Six Awesome Liveaboard Destinations
Liveaboards provide a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers looking to fully submerge themselves into a diving adventure. Guests are able to spend a week (or more!) filling their days with diving and their nights watching the sunset across the open water. Liveaboards can provide all of the same luxuries as a typical on land resort such as spa treatments, snorkeling, gourmet meals, and excursions. Here are our picks of some of the six best destinations for a liveaboard vacation.
1) Galápagos Islands - Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are scattered across the equator and have warm weather year-round. While diving in the Pacific waters surrounding the islands is great all year, December to May is the warmest season with the calmest waters and highest visibility. Divers during this season most often see hammerhead sharks and manta rays. July to November is ideal for more advanced divers hoping for more intense, choppier waters. Although the ocean is generally a bit colder during this season, it is known for nutrient-rich water that attracts all kinds of sea life, specifically whale sharks. Diving in the Galapagos is done on liveaboards from tenders or Zodiacs, and guests are able to have a unique experience living out on the open waters.
2) Socorro Island - Mexico
Socorro Island is the largest island in the Revillagigedo Archipelago and is famous for its vibrant wildlife, both on and off the shore. The volcanic island does not have an airport, making it a popular spot for liveaboards. The diving season lasts from November to May as that is when the water is at its calmest. Throughout this season, divers often get to see hammerhead sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, and humpback whales. From January to March, there are even frequent sightings of bottlenose dolphins. In addition to these, sightings of silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and silvertip sharks are possible as well. Getting to the Socorros requires an open ocean crossing about 22 hours from Cabo San Lucas, Baja California.
3) Raja Ampat - Indonesia
Located off the coast of Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua, Raja Ampat is an Indonesian archipelago that is known for its extensive biodiversity. The islands form part of the Coral Triangle — an area known as a home to 76% of known coral species. In Raja Ampat’s waters, there is countless marine life and stunning coral reefs to see. The most popular sights include manta rays, reef sharks, walking sharks, turtles, nudibranchs, and so much more. Diving in Raja Ampat is ideal from October to April as it has the driest weather with calm seas that make for smooth liveaboard sailing. The clear waters consistently have a visibility of 80-100 ft all year long, which is perfect for spotting even the smallest of critters.
4) Tubbataha Reef - Philippines
Tubbataha Reef is a protected marine park in the Philippines’ Sula Sea. It is known for being a nesting ground for green sea turtles and is made up of a northern atoll, southern atoll, and the Jessie Beazley Reef. Visitors can only explore the clear waters from a liveaboard as it is located over 10 hours away from land. The diving season takes place from mid-March to mid-June as that is when the water is at its calmest and clearest with a visibility of up to 114 feet. The reef is known for its vast biodiversity as it is reported to have over 1,200 species — 181 of which are threatened.
5) Solomon Islands - Oceania Pacific
Diving in the Solomon Islands is perfect for visitors hoping for a more private, secluded experience with untouched reefs. There are nearly a thousand islands in the archipelago, and almost all of them are uninhabited. The water temperature is consistently in the low to high 80s, making it comfortable to dive in year-round. However, January through April is monsoon season, which brings the greatest amounts of wind and rain that could disrupt diving. What makes the Solomon Islands so unique is that their waters hold a time capsule that sends divers back to World War II with its numerous plane and shipwrecks at various depths. In addition to these one-of-a-kind wrecks, divers can also explore reefs, walls, slopes, pinnacles, and more. Visitors can choose to spend their time in the Solomon Islands on a liveaboard or from a resort on land.
6) Chuuk Lagoon - Micronesia
Chuuk Lagoon is a mountainous island that was once a former Japanese naval base during the second world war. The island’s history has been kept alive in its own waters with its array of sunken treasure, submerged ships teeming with marine life, and even human remains. Divers in the Lagoon’s Pacific waters get to explore part of this history, and often even find artifacts such as ammunition or guns. The wrecks vary in their depth, making them accessible for just about any level of diver. The temperature is consistently warm year-round; however, December to April is ideal due to the lack of rainfall and wind during this season.
Special Deal - Save $1,000
$3,960 per person
Sorido Bay Resort
“Heart of Raja Ampat”
September 19-29, 2021
* * 5 Sentani Bungalows Available * *
Why Sorido Bay Resort…The resort is located in the center of the Raja Ampat Marine park. This area has been declared a “no take” zone and the reefs in close proximity to Sorido Bay are regarded as the best dive sites of Raja Ampat. The dive guides are all Papuans, and are the most experienced of Raja Ampat. This is their home and they have dived their backyard reefs for many years. And the kitchen chefs will serve familiar dishes but will also offer you the chance to discover new local dishes and tropical fruits and vegetables. This will be an adventure you will not soon forget.
