10 Amazing Liveaboards for Diving

Anyone who dives knows that the perfect dive vacation includes at least a few days spent on a liveaboard. These dive cruises cater specifically to the needs and wants of divers, taking them to some of the most sought-after dive locations in the far reaches of the ocean. Divers get to spend their vacations exploring the underwater world by day and relaxing on board at night – it’s the ultimate vacation experience for many divers. But one that can be difficult to plan, given that there are so many destinations and so many dive operators to choose from. To help you navigate this, we’ve compiled below a list of ten dive cruises you should consider for your next liveaboard trip!

 

Four Seasons Explorer

 

Located in the Maldives, this luxurious catamaran provides a diving experience unlike any other. With state-of-the-art accommodations, fine dining, on-board spa and massage services, as well as, a PADI five-star dive center, Four Season Explorer feels more like a resort than anything else! Offering three to seven-night itineraries, guests will have the opportunity to dive and snorkel with manta rays, stingrays, white tip sharks, and whale sharks across the four atolls of Baa, Rasdhoo, and North and South Ari. There may even be the opportunity to visit the Machafushi Wreck, a shipwreck that was created just for divers. 

 

Master Liveaboards 

 

Master Liveaboards provides diving trips to several highly sought-after dive destinations, including the Bahamas, Bikini Atoll, the Galapagos Islands, Indonesia, Myanmar, Palau, the Philippines, Thailand, the Solomon Islands, and Micronesia. Offering two to ten-night itineraries, guests onboard Master Liveaboards’ yachts will have the opportunity to dive at some of the most famous dives sites in the world. All of their yachts provide spacious accommodations and outdoor facilities, but their most famous ships belong to their Siren fleet. Consisting of three yachts, these ships were built in Sulawesi, Indonesia, and are handcrafted from ironwood and teak, which is traditional building material.

 

Scubaspa

 

Scubaspa is another highly sought-after yacht resort located in the Maldives. Offering two ships, the Scubaspa Ying and Scubaspa Yang, this dive cruise provides luxurious diving getaways complete with fine dining, blissful spa experiences, and a plethora of activities including yoga, water sports, beach excursions, and onboard entertainment. Offering four to seven-night itineraries, divers have the opportunity to explore several dive sites throughout the Maldives. The ship also provides onboard diving certification for those with little to no experience, including children as young as ten years of age.




Royal Galapagos 

 

Named one of the best dive cruise operators in the Galapagos Islands, Royal Galapagos offers itineraries that vary from three to fourteen nights. Guests have the option to choose from several dive locations that include face-to-face excursions with whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, and dolphins. You can also add on optional island activities, including hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, beach visits, and guided park tours that feature stops at the breeding center for the islands’ famous Giant Tortoises. When onboard, guests can take advantage of the ship’s amenities, which include a top deck jacuzzi, bar, library, and gym.
 

Spirit of Freedom 

 

Voted Best Australian Liveaboard, the Spirit of Freedom is a state-of-the-art yacht that offers three to seven-night cruises throughout the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea Reefs. They also host occasional expeditions to the Far North, where divers have the opportunity to explore some of the most remote coral reefs in the country. When out of the water, divers can take advantage of the ship’s spacious accommodations and facilities, which include an onboard bar, library, and saloon. 

 

King Snefro

 

Offering three to seven-night itineraries across the Red Sea, King Snefro is one of the top dive operators based out of Egypt. With excursions to the Ras Mohammed Marine Park, including visits to the famous Thistlegorm shipwreck, as well as, trips to the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Agaba, King Snefro takes divers to some of the area’s top dive sites. Its ships provide spacious accommodations and facilities with top-notch dining options that include both Western and Egyptian cuisine.

 

MV Giamani

 

Based out of Phuket, MV Giamani offers two to six-night itineraries across the islands of Thailand, including the Phi Phi islands and Similan Islands. There are also excursions to the famous Richelieu Rock dive site for those hoping to catch sight of whale sharks and manta rays. The ship only caters to ten divers at a time, ensuring an intimate and personal experience for all. Accommodations on the ship are spacious and all facilities were carefully constructed to suit the needs of divers. Meals on the ship include both Thai and international cuisine. 

 

Sea Safari 

 

Sea Safari is comprised of four vessels that were crafted using the traditional Indonesian Phinisi design. Offering itineraries throughout Indonesia, trips can vary in length from three to eleven-nights. Popular destinations include Raja Ampat, Sorong, Bali, and Komodo Island, known for its enormous Komodo dragons. Amenities onboard the ships include outdoor bar areas, outdoor dining, jacuzzis, and spa services. There are also kayaks onboard that guests have the option to utilize as they wish. 

 

Pacific Fleet – Mexico

 

Located in Mexico, the Pacific Fleet offers four to ten-night itineraries to the Socorro Islands, Cabo Sans Lucas, and Guadalupe Islands. Guests have the option to scuba dive with giant manta rays, cage dive with great white sharks, and go on open ocean safaris expeditions. There are also self-propelled ocean cages that guests can utilize to get up close and personal with marine life – including great white sharks! Accommodations onboard are spacious and facilities are suited to fit the needs of divers. Drinks onboard the ship are also included free of charge!

 

Khaola Scuba Adventures

 

Khaola Scuba Adventures offers three to five-night itineraries throughout the islands of Thailand. Their most popular destinations include Richelieu Rock – famous for its whale sharks, Khao Lak – which is known for its manta rays, as well as, the Andaman Sea – where guests have the opportunity to partake in a night dive. Other dive sites include Elephant Head Rock and the Similan and Surin Islands. They also offer land excursions for those looking to enjoy a day on the beach! Accommodations and facilities onboard the ships are spacious, with fresh meals served daily, buffet style.



















References:

 

Liveaboard: https://www.liveaboard.com/

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