Are you looking for a truly unique and immersive dive experience where you can be one with the ocean? Try liveaboard diving!
A liveaboard diving offers a one-of-a-kind adventure, allowing you to explore some of the world’s most stunning diving destinations while living aboard a dive vessel. By staying on a liveaboard, you no longer need to make the back-and-forth trip to the shore and you can easily reach remote dive locations!
At Solitude World, we specialize in creating unforgettable liveaboard diving experiences. To help you get started, we have created this FAQ to help answer common questions, provide essential tips, and help you plan your liveaboard diving holiday!
Liveaboard Diving Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Liveaboard Diving?
A liveaboard diving is a type of scuba diving experience where divers spend several days and nights aboard a specialized boat to dive in various locations, often remote or less accessible sites.
The main difference between liveaboards and day trips is the time and accessibility. Day trips are often quick and you’ll have to return to the shore at the end of the day. On the other hand, liveaboards offer you the chance to go all-in. You can enjoy multiple dives, including night dives, and get direct access to more remote, less-crowded areas.
2. Why should I go on a liveaboard diving trip?
A liveaboard vacation is perfect for avid divers looking to explore remote, pristine dive sites beyond the reach of day trips. These secluded locations—offshore reefs, atolls, and uninhabited islands—are largely untouched, fostering thriving marine life and vibrant coral ecosystems that have remained undisturbed for years.
3. What Are the Best Liveaboard Diving Destinations?
The best liveaboard diving destinations are scattered around the world, each having its own unique environment and marine life. Here are the top 5 liveaboard diving destinations you should check out:
- Indonesia: This country has one of the highest marine biodiversity as a part of the Coral Triangle, where you can visit various world-class dive sites like Raja Ampat, Komodo Island, Lembeh Strait, and Bali.
- The Philippines: This country is also celebrated for its marine biodiversity. It’s home to over 500 coral species and 2,000 fish species. Some great destinations include Tubbataha Reefs Marine Park, Anilao, Dauin, and Malapascua.
- The Great Barrier Reef: As the world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) offers endless diving opportunities. With a liveaboard, you get to explore remote sections of the reefs, discover pristine coral formations, and swim with various sea creatures.
- Maldives: This tropical paradise is a famous destination for liveaboards. Top dive sites to check out include North and South Ari Atoll, North and South Male Atoll, Baa Atoll, and Vaavu Atoll.
- Palau: Palau is especially popular for its abundance of WWII wrecks and Jellyfish Lake, where divers can swim in a lake filled with stingless jellyfish. Other popular destinations include the German Channel and Blue Corner.
4. How Long is the Average Liveaboard Trip?
The average liveaboard trip typically lasts 4-7 days, though the duration can vary depending on the destination and itinerary. At Solitude World, our shortest liveaboard trips last for 7 days, while our longest expeditions can extend to 11 to 12 days, providing ample opportunities to explore the best dive sites in the destination.
Our liveaboard offers multiple dives per day in several locations, with time allocated for meals, relaxation, and briefing. For certain destinations, we also include a brief land tour, adding a unique cultural or natural exploration element to your adventure.
4. How Should I Prepare for Seasickness?
While liveaboards are designed with stability and comfort in mind, ocean conditions can vary and some regions are known to have strong currents and swells.
For preparations, bring enough medication for seasickness, acupressure bands, or natural remedies like ginger. It’s also helpful to stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals before sailing, and spend time on deck focusing on the horizon if you’re feeling unwell.
5. Will I Have Phone Reception and Wi-Fi on Board?
Phone receptions on liveaboards generally depend on the location, because most remote diving destinations have little to no signal. However, many liveaboards offer Wi-Fi via satellite.
Solitude World’s liveaboards are equipped with Starlink internet, providing reliable connectivity even in remote areas. We offer satellite data packages priced at $15 for 2GB, $30 for 10GB, and $45 for 20GB, allowing you to stay connected during your trip. For more information, feel free to contact us directly through our Contact Us page.
6. What if I Have Special Dietary Requests?
Most liveaboards can accommodate special dietary requests, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergies, as long as you inform them in advance.
Solitude World is happy to accommodate various special dietary requests with advance notice. Our chefs cater to various dietary needs, ensuring guests can enjoy delicious and suitable meals. To help our crew prepare, be sure to inform us of your dietary needs when booking.
7. Can We Put Our Valuables in a Safety Deposit Box?
Most liveaboards, including Solitude World’s, provide safety deposit boxes or other secure storage options to store valuables such as passports, cash, and electronics. For added peace of mind, consider bringing only essential items and keeping valuables to a minimum.
8. Can You Learn to Dive on a Liveaboard? Do You Need Certification?
Generally, most liveaboards require divers to hold at least an Open Water certification from a recognized agency, such as PADI, SSI, or CMAS, to make sure that participants are familiar with safe diving practices. This means you must be certified to go on a liveaboard scuba diving.
With this in mind, it’s important to master the basics of diving before going on your first liveaboard trip. Even as a beginner, a liveaboard can be an excellent opportunity to practice and enhance your diving skills in a supportive and immersive environment.
9. What If There Was an Accident During My Liveaboard Trip?
Our liveaboard operators prioritize safety and are well-prepared to handle emergencies. Our vessels are equipped with first aid kits and medical oxygen, and we also have protocols to contact emergency services or evacuation teams if needed.
However, it is also highly recommended that you have your own dive insurance, such as DAN (Divers Alert Network) or similar coverage, which can provide medical assistance, evacuation, or hyperbaric treatment in case of diving-related accidents.
