Updated on February 7, 2020

Planning your dream dive trip? Whether you’re exploring the rich biodiversity of the Galapagos or braving the shark-infested waters of Guadalupe Island, you want this liveaboard trip to be perfect. We’ve prepared an overview of the best luxury liveaboard trips to help you find the one that’s right for you!

If you’ve decided to splash out for a luxury liveaboard, you’ll want to choose your boat wisely. Luxury liveaboards come with a price tag, but it’s worth it for the superior experience. You can expect a magnificent boat, exceptional dive facilities and attentive, experienced staff. Prepare to be treated like royalty!

For more of our liveaboard recommendations, check out these popular articles: 

Caribbean |  Bahamas | Belize | Cuba | Turks & Caicos

North Pacific |  Galapagos | Guadalupe | SocorroCocos

South Pacific | Australia | Palau | Fiji | French Polynesia | PNG | Solomon Islands

South East Asia | Raja Ampat | Komodo | Similan | Tubbataha | Burma

Red Sea & Middle East | Egypt | Sudan | Oman | Djibouti

Indian Ocean | MaldivesSeychelles

 

 

 

QUICK ANSWER – THE BEST LUXURY LIVEABOARD TRIPS

    1. MV GREAT ESCAPE
    2. FOUR SEASONS EXPLORER
    3. DAMAI I
    4. AVALON II
    5. GALAPAGOS AGGRESSOR III
    6. NAUTILUS EXPLORER
    7. PY ATLANTIS AZORES
    8. TRUK MASTER
    9. TIGER BLUE
    10. OCEAN HUNTER III

 

 

 

 

BEST LUXURY LIVEABOARD TRIP REVIEWS

MV GREAT ESCAPE – AUSTRALIA

Photo Credit: The MV Great Escape – Australia Liveaboard

It doesn’t get much cooler than a liveaboard with a private helicopter! The MV Great Escape will bring you aerial views of waterfalls, Aboriginal art sites and more on Australia’s Kimberley Coast and Rowley Shoals.

The varied shore trips include swimming in rock pools, mud crabbing and bush walks. You can also choose to just relax in the hot tub, or spend a quiet afternoon fishing and have the chef prepare your catch for dinner.

This boat features a stabilizing hull for a guaranteed smooth ride. Hotel or airport transfers are included and Wi-Fi and rental equipment are available for a fee.

 

CHECK OUT LATEST PRICE & AVAILABILITY

 

 

 

FOUR SEASONS EXPLORER – MALDIVES

Photo Credit: The Four Seasons Explorer – Maldives Liveaboard

The Four Seasons brand is a point of reference in the five-star hotel world. Now you can experience their luxury standards and renowned customer service onboard a liveaboard dive trip in the stunning Maldives!

The Four Seasons Explorer has its own spa, massage area and Jacuzzi. There is a fully-fledged PADI Dive Centre on board as well as a marine biologist. Partake in fishing or an array of water sports, or explore the islands.

Cabins are so sumptuous you’ll think you’re actually in a Four Seasons hotel. Special meals are served on the islands’ white sandy beaches. The liveaboard has free Wi-Fi, nitrox and dive gear.

 

CHECK OUT LATEST PRICE & AVAILABILITY

 

 

 

DAMAI I – RAJA AMPAT

Photo Credit: Damai I – Raja Ampat Liveaboard

Let the Damai I pamper you on a dive trip through the spectacular Coral Triangle in Raja Ampat. This beautiful wooden schooner is equipped with spacious and elegant cabins for up to 12 guests.

During downtime, guests can get a massage in the spa, try their hand at fishing or relax on the partially shaded sundeck. Shore trips include a chance to see an active volcano and Komodo dragons.

The Damai I has a camera room with workstations. Nitrox and rental equipment are available for a fee.

 

CHECK OUT LATEST PRICE & AVAILABILITY

 

 

 

AVALON II – CUBA

Photo Credit: Avalon II – Cuba Liveaboard

Built in 2014, the Avalon II is a deluxe liveaboard that will take you through Cuba’s Jardines de la Reina, one of the best-preserved sites in the Caribbean.

