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The Most Luxurious Dive Liveaboards Sailing the Seas

By Andy Zunz | Published On Mai 16, 2017
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The Most Luxurious Dive Liveaboards Sailing the Seas

Some divers just want to be in the water as much as humanly possible and wouldn't mind sleeping on the dive deck if it meant prime bottom time come sunrise. Others prefer the finer things on their surface intervals — whether that be on-deck HD movie screenings, en-suite bars with all sorts of potent potables, spa treatments that can only be described as decadent, or cuisine featuring with the freshest food and finest flavors. And most of us would love both. Here's a look at some of the most luxurious vessels sailing the seas that will offer you heavenly luxuries on board and unforgettable dive experiences beneath the waves.


READ MORE: The Natural Wonders of the Underwater World


Arenui

Crafted from wood — 70 percent of which is recycled — by local Indonesian craftsmen in the traditional Pinisi style, this boat is a beauty. Tack on next-level service, and the Arenui offers a world-class liveaboard getaway.

arenui scuba diving liveaboard

The Arenui, at anchor

Courtesy Arenui

WHY DIVERS WILL LOVE IT: The dive deck features plenty of room, storage and two rinse tanks — all in the shade. Although you likely won’t do much more than don and doff your wetsuit on the deck because the staff sets up, tears down and rinses all your gear for you.

WHY EVERYONE WILL LOVE IT: The craftsmanship and beauty of this vessel is almost unreal, especially set against the picturesque landscape of Indonesia. Take it all in from the spacious Sky Restaurant and Sky Lounge, both equipped with comfy sun beds.


READ MORE: What It's Like to Dive Aboard the Arenui

arenui scuba diving liveaboard

The Arenui's Sky Restaurant and Sky Lounge allow you to relax and enjoy the scenery in Indonesia

Courtesy Arenui

WHERE YOU’LL GO: Indonesia, with itineraries in the Forgotten Islands, Komodo and Raja Ampat.

PASSENGER/CREW RATIO: 16/22

LENGTH/BEAM: 141 feet/30 feet

WANNA GET AWAY? Arenui


Aurora

Like the Arenui above, this double-masted motor-sail yacht was built in the traditional Pinisi style, giving it a classic look, but with all the modern amenities travelers are looking for.

aurora indonesia liveaboard yacht

The Aurora, at sea

Courtesy All Star Liveaboards

WHY DIVERS WILL LOVE IT: Photographers don’t have to worry about claustrophobia in the dedicated photo and video lounge.

WHY EVERYONE WILL LOVE IT: The yacht offers spacious rooms, showers and eating areas, along with an all around classy look.

aurora liveaboard amenities

One of the spacious cabins in the Aurora

Courtesy All Star Liveaboards

WHERE YOU’LL GO: Indonesia, with itineraries set for Alor, Maluku, Komodo and Raja Ampat

PASSENGER/CREW RATIO: 16/14

LENGTH/BEAM: 132 feet/30 feet

WANNA GET AWAY? Aurora


Dewi Nusantara

With a classic design, roomy cabins — with en-suite bathrooms and desks — and a customizable schedule, this wooden three-masted topsail schooner is the perfect charter vessel for adventure-seeking travelers who don’t mind dabbling in the finer things.

Dewi Nusantara scuba diving liveaboard

The Dewi Nusantara at sea

Courtesy Dr. Richard Smith - Ocean Realm Images

WHY DIVERS WILL LOVE IT: Charter the Dewi Nusantara and you’re fully in charge of the dive plan. Pick the sites you want to explore and the dive profile that suits you — as long as the weather permits and it adheres to safe diving practices, of course.

WHY EVERYONE WILL LOVE IT: You’ll be looking to sign a 12-month lease after spending one night in the 495-square-foot master suite. Take in a 180-degree view of the ocean on the king-size bed or L-shaped sofa, or mosey on over to the spacious bathroom and its bath with an ocean view.