Our unique adventure will brighten your day with an original Papuan smile that will stay with you years after this vacation. Your adventure includes 10-nights accommodation in a Sentani bungalow, all meals plus snacks, water, coffee, tea (sodas and alcoholic bevies not included), 3 boat dives per day and unlimited unguided jetty dives, free nitrox for certified divers, free laundry service, free Wi-Fi, use of kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, scheduled island transfers, and all taxes.
Some of our favorite dive sites include Cape Kri, Sardines, Blue Magic, Manta Sandy, and The Passage. There are more than 25 more dive sites within close proximity to the resort and the 10 km fuel surcharge limit. Excursions to more distant dive sites can be arranged and can include land tours.
Cost: Our discounted rate $3,960 USD - Save $1,000 USD
Published rate 4,084 € / $4,960 USD per person double occupancy.
Damai I Liveaboard
Cenderawasih Bay & Raja Ampat
July 22 to August 1, 2021
$1,000 Agent Discount
Featuring U/W Photography Pro Brandi Mueller
* * 4 Cabins Available * *
Diving in Cenderawasih Bay National Marine Park allows you to experience one of Indonesia's most exciting diving destinations. Dive Damai is one of the most experienced operators in the area as one of the original survey trips to this region was conducted from the decks of DAMAI I.
This liveaboard trip to Cenderawasih Bay is a unique way to spend hours diving or snorkelling with whale sharks around the local fishing platforms. It is not uncommon to see the sub-adult giants leisurely swimming around the platforms in only a few meters of water. This trip is not just about whale sharks. Cenderawash Bay and the Manim dive sites are rich in history from the many battles between Allied and Japanese forces leaving the sites littered with submerged aircraft and shipwrecks. And we will explore some amazing remote reefs at Mapia close to the border of Palau.
The ship has seven staterooms with a choice of single cabins, twins, doubles or two spacious master cabins. All cabins are furnished with either queen or king-sized beds, and ensuite toilets with showers. The ship has been designed with three large deck areas for relaxing in both the sun or shade and for enjoying relaxing massage and spa treatments. Specifically designed for divers, the vessel offers large dive stations with individual rinse tanks and a camera room with separate camera work stations. Damai offers three local dive guides and one Instructor on board throughout your trip. With only twelve guests, this is a good 4:1 guest to dive guide ratio. The ship has two custom-designed high-speed tenders to get all guests to dive sites comfortably. The signature service includes personalized dive station and rinse tank, camera room and storage space for equipment, ala-carte dining catering to all food requirements, laundry and massage service on board, and the ship has an 18-member crew.
This trip will be featuring underwater photography pro Brandi Mueller to offer photo tips and sessions between dives. Bring your camera and be ready to shoot and learn..!
This adventure embarks at Biak and disembarks at Nabire, and includes stateroom accommodation, 3 meals a day, complimentary wine with dinner, nitrox for certified divers, unlimited diving with the dive day built around four daily dives, laundry service, airport transfers.
Cost: Stateroom Cabin - $4,950 per person double occupancy including taxes and a $1,000 DISCOUNTEmperor Harmoni Indonesia
New Luxury Liveaboard
* * * Expected Launch July 2020 * * *
The MY Emperor Harmoni is currently under construction and ready to launch in July 2020. Emperor Harmoni is Emperor Divers Indonesia's brand new liveaboard, the second for Emperor Indonesia. One of only a select few liveaboards in this region to have two engines, at 48m the ship happily welcomes 20 guests in spacious surroundings.
Emperor Harmoni's three decks have six guest cabins on the lower deck and four on the upper. The main deck features a spacious restaurant, lounge area with a 49" HD flat screen, digital movie and music library, board games, bar and a camera suite.
Contact us to book a cabin on this luxury ship now...!
* * * * Get the Trip of a Lifetime for the Deal of a Lifetime...! * * * *
Book a Berth and Get the Second Berth FREE..!
50% Off on One Charter
Dewi Trip 1912 - 25 May to 05 June 2019
All of Raja Ampat Itinerary
The Dewi Nusantara had a group cancellation. Their loss is your gain. Now you can book on this fabulous ship and bring your dive buddy for FREE.
Master Cabin US$3928 per person plus US$255 port/park fees
Deluxe cabin US$3428 per person plus US$255 port/park fees
Contact us now for your berth..! When the ship is full, this deal is finished.
Pearl of Papua Liveaboard
Raja Ampat 2018
We have limited availability on the Pearl of Papua for two trips in 2018 to Raja Ampat. Dates available are January 9 to January 16 and April 19 to April 26, 2018. Rate for the Standard Cabin is $2310 USD per person plus $125 USD Park fees. Contact us by email for special discounted rates on this great liveaboard.
Explorer Ventures Adds 2 New Ships to Their Fleet
M/V Raja Manta Explorer
The team at Explorer Ventures has expanded their fantastic liveaboard dive operation. Now you can book an Explorer Ventures charter on either of their two new ships in the Indonesia waters.
