If you’ve been dreaming about a dive safari, but aren’t sure you can afford one, this list is for you! These 16 hand-picked liveaboards are perfect for budget-savvy divers. Visit some of the world’s top dive sites without spending a fortune!
Don’t forget to check out PADI Travel’s guide to liveaboard diving before your next scuba adventure for everything you need to know before booking a liveaboard including: top destinations, types of boats and a helpful packing list.
What to Expect on a Budget Liveaboard
Although not as luxurious as some, budget liveaboards still offer relaxed and memorable scuba diving vacations. Amenities vary, but affordable dive charters usually provide:
- Good Value – This is the hallmark of a budget dive boat. You’ll often find that the diving, accommodation, travel and food add up to far less than you would spend during a week on land.
- Shared Accommodations – Although not a strict requirement (as you’ll see in many of the boats shown below), value dive charters often feature dormitory-style cabins, shared twin rooms or small, private staterooms.
- Intimate Atmosphere – Because of the tight quarters found on many of these dive boats, there is usually a sense of camaraderie between guests, making for a fun scuba diving adventure.
- Extra Fees – Something to watch out for when booking a budget yacht are the extra fees. Nitrox, equipment rental, alcohol and transfer services might cost extra. Extras will be included on liveaboards with the best value.
- Buffet-Style Meals – Staff may be limited on these charters. Therefore, most of the meals are buffet-style rather than served to your table.
- Shorter Trips – To allow lower prices, these charters often run shorter itineraries. You’ll often find long weekend trips of three days and two nights, as opposed to the longer itineraries of 10-nights or more on more expensive boats.
- Incredible Diving – While prices may be friendlier and the onboard experience a little less luxurious than others, it doesn’t mean that your ocean encounters will be any less thrilling. The best budget liveaboards visit awesome destinations with guaranteed “wow” moments!
The Top 16 Budget-Friendly Liveaboard Dive Boats
Looking for an “eat, sleep, dive” liveaboard diving holiday but don’t want to drain your savings or wait for a last-minute deal? Consider these liveaboards for your next adventure. From the Bahamas to the Great Barrier Reef, these budget-friendly boats are an excellent value and receive rave reviews from divers.
1. Soleil 2 – Maldives
The Maldives may be considered a luxury destination, but the Soleil 2 makes a Maldives diving holiday accessible for budget-conscious travelers. During its journey through the Central Maldivian Atolls, the Soleil 2 visits the best wildlife hot spots, and divers can expect to see manta rays, whale sharks (seasonally) and occasionally hammerheads. A highlight of the trip is a BBQ dinner on a deserted island.
A liveaboard trip to the Maldives is an excellent choice for both well-traveled divers and those who’ve never experienced a liveaboard before. At 44m/144ft long and 12m/39ft wide, the Soleil 2 is one of the largest and most stable scuba liveaboards in the Maldives.
2. Blue Voyager – Maldives
Have the time of your life without spending a fortune aboard the Blue Voyager. Diving the Maldives is an adventure you’ll never forget. The island nation is home to vibrant reefs, 1,190 coral islands and bucket list animals, including manta rays, sharks and whale sharks.
Onboard the budget-friendly Blue Voyager, delicious meals are served buffet-style throughout the day, and there’s plenty of room to stretch out and socialize. The ocean deck is a popular evening hangout. The crew uses the ship’s floodlights to illuminate the water which attracts plankton and eventually manta rays (and sometimes whale sharks).
3. Amba – Maldives
The Amba stands out in the Maldives as being known for its professional and friendly team. Packages on this vessel start from USD $190 per day and include free Nitrox, which is a nice little extra on this already budget-friendly liveaboard in the Maldives. Itineraries onboard range from seven nights/eight days all the way up to 14 nights/15 days with three buffet-style meals per day. The vessel holds 10 ensuite cabins, allowing up to 20 divers onboard.
You’ll enjoy unforgettable diving onboard the Amba! Dive into the best of the Maldives, exploring sites with tiger sharks, hammerheads, manta rays and whale sharks. Wreck dives and night dives are also an option on the Amba.
4. Sokaraja – Indonesia
The Sokaraja is a custom-built, traditional phinisi boat, offering excellent value diving routes through Komodo‘s wild, natural beauty. This truly special liveaboard can comfortably accommodate 10 passengers in two private double cabins and one six-berth dorm cabin. Three meals are cooked fresh daily by an amazing chef, and there are plenty of snacks to keep your energy levels up between dives.
Rugged, wild and packed with the promise of adventure, Komodo (also the home of the Komodo dragon) is one of Indonesia’s most famous diving destinations. Manta rays and colorful reefs are just a couple of the stars of Komodo. Komodo National Park has plenty to offer macro-lovers, too. Sheltered dive sites boast a myriad of critters hiding among the slopes and walls of healthy hard and soft corals.