Dewi Nusantara liveaboard cabin

A view of the bathroom in the Dewi Nusantara's master suite

Courtesy Dewi Nusantara

WHERE YOU’LL GO: Indonesia, including itineraries to the Banda Sea, Cenderawasih, Komodo, Raja Ampat and Wakatobi.

PASSENGER/CREW RATIO: 18/23

LENGTH/BEAM: 191 feet/37 feet

WANNA GET AWAY? Dewi Nusantara


Four Seasons Explorer

Cruise about the Maldives in style aboard this three-deck catamaran. And when you’re not touring the epic Indian Ocean dive sites, there’s never a shortage of watersport (standup paddleboard yoga, anyone?), dining and relaxation activities available.

Four seasons explorer luxury liveaboard

The Four Seasons Explorer, at sea

Courtesy Four Seasons

WHY DIVERS WILL LOVE IT: You won’t be backrolling off a puny tender. Divers on the Four Seasons Explorer head to the sites on a 55-foot custom-designed dive dhoni — complete with full safety and navigation equipment.

WHY EVERYONE WILL LOVE IT: Spacious cabins, top-notch cuisine and an on-board massage therapist make a trip aboard the Explorer pure luxury. Not to mention the fact that you’re venturing between two world-class Four Seasons resorts.


READ MORE: What It's Like to Dive Aboard the Four Seasons Explorer

four seasons explorer amenities

The spacious dining room of the Four Seasons Explorer

Courtesy Four Seasons

WHERE YOU’LL GO: The Maldives, with a northward and southward itinerary available, both of which feature stops at the Four Seasons resorts at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru

PASSENGER/CREW RATIO: 22/25

LENGTH/BEAM: 128 feet/39 feet

WANNA GET AWAY? Four Seasons Explorer


Indo Aggressor

Take Aggressor’s reputation for dive travel and add a touch of Indonesia elegance. This twin-masted wooden sailing yacht built in the Pinisi style is a prime vessel for sailing about Indonesia.

indo aggressor scuba diving liveaboard

The Indo Aggressor, at sea

Courtesy Aggressor

WHY DIVERS WILL LOVE IT: Dive addicts rejoice: You’ll get plenty of world-class diving in around these parts. With top-notch dive personnel and equipment, your four dives a day aboard the Indo Aggressor will deliver countless thrills.

WHY EVERYONE WILL LOVE IT: When you’re not actually underwater experiencing the beauty of the Coral Triangle, you’ll be on board talking about it. Kick back and relax with a cold drink in the Indo Aggressor’s comfortable salon and dining area, or set up shop and peruse your photos from the day’s diving at one of the large tables before gearing up for a night dive.

indo aggressor liveaboard cabin

The Indo Aggressor's deluxe stateroom, its second-largest cabin option

Courtesy Aggressor

WHERE YOU’LL GO: Indonesia, with itineraries available in Komodo and the Forgotten Islands

PASSENGER/CREW RATIO: 16/18

LENGTH/BEAM: 124 feet/26 feet

WANNA GET AWAY? Indo Aggressor


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Palau Siren

This yacht made of ironwood looks right at home sailing off the coast of Palau, where you’ll delight in some of the world’s best diving and treat yourself to fine amenities on board.

Palau Siren scuba diving liveaboard

The Palau Siren, at sea

Courtesy Siren Fleet

WHY DIVERS WILL LOVE IT: You can prep in peace on the shaded dive deck that features individual set-up stations and enjoy your ride out to Palau’s fantastic dive sites on one of the Siren’s two hard-bottomed fiberglass boats.

WHY EVERYONE WILL LOVE IT: Enjoy beautiful views in the shade while you eat on the covered dining deck, or catch some rays on the cushioned loungers of the sundeck. And when you need some alone time, escape in your cabin with the personal entertainment system.