Between dives, you can relax on the sundeck or in the 500-gallon Jacuzzi. Brave divers can go snorkeling with small crocodiles. Guests will make regular trips to the islands.

All cabins feature panoramic windows. The cuisine is a mix of Italian and Cuban, with an abundance of fresh seafood. Rental equipment and nitrox are available for a fee.

 

CHECK OUT LATEST PRICE & AVAILABILITY

 

 

 

GALAPAGOS AGGRESSOR III – GALAPAGOS

Photo Credit: The Galapagos Aggressor III – Galapagos Liveaboard

The Galapagos Aggressor III has years of experience in providing top-notch liveaboard service in Galapagos. Guests will dive in small groups for a truly intimate experience.

Wildlife tours of the islands are included. Divers can also make use of the outdoor hot tub and sundeck. Cabins are bright and tastefully appointed. The delicious meals are complemented by free local beer and wine.

There is no Wi-Fi per se but the satellite system allows for sending and receiving emails and phone calls. Nitrox and rental equipment are available for a surcharge.

 

CHECK OUT LATEST PRICE & AVAILABILITY

 

 

 

NAUTILUS EXPLORER – GUADALUPE/SOCORRO

Photo Credit: Nautilus Explorer – Guadalupe/Socorro Liveaboard

There’s no better way to cage-dive with great white sharks than from the comfort and safety of a high-class liveaboard. That’s exactly what you’ll have with the Nautilus Explorer, a stylish diver-designed liveaboard yacht that can hold up to 24 guests.

The Nautilus Explorer offers panoramic ocean views from the hot tub. Apart from diving, other activities include kayaking, snorkeling and browsing the onboard boutique. Wi-Fi, nitrox and rental equipment are all available for a fee.

 

CHECK OUT LATEST PRICE & AVAILABILITY

 

 

 

PY ATLANTIS AZORES – PHILIPPINES

Photo Credit: PY Atlantis Azores – Philippines Liveaboard

The PY Atlantis Azores liveaboard is refined and modern, having been completely renovated in 2015. See Tubbataha Reef and the rest of the Philippines!

While not diving you can relax in the hot tub, the sundeck or the lounge. Possible shore excursions include trips to Chocolate Hills and trips to see tarsiers, the world’s smallest primate.

Meals are served in the indoor dining area with panoramic ocean views. A “social serving” of beer and wine is included. Wi-Fi is free, while nitrox and rental gear are available for a fee.

 

CHECK OUT LATEST PRICE & AVAILABILITY

 

 

 

TRUK MASTER – TRUK LAGOON/MARSHALL ISLANDS

Photo Credit: Truk Master – Truk Lagoon/Marshall Islands Liveaboard

Fully refitted in 2016, this sturdy steel liveaboard is all about the diving. Specialized for wreck diving in Truk Lagoon and the Bikini Atoll, the Truk Master is fully equipped for tec and rebreather diving.

The Truk Master serves up five meals a day and has snacks available. The opulent cabins look like something straight out of a luxury catalog, with mahogany furnishings and Eastern accents.

The Truk Master provides Wi-Fi, rental gear and nitrox for an extra fee. There is also a camera station.

 

CHECK OUT LATEST PRICE & AVAILABILITY

 

 

 

TIGER BLUE – KOMODO

Photo Credit: Tiger Blue – Komodo Liveaboard

This traditional Indonesian Phinisi vessel has just 5 cabins, for a maximum of 14 divers. It’s the ideal choice for groups who wish to charter the boat for themselves and tweak the itinerary to their liking.

After a day of diving in Komodo, enjoy a mouthwatering candlelit dinner served al fresco in the outdoor dining area. Later, go stargazing or snuggle up in the peaceful living room.

The crew of the Tiger Blue prides themselves on their customer service and will make sure your every whim is catered to. There’s no better way to discover the Coral Triangle! Rental gear is provided for a surcharge.