Contact us for a discounted package on this great ship...! Toll free 866-690-3483 or email us today.
With a major makeover in 2016, the Raja Manta Explorer is a boat designed for divers, by divers. Offering exciting itineraries through Ambon, Banda, Sangalaki, Raja Ampat and other extended itineraries, the 37 meter vessel is stable, strong and reliable making it perfect for long range travel to the most desirable dive sites. With 8 double & twin shared-bath ensuite cabins and 3 shared cabins with wash basins, the Raja Manta Explorer can comfortably accommodate up to 22 passengers. There is a large salon with a digital media center, sound system and widescreen plasma TV for your entertainment, an expansive sundeck that spans the length of the boat and a large outdoor dining area. A blend of Western and Asian cuisine awaits you after every dive. With up to 18 well-trained crew, excellent service above and below water are ensured.
There is an enormous dive deck with ample space for gearing up. Warm towels, hot drinks and fresh fruits are available after dives. The Captain and dive crew have years of experience in Indonesia including Komodo, Alor, Banda Sea and Raja Ampat. Diving is conducted in small groups. There is a full range of rental equipment available, all tanks have din and yoke fitting and larger tanks are available for those requiring a little extra air. Many of the boat crew are certified scuba divers and share a passion for the underwater world.
Explorer Ventures Adds 2 New Ships to Their Fleet
M/V Blue Manta Explorer
The team at Explorer Ventures has expanded their fantastic liveaboard dive operation. Now you can book an Explorer Ventures charter on either of their two new ships in the Indonesia waters.
Contact us for a discounted package on this great ship...! Toll free 866-690-3483 or email us today.
Exploring Ambon, Banda, Forgotten Islands, Komodo and Raja Ampat, the spacious Blue Manta Explorer is fully equipped to take you to some of the most beautiful, exotic and remote diving destinations in Indonesia.
The large steel hull vessel can accommodate up to 22 passengers in 14 beautiful, fully ensuite cabins. Measuring 45 meters in length, the spacious cabins are situated over three decks. There is a sundeck with lounge chairs for sunbathing and a covered area for shade, perfect for relaxing in between dives. The vessel provides an open outdoor alfresco dining area and an indoor air-conditioned dining area, ideal for enjoying one of the many meals prepared by the vessel's three top quality chefs! You will never go hungry. There is a salon with a Plasma TV, DVD and media server. 24 hour satellite internet is also available so you can easily stay in touch with family at home.
The dive deck is equipped with personal rinse tanks and a wide outdoor work table for underwater digital cameras. There is also a dedicated indoor camera room with plenty of space & charging stations to set up your camera equipment. Full equipment rentals are available onboard, all scuba tanks have din or yoke fittings and there are larger tanks available for those requiring a little extra air. With up to 20 highly trained crew members, the Blue Manta Explorer is dedicated to providing exceptional service, while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Damai II LIveaboard Video - Raja Ampat
Two of our repeat clients just shared this video of a Raja Amapt trip on the Damai II this past December. Turn on your sound and enjoy this trip...!
https://youtu.be/3zVQA-yyjSQ
Dewi Nusantara Liveaboard
2016 Summer Charter Offers - Save $800
If you know Raja Amat, Komodo, Wakatobi, Alor and other amazing Indonesian liveaboard destinations, then you probably know the reputation of the Dewi Nusantara....one of the best premium ship in Indonesian waters. Now we have some charters with limited cabin availability offering an $800 discount. This discount is $600 off the charter rate plus free nitrox, a $200 value. Plus book one of these charters with us and you will get an additional $200 discount...!
1613: 16-27th Jun 2016, Buton, Wakatobi & Alor
1614: 28 Jun - 09 Jul 2016, Maumere & Komodo
1615: 10-21 Jul 2016, Komodo & Bali
1616: 22 Jul - 2 Aug 2016, Bali & Komodo - Join Mark Erdmann & Sarah Lewis **
1617: 03-14th Aug 2016, Komodo & Maumere - Join Mark Erdmann & Gerry Allen **
1618: 15-26th Aug 2016, Maumere/Wakatobi/Baubau
Alor & Wakatobi offers two rich and distinct areas of diving: the lush muck sites and unique reefs of Flores and Alor, followed by the bustling coral expanses of the Wakatobi region in Southeast Sulawesi. We will take in many of the best areas of Alor, before sailing northwards towards the Wakatobi region with our last stop at Buton Island. A new "critter central" not to be missed destination! During all trips you will have the opportunity to watch the active Kumba volcano.
Komodo: We will take you to all the hotspot diving areas - Cannibal Rock, Castle Rock, Manta Alley to name a few as well as a visit to the National Park to get up close and personal with the Komodo Dragons. You will visit the Monkeys at Rinca and enjoy a stroll on a pink beach, one of only 10 in the world!
