As divers, it seems like we’re always on the lookout for new destinations and fun adventures. If you’ve always yearned to travel to areas that are off the beaten path and seemingly out of reach, you’ll be glad to know that an increasing number of companies are offering liveaboard travel.
Liveaboard Travel Basics
Liveaboards are large vessels that offer trips to places that are too far for day boats to reasonably travel. These boats are staffed with a complete crew, and have the capacity to offer a set number of passengers the opportunity to move from one dive site to the next for several days on end. Depending on conditions and dive profiles, it’s possible to enjoy between two and five dives daily while on a liveaboard. With no long waits, no traveling to and from hotels and marinas, and no real hassles, it’s not surprising that liveaboards are gaining popularity.
Depending on the travel company you choose, your liveaboard may include some or all of the following:
- Comfortable cabins, either shared or private
- Private or shared heads and shower facilities
- All meals are normally included; many companies offer exquisite gourmet fare in keeping with the true spirit of vacation. If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, you’ll find that most liveaboards are able to accommodate you.
- Spacious lounges with TVs, movie screens, DVD players, and extensive movie collections
Cost normally includes all dives, as well as the type of accommodations and the type of food served onboard. At minimum, expect to pay $100 / day or more for an all-inclusive cruise. If this seems low, keep in mind that certain nations offer low overhead costs. It is completely possible to get a good value while enjoying an exceptional vacation!
What to Look For When Choosing Liveaboard Travel
While everyone has unique, individual preferences, there are some aspects to keep in mind when choosing which liveaboard travel company to patronize.
First, decide where you want to go, and determine what you want to see once you arrive. Liveaboards are common throughout the Asia Pacific region, as well as throughout Australia and New Zealand, Fiji, Egypt, and the Caribbean. All companies do a great job of selecting excellent dive sites based on diver experience. The more remote your desired destination, the more connecting flights and other travel you’ll need to arrange for.
Second, choose a company with a good reputation. Read reviews and see what others have to say about their travel experience. In addition, look for a company with solid vessels equipped with modern GPS-based navigation systems, suitable first aid capabilities, and good plans for emergency medevac if necessary.
Third, consider your own skill level and be sure that the company you’re traveling with offers cruises designed for someone like you. Some cruises are designed with beginners in mind, while others focus on trying to please everyone. Still others offer cruises just for expert divers, and others offer cruises designed for underwater photographers. Narrowing your options down this way will help to ensure you get maximum enjoyment from your travel investment.
Liveaboard Travel Insurance
No matter where you dive, travel insurance should be a consideration. When traveling and diving via liveaboard, insurance is normally a necessity as it covers all aspects of the dive in addition to any peripheral issues. Since liveaboards focus on traveling to remote destinations, sick and injured divers must normally be transported via air ambulance. Travel insurance that covers this, along with any costs associated with recompression after a DCS incident, associated trip losses, and transporting equipment left behind on the liveaboard is recommended.
Pros and Cons
Liveaboard travel is like everything else in life, in that it comes with positive and negative aspects.
Pros include the following:
- The hassle associated with booking hotels, choosing the correct accommodations, etc will not be a problem.
- You need not worry about the distance between the dive site and the hotel.
- Bus and local transport to the marina or shore dive site will not be an issue.
- One of the biggest advantages of the liveaboard is easy access to remote dive sites.
- Liveaboard divers get much more bottom time than most other travelers.
- Night dives are readily available.
- Encounters with large marine life are much more common on liveaboards than they are on most day boats. If you want to see whale sharks, huge manta rays, and other big animals, a liveaboard is almost definitely the best way to go.
- Dives are done continuously for 3-6 days, 3-5 times a day. This means approximately 12 – 30 dives, something that just is not possible from onshore locations during the same short time period.
- Most liveaboards offer specialty training and are well equipped with blended gases for qualified divers. Not only can put your dive skills to good use while traveling this way, you can learn more during your trip.
- Most liveaboards offer complete vacation experiences.
Cons include the following:
- The biggest problem with liveaboards is that you cannot choose all the people you are going to live with – personality clashes can happen, though they’re not common.
- Seasickness can be a problem. If you are highly susceptible, a liveaboard may not be the best choice for you.
- Personal space can be limited. If you are a highly private individual and you need a lot of “alone time,” you may want to book a resort instead.
- In most cases, there are only limited opportunities to go ashore. Many people love the idea of staying on a liveaboard and focusing on diving, however this can be an issue for some.
- Emergency services can be a long way away. In case of a medical emergency, first aid is available on the liveaboard. It takes a considerable amount of time for rescuers to arrive by air.
- You basically are out of contact with the rest of the world – not a bad thing to most people, but for some, the concept can be offputting.
Despite these minor issues, liveaboard travel is a fun, easy way to see dive sites most people will only ever dream about. If you’re ready for a real adventure you’ll never forget, give liveaboard diving a try. It’s a wonderful way to make your diving derams reality.