Leading Liveaboard two years running, and our fourth consecutive SATA win.
Maldives Legend X has been named Leading Liveaboard – Maldives at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, its second consecutive year with the title. The award was presented on 8 October 2026 at the 10th SATA gala, held at Barceló Nasandhura Malé.
The award was received on stage by Captain Mohamed Inaaz, Cruise Director Ismail Shareef, Head of Operations Amjad Athas and Senior Sales & Marketing Executive Sandy Sashi. Shaushaan Shafeeq, Managing Director of MHC Group, joined them at the ceremony. Between them, they represent the bridge, the dive deck, operations, and the guest relationships that begin long before anyone steps on board.
SATA has recognised excellence in travel and hospitality since 2016, and 2026 marked its 10th edition. It covers six countries: the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. National and regional tourism bodies endorse the awards, and a panel of industry professionals selects the winners.
A liveaboard is judged on the full week, not only the dives. That means the itinerary and the timing of each site, the safety standards on every dive, the cabins and food, and the attention of a crew who learn each guest’s preferences by the second day.
Maldives Legend X is a 40-metre yacht with 13 cabins for up to 26 guests. It was redesigned and refurbished in 2024 by interior designers and local craftsmen. Cabins range from VIP and Seaview Suites with panoramic windows to Junior Suites and Double and Triple cabins, all with en-suite bathrooms. Across its four decks, guests share a sun deck with a jacuzzi, a saloon, and an onboard restaurant and bar.
The vessel sails the full set of Maldives Legend itineraries:
The result we track most closely is the simplest one: many of our guests return year after year, and many new guests come to us through past ones.
A Leading Liveaboard title also reflects how a week on board treats the reefs and wildlife our guests come to see. Exploring the Maldives is a privilege, so conservation is built into every Maldives Legend departure.
This award follows two honours earlier in 2026. At the inaugural ADEX Blue Legacy Awards in Singapore, Maldives Legend was named Liveaboard of the Year and Dive Travel Company / Agent of the Year. This October, our new ultra-luxury vessel Maldives Legend Y begins operations. It joins Maldives Legend X, Legend Zen, Legend Odyssey and Sea Pleasure in a fleet of five, all operated by MHC Group (Maldives Holiday Collections).
“Four consecutive years at SATA, and a second Leading Liveaboard title in a row for Maldives Legend X: this is recognition earned on board, one departure at a time. As Maldives Legend Y begins operations this month and we open new onboard careers for Maldivian women, our focus is on raising that standard further.” – Hifnaz Jiffrey, Group CEO, Maldives Holiday Collections
To everyone who voted, every guest who has sailed with us, and every agent and dive partner who trusts us with their divers: thank you.