Budget Liveaboards

Liveaboards presents a cost-effective solution for a fulfilling scuba diving vacation, bundling accommodation, diving, and full board in one package. Opting for a budget-friendly liveaboard doesn't compromise the quality of your diving experience. You'll have access to a diverse range of dive sites, all included in a single, affordable price. While these options may not boast luxury, they still provide comfortable and memorable scuba diving adventures, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience at sea

Reviews about Budget Liveaboards

Epica, Indonesiahttps://media.divebooker.com/media/images/h128/1684331986517592ecc2f7b6add9533f66f427ce3d.pngEpica, IndonesiaScuba Republic, 2 reviews
2

Unforgettable budget experience

Our dive trip began with a bit of confusion during the meet and greet at the jetty, likely due to another boat from the same operator departing at the same time. We were also asked to arrive at 11 AM, but ended up waiting an hour before we were taken to the boat.
The safety briefing was given to us, but it was a very short and felt somewhat general, leaving many details unclear that we had to figure out later. For example, there were not enough life jackets in the cabin for everyone; we had to request them separately. Later we learned that KM Ocean Pure caught fire on 31.12. in the Waigeo area, fortunately all guests were rescued.
Unfortunately, the cleanliness of the boat, cabin, pillows, and mattresses was concerning. It was evident that neither the cabin nor the entire boat had been properly cleaned in a while. The floors were dirty, and we found various dead insects under the mattresses, along with live cockroaches that were attempted to be exterminated at our request. The common areas, including bean bags and textiles, were also quite dirty. We were aware that there were two bathrooms for guests, but we were surprised to learn that those were also facilities for the crew, making a total of 24 people sharing the same. During the trip facilities were not well-maintained and had an unpleasant odor. There was only a small rinse station for cameras and computers, but there were no rinsing options for wetsuits, clothes, or shoes, which contributed to an unpleasant smell on the dive deck. On a positive note, the dive briefings were clear, and the dives in the Central Raja Ampat area were truly enjoyable. The dinghy driver was very helpful.
The food on board was basic, consisting of rice and noodles with some sides. The snacks between lunch and dinner were modest, such as popcorn or cookies.
The crew was friendly and helpful, and they even assisted us in purchasing ferry tickets from Waisai to Sorong, which was a nice touch. Overall, while there were some enjoyable aspects of the trip, there were also several areas that could use significant improvement, particularly regarding cleanliness. We hope that these issues will be addressed for future guests.
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V. Juha2025-01-06
Princess Dhonkamana, Maldiveshttps://media.divebooker.com/media/images/h128/1520435106882580e4132b974bc860077d11bb3edf.jpgPrincess Dhonkamana, MaldivesMacana Maldives, 5 reviews
4.25

Exciting diving, energetic dive guides, good food

Just spent a week on this boat and it's a wonderful trip. At first it's a little bit boring and not much to see except sharks until we spotted groups of eagle rays and tiger sharks. The boat is a bit old but well maintained, the room is spacious enough, and it's clean and tidy. Their tanks are steel so you don't need lots of weights. The manager is an energetic Italian lady who worked in Maldives for over 20 years so she knows every spot. The food is delicious especially the pasta. There are two downsides too. 1. The air conditioner in my room is noisy. 2. The checkout time is 7am and you need to hang out in Male for a long time unless your flight is early.
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C. MENGHUI2024-12-19

Questions and Answers

Navigating Budget Liveaboard Experiences: What to Expect?

Embarking on a budget liveaboard adventure offers a unique and cost-effective way to explore the underwater world. Here's what you can anticipate:

  • Value for Money: Opting for a budget liveaboard typically means enjoying a diving trip at a lower cost compared to other counterparts in the same destination. This affordability does not necessarily compromise the quality of your diving experience.

  • Shared Accommodations: To keep costs down, budget dive charters often feature dormitory-style cabins or shared twin rooms. Some may offer small private staterooms, providing a cozy, budget-friendly space.

  • Communal Facilities: On budget liveaboards, it's common to find cabins with shared bathroom facilities. This setup helps reduce costs while still providing all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.

  • Intimate and Social Atmosphere: The close quarters of budget dive boats naturally foster a sense of community and camaraderie among guests. This intimate setting often leads to a fun and engaging scuba diving adventure, with divers bonding over shared experiences.

  • Be Mindful of Extra Fees: When booking a budget yacht, it’s important to be aware of additional costs that may not be included in the base price. Extras like Nitrox, alcoholic beverages, and transfer services might incur additional charges. However, liveaboards offering the best value for money may include some of these extras in their package, enhancing the overall affordability of the trip.

Budget liveaboards are an excellent choice for divers seeking an affordable way to explore the seas without sacrificing the essence of a great diving adventure. While amenities might be more basic compared to luxury options, the thrill of diving and the camaraderie on board often make up for the frills.

 

The Best Budget-Friendly Liveaboard Dive Boats

Indonesia, while not typically known for being budget-friendly, does offer a selection of liveaboards for those looking to explore its underwater marvels without breaking the bank. Epica, a traditional fishing vessel refitted for diving, presents an economical option. It features 7 guest cabins with bunk beds on the lower deck, close to the ocean, where you can enjoy the sea breeze and morning sunlight. The cabins are basic, equipped with power sockets and fans, and two shared bathrooms with freshwater showers.

Kira Kira and Akomo Isseki combine classic charm with modern technology, boasting large decks and low-lying superstructures for safe and magical sea journeys. These liveaboards offer two shared bathroom facilities with modern appliances, maintaining a balance of tradition and comfort.

Sokaraja stands out with its unique offering of 2 private and 1 shared cabin for up to 10 divers. It provides rare short-duration trips of 3 and 4 nights to Raja Ampat, a gem for budget-conscious divers seeking a shorter excursion.

In the Bahamas, the Morning Star and Sea Explorer liveaboards cater to budget travelers, offering a communal and friendly atmosphere with dormitory-style accommodations. These trips include all-inclusive packages, up to 19 dives, and shared bath facilities, ideal for single divers and those eager to socialize.

For exploring the Red Sea Egypt, consider boarding vessels like Tillis or Bella 2. Tillis, a 35m wooden boat designed for divers, offers 13 double cabins with en-suite bathrooms, a spacious salon with dining and lounge areas. Bella 2 accommodates up to 20 guests in well-appointed cabins, featuring a mix of bunk and twin beds, a cozy dining salon, and a large sun deck with picturesque views.

For those eyeing the Maldives liveaboard diving on a budget, Nautilus Two and Carpe Diem are excellent choices. Nautilus Two, a traditional Maldivian vessel, features 12 spacious cabins for up to 24 guests, blending excellent workmanship with luxury. Carpe Diem, a 35-meter yacht, accommodates 20 passengers and offers itineraries for both diving and surfing, complete with modern amenities, a restaurant, bar, and ample deck space.

Each of these liveaboards provides an affordable way to experience some of the world’s most stunning diving destinations, without compromising on the diving adventure or onboard comfort