Liveaboard diving has become increasingly popular in recent years. Liveaboards, in fact, offer the opportunity to explore some of the most remote dive sites on the planet with stunning views of the underwater world.
And while many liveaboards provide a comfortable and convenient way to dive, there are a select few that take it to the next level by offering luxurious amenities and accommodations.
In this post, we’ll introduce you to 5 of the world’s most luxurious liveaboards that will make your diving adventure a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you are planning to go on your honeymoon or simply are in for a treat, you should really consider them if you want to take your luxury diving to the next level.
If you want to know more about liveaboard diving and etiquette on board, check out my ultimate guide on liveaboard diving as well as my guide on what NOT to do on a liveaboard.
The Arenui, Indonesia
Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, The Arenui is a luxurious and spacious liveaboard that offers guests a unique diving experience in Indonesia. The vessel features 8 comfortable cabins, each with its own theme, such as the Flores Suite and the Banda Suite.
The vessel also offers a spa, a lounge, and a spacious sundeck. The diving experience is equally luxurious, with a dive guide to guest ratio of 4:1 and world-class diving sites, including Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat.
The Arenui defines itself as a “boutique liveaboard”, and really goes to the next level when it comes to exploring remote areas in Indonesia. Besides diving, you will have the opportunity to do some kayaking, excursions to local villages, and trekking in some of the most stunning places of the Indonesian archipelago.
When it comes to diving, the Arenui is unbeatable. It offers routes throughout the year in destinations including Komodo, Alor, Maluku (Spice Island), Forgotten Islands, and Raja Ampat. The liveaboard offers fours dives per day, with the following schedule (8:00 AM, first dive, 11:30 AM, second dive, 3:00 PM, third dive, 6:30 PM, fourth dive), and plenty of treats in between (small breakfast before the first dive, big breakfast after the first dive, relax time and lunch and dinner of course.
If you are planning a liveaboard on The Arenui, you should really plan ahead of time and book well in advance. The Liveaboard has only 8 cabins and is currently almost fully booked until 2026.
Aqua Blu, Indonesia
Another luxurious liveaboard in Indonesia, Aqua Blu was once a British naval explorer before being transformed into a 15-suite yacht that exudes sophistication and elegance. This is one of the newest and most modern liveaboard yachts in Indonesia as it was converted to a liveaboard in 2006, entirely refurbished in 2019 and had its first Inaugural trip in November 2019.
If you are in for a modern luxury liveaboard, the Aqua Blu is definitely for you. The yacht boasts a length of 198 feet / 15 meters, goes at an average cruising speed of 10-12 knots and has integrated quantum zero speed stabilizers.
When it comes to luxury, the Aqua Blu is second to none in Indonesia. The vessel features a spa, a gym, a library, and a sky lounge. The diving experience is no less impressive, with guests having the opportunity to explore the remote and pristine diving sites of Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands.
In terms of itineraries, the Aqua Blu is operational throughout the year and offers routes from Bali to Komodo (may to September), Ambon and Spice Islands (October and November), Raja Ampat (January to December), and Limited Repositioning Cruises (4 per year, from February to December) within the Indonesian Archipelago.
Needless to say, the yacht can be fully chartered for large groups. And the Aqua Group offers early bird discounts of up to 20%.
Emperor Serenity, Maldives
Emperor Serenity is a modern and luxurious liveaboard that offers guests the chance to explore the stunning coral reefs and underwater landscapes of the Maldives in style. The vessel features 13 spacious cabins, a spa, a jacuzzi, and a spacious sun deck.
The Emperor Serenity is the perfect luxury liveaboard for solo travellers as it offers only a small surcharge for a twin cabin with single occupancy.
Diving is equally impressive, with guests able to explore some of the Maldives’ most renowned dive sites, including the Ari Atoll and North Male Atoll.
The Emperor Serenity is operational throughout the year and offers different itineraries within the Maldives depending on the season. All diving takes place from a 79 feet /24 meters tender, known as Dhoni (local Maldivian name for tender boats) which is fully equipped with a compressor, oxygen and safety equipment.
There are up to four dive guides accompanying guests while diving and there is also the possibility to take some PADI courses onboard (Discover Scuba Diving, Advanced Open Water Diver, Adventure Dives and PADI Specialties).
If you are a large group, the Emperor serenity offers quite some attractive discounts (1 free passenger for a booking of 7, 2 free passengers for a booking of 14 and 3 free passengers for a booking of 23).
This is one of the most popular liveaboards in the Maldives, I recommend to plan your trip on time and book well in advance.
Scubaspa Yang, Maldives
Scubaspa Yang is a unique liveaboard that combines diving and wellness in a luxurious and tranquil environment. When it comes to luxury liveaboards, the Scubaspa Yang is second to none worldwide.
This is why it is often chosen by honeymooners and couples that are looking for a romantic luxury liveaboard experience.
The vessel features 10 luxurious cabins, each with its own private balcony, a spa, a yoga deck, and a spacious sun deck. Diving is equally luxurious, with guests able to explore the stunning coral reefs of the Maldives while enjoying a range of wellness treatments.
For a full coverage of the Emperor Serenity, check out my post on the 15 best liveaboards in the Maldives.
Damai II, Indonesia
Damai II is a luxurious liveaboard that offers guests the chance to explore some of the most remote and stunning dive sites in Indonesia. The vessel features 7 spacious cabins, a spa, a lounge, and a spacious sun deck.
The diving experience is equally impressive, with guests able to explore sites such as Raja Ampat, Komodo National Park, Alor, Bali, Banda Sea, Forgotten Islands, Triton Bay, Kalimantan, and Gorontalo. Itineraries vary throughout the year depending on the weather conditions.
The Damai II might not be as Luxurious as the Arenui and the Aqua Blu, but in terms of itineraries in Indonesia it is unbeatable. Hiring a private dive guide is also possible on the Damai II, for an extra charge of USD 100 per day (you will need to pay for the travel costs to and from the boat as well).
In conclusion, these 5 luxurious liveaboards offer guests the chance to experience liveaboard diving in a whole new way. Whether you’re looking for opulent accommodations, exceptional diving experiences, or a combination of both, these liveaboards provide the ultimate diving adventure. So why not treat yourself to a truly unforgettable experience and book a luxurious liveaboard trip today?