The ultimate guide to scuba diving liveaboard: How to prepare

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about scuba diving liveaboard, from what to expect onboard to how to prepare for the ultimate underwater journey.

What is a scuba diving liveaboard?

A scuba diving, or liveaboard diving, involves staying aboard a specially equipped vessel for several days, giving divers the opportunity to explore remote dive sites that are often unreachable by day boats. These trips are a great way to maximise your diving experience, as you’ll have access to multiple dive spots and spend more time in the water.

Scuba diving liveaboards often take place in exotic locations like the Red Sea, Maldives, or Indonesia. They cater to divers of all levels, offering everything from shallow reef dives to challenging deep dives for more advanced explorers.

What to expect on a scuba diving liveaboard?

Multiple dives per day

Most liveaboard trips offer 3-4 dives per day, including night dives, providing ample opportunities to encounter a wide variety of marine life. Your days will be structured around scuba diving, with ample breaks in between for relaxation, meals, and briefings.

Check the typical schedule of Pelagic trail scuba diving liveaboard trip.

 

Saturday	Transfer to the boat, accommodation, briefing
Sunday	2-3 dives in Marsa Alam area
Monday	3-4 dives Daedalus (shark dives)
Tuesday	3-4 dives Daedalus (shark dives)
Wednesday	4 dives Sataya-Fury Shoal (dolphins, caves, coral gardens)
Thursday	4 dives Sataya-Fury Shoal (dolphins, caves, coral gardens)
Friday	2 dives Marsa Alam et Elfinstone (possible to add Dugong option)
Saturday	Check-out 08:00 and transfer to the airport , group bus reaches Hurghada around 13:00

Accommodation and amenities

You’ll be staying aboard the liveaboard, which offers shared or private cabins. These boats are well-equipped with dining areas, relaxation spaces, and equipment storage. Meals are usually served buffet-style and cater to dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options.

Diving gear and equipment

You are generally expected to bring your own diving equipment, though we do always offer rental gear for an extra fee. A typical diving kit includes a mask, snorkel, fins and boots, buoyancy control device (BCD), wetsuit, regulator, and dive computer. Tanks and weights are always provided on board of our boats. All tanks aboard JPMarine are DIN type.

Socializing and relaxing

In between dives, you’ll have time to socialize with fellow divers, relax, or even review underwater footage if you’ve brought a camera. The friendship that develops during these trips is often a highlight for many.

Scuba Diving Packing Checklist: What to Bring for a Successful Adventure

Dive Gear Essentials

• Mask, Snorkel, Fins, and Boots: Ensure these fit properly for comfort during your dives. For liveaboards, open-heeled fins with boots are mandatory for safety.
• Wetsuit: Choose a wetsuit based on the water temperature: 3mm for warm waters, 5-7mm for cooler environments.
• Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) and Regulator: Make sure your BCD and regulator are functioning well. Bring an adaptor for YOKE regulators as tanks onboard JPMarine are DIN.
• Dive Computer: As per CDWS and PADI standards, each diver is required to have a dive computer to track depth, bottom time, and no-decompression limits.
• Surface Marker Buoy (SMB): Mandatory for safety during open water dives.
• Torch for Night Dives: Required for night dives. Be sure to bring a backup torch as well.

Personal Items and Paperwork

• Scuba Certifications and Dive Insurance: Bring your certification cards (OW, AOWD, Nitrox) and ensure you have valid dive insurance that covers your destination and activities.
• Passport and Travel Documents: Ensure your passport is valid and carry any necessary visas. For example, in Egypt, you may need a $25 visa upon arrival.
• Cash: Bring cash in EUR or USD for tips, extras, and souvenirs.

Clothing and Accessories

• Rash Guard or Dive Skin: Wear this for sun protection and comfort under your wetsuit.
• Casual Clothing: Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing for when you’re not diving.
• Hats and Sunglasses: Essential for sun protection during surface intervals.
• Sandals or Water Shoes: Ideal for onboard use or during shore excursions.

Toiletries and Health Essentials

• Biodegradable Sunscreen: Protect both your skin and the reef with eco-friendly sunscreen.
• Personal Hygiene Items: Bring enough shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste, as these are not provided on board.
• Medication: Bring any specific medications you need, including remedies for seasickness (consult your doctor for advice).

Electronics and Gadgets

• Underwater Camera and Accessories: Capture your dive memories. Don’t forget chargers, extra batteries, and memory cards.
• Reusable Water Bottle or Thermos: Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste by bringing your own bottle.

Photos by Clement Cabantous

Tips for a successful scuba diving liveaboard trip

• Stay hydrated: Scuba diving can be physically demanding, so drinking plenty of water is key. Most dive safaris provide reusable cups or encourage bringing your own to help reduce waste.
• Get enough rest: Dive safaris can be intense, with multiple dives each day. Ensure you get plenty of rest between dives to avoid exhaustion.
• Respect local marine life: Always follow the instructions of your dive guide and be mindful not to touch or disturb marine life, especially in delicate environments like coral reefs.

By following this guide and packing the right essentials, you’ll be fully prepared to enjoy an unforgettable dive safari with Dive Safari Master.

Next steps for your scuba trip preparation:

Step-by-step all what you need to know before scuba trips starts.

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