The Best Liveaboards for Family Friendly Adventures

One of the biggest misconceptions in the diving community with regards to liveaboards, is the fact that people often assume that liveaboards are super expensive. In truth, there are many family-friendly liveaboards out there which are extremely affordable and incredibly spacious. 

Liveaboards allow you to explore the seas and oceans and spend countless hours, even days, underwater while diving and exploring some of the world’s most stunning locations. The great thing about a liveaboard is the fact that you have everything you could ever want all within the confines of your boat. 

If you’re looking to head off with the family and enjoy a diving vacation together there are plenty of liveaboards for families for you to consider. These vessels can be as spacious or as cosy as you’d like, and with options to suit all budgets, it’s easy to see why so many keen divers are taking to the seas with their families.

With so many liveaboards to choose from however, it can be difficult to find the right vessel if you’re diving with your family. To make your search that bit easier, here are the best family-friendly liveaboards for family friendly adventures. 

What to Look for When Hiring Liveaboards for Families 

 

Liveaboards are basically floating hotels, and as a result they can vary hugely in terms of quality, size, facilities, layout, and general practicality. While the overall quality will depend on your budget, it does pay to do your research to ensure you find the right vessel for you and your loved ones. 

To make your search that little bit easier, here is an overview of what to look for when hiring liveaboards for families. 

Size 

First and foremost, one of the most important aspects of any family-friendly liveaboard is the size of the vessel. 

If you’re looking to take to the seas for a diving vacation or excursion, you’re going to want to ensure that there is plenty of space for everybody on board. 

Not only do you need to ensure that all of your family members have plenty of cabin space, you also need to ensure that there is plenty of space to store your clothes and your diving gear and equipment. 

Whether you’re a family of three, or a family of 12, make sure you find a liveaboard that has plenty of space to cater for everybody on board. 

Diving Destination 

Another thing to consider when hiring a liveaboard for families is your diving destination. 

Just be aware that some destinations are going to be more expensive than others, and harder to navigate than others, so these things will influence your choice of vessel. 

The best way to keep track of your expenses and to avoid overcomplicating things is to do your research beforehand and learn about your chosen destination. Popular remote diving sites such as USAT Liberty in Bali, are going to be more costly than some of the more common diving locations you’d find in the Red Sea. 

You should also be aware that the more popular your chosen diving spot is, the harder you’ll find it to book an excursion there, as they will be more likely to be fully booked. 

Facilities 

When choosing a liveaboard for family-friendly diving, another very important consideration is the facilities. 

Only you and your family know what kind of facilities you need so make sure you do your research well in advance to make sure the liveaboard you have your eye on does in fact have what you need. 

Do you for example, enjoy BBQs? If so, then look for a boat with a BBQ on board. If you feel the heat you’ll want air con on board, and especially in the cabins. Is an en-suite in each cabin a dealbreaker? If so, you know what to look for. 

Basically, make note of what you’d like your liveaboard to have, and make sure your vessel of choice has what you need. 

Price

Finally, leaving perhaps the most important consideration of all until last, we have price. 

When you’re looking for family-friendly liveaboards for your next diving adventure, the overall cost is of course going to be a huge influence. 

Look at some different liveaboard options for families to get a rough idea of the price, and see if that falls within your budget. Once you have a rough idea you can then begin narrowing down your search to find boats that have what you need, while also falling within your budget. 

As mentioned, liveaboards come in all shapes, sizes, and designs, and can vary hugely in terms of cost. You can hire luxurious vessels for a considerable amount of money, or go with more affordable options that still tick all the right boxes. 

The Best Affordable Liveaboards for Families 

Now that we’ve looked at a few tips to help you make the right choice when hiring a liveaboard for your family’s diving vacation we need to help you seal the deal and hire the right vessel. 

Liveaboards vary hugely in terms of price, and if you’re looking for a more affordable option, the following vessels should prove extremely appealing. 

These family-friendly liveaboards may not scream ‘luxury’ and ‘decadence’ but they have everything a family could want for a basic diving experience.

Belize Aggressor III, Belize 

Belize is one of the world’s most popular diving destinations and if this is a part of the world you’ve wished to explore for some time, Aggressor III is the perfect liveaboard for you and your loved ones. 

With all of your meals, beverages, and alcoholic beverages included, you needn’t worry about any of you family going hungry or thirsty. 

