Have you been cooped up on land for the last 24 months, longing for the ocean breeze and an uninterrupted view of the horizon? If that dive, eat, sleep, repeat lifestyle is all you can think about we have some tantalizing liveaboard treats to get you in the mood for your next dive vacation.
Similan Islands Liveaboard
Offering access to some of the best diving in the Andaman Sea, a Similan Islands Liveaboard will take you to the best dive spots in this protected National Park. Explore the rich marine life of these nine stunning islands and discover some of the region's liveliest reefs, teeming with large shoals of anthers, damselfish, and schooling angel- and butterflyfish. Manta rays and whale sharks are also frequently spotted in the calm, sheltered waters.
Boats depart from Khao Lake, Ranong, or Phuket on mainland Thailand between October and May when divers are allowed to visit.
Komodo Liveaboards
A very popular dive destination, visiting onboard one of the many Komodo Liveaboards will allow you to experience the very best diving the island has to offer. Along the south coast, thrilling drifts in nutrient-rich currents sweep divers past huge coral formations and gorgonians, home to a plethora of colorful reef fish and large pelagics. While the north offers calm lagoons, gentle reefs, and warmer tropical waters, great for macro and critter encounters.
Most boats depart from Bali, Labuan Baja, or Bima, and many operators offer one-way transition trips between other popular dive destinations.
Solomon Island Liveaboard
Boasting some of the world's most pristine reefs, a Solomon Island Liveaboard trip will offer once-in-a-lifetime dive encounters in this stunningly remote dive location. As well as breathtaking marine diversity, the Solomon Islands are home to hundreds of WWII wrecks, beautiful cave and cavern systems, and vast coral gardens.
The main liveaboard to service the Solomon Islands is the Bilikiki based in Honiara.
Red Sea Liveaboards
If variety and unique experiences are what you're looking for, a Red Sea Liveaboard may be the perfect choice. Offering great value for money and a range of itineraries from wrecks and inshore reefs to drifts along huge walls, and some exciting big ocean pinnacles, the Red Sea offers something for everyone. There is also the option to explore the seldom-dived reefs of Sudan.
Boats depart from Sharm el Sheik or Hurgada in the north and Port Ghalib (Maria Alam) further south. Sudan itineraries depart from Port Sudan.
Maldives Liveaboards
This popular year-round destination offers a range of diving throughout its 26 atolls. Famed for shark encounters, manta rays, whale sharks, and some beautiful hard and soft corals, a Maldives Liveaboard provides access to a true scuba diver's paradise. This is the ideal destination to practice your wide-angle photography, along gentle drifts in exceptional visibility.
Most Maldives liveaboard boats depart from Male in the central atolls, however, there are also a variety of one-way itineraries.
Make sure you have your underwater camera settings correct with this helpful article from the Underwater Photography Guide.
Check out the great selection of wet wide-angle lenses from the Bluewater Photo Store.
No travel companion? No problem! Read about the perks of solo travel here.
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