5. Epica – Indonesia
Throughout the year, the Epica sails in Raja Ampat, considered one of the best places to dive in the Indonesian archipelago. Raja Ampat is known for pristine underwater reefs and is home to hundreds of species of sea creatures, including turtles, rare sharks, tiny pygmy seahorses and massive manta rays. With a maximum of 12 divers onboard and four divers per guide, you get a high-end diving experience for a budget price.
The Epica has six affordable cabins and two shared bathrooms with fresh-water showers. Cabins are basic and not air-conditioned, but you can keep the doors open at night for a refreshing sea breeze. Divers rave about the dive guides, crew and comfortable beds. Meals are included, but there is an additional charge for beer and soda.
6. Ocean Quest – Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Ocean Quest is considered the best liveaboard on the Great Barrier Reef for divers on a budget. Meals and dive equipment are included, but snacks, alcoholic drinks and Nitrox are not. All cabins on the 36m/118f catamaran have ensuite bathrooms and televisions.
The boat is permanently moored on the outer reef and divers are brought in daily from Cairns via speedboat. This means you can stay for one night or up to five nights, depending on what your budget and travel plans allow. Expect to see colorful clownfish, turtles and cuttlefish. Additionally, depending on the itinerary and time of year, you may see minke whales and manta rays. Finally, the fluoro diving experience is not to be missed!
7. The Junk – Thailand
The Junk visits Thailand’s best dive sites in style. Built in 1962, The Junk was originally a cargo ship, designed to carry up to 54 tonnes/60 tons. The boat was completely renovated and refitted as a dive boat in 1998. Now, it can accommodate up to 18 divers in both private and shared cabins, but ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioning are uncommon perks at this price point. Furthermore, the incredibly experienced dive crews make this underwater adventure more full-service than budget. Journeys start at just USD $160 per night on this one-of-a-kind vessel.
Experience the incredible visibility, overwhelming marine diversity and colorful underwater landscapes of the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon and other scuba diving hot spots in Thailand. Marine life is abundant here, and you’ll likely witness miles of kaleidoscopic corals, giant whale sharks, majestic manta rays, chilled-out leopard sharks, scorpion fish and blue-spotted stingrays.
8. MV Dolphin Queen – Thailand
The MV Dolphin Queen is a beloved budget liveaboard that sails to the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock and Koh Bon. Experienced dive guides can help you check marine life off your bucket list, from macro critters to pelagics. Additionally, depending on the time of year, manta ray and whale shark encounters are possible.
Topside, enjoy exceptional Thai and Western cuisine served buffet-style. All cabins have windows and air-conditioning. For maximum value, split the double bunk bed cabin with three of your favorite dive buddies.
9. Manta Queen – Thailand
Explore the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, Koh Tachai and Koh Bon aboard the Manta Queen fleet. These budget-friendly boats will take you to some of the best diving areas in Thailand. Float in clear water over colorful reefs while you keep an eye out for whale sharks, manta rays, leopard sharks, turtles and stingrays.
These boats vary in size and itinerary duration. The Manta Queen 6 is the most intimate with seven cabins and a 5m/16ft beam. The Manta Queen 3 is the largest at 36m/118ft long with a 7m/23ft beam and 12 cabins. Each boat offers a different itinerary ranging from three days and three nights up to five days and five nights. All Manta Queen sailings include delicious Thai and Western meals served buffet-style plus snacks and fruit between dives.
10. Smiling Seahorse – Thailand and Myanmar
The Smiling Seahorse visits the top diving destinations in both Thailand and Myanmar, including the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock and the Surin Islands. Immerse yourself in warm, clear waters, surrounded by colorful fish, but keep your camera ready. You never know when turtles, a manta ray or a whale shark might cruise by.
Though the boat is by no means a luxury liveaboard, the Smiling Seahorse is a fantastic choice for budget travelers. The boat was renovated in 2019 and has eight cabins with ensuite bathrooms, an open-air dining room, a spacious dive deck and a dedicated photography room. With twelve crew members and a maximum of 16 divers, the Smiling Seahorse offers high-end service for a budget-friendly price.
Watch the video above to see stunning scenery and hear customer testimonials. Or, click the button below to learn more about the Smiling Seahorse and read diver reviews.
11. Snefro Pearl – Red Sea, Egypt
This recently-refitted liveaboard can accommodate up to 12 guests in six air-conditioned cabins. Catch some rays and enjoy warm, tropical breezes on two sundecks, or relax in one of two air-conditioned salons. Meals are served buffet-style three times a day. Snacks and Nitrox are also included.
Egypt offers the full gambit of diving opportunities, including wrecks, walls, drifts, pinnacles, shore dives and excellent visibility. With easy access to excess depths, the Red Sea is also an attractive location for technical diving and training. Many of the diving destinations offer access to famous Egyptian historic sites, but it’s also easy to arrange a holiday split over a couple of locations so you can experience a variety of dive sites and some culture, too.