10. Is Having a Dive Insurance Compulsory?
Having dive insurance is compulsory if you plan to book a liveaboard holiday with Solitude World. Your safety and comfort are our priority and we highly recommend you have the appropriate coverage before going scuba diving for extra protection against unforeseen incidents.
We recommend reputable providers like DAN WORLD and DIVE ASSURE for comprehensive coverage, allowing you to explore with peace of mind.
11. How Many Dives Can I Do Each Day?
The number of dives you can do on a liveaboard will depend on your energy, the destination, as well as length and depth of the dives. Most liveaboard boats, including Solitude World’s, typically offer 3-4 dives a day. This may include night dives or land exploration, which will depend on the itinerary, location, and weather conditions.
12. Can a Non-Diver Go on a Liveaboard?
Yes, non-divers can often go on liveaboards. Snorkelers or those who simply want to enjoy the boat experience are welcome on board. However, it’s worth noting that the activities will be limited to snorkeling or relaxing on board, as diving is the primary focus of most liveaboard trips.
13. Must I Share a Cabin if I’m Traveling Alone?
You may not necessarily have to share a cabin, as we provide single accommodations or private cabins for solo travelers in our vessels. To make sure, confirm with our team at the time of booking to secure your preferred cabin type.
14. What Must I Pack for a Liveaboard Trip?
To ensure you enjoy your scuba diving holiday, there are several things to bring on a liveaboard trip, including:
- Essential documents in a waterproof bag, including passport, visas, dive certification and insurance, logbook
- Basic dive gears, such as mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, and dive computer
- Extra dive equipment, such as dive torch, underwater camera, spare parts
- Light, breathable clothing for the day and warm clothing for evenings
- Swimwear
- Biodegradable toiletries
- Personal medications
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Dry bag for valuables
- Reusable water bottle
15. What Currency does Solitude World accept? Can I pay with a Credit Card?
We accept cash payments in IDR, USD, EUR, and SGD, as well as credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) and WISE payments. However, there will be a facility fee for card payments.
Remember to inform the staff at least one night before disembarkation about your preferred payment method. Credit cards are widely accepted in major areas in Palau, Indonesia, and the Philippines, but carrying sufficient local currency is recommended for your convenience.
16. How Much Should You Tip on a Dive Liveaboard?
Tipping is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for the crew’s hard work and expertise. As a rule of thumb, you’re recommended to tip around 5-10% of the total trip cost, which is typically distributed among the crew at the end of the trip.
17. Are There Any Facilities for Underwater Photographers?
We offer top-notch facilities and workshops for underwater photographers. Our liveaboard vessels – Solitude One, Adventurer, and Gaia – come with dedicated camera rooms, large rinse tanks, air guns for drying equipment, and even editing stations. With these amenities, you can safely store and maintain your gear while capturing underwater images. Additionally, we also offer expert-led workshops in our resorts, Solitude Acacia and Lembeh.
18. What Kinds of Vessels are in Solitude World’s Fleet?
Solitude World offers three liveaboard vessels that can take you on scuba diving trips to some of the world’s best dive spots.
- Solitude One: This liveaboard will take you to explore Tubbataha Reef, a pristine, protected marine park in the Philippines. It offers modern facilities, including camera and rebreather support, cozy rooms, and locally sourced meals.
- Solitude Adventurer: A spacious catamaran that sails through Indonesia’s top dive spots, like Raja Ampat, Komodo, Alor, and the Banda Sea. It offers maximum comfort, with all of the cabins situated above deck and complete amenities like a massage chair.
- Solitude Gaia: A 40-meter vessel that will take you across the most pristine spots in Palau. It comes with cozy cabins and spacious common areas, offering a sense of home away from home.
19. Does Solitude World Promote Ethical Tourism and Sustainable Diving Practices?
At Solitude World, we are committed to implementing and promoting sustainable tourism and diving practices. Our dive guides are not only ready to assist you during a dive but also help you immerse yourself in the underwater landscape in respectful, environmentally friendly ways.
Our liveaboards and resorts are also designed with proper waste management systems to reduce environmental impact. We also support local communities by employing and training local staff, as well as participating in conservation and clean-up events.
20. How Can I Book a Liveaboard Diving Trip with Solitude World?
To book a liveaboard diving trip with Solitude World, head to the Booking page on our website, where you can find a selection of vessels and resorts. Pick the vessel that you want and the schedule that suits your availability.
We offer detailed information on availability, pricing, and special offers, ensuring a seamless booking process. Payment options include credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), WISE transfers, or cash in IDR, USD, EUR, or SGD.
21. What Can I Do if My Question isn’t Answered Here?
If your question isn’t answered here, you can contact us directly on our official website or customer service channels, such as KITT, our AI Assistant. You can also fill out the form on our Contact Us page, send us an email at emailus@solitude.world, or reach us through WhatsApp at +65 8243 4548.
Get the Best Liveaboard Experience with Solitude World!
Ready to try going aboard a liveaboard for your next diving trip? Solitude World’s Liveaboard and Resorts has you covered!
Our liveaboards offer access to premier diving destinations in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Palau—areas rich with incredible macro marine life. Onboard PADI-certified dive guides provide expert support in locating underwater creatures, all while ensuring your dives are both safe and memorable.
If you prefer land-based option, check out our Solitude Acacia and Solitude Lembeh Resorts, which are perfectly located in some of the globe’s most famous macro diving hotspots. These resorts provide countless chances to encounter rare and elusive marine creatures during your visit.
Ready to start your journey? Book your stay at Solitude Liveaboards and Resorts today!