The Best Luxury Liveaboards for a High-End Experience

It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking to take to the ocean waters for the first time, or if you’re a seasoned diver who simply can’t get enough of what our amazing ocean waters have to offer, if you’re looking for a liveaboard, why not go for luxury?

There’s just something about capping off a diving trip with being on a luxury liveaboard vessel. Some of the best luxury liveaboards out there are more relaxing, comfortable, and luxurious than a 5-star hotel, and they’re a darned sight more exciting too. 

Some of the best high-end liveaboards offer you the comforts of modern living, and the luxuries of a premium hotel, on a boat designed to make your diving experience more memorable and enjoyable than ever. When we say luxury, we really mean it. Best of all is the fact that hiring the best luxury liveaboards for your next diving adventure is easier, and more affordable, than ever. 

To help give you the best possible diving experience, here’s a look at the best luxury liveaboards for a high-end experience, plus a few useful tips to help you out. 

Tips for Hiring the Best High-End Liveaboards

Liveaboards are not only designed to give you somewhere to sleep, relax, and dry off when you’re not exploring the local marine life, they’re designed to make you feel comfortable, and happy. The thing to remember however, is that not all liveaboards are created equal. 

Sure, there are plenty of affordable, budget liveaboards out there that do exactly what they’re designed to do. Today, though, we’re talking high-end luxury. We want you to find the most decadent, luxurious, and lavish liveaboard that your budget will allow for, which is why we’ve compiled this list. 

Here are several tips for hiring the best high-end liveaboards. 

Condition of the Boat 

Now, this should go without saying, but considering you’re looking for an upmarket boat to make you diving experience that little bit more exciting, make sure you look over the condition of the boat. 

Before booking a hotel, you’d go ahead and look at photos of the hotel on a website, or in a magazine, and maybe even watch a video tour of the rooms. Well, with a luxury liveaboard, the same principle applies.

If you’re paying a premium price you are going to want premium quality. Before booking your liveaboard, browse images of the boat, watch videos if you can, and if possible, see the vessel in person before booking. 

Now, of course liveaboards are subjected to more wear and tear because they’re constantly on the ocean waters and are subject to salt water and are exposed to the elements, so try not to worry too much about the odd patch of discoloration here and there. 

If however, you find that the boat looks dirty, neglected and rundown, that does not scream ‘Luxury’ despite what the ads and price tags may claim. 

A well-kept, bright, vibrant, and pristine boat, inside and out, is what you’re looking for here, so take a look and see how things are looking. 

Attitude of the Crew 

Let’s face it, if you’re chartering a liveaboard boat that is manned by a crew, the attitude of the ship’s crew is going to make one heck of a difference. 

As you’re looking for the best luxury liveaboards, you’re going to want to ensure that the crew live up to the expectations. With high-end vessels, no request is too much trouble for a professional crew. 

The second you step foot on deck you’re going to be treated like royalty, which is what helps make the experience what it is in the first place. You should be greeted with a friendly smile, given a warm welcome, have your bags, cases, and diving gear taken to your cabin/suite. 

Luxury liveaboard crew are incredibly friendly, helpful, and courteous. They will wait on you hand and foot, with no request being too much trouble. If you find that crew members just don’t seem to want to be there, or if they’re simply giving off bad vibes, it may be worth looking at another liveaboard company, or a different crew at least. 

Diving Locations 

Without question, the actual diving locations of any diving trip can make or break your entire diving experience. 

When searching for a luxury liveaboard, you should find that they offer diving in some of the best locations. Not only is it important to find the best country, you should also see where their dive sites are located. 

Consider what it is you’re hoping to see, I.E wrecks, coral reefs, marine life etc, and see whether the liveaboard you’ve got your eye on can offer it to you. If not, no matter how fancy the boat may be, if you aren’t getting what you want from your dive, you won’t get a luxury experience. 

Facilities 

Of course, on premium liveaboard you are going to want plenty of facilities. Some of the best high-end liveaboards have facilities that you’d struggle to find in a luxury hotel. 

You’ll want things like WIFI, Jacuzzis, TVs, air con, BBQs, bar areas, sundecks, warm showers, chillers, camera stations, observation decks, daily housekeeping, safes, rinse rooms, and so on. 

The best luxury liveaboards may also provide diving kit and equipment, or at the very least, diving kit and equipment rental. Some will even include Nitrox for licensed divers. 

The Food and Drink 

Finally, to really cap off a true luxury liveaboard experience, you’re going to want luxury food and drink. 

One of the best parts about taking a break from everyday life is indulging, and luxury liveaboards certainly allow you to do that. 