12. Snefro Target – Red Sea, Egypt
The ISO-certified Snefro Target liveaboard is a 37-meter (121-foot) newly designed diving yacht. With 10 air-conditioned, ensuite cabins, the vessel comfortably accommodates 20 divers. Buffet meals are a melange of Egyptian and Western styles with vegan, vegetarian and Halal options available. The Snefro Target is spacious, with a roomy, air-conditioned saloon, as well as a relaxing sundeck for post-dive, chill-out moments.
Onboard, you’ll explore the best of the northern Red Sea, diving into the Straits of Tiran, Ras Mohamed National Park and the Gulf of Suez. You’ll likely be diving with sharks, mantas and thriving coral reefs in this area. Visibility is exceptional. However, strong currents are prevalent, so only Advanced Open Water Divers and above are allowed onboard.
13. MY Blue Pearl – Red Sea, Egypt
This classy yet budget-friendly liveaboard travels to the Red Sea’s best dive sites. The diver-designed yacht accommodates 20 guests in ten comfortable cabins, and divers can enjoy an extensive range of culinary delights served buffet-style three times a day. After a long day, retire to the relaxing, cushioned lounge chairs on the shaded sundeck where there is ample deck room to nap in the sun and enjoy the warm breezes and tropical seascapes.
Hurghada is known for great visibility and macro critters. It’s heaven for underwater photographers. Furthermore, the diversity of wrecks, reefs, muck diving and underwater landscapes mean the Red Sea is an epic dive safari destination. Experience your next dive at sites such as Brother Islands, Elphinstone Reef, the Thistlegorm, and Daedalus Reef and enjoy exhilarating diving and accommodation aboard the MY Blue Pearl.
14. MY Blue Melody – Egypt
Fascinated by sharks? Sign on for a Project Shark itinerary aboard the MY Blue Melody. Project Shark sailings (June/July and Sep/Oct) travel to some of the best places in the Red Sea to find sharks. Expect to see oceanic white tips, grey reef sharks and schooling hammerheads. Rare thresher sharks are spotted occasionally, too. During other times of the year, the MY Blue Melody offers wreck and reef-focused trips.
The custom-built boat has 10 twin cabins and three deluxe cabins which can accommodate up to 26 divers. All cabins have air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom. Three meals, served buffet-style, are included as are snacks throughout the day. The MY Blue Melody is also rebreather-friendly.
15. Blackbeard’s Morning Star and Sea Explorer – Bahamas
Blackbeard’s Cruises advertises itself as “Low Frills, High Fun” and describes its twin liveaboard boats Morning Star and Sea Explorer as “camping on the seas.” Meals are eaten picnic-style, and guests sleep in bunk beds below deck. Bathrooms and showers are communal. Unlike camping, you don’t have to cook your own food, and the sleeping area is air conditioned. Guests enjoy three meals a day plus snacks and free beer or rum punch once you’re done diving for the day.
What Blackbeard’s lacks in luxury, it makes up for in adventure. If you’ve always wanted to scuba dive with sharks, the Bahamas won’t disappoint. Itineraries also include wreck dives, wall dives, drift dives and lush reef dives.
16. SV Sea Pearl, SV Sea Star & SV Sea Bird – Seychelles
The Seychelles are sometimes called the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. Nearly half the country is a national park, and it’s one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks. Turtles, sail fish and manta rays also call these islands home.
These sister ships, namely the SV Sea Pearl, the SV Sea Star and the SV Sea Bird bring divers to luscious reefs, wrecks and memorable topside excursions. The SV Sea Pearl is a thoughtfully restored 1915 twin-mast schooner with eight air-conditioned cabins, each with its own wash basin (guests share bathroom facilities). Alternatively, the SY Sea Star and SY Sea Bird each have nine air-conditioned cabins with ensuite bathrooms.
Looking for Liveaboard Deals & Special Offers?
Exploring remote destinations is not the most low-cost hobby. If you want to get a great deal on your next liveaboard diving holiday or dive resort vacation, here are a few tips:
- Go during the low season (as opposed to high season and holidays). Before deciding when to travel, check out dive guides and travel guides to see when the high season is in the country you are interested in, and try to avoid that time of year to get generally lower rates.
- Check PADI Travel’s Special Deals section. Here, you’ll find the latest promotions and special offers – including last-minute liveaboard deals to get the best boat for your budget!
- Follow travel agents on social media for last-minute deals. Social media is a common place for travel agents and dive companies to share last-minute deals or open spots they’re trying to fill. If they’re looking to fill up a liveaboard, they may offer the last few places at a reduced rate!
- Book earlier. Many dive operators running liveaboards offer early bird specials to ensure their trips have enough guests to run. If you already know the dates you might be able to travel, it’s certainly worth checking further in advance for better prices.
Are You Ready for Your Next Liveaboard?
Wanting to experience an incredible liveaboard trip somewhere in the world does not have to break the bank! Although you might skimp on larger rooms and higher staff-to-guest ratios, unforgettable diving does not go amiss. The best budget liveaboards allow you to travel and dive around the globe while keeping your finances in check. So, it’s time to start exploring! What are you waiting for?
