Tips For Choosing The Right Liveaboard

Making use of the services of chartered liveaboards represents the ultimate choice for recreational scuba divers. What can be more enticing than the thought of walking out onto the deck, greeted by the tranquil ocean views and the spectacular sunsets?

Liveaboards can usually accommodate ten to thirty passengers, and allows its guests the opportunity of spending a few nights on board. This is particularly appealing as divers can then have the time to travel to a variety of dive sites, offering at least 3 or more dives each day, As they are able to moor close to the sites, these liveaboards provide a platform for easy access without divers having to transport their kits for each dive.

Thailand Liveaboard

Photo by dachalan

When choosing the right liveaboard, it is important to have enough knowledge regarding your options, in order for you to ensure that the one you choose is suitable for you.

There are certain basic facilities which all liveaboards should offer ensuring that the dive boat is of a decent standard.

You should receive:
• 3 full meals daily and enjoy a minimum of 3 dives per day.
• Unlimited hot beverages, cold drinks and plenty of drinking water.
• Daily cleaning of the cabins with clean bed linen and towels.

There should be:
• A qualified dive master team of at least 3, depending on the amount of guests on board.
• Inflatable boat cover.
• Enough life rafts and jackets for all guests as well as the crew.
• Full diving service.
• Compressed air.
• Supply of cylinders and weights
• Suitable facilities to charge torches etc
• An oxygen kit
• Fresh water for rinsing kits
• A full list of safety and navigation equipment: e.g. radar, GPS etc

As you will be spending your entire vacation aboard the boat, choosing the right liveaboard means ensuring that all your needs will be met, from eating, sleeping, diving to even just relaxing.

There is a wide choice of liveaboards available and diverse diving destinations. When choosing the right liveaboard, consider firstly what kind of diving experience you're interested in. These dive adventures are varied, so if for example, you are a keen underwater photographer, choose a boat with an onboard photo professional, offering underwater workshops. However, if embarking on a family vacation, be sure to join up for a trip which provides adventurous kids programs such as scavenger hunts.

Some liveaboards offer luxury accommodation similar to that of a five star resort, providing room service, catered dining and even air-conditioned cabins. Others however, cater more for the basic needs of its guests. Obviously these factors will Influence the cost, so remember to consider your budget when choosing the right liveaboard vacation.

It is wise to find out exactly what is included prior to any bookings. Make sure that all meals, diving excursions etc are included in the price quoted.

If you're accustomed to being out at sea, the weather and sea conditions may not have a great influence on your decision, but always consider these factors, as you will be spending the majority, if not all your time on the water.