 

CHECK OUT LATEST PRICE & AVAILABILITY

 

 

 

OCEAN HUNTER III – PALAU

Photo Credit: Ocean Hunter III – Palau Liveaboard

Palau’s Ocean Hunter III takes diving to heart. In fact, the owner was admitted to the Woman Diver’s Hall of Fame in honor of her efforts in shark preservation!

Roomy common areas and a sundeck with two Jacuzzis welcome divers out of the water. You can also participate in exciting shore excursions or indulge in a spa treatment. The cuisine showcases a variety of cultural specialties including fresh sushi.

Because of the small number of divers, itineraries are flexible and divers get unlimited diving and bottom time. Wi-Fi, nitrox and rental gear are available for a fee. The liveaboard is TRIMIX and rebreather-friendly. Airport or hotel transfers are included.

 

CHECK OUT LATEST PRICE & AVAILABILITY

 

 

 

COMPARISON TABLE – THE BEST LUXURY LIVEABOARD TRIPS

PICTURE
LIVEABOARD
AREA
MAX. DIVERS
NITROX
WIFI
MV GREAT ESCAPE
AUSTRALIA
14
NO
AVAILABLE
FOUR SEASONS EXPLORER
MALDIVES
22
FREE
FREE
DAMAI I
RAJA AMPAT
12
AVAILABLE
NO
AVALON II
CUBA
20
AVAILABLE
NO
GALAPAGOS AGGRESSOR III
GALAPAGOS
20
AVAILABLE
NO
NAUTILUS EXPLORER
GUAFALUPE/SOCORRO
24
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
PY ATLANTIS AZORES
PHILIPPINES
16
AVAILABLE
FREE
TRUK MASTER
TRUK LAGOON
16
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
Tiger blue liveaboard
TIGER BLUE
KOMODO
14
NO
NO
OCEAN HUNTER III
PALAU
16
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
PICTURE
LIVEABOARD
AREA
MAX. DIVERS
NITROX
WIFI

 

 

WHAT TO EXPECT IN A LUXURY LIVEABOARD

ABOVE-AVERAGE CUSTOMER SERVICE

The crew on your luxury liveaboard will be experienced and try to anticipate your every need. Dive guides will know the area through and through, and there will usually be a high ratio of crew members to guests. They will take pride in ensuring that customer service is of the highest quality possible!

If you need a specialty meal or anything out of the ordinary, a luxury liveaboard should be flexible and accommodating. Attention to detail is one of the things that sets a luxury liveaboard apart from the rest.

 

STANDARD AMENITIES

Any luxury liveaboard worth its salt will have en-suite bathrooms and individual climate control in all the cabins. Some liveaboards go above and beyond, providing laundry service, shower amenities, private mini-bars, etc. These extra touches can really make your trip much more pleasant.

 

FANCY VESSEL

It goes without saying that all of the liveaboards on this list are incredibly extravagant. Whether you pick a plush modern yacht or a traditional wooden schooner, you can rest assured you will be sailing in the lap of luxury.

 

HIGH-END CUISINE

Likewise, the onboard cuisine will be of the highest standard. Many liveaboards put a special emphasis on the food, as they know how hungry divers can get. Professional chefs, fresh ingredients and exotic specialties will make the food one of the highlights of your trip for sure!

 

EXTRA FRILLS

It’s the small things in life – perhaps a spa, a Jacuzzi or simply a private helicopter. If you’re looking for a little extra flair, you won’t go wrong with a luxury liveaboard that boasts a little something extra.

 

READ MORE

For more of our top scuba diving gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

Dive Computers

Scuba Diving Masks

Scuba Regulators

Scuba BCDs

Scuba Diving Fins

Wetsuits for Diving

Dive Watches

About The Author

Scuba Diving & Snow Sports Writer

Danielle Pacheco is a freelance writer specializing in scuba diving, skiing and snowboarding. Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, she is currently based in Amsterdam. When it’s not snowing in the mountains you can find her exploring ancient Inca ruins, chasing seahorses in the ocean and generally travelling as far and wide as possible. You can travel along with her at rainonconcrete.wordpress.com.

Related Posts