One of the main advantages of a liveaboard diving holiday trip is that it takes you to dive sites that are inaccessible from the shore and allows you to visit multiple dive sites in one trip. You won’t waste time returning to a hotel and boarding a boat each day—the boat becomes your hotel, your base, your restaurant, and your social hub.
Know the locals
Although you’ll spend most of your time on the boat, getting there and back involves interaction with local people and their culture. Even on the boat, a significant portion of the crew and guides—if not all—will likely be locals.
Take some time to do a little research beforehand. Understanding local customs and basics can help you avoid unintentionally offending anyone. Remember, your customs may not align with those of the country you’re visiting. Learning a few words in the local language can go a long way and is a great opportunity to broaden your horizons.
What is included
The exact details may vary depending on the operator’s offerings, but the standard should include::
- Accommodation
- Dive gear rental (paid – tanks and weights – free)
- Food
- Drinks (alcoholic drinks are usually an extra cost)
- Air or Nitrox fills (some operators offer free Nitrox, with some it is extra payment)
- Good number o f dives – usually 3-4 dives a day
- Transport from/to the airport or accommodation after the trip
Safety first
Regardless of the length of your trip, the number of people on board, or the size of the boat, you should be introduced to the safety features shortly after your arrival. Don’t underestimate the importance of the safety briefing—it could save your life. The crew will likely conduct an emergency drill that includes all guests.
Leaving Marsa Alam anchorage, Red sea.
Daily life
The daily “routine” on a liveaboard will primarily revolve around diving—that’s the main purpose of your trip. Depending on the schedule, you can expect 3–4 dives per day, with fewer dives on the first and last days of the trip. Some of these dives might be at night, so your days will likely start early (on my last trip, we woke up at 5:40 AM for the first dive). A typical day might look like this: the first dive followed by breakfast, the second dive followed by lunch, the third dive, and finally, a night dive followed by dinner. Of course, this is just an example, but it was the schedule on my last trip, and I found it quite enjoyable. Whatever the diving schedule, it will likely fill most of your day.
Don’t worry, though—there’s plenty of time between dives to socialize, relax, soak up the sun, or simply chill out and do nothing.
The boat usually remains at a dive site until the planned dives are completed and then moves to the next location, often traveling overnight to maximize diving and daylight hours. Let’s be honest: night transfers can sometimes be a bit disruptive. Rough seas or engine noise might not make for the most restful sleep, but this experience varies from person to person.
If the weather is mild and the wind isn’t too strong, consider sleeping on the top deck. Away from city lights, the stars are absolutely breathtaking, and the fresh air will leave you feeling deeply relaxed. It’s definitely worth trying at least once.
What to take to liveaboard diving holiday
Gear
I recommend using as much of your own gear as possible. Why?
You’re already familiar with your gear—you’ve tested it in real conditions and know how it performs. You know if your wetsuit fits well, if your mask seals properly without leaking, and how your BCD and regulator function. Familiarity with your equipment helps you avoid the stress of figuring out how rented gear works during your first dive.
That said, I’d also advise against using brand-new gear for the first time on a liveaboard. It’s better to test it beforehand to ensure it works as expected and to get comfortable with it.
Another advantage of using your own gear is knowing its condition. Dive equipment should be serviced regularly to ensure it’s in good working order. When you use your own gear, you’re in control of this, so you can trust it’s been properly maintained. A significant part of dive safety comes down to well-maintained and serviced equipment.
Finally, using your own gear often makes the trip cheaper. Most liveaboards charge extra for renting equipment, so bringing your own can save you money.
Dive deck ready and waiting.
insurance
A diving trip is all about creating amazing experiences, but when things don’t go as planned and you need medical assistance, having comprehensive insurance is essential. Keep in mind that many standard insurance policies may not cover specialized treatments related to diving, such as hyperbaric therapy.
To ensure peace of mind, opt for an insurance policy specifically designed to cover diving-related medical expenses. Reliable providers like DAN, DAN Europe, or similar organizations specialize in this type of coverage and can be a great choice for your trip.
Hygiene and medical supplies
If you are taking prescribed medication, make sure you take it with you. Your medication will not necessarily be available in the destination, let alone on the boat should you run out. Boat crew can provide some basic medication such as pain killers, but anything special is out of question.
If you have a medical condition that needs to be approved by your doctor, ask for a signed medical form and take it with you. All major diving organizations have designated medical forms. (example of PADI medical form)
Do not forget to take any of your usual hygiene supplies to last for the whole trip, as these are also limited, if inaccessible, on the boat.
Spare time
Although most of your time on the boat will be dedicated to diving, there’s plenty of downtime between dives and after your last dive of the day. Since you won’t be able to leave the boat, it’s a good idea to bring activities to keep yourself entertained. Pack your favorite music, movies, books, an e-reader, or any other items you enjoy.
Keep in mind that you may be out of mobile signal coverage for part or all of the trip, meaning no Wi-Fi or phone calls. While boats typically have a satellite link for communication, it’s mainly reserved for emergencies or operational use. Be prepared to embrace an offline lifestyle during your trip.
Don’t forget to check the type of electrical socket used in your destination country and bring the necessary adapters for your chargers and devices, if needed. Check socket types here.
Spare time is also a fantastic opportunity to connect with other divers and crew members. Use this time to forge new friendships, share experiences, and learn from others’ life stories—you might be surprised by the valuable lessons you can gain. Most importantly, remember to relax and have fun!
Liveaboard boats anchored at Daedalus reef, Red Sea
Checklist
Gear
- Hood*
- Mask (extra mask)
- Snorkel
- Regulator
- Regulator adapter (DIN-YOKE or YOKE-DIN, if needed – check with the boat)
- BCD
- Weight belt, or weight pockets for your BCD (weights are usually provided)
- Wetsuit (* appropriate thickness)
- Gloves*
- Boots
- Fins
- SMB
- Reel
- Computer (+charger or spare battery whatever is applicable)
- Cutting tool or knife
- Compass
- Pocket mask (optional)
- Flash light (+ batteries and battery charger or light charger)
- Camera (+ underwater casing, and charger)
* depends on water temperature in your destination
Documents
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Diving insurance
- Medical certificate (if applicable)
- Travel and booking documents (air tickets, hotels, transfers, etc…)
- Emergency contacts card (make your own with persons, names, phone numbers etc… ideally people who speak english)
Funds
- Cash (check which currencies are accepted)
- Debit or credit card
Clothing
- Underwear
- Socks
- Short sleeve T-shirts
- Long sleeve T-shirts
- Shorts
- Long pants
- Hoodie
- Cap
- Trainers, sandals, flip flops
- Swimming clothes
- Rash guard
Dress appropriately for the weather at your destination.
Hygiene
- Tooth brush
- Tooth paste
- Shower gel/shampoo
- Sun protection cream or spray (ocean friendly)
- Prescription medication (if applicable)
- Any other items covering your hygiene needs or medical condition (if applicable)
Towels are usually provided.
Electrical devices (as applicable)
- Mobile
- Tablet
- Notebook
- Chargers
- Adapters
Extras
Spare time activities – books, e-book readers, music, notepad, and pen or really anything that will make your trip more enjoyable.
Most importantly, don't forget to…
Think of your trip as time for yourself—a chance to enjoy what you love, slow down, relax, connect with the outdoors, and embrace the happiness it brings.
Links
You can book liveaboard trip with many operators, here are just some examples