Palau Siren liveaboard amenities

The Palau Siren's indoor lounge has a plasma-screen TV, cocktail bar and personal storage drawers

Courtesy Siren Fleet

WHERE YOU’LL GO: Palau

PASSENGER/CREW RATIO: 16/12

LENGTH/BEAM: 131 feet/32 feet

WANNA GET AWAY? Palau Siren


Paul Gauguin

If you believe bigger is better — or maybe have non divers tagging along — you may be inclined to check out this mid-size luxury cruise ship that sails in the South Pacific.

paul gauguin cruises activities

The Paul Gauguin's watersports marina allows cruisers to take out standup paddleboards and more

Courtesy Paul Gauguin Cruises

WHY DIVERS WILL LOVE IT: OK, so this is no liveaboard in the traditional sense. But, with a six-person staff dedicated to diving and a beefy dive slate, any bubble blower will feel right at home on this luxury cruise ship. The staff also offers PADI dive certification and refresher courses. Note: diving is not included in the price of the cruise.

WHY EVERYONE WILL LOVE IT: The boat’s butler service, en-suite bars and rooms with ocean views will make you feel like you’re staying on a floating all-inclusive resort. Not to mention ample watersport activities and on-shore excursions.

paul gauguin cruises room

The B Veranda Stateroom — the Paul Gauguin's fifth-largest cabin available — includes butler service

Courtesy Paul Gauguin Cruises

WHERE YOU’LL GO: Itineraries offered in Bali, Fiji, the Cook and Society Islands, Tahiti and the Marquesas

PASSENGER/CREW RATIO: 332/217

LENGTH/BEAM: 504 feet/72 feet

WANNA GET AWAY? M/S Paul Gauguin


Pelagian

This motoryacht and its staff delivers it all: High-class service, unbelievable diving and all the modern amenities you could ask for.

pelagian wakatobi liveaboard

The Pelagian, at sea

Courtesy Wakatobi Dive Resort

WHY DIVERS WILL LOVE IT: Liveaboards inherently offer isolation to a certain extent, but the Pelagian takes it a step further. With exclusive access to remote Indonesian dive sites, you’ll explore pristine reefs that are absolutely buzzing with marine life.

WHY EVERYONE WILL LOVE IT: Each of the cabins offers an en-suite shower, and the master suite will impress for its size — it spans the full width of the yacht and accounts for the entire bow on the main deck. If you’re not in the master suite, you can relax or work in the roomy salon, camera workroom or media center.

pelagian liveaboard cabin

The Pelagian's master suite features a king-size bed, HD TV and Blu-ray player

Courtesy Wakatobi Dive Resort

WHERE YOU’LL GO: Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

PASSENGER/CREW RATIO: 10/12

LENGTH/BEAM: 115 feet/24 feet

WANNA GET AWAY? Pelagian


Scubaspa Ying

Designed for divers and they’re non-diving companions, Scubaspa's Ying — and its identical sister ship, the Yang — delivers for both. With an outdoor spa lounge, two bars, two sundecks, an outdoor HD movie screen and a spa boutique, the Scubaspa Ying and its staff will spoil you in and out of the water.

scubaspa liveaboard floating resort

Scubaspa's Floating Resort at sea

Courtesy Scubaspa

WHY DIVERS WILL LOVE IT: You’ll be hard pressed to find divers who don’t enjoy the world-famous sites in the Maldives. This is a PADI 5-Star Dive Resort with all of the guides and equipment to deliver the best diving. Note: 15-17 dives are included in the scuba package.

WHY EVERYONE WILL LOVE IT: Well, if you’re a fan of being pampered — the on-board spa offers everything from a manicure to a 90-minute bamboo stone massage — staying in spacious rooms and relaxing with the Maldives lining the horizon, you’ll enjoy this cruise.

scubaspa liveaboard floating resort

The on-board spa boutique of Scubaspa Ying

Courtesy Scubaspa

WHERE YOU’LL GO: The Maldives

PASSENGER/CREW RATIO: 40/35

LENGTH/BEAM: 164 feet/37 feet

WANNA GET AWAY? Scubaspa Ying


READ MORE: The Most Romantic Dive Destinations and Resorts