Belize Aggressor III features 9 spacious cabins, including a Master Stateroom with ocean views, and can easily accommodate up to 18 divers. Each cabin comes complete with its own private heads and shower, as well as climate control and TV/DVD entertainment facilities. 

For times when you aren’t diving you’ll find a full entertainment facility, a salon, a bar area, sun decks, and heaps more besides. 

As for the diving, well, you couldn’t really ask for more. Lucky passengers will enjoy night dives and up to 5 dives each day in some of the most majestic diving spots in all of Belize, including Painted Wall, Half Moon, the world-famous Blue Hole, and many more. 

Features: 

• 9 cabins
• Lower double bed and upper single bed in 7 cabins 
• Double single bunk beds in one cabin
• Master Stateroom with ocean views 
• Food, drink, and snacks served all day, and all included 
• En-suite bathrooms 
• Snorkelling kit and equipment 
• Charging stations 
• Heated water on board 
• Sun deck
• Aircon cabins with climate control 
• Camera room featuring charging point and cable 
• Video/audio entertainment in each cabin 
• Outdoor showers 
• Leisure deck 
• Hot tub/jacuzzi 

What we liked:

• The price of this family-friendly liveaboard is extremely affordable for what is included and is great value for money. 

• The fact that you get to enjoy a sun deck, outdoor showers, jacuzzi, and a hot tub for a budget price is extremely impressive in our eyes. 

What we disliked:

• When on vacation it’s nice to enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two, and while there is a limited amount, it would’ve been nice to perhaps see a little more choice. 

Belize Aggressor III, Belize – LiveAboard.com

Spoilsport, Australia 

Up next, we have the humorously titled Spoilsport.

This is one of the more affordable family-friendly liveaboards with nitrox available, and numerous awards and accolades to its name. 

Spoilsport was designed to explore the lesser-known dive spots of the Coral Sea and best of all is the fact that there are different cabin standards to cater for different budgets. 

The food is locally sourced and prepared by highly skilled and highly experienced chefs, using the finest local ingredients to whip up some truly magical dishes. If it has been your dream to dive on the Great Barrier Reef, you’re going to love Spoilsport. 

With plenty of diving gear available on the boat, as well as diving essentials like rinse hoses, DIN adaptors, and Nitrox, keen divers have everything they could ever want. 

You’ll also find 14 airconditioned cabins to sleep up to 18 guests, 2 inflatable tenders, a selection of fine wines, local food, buffet style food, snacks, and soft drinks, beer available, Minke whale trips, night dives, and so much more. 

Key features: 

• 14 airconditioned cabins 
• 14 bathrooms 
• Camera station 
• Diving kit 
• Large and spacious design 
• Sundeck 
• Seaview cabin options 
• Separate rinse for U/W camera
• Aircon saloon 
• Outdoor saloon 
• Observation deck 
• Sun decks 
• Plenty of seating 
• Warm water showers
• Dedicated, and highly experienced crew, both local and international 
• Leisure deck 
• BBQ area 

What we liked:

• We were really impressed by the fact that there are 4 different cabin standards to choose from. If you are on a budget you could stick with their budget cabins, or if you wanted to spend a bit more you could opt for their premium cabins. 

• With 14 cabins, this is one of the best family-friendly liveaboards for larger families, or large groups. 

What we disliked: 

• Even though they are budget cabins, we would have liked to have seen an En-suite bathroom in the budget cabins. 

Spoilsport Liveaboard, Australia – LiveAboard.com

Ilike, Indonesia 

Up next we’ve got something a little different. If you enjoy sailing, you’re going to love this phinisi sailing boat. 

Ilike, Indonesia is a phinisi boat. This basically means that it is a sailing ship with two masts. It is a much more old-fashioned design, but don’t let that fool you, because Ilike offers luxurious accommodation and diving trips around Indonesia all year long. 

There is a very large on-board dive deck, underwater camera facilities and setup options, 2 dive tenders, and for an additional fee the more experienced certified divers amongst you can enjoy Nitrox too. 

With 8 air-conditioned cabins sleeping 16 guests, this is still one of the best liveaboards for families who aren’t looking to spend a huge amount. Each cabin also features port holes, comfortable beds, and eye-catching décor. 

