The Top 10 Best Liveaboard Destinations in The World

Liveaboards are a popular method of travel for divers around the world, allowing them to experience the best of the aquatic world by staying onboard a vessel for a set period of time. Usually, every liveaboard offers cabins, meals onboard, and opportunities to go on multiple dives a day, which is great if you’re looking to make the most of the best dive sites in remote destinations.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 destinations for the best liveaboards in the world that you can explore for your next holiday!

If you bring your family for diving vacation, you can find more option in 5 Dive Destinations With Family-Friendly Liveaboards

1. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef boasts the world’s largest coral reef system, encompassing over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. It is easily one of the most popular places for dive travels in the planet, including some of the most iconic, best dive sites like Cod Hole, Osprey Reef, and Ribbon Reefs. The region is also home to more than 9,000 known species, so liveaboards are the best way to experience and explore the stunning, underwater landscapes during your next trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

2. The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador are among the best liveaboard dive destinations in the world, where some of its iconic diving areas like Darwin and Wolf Island can only be accessed by a boat due to its extremely remote locations. However, not only you’ll get to see large pelagic like hammerhead sharks and whale sharks in an undisturbed environment, you’ll also get to see other unique creatures freely roaming around like Galapagos sharks, marine iguanas, and sea lions. 

3. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Raja Ampat Solitude Adventurer

Raja Ampat already has its reputation as one of the best dive destinations in the world, even dubbed as the world’s best dive paradise by those who have set foot in its beautiful waters. Its 4.6 million hectares of land and sea is home to some of the world’s largest variety of marine life, including vibrant coral reefs, various species of reef sharks, whale sharks, and many more. 

4. Maldives

Liveaboards in the Maldives are truly some of the best in the world, offering you an excellent opportunity to explore more of this tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean. Asides from the regular dives, the night dives from a liveaboard is definitely something you can look forward to, with the opportunity to explore nocturnal creatures like schools of nurse sharks and unique nudibranchs that only come out after the sun sets in the area. 

5. The Red Sea, Egypt

The Red Sea features a wide range of liveaboard options in the market, where divers can enjoy affordable, but luxury liveaboard experiences to experience the region’s clear and vibrant waters. There’s a lot to explore in one of the Middle East’s best diving areas, where you can encounter incredible shipwrecks, vibrant coral reefs, a variety of reef sharks, and exquisite creatures like dolphins and manatees.

6. Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Two Komodo Dragons

The Komodo National Park is another famous destination for liveaboard trips in Indonesia, thanks to its abundance of naturally pristine dive sites across its twenty-nine volcanic islands. The strong currents create nutrient-rich waters, allowing its vibrant reefs and various oceanic creatures—such as giant trevallies, anthias, hammerhead sharks, and manta rays—to fully thrive in the area’s pristine underwater environment. 

Besides being one of the best places in the world for diving, Komodo National Park is also the only place where you can witness the majestic, endangered Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. With wonders to explore on both land and sea, a Komodo liveaboard experience is sure to be unforgettable for a lifetime.

7. Cocos Island, Costa Rica

Cocos Island is a remote destination that is accessible only by liveaboard, and it is also a place for one of the best experiences for diving in the world. Dive safaris typically span 8 to 10 days, catering to advanced divers due to the area’s strong currents. However, it guarantees amazing encounters with Costa Rica’s rich marine life. The island’s charm lies in its year-round shark sightings, drawing divers eager to witness its abundant aquatic diversity.

8. Tubbataha Reef, Philippines

Gorgonian Sea Fan

Tubbataha Reef is one of the most popular dive destinations in the world, accessible only by liveaboard due to its remote location in the middle of the Sulu Sea. However, this seclusion ensures pristine waters and an undisturbed underwater ecosystem, providing a dive experience like no other. Besides its incredible biodiversity, the area is also renowned for wreck diving, with many liveaboard itineraries including sites like Delsan Wreck and Malaya Wreck for exploration. Whatever you seek in Tubbataha, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

9. Palau

A gathering of barracuda swimming in the azure waters.

Palau is an amazing destination for dive trips as it offers an extraordinary range of experiences, from exploring its vibrant marine life to exploring historic World War II wrecks. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, there are many beautiful dive sites in this destination that are only accessible by liveaboard, including Helen Reef and the submerged atoll of Ngeruangel. These untouched, pristine sites offer some of the most unique experience to explore the underwater world, where you can expect to encounter large pelagic fish and other species that are difficult to find in areas more frequented by travelers.

10. Banda Sea, Indonesia 

School of Hammerhead Sharks in Banda Sea

The Banda Sea is one of Indonesia’s very best scuba diving destinations for divers, where it is best explored by liveaboards due to its relatively remote location. It is famous for hammerhead sharks sightings across its dive sites, where reportedly 200 sharks can be seen in one dive. Generally, the waters in Banda Sea are quite warm with great visibility, making it excellent for divers of all levels. 

Embark on Your Best Liveaboard Adventure Today!

Solitude Gaia under a stunning pink sunset accessorised with a pontoon pool and waterslide.

If you’re looking for an experienced liveaboard operator for your next trip, then look no further! Solitude World Liveaboards and Resorts are ready to provide you world-class hospitality through our liveaboard diving vessels in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Palau, guaranteeing you the best experience for your scuba diving adventures. Our accommodations offer some of the best facilities available, including comfortable rooms, all-inclusive gourmet meals, comprehensive diving amenities, and expert PADI-certified guides for divers of all levels.

Book a liveaboard vacation with us today!