight Deluxe cabins on the main deck. Diving runs from two dive boats, an aluminium skiff and a dhoni, with a guide for every six divers.

How many dives are included?

Three or four guided dives on full diving days, including a night dive, with no diving on the day you leave. Solitude applies an 18-hour no-fly rule after the last dive.

Is it good for underwater photographers?

It is designed for them: a dedicated digital area with camera rinse tanks, an air gun, a set-up bench, charging stations with surge protection and UPS sockets, and Starlink internet for uploads.

What are the booking and cancellation terms?

For individual bookings, 10 percent deposit within 14 days, 20 percent at 180 days and the balance 61 days before departure. Cancel 91 days or more out and you can take a full booking credit or a cash refund less 5 percent; 90 to 61 days costs 10 percent as credit or 20 percent as cash; 60 to 31 days 30 or 50 percent; inside 30 days, the full amount.

Can the whole boat be chartered?

Yes. A half charter is 10 guests with one free place, and a full charter is 20 guests with 18 paying. Several 2027/28 departures, including the October 2027 Far North and the Christmas week, are already chartered. Ask us for charter terms.

Should I book now for a boat that is not finished?

Early bookings get the best cabin choice, and Solitude’s terms let you cancel 91 days or more ahead for a full booking credit. The risk is a delayed launch; we hold your booking with the operator and keep you updated, and we recommend travel insurance that covers supplier failure.

Why book Solitude Gaia with HolidayVibe

Trusted brandHolidayVibe is a trusted brand in the Maldives travel industry, licensed by the Ministry of Tourism (MOT.O1.RS.TA.25.RD9933) and based in Malé.
We know the boatsWe work directly with the operators, hold their cabin-by-cabin availability and have walked the decks. No call centre in another time zone.
Full-cost quotesEvery quote lists the cruise, service fee, Green Tax, park fees, nitrox, gear and transfers, so the price you see is the price you pay.
Often better value than booking sitesOperators give local agents their best rates. We pass that on and still answer on WhatsApp within the hour.
Fishing, surf and dive on one deskNeed a fishing charter before the dive week, or a resort night after? One team books all of it.

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Keep planning

Written by Abdulla Maseeh, HolidayVibe Maldives, Malé. Vessel facts from Solitude’s 2026 data sheet and floor plan; routes from Solitude’s itineraries; dates and rates from Solitude’s 2027/28 schedule; inclusions, fees and terms from Solitude’s 2026 documents, checked 8 November 2026. Images: concept renders by Solitude Liveaboards and Resorts.