You’ll also find an indoor seating area, a large sundeck complete with hammocks and loungers, and your own onboard chef specializing in a combination of Indonesian cuisine and western. 

Features: 

• Nitrox available 
• 8 airconditioned cabins with private En-suite 
• Observation deck 
• Bar 
• Private chef 
• Local and international crew members 
• Outdoor showers 
• Outdoor dining options
• Leisure deck 
• Indoor saloon 
• Traditional phinisi design 
• Dive tenders 
• DIN adaptors 
• Dive gear rental options 
• Rinse hoses 
• Outdoor showers
• Fully shaded dive area 

What we liked:

• One of the things that impressed us the most was the dive locations you get to enjoy when you hire this gorgeous liveaboard. You get to explore diving spots such as The Forgotten Islands, East Flores, Komodo National Park, and heaps more besides. 

• The cuisine is also exceptional. Indonesian food is up there with the best in the world, and having your own experienced local chef available around the clock to whip up all manner of Indonesian specialties is fantastic. 

What we disliked: 

• Though nothing major, we would have liked to have seen perhaps a few more options in terms of on-board entertainment for times where you aren’t in the water exploring the ocean. 

Ilike, Indonesia – LiveAboard.com

Emperor Serenity, Maldives 

 

Finally, we understand that times are tough at the moment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a diving holiday with your family onboard family-friendly liveaboards. Here, we have one of the most affordable options you’ll ever encounter. 

Emperor Serenity may be affordable, but that doesn’t mean that she isn’t special. 

With free Nitrox for certified divers, a sleek and contemporary design, accommodation for up to 26 guests across 13 cabins, and an extensive entertainment system this is one of the best value for money liveaboard hires you could ever wish for. 

On the lower decks you’ll find 8 cabins with double beds, whereas the upper and main decks feature cabins with a king-size bed and single-bed, all with fantastic ocean views. 

As far as diving gear goes, you’ll find things like DIN adaptors, rebreather support, diving tenders, and free Nitrox like we mentioned earlier. There are also 4 professional dive guides who will help you to dive with some of the most rare and stunning marine life in the world, in crystal clear waters in gorgeous locations. 

For your downtime you’ll find an indoor air-conditioned saloon with large TV and entertainment system, indoor dining room, outdoor sundeck with loungers, and a dedicated crew to cater to your every need. 

Features: 

• 4 professional dive guides 
• Dedicated crew speaking different languages 
• Beach BBQ setups
• En-suite accommodation in each cabin 
• Complimentary wine with dinner 
• Full-board option available 
• Diving gear hire facilities 
• Luxury suites available
• Sleeps up to 26 guests 
• Local and western food options 
• Camera station 
• On-board library 
• Air-conditioned indoor saloon with TV and entertainment system
• Housekeeping 
• Paid WIFI option 
• Bar 
• Charging stations 

What we liked:

• Without question, the affordable price of this liveaboard makes it incredibly appealing to us, and many others. The boat is incredibly high spec, yet for the basic packages and cabins, this is not reflected in the price at all. If anything, we’d say it is vastly underpriced. 

• Another thing that we liked is the entertainment options. The diving spots are beautiful enough, and will keep you entertained for hours, but for when you’re relaxing on the boat there’s plenty to do. Whether you’re watching TV, sunbathing on deck, or reading in the library, there’s plenty to keep you and the family entertained. 

What we disliked: 

• Again, we can’t complain too much as it is so affordable, but we would’ve liked to see Emperor Serenity providing complimentary WIFI to her guests. 

Emperor Serenity, Maldives – LiveAboard.com

The 2 Best Luxury Family-Friendly Liveaboards Ideal for Diving

We’ve looked at the budget-friendly options, but what about those families looking to experience a little luxury and enjoy a more advanced diving experience instead?

If you don’t mind spending a little more, here are a couple of luxury family-friendly liveaboards for you to consider for your next family diving vacation. 

Calipso Dive, Galapagos 

For avid divers, the Galapagos is one of the most breathtaking diving locations on the entire planet, for this reason, Calipso Dive is one of the best luxury liveaboards for families that you could ever ask for. 

Calipso Dive features a completely kitted out, very spacious dive deck, complete with 4 heated showers, a bi-level camera rinse tank for smaller cameras and bigger rigs, camera charging stations, free Nitrox for certified divers, and heaps more besides. If you want a boat that caters specifically for divers, this is the vessel for you and your family. 

