Destinations
Loading...Liveaboard dive boats are nothing like big cruise ships and we think that’s why they are so well loved by divers, and everyone else too! Indeed, these dive cruise vessels are often like floating hotels with dive centers on-board! You can find them in almost every corner of the world, they come in every shape, size and style. The liveaboard industry has been growing a lot in the past few years and it’s hard to keep up with all the new vessels. As of the end of 2017, we have over 350 liveaboard boats presented on Divezone!
Now, I took on the challenging task of making a list of the 10 most luxurious liveaboard ships in the world! There are so many, and the world is so big, that result is a non-exhaustive list of the very best and most impressive liveaboard boats in the world. Also, as you will notice, I have tried to pick luxurious liveaboards from different countries, otherwise Indonesian luxurious liveaboard boats would’ve taken the entire list!
One more thing, I cheated a few times by adding more than one boat per point… 
It’s time to dream…
1. Siren Fleet
I could’nt pick only one of the Sirens as they seem to all have the same very high quality standards. Plus, the luxurious dive boats have very similar layouts and amenities.
Where does this luxurious dive boat goes?
- The Indo Siren takes you to Raja Ampat, Komodo and the Banda Sea, all in Indonesia.
- The Fiji Siren explores Fiji (Bligh Waters, Namena, Wakaya and Taveuni).
- The Philippines Siren takes you to Cebu, Dauin, Tubbataha, Apo reefs, Malapascua, Donsol, Coron Wrecks and Anilao, all in the Philippines.
- The Palau Siren explores around Palau.
Size: The luxurious liveaboard boats of the Siren Fleet are all 40 meters long, with a beam of 10 meters (or approximately).
Divers will love it for… the free of charge, all-inclusive equipment! You can travel light, the Siren Fleet offers the aluminum tank, weights, BCD, regulator, 3mm wetsuit, mask and fins, all at no additional charges.
Everyone else will enjoy it because… of the lavish interiors, the open-air dining area featuring a panoramic view (as pictured above) and the massage service available everyday.
2. Damai I & Damai II
Where does this luxurious dive boat goes? The Damai I and Damai II follow the trade winds and so they can offer year round diving to the following destinations: Alor, Bali, Banda sea, Cendrawasih, Gorontalo, Halmahera, Komodo, Raja Ampat, Triton Bay and the Forgotten Islands.
Size: Both luxurious vessels Damai I & II are 40 meters long. The Damai I, built in 2009 has a beam of 8 meters while the Damai II, built in 2011, displays a beam of 9 meters.
Divers will love it for… the incredible dive deck with individual rinse tanks, plenty of space, and a camera room. Also, the divers and guide ratio is 4/1.
Everyone else will enjoy it because… of the Damai Signature service, including 1 spa treatment free of charge, the gourmet food and a customer oriented service.
Full presentation and reviews of Damai I. // Damai II.
3. Arenui
The Arenui welcomes only 16 guests on each luxurious voyage it take around the Indonesian islands. The luxurious dive vessel proudly boasts to be sparing no efforts to propose a personalized service and luxurious dive cruise experience.
Where does this luxurious dive boat goes? The Arenui offers mostly longer diving cruises (10+ nights) in Indonesia, including areas like Raja Ampat, the South Forgotten Islands, North Forgotten Islands, Maluku, Banda, Komodo and Flores.
Size: 43 meters long / 9 meters beam
Divers will love it for… the huge dive deck and the possibility of visiting remote areas of Indonesia. Plus, there’s a camera station corner for photographers to work on their toys!
Everyone else will enjoy it because… it’s a boutique liveaboard, featuring Indonesian handicrafts which creates an inviting and relaxing decor all over the boat. Plus, the Arenui features an outstanding outdoor restaurant area and offers spa & massages services à la carte.
Full presentation and reviews of the Arenui.
4. Alila Purnama
If you have been on a few liveaboard boats and that every time you wished there were less divers on the trip, try the Alila Purnama for a change. Indeed, the 46 meters Indonesian Phinisi welcomes only 10 guest on-board each voyage… yes, 10, that’s it!
Where does this luxurious dive boat goes? Komodo Island, Ambon or Raja Ampat, all in Indonesia.
Size: 46 meters long / 10 meters beam
Divers will love it for… the licensed PADI dive center feature on-board, the professional and highly experienced crew and the all-inclusive equipment formula. It’s your chance for uncrowded diving, a well guided experience, and to travel light!
Everyone else will enjoy it because… there’s so much space on the Alila Purnama that they can hang out in a different spot everyday! Seriously, the high level of comfort in every corner of the boat, the spa and massage treatments available, and the fine dining cuisine will certainly make the most discerning guest happy.
Full presentation and reviews of the Alila Purnama.
5. Azalea Maldives
The Maldives have their fair share of luxurious resorts and yachts, but the Azalea certainly deserves a place among the bests of those. Welcoming 16 guests aboard, the luxurious dive boat offers divers and snorkelers to discover the Maldivian atolls in comfort.
