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You’re a new diver, can you go on a liveaboard?
In short – yes! Although when and where depends on a few variables. Globally, many liveaboards cater to newly certified divers. There are plenty of incredible diving sites in the ocean that divers don’t have a chance of reaching without a boat. Liveaboards are a great way to access these diving sites, gain experience, and further underwater experience within a short period of time. However, which liveaboard a newly certified diver can join depends on the vessel’s itinerary, average dive site depth, and diver’s experience. Here’s why these variables matter.
Three considerations for Open Water liveaboard divers
Liveaboard Location
Some of the best liveaboard itineraries are suited for newly certified divers, and some are not. Those that are based in more remote destinations which are further out to sea can be susceptible to strong currents. Strong currents mean incredible marine life but make it difficult (or inaccessible) for newer divers.
For instance, liveaboards based in warm water destinations such as the Caribbean have easier diving conditions. The water is typically clearer, depths are shallower and there’s limited current. Destinations such as the Galapagos Islands, further out in the open ocean, are subject to strong currents, colder water, and dives that are much more challenging. However, dives at these types of destinations are often incredibly rewarding with schooling sharks and manta rays.
As a newer diver, try your first liveaboard in an ‘easier’ destination. Get your feet wet, then move onto more challenging destinations.
Average Dive Site Depths
The beauty of a liveaboard vessel is that it can cruise away to outlying regions, often not docking for a week or more. These offshore dive sites are sometimes deeper than allowable limits for Open Water (or equivalent) certified divers and are therefore, not always suitable. Liveaboards can also have a set route and are limited to where the vessel can moor or anchor. This means that the vessel may not have an option to select a shallower site should a new diver want to participate. The best option for newer divers is to choose another liveaboard itinerary more suitable to their experience. We recommend contacting the liveaboard operator to discuss your preferred itinerary and see if the scheduled sites are a fit for you.
Diver Certifications and Experience
Caribbean liveaboard diving is the best option for newer certified divers with limited experience. Liveaboards here typically require only an Open Water diver (or equivalent) certification and a handful of dives.
If you plan to try liveaboard diving outside of the Caribbean, many operators will strongly advise for an Advanced Open Water diver certification (or equivalent) with 30 or more dives under your belt. This makes it more likely you’ll be able to participate in every dive and not have to sit out.
If you are an Open Water Diver and still want to dive outside of the Caribbean, that’s okay too. It simply requires a bit more research and preparation. You’ll need to browse operators’ itineraries, to find one that’s right for your experience. Plus, you’ll need to browse the operators’ policies to determine the minimum level of training. The more dives you can get in as an open water diver, the better.
Not all liveaboard vessels offer this option, but a third consideration is to take your Advanced Diver Certification (or equivalent) when you first arrive onboard. This certification includes training for deep dives, night dives, plus navigation skills. You’ll be able to finish this certification in your first two days, not miss any dives, and spend the remaining days alongside your friends on those deeper sites.
Diver Tip: Prepare For Your First Liveaboard Holiday
On a 7-night, 8-day liveaboard holiday, you can expect to dive between 18-28 times. That’s 3-5 times a day, for five and a half days. This style of multi-day repeat diving is highly rewarding to maximize bottom time, but it can be challenging for even the most skilled divers. To ensure you are ready, able, and fit, the liveaboard operator will ask you for your certification, number of dives, and the date of your last dive. If you’d like to join a liveaboard, ensure you are in the best shape possible and you have completed some recent dives in the months before your trip. Shake out any cobwebs so you can arrive confident for the week of diving ahead. If necessary, do a refresher course with an instructor.
Lastly, buy dive accident and travel insurance, plus rent or buy a dive computer. Don’t skimp out. Cover all your bases so you can feel less stressed and enjoy your vacation that much more.
We hope to see you on board one day soon.
So where should I go? We recommend Turks & Caicos Explorer II for your first liveaboard holiday. The water is typically calm with great visibility. Divers can spot turtles, octopuses, and sharks on nearly every dive. Most underwater sites are also multilevel so each buddy pair can choose their maximum depth and comfort level. Plus, the crew has been awarded #1 in Scuba Diving Magazines Reader’s Choice Awards. You’ll feel right at home on board. Unpack your gear once, then dive, dive, dive!