The vessel underwent a complete renovation in 2019 and has been brought kicking and screaming firmly into 2023 and beyond with a sleek and contemporary design. 

This 33 metre vessel comfortably sleeps 16 guests and 11 crew, with 8 cabins and 9 bathrooms, including 8 En-suites. Cabins feature panoramic views, hairdryers, aircon, En-suites, TV, library of movies to choose from, USB charging, a safety deposit box, and modern décor with cool laminate flooring. 

For socialising you’ll find BBQ facilities, free internet, an airconditioned indoor saloon and dining area, seating areas, a bar, hot tub, and much more besides. There is also plenty of snacks, western and local food, free soft drinks, welcome cocktails, beer, wine, and much more besides. 

Features: 

• BBQ area 
• Hot tub/jacuzzi 
• Free WIFI 
• Spacious cabins with aircon and En-suites 
• Local and international dedicated crew 
• Stunning dive locations 
• Bar 
• Separate underwater camera room
• Large kitted out dive deck 
• 4 outdoor heated showers 
• Library 
• Charging stations 
• Panoramic cabin views 
• Snacks served all day 
• Western and local food and drink 
• Sundeck 
• TV located in cabins 
• Custom built specifically for diving 

What we liked:

• What we really liked about this liveaboard was the fact that it was custom built specifically for diving. At first glance it may not look as sophisticated as some of the other boats available for hire, but it is the diving facilities that really sell this boat.

• The cabins are spacious, have aircon and En-suites, TVs, and panoramic ocean views. 

What we disliked: 

• Even though it is still a very spacious vessel, there are plenty of much larger liveaboards available that sleep more people for less. We understand however, that this boat was designed with diving in mind, so we can let that go. 

Calipso Dive Liveaboard, Galapagos – LiveAboard.com

Tiburon Explorer, Galapagos 

Sticking in the Galapagos, we finally have Tiburon Explorer. 

With dolphins, hammerhead sharks, and many other types of marine life all located in the waters of the Galapagos, it’s easy to understand why so many people looking for family-friendly liveaboards, choose to go with the Galapagos. 

Built specifically for divers, by divers, this is a vessel that has everything you need to make your Galapagos diving vacation unforgettable. 

With 9 staterooms sleeping 16 guests, each cabin is airconditioned and features queen or twin beds, En-suite private bathrooms, and heaps of storage. 

For socializing and relaxing you’ll find a hot tub/jacuzzi, airconditioned saloon, TV and lounge area, dining area, a top deck, sun deck, and more. 

It’s the expansive dive deck that steals the show however, and shows why this is a premium-priced liveaboard. Here you’ll find freshwater rinse tanks for gear and cameras, individual gear bins, Nitrox, Nitrox filling stations, tenders, sidemount diving, DIN adaptors, rinse hoses, and plenty more. 

Features: 

• Airconditioned cabins with private En-suites 
• Daily housekeeping 
• Western and local cuisine 
• Snacks served all day 
• BBQ area 
• Huge fully equipped dive deck 
• Leisure deck 
• Seaview cabins 
• Friendly and knowledge dedicated local and international crew fluent in Spanish and English 
• Indoor saloon 
• Hot tub/jacuzzi 
• Sun decks 
• Welcome cocktails 
• Free soft drinks 
• Paid internet 
• Diving kit rental 

What we liked:

• This is marketed as a boat designed by divers, for divers, and that is exactly what it is. If you take your diving seriously, this is one of the best liveaboards for families you could ever wish for. 

• The crew on this liveaboard are especially friendly and knowledgeable, and will go out of their way to take care of you and your family’s every need. 

What we disliked: 

• For the price, we feel the décor in some of the cabins is a bit plain and dated. It’s perfectly fine, but for a premium price we would have expected a little more. 

Tiburon Explorer Liveaboard, Galapagos – LiveAboard.com

Closing Thoughts 

So there you have it, just 6 of the many family-friendly liveaboards that would be perfect for your next diving vacation with the family. 

Finding the right liveaboard for you and your family is tough because different people will have different needs. Some of you will be happy with a vessel with basic diving facilities and a contemporary design inside whereas others will be looking for a boat with extensive diving equipment. 

We feel we’ve given you a bit of everything and have given you plenty of options, so take a look and see what you think.