Where does this luxurious dive boat goes? Maldives, including Ari Atoll, Male Atoll, Felidhe and Baa
Size: 38 meters long / 8 meters beam
Divers will love it for… the simple fact of diving the best dive sites of the Maldives with only the Azalea around. Plus, they’ll surely love trading their BCD’s and fins for life jackets and enjoy some jet ski or fun tubing.
Everyone else will enjoy it because… the Azalea is snorkeler friendly and will visit the best snorkeling sites of the Maldives. Plus, there’s plenty of sports available such as jet ski, fun tubing and even golfing from the dive platform.
Full presentation and reviews of the Azalea.
6. Scuba Spa Ying & Yang
If you felt like the Azalea had it all, you’ll be confused about which one to choose when you look at the Scubaspa Ying and Scubaspa Yang. These are two sisterships offering the same stunning combination of a full spa, floating 5 stars hôtel and full dive center. The vessels can accommodate 44 passengers, but only 22 divers on each trip in order to offer a great diving experience.
Where does this luxurious dive boat goes? Maldives
Size: The luxurious dive boats are both 50 meters long and 11.5 meter in beam.
Divers will love it for… the possibility to enjoy their vacations with the whole family aboard while they can hop on the dive-tender, called a dhoni, and enjoy diving the best of the Maldivian Atolls. The dhoni has everything you need and is described as a “floating dive center”.
Everyone else will enjoy it because… You don’t have to be a diver at all to enjoy one of these superb liveaboard boats. You can choose a spa holiday package which includes 8 spa treatments. Plus, you can take yoga classes, go snorkeling, hang on beaches, do some kayaking and fishing, try paddle-boarding and enjoy the occasional BBQ’s!
Full presentation and reviews of the ScubaSpa Ying & Yang.
7. Galapagos Sky
Where does this luxurious dive boat goes? Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Size: 33 meters long / 7.3 meters beam
Divers will love it for… the highly experienced and professional crew that will guide them to discover the stunning marine life of the Galapagos Islands. A maximum of 4 dives will be proposed each day and the dive platform has just everything you need. You can rent equipment and even camera’s from the Galapagos Sky.
Everyone else will enjoy it because… the boat’s interior is lavish and offer comfortable accommodations with added touches of luxury everywhere. That being said, we would say that the Galapagos Sky is very focused on scuba diving on the best dive sites of the Galapagos and wouldn’t be ideal for non-divers. But, there’s the Majestic liveaboard, number 8 on this list, which would be perfect to take your whole family on a combined adventure / diving cruise!
Full presentation and reviews of the Galapagos Sky.
8. Majestic Explorer
The Majestic Explorer offers both adventure and diving cruises for 16 lucky guests to join on each trip to the most iconic of the Galapagos Islands.
Where does this luxurious dive boat goes? Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
Size: 36 meters in length / 7 meters beam
Divers will love it for… the great diving amenities featured on the Majestic, but mostly for the opportunity have magical encounters with hammerheads or whale sharks, the famous Galapagos sharks, many species of turtles, marine iguanas, sea lions, etc.
Everyone else will enjoy it because… of the oversize windows all over the boat, the comfortable accommodation and the comfortable communal areas where to hang out. A bar service, a jacuzzi and cozy lounges, both inside and outside, will certainly enhance your holiday.
Full presentation and reviews of the Majestic Explorer.
9. MY Blue
The Blue is among the newest of the Red Sea liveaboards and sure has a lot to impress. Elegantly furnished, the massive boat welcomes a maximum of 24 guests.
Where does this luxurious dive boat goes? Red Sea, including dive sites such as the Northern Wrecks and Reefs, Rock, Zabargad, Daedalus and Brothers.
Size: 43 meters in length / 9 meters beam
Divers will love it for… the excellent service and newer amenities. Divers will be able to log a maximum of 21 dives per week and discover some of the best dive sites of the Red Sea.
Everyone else will enjoy it because… it boasts super spacious and comfortable accommodations with big windows in most of the rooms.
Full presentation and reviews of the Blue.
10. Argo
The last but not the least, the Argo is the most luxurious liveaboard ship visiting the famous Cocos Island and that’s why it fully deserves a spot on this list! The dive vessels welcomes only 18 guests on-board, for an amazing guest/crew ratio as the crew counts 14 members.
Where does this luxurious dive boat goes? Cocos Island, Costa-Rica.
Size: 40 meters / 8 meters
Divers will love it for… the stunning Cocos Island and all the incredible dives they will log during their week aboard the Argo.
Everyone else will enjoy it because… of the comfort of the long journey to and from the Cocos Islands and for the gourmet food prepared by a chef. That being said, considering the journey to get there, I think it’s safe to say that it’s a diver only cruise.
Full presentation and reviews of the Argo.
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Luxurious liveaboard boats by countries
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Truly a treat for the divers. This out of the world or incredible dive deck is just a masterpiece. Incorrigible work with individual rinse tanks, plenty of space, and a camera room.