Dive liveaboards are the bee’s knees of all dive holidays.
If you have never had the pleasure, allow me to put your mind at rest with these answers to the eight most frequently asked questions about dive liveaboards.
What if I don’t have enough experience?
- Some dive liveaboards have a minimum dive requirement, often between 20–50 dives. For those of you that come up short, this is the perfect time to jump in with your local dive center and boost the number of completed dives in your logbook.
- Liveaboard diving is usually more intense (with more dives per day than shore-based dive centers), so a minimum certification of PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) is recommended. Having the AOWD certification or equivalent is the best way to ensure you aren’t out of your depth and that you feel comfortable making dives deeper than 18 meters (59 feet).
- Night dives are also a big part of liveaboards, it is possible to visit sites at night that day trips simply cannot offer. The PADI Night Diver speciality is a great asset to have before booking your trip, but it isn’t a requirement.
- Speciality courses are also a huge plus, especially if your boat will be visiting a certain kind of dive site for much of your trip. Wreck route? Get the PADI Wreck Diver Specialty before you go. Areas of high current? Get the PADI Drift Diver Specialty under your belt.
- TOP TIP: Choose your liveaboard according to their itinerary — the title of the liveaboard usually offers a clue to the type of diving for that trip. Examples include “Get Wrecked,” “Sharktastic” and “Manta Madness,” to name but a few. You can then choose according to your experience level or complete the necessary specialties before you book.
- It is also possible to complete training while onboard, so don’t worry too much if you can’t get more training before you go. The boat will be crawling with PADI instructors — trust me! If you choose this option, however, it is best to complete at least all the book-based knowledge beforehand. PADI has a great online learning option that is available in an increasing number of languages – so you just do all the fun water work once you leave your landlubber legs behind.
I’m travelling alone — can I still go?
Of course! Travelling solo is a great way to meet new divers, and many guests make lifelong friends on liveaboards. You will usually be assigned a dive buddy when you arrive, or you may even get the bonus of being the dive guide’s buddy, giving you a great chance of spotting some of the coolest marine life first!
Most liveaboards will either charge a single supplement fee or pair you with a roommate. Room-sharing arrangements vary between operators, and guests will not usually be paired with someone of a different gender without prior notification. If you prefer not to share, let the operator know when you book and they can explain your options.
What should I take?
Whatever you choose to bring, pack light! You’ll always need less than you think, and remember — it’s unlikely to have a formal dress codes, so keep it casual.
Essential items include:
- Sunscreen (reef-safe if possible)
- Toiletries
- Swimwear
- Logbook
- Dive insurance details
- 2 or 3 T-shirts
- 2 pairs of shorts
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Lightweight jumper/hoodie/windbreaker for cooler evenings spent on the deck
- Travel towel — they absorb incredible amounts of water and dry at lightning speed
- Certification card / eCard access
- Reusable water bottle
- Motion sickness medication
- Dry bag
- Surface marker buoy (SMB) — if required by the destination/operator
What if I don’t like the food or I get sea sick?
The good news is this: food often tastes even better at sea! It must be all that fresh sea air combined with the huge appetite you’ll build up after diving all day. If you have any dietary requirements, be sure to let the operator know well before setting sail. They will do their best to accommodate you.
In my experience, the ship’s chef will keep a close eye on what guests are choosing from the buffet during the first few days. They’ll monitor which dishes are most popular and adjust the menu accordingly. After all, food waste is an awful thing, and a successful buffet is one where very little ends up being thrown away.
Sea sickness is a horrible thing, and if you’re prone to it, be as prepared as possible by bringing suitable medication. If you still suffer, then rest assured in the knowledge that most people adjust to their sea legs over time, and sea sickness will likely subside after the first couple of days.
TOP TIP: If you’re feeling a little queasy, getting in the water can sometimes help. Many people find that being below the surface, where the boat’s movement is reduced, feels much better than staying onboard. However, always listen to your body — if you’re feeling too unwell to dive, it’s better to sit one out and recover.
And remember, you’re far from the only person who has worried about seasickness before their first liveaboard. Liveaboard crews help guests settle in every day, and many divers share the same concern.
What if the boat sinks or I have an accident?
Don’t be such a worry monster! Sure, it’s possible for your liveaboard to sink, just as it’s possible for your house to burn down — but it is highly unlikely.
Before a boat leaves the dock, weather forecasts and sea conditions are carefully considered, and the captain will continue monitoring conditions throughout the trip. If conditions are expected to be unsafe, the captain can adjust the route, change the itinerary or choose alternative dive sites. So don’t worry!
Prepare for the unexpected, because accidents can happen. When it comes to having a dive accident on a liveaboard, carrying appropriate dive insurance is essential. The Divers Alert Network (DAN) is one popular option. They provide coverage that can include emergency medical assistance, evacuation from remote locations and decompression treatment.
The risks involved are the same wherever you go diving. However, liveaboards often have additional emergency procedures in place due to their remote locations, and crews are trained to respond to a range of situations.
What do I do when I’m not diving?
The liveaboard experience is about much more than just diving. During surface intervals, take advantage of the sundecks, lounges or quiet reading areas. Unwind with a good book, watch a movie or simply enjoy the scenery.
You can also explore maps of upcoming dive sites, browse onboard marine life guides or learn more about the creatures you’ve spotted to enrich your underwater experience.
Don’t forget that you’re sharing the boat with plenty of other like-minded divers. Chat with your fellow guests, swap stories and make friendships that could last a lifetime!
What kind of diving equipment do I need to bring?
While most liveaboards offer basic equipment rental, bringing your own gear can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. It all depends on how attached you are to your own setup.
At a minimum, bring your own dive computer and mask. However, most liveaboards can provide everything you need. So if you’re happy using rental equipment or prefer to travel light, that’s no problem.
If you’re planning specialty dives during your liveaboard trip, consider bringing any equipment that may be required. For example, some drift dives may require a reel and surface marker buoy (SMB), while night divers may prefer to bring their own torch.
Not sure what to pack? Check out this post to help.
Can a non-diver come with me?
Yes, absolutely! Some liveaboards welcome non-divers and offer activities beyond diving. Depending on the operator and itinerary, these may include snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding or simply relaxing on deck (sometimes in an onboard spa!).
Ask the liveaboard operator what options are available for non-divers and whether there are any beach excursions, marine talks or other activities to enjoy while you’re underwater.
Do some research beforehand to find the best option for you and your non-diving companion. That way, you can both make the most of your liveaboard experience.
Ready to experience life on a liveaboard?
From breathtaking reefs and thrilling drift dives to unforgettable encounters with sharks, manta rays and wrecks, a liveaboard opens the door to some of the world’s best diving.
Browse liveaboards on PADI Travel and find the perfect trip for your next adventure.
Written by Alexandra Dimitriou