The best high-end liveaboards will offer a private chef who can create 5-star food and drink at the drop of a chef’s hat. Before booking, find out which dishes your chef can create, which cuisine is included, and what kind of ingredients will be used. 

Most luxury liveaboard chefs are adaptable and can personalize your meals for you, based upon your requests, likes, dislikes, and personal preferences. 

Premium quality meals, ingredients, and beverages should be included in your package, as that, after all, is one of the most important aspects of enjoying a break in the first place. 

The Best Luxury Liveaboards for a High-End Experience

 

Okay, so, now that you know what to look for when choosing a luxury liveaboard, the only thing left to do is decide upon a vessel. 

To help make your search that little bit easier, here are a few of the best high-end liveaboards available to book now. 

Over Reef, Maldives 

Up first, we’ve the perfect luxury yacht for those of you in small dive parties that really value your privacy. 

Over Reef is a luxurious Catamaran yacht located in The Maldives which is ideal for smaller parties. Offering private charters, Over Reef is one of the most luxurious liveaboards you could ever wish to experience. 

With 3 cabin suites which can accommodate up to 6 guests, you’ll find guests cabins, a master cabin, and a VIP cabin. All cabins are situated on the same floor as the saloon so guests can quickly retire to their quarters after a relaxing evening.

You’ll find an outdoor dining space on the top deck, coupled with sun loungers. There is even a large spacious diving platform on the aft deck where you can enter the water in style. 

Features: 

• Sun loungers 
• Outdoor dining 
• Free WIFI 
• Laundry 
• Housekeeping 
• TVs in cabins 
• Comfortable bedding 
• Seaview cabins 
• Sea fishing area 
• BBQ area 
• Suites with balcony 
• Bar 
• Paddleboard 
• Warm water showers 
• Aircon in cabins and saloon 
• Dive deck 
• Rinse hoses 
• DIN adaptors 
• Cocktails upon arrival 
• Local and western cuisine 
• Drinks packages 
• And much more… 

What we Liked:

• For a smaller vessel, this boat is packed full of amazing features that will provide entertainment for hours. 

• The outdoor dining experiences are exceptional 

What we Disliked:

• It’s to be expected because of the size of the boat, but we were a bit disappointed to learn that the VIP cabin shares a bathroom with a 3^rd cabin. 

Over Reef Liveaboard, Maldives – LiveAboard.com

Kimberley Quest II, Australia 

Second on our list of the best luxury liveaboards available for hire we have Kimberley Quest II. 

If you’ve always dreamed of exploring the stunning warm waters of Australia in truly luxurious settings, Kimberly Quest II is the perfect vessel for you. 

Considered a smaller liveaboard by some comparisons, this ship is still able to take up to 18 passengers on the dream diving vacation of a lifetime. 

Guests will gently cruise down secluded rivers and enjoy cascading waterfalls, lush green foliage, rugged cliff faces, and deserted tropical islands. The vessel carried 3 tenders, along with a fast boat to provide land excursions. 

Today we’re looking at luxury, and take it from us, you don’t get much more luxurious than Kimberly Quest II. Don’t believe us? What about if we told you the boat featured a helipad and an onboard rejuvenation spa? 

Cabins are cleaned each day and feature windows, air con, and mini fridges. There is also ample audio and visual entertainment, charging stations, and plenty more besides. 

Features: 

• Air con in cabins and saloon 
• Charging stations 
• On-board spa
• Helipad 
• 3 tenders plus 1 fast boat 
• Delicious 5-star food and drink
• Observation deck 
• Leisure deck 
• Sun deck 
• Bar area 
• Hot tub/jacuzzi 
• En-suite bathrooms 
• Warm water showers 
• 9 cabins 
• 12 bathrooms 
• 2020 renovation 
• Snacks served all day 
• And more… 

What we Liked:

• For the ultimate in relaxation and indulgence, the on-board spa is incredibly impressive and is the perfect way to unwind after a day in the water.

• Modern, luxurious, and contemporary design throughout. The renovation Kimberley Quest II underwent in 2020 was worth every penny. 

What we Disliked:

• As this is a luxury vessel it would have been nice to have seen WIFI included for free, rather than a paid extra. 

Kimberley Quest II Cruise Ship, Australia – LiveAboard.com

Tiburon Explorer, Galapagos 

If you’ve always had your eye on the luxurious waters of The Galapagos Islands, Tiburon Explorer could be the perfect vessel for you.

Often, when it comes to liveaboards and luxury, you’ll find that it’s hard to find two that go together. Usually, you’ll either find a diving boat kitted out with the latest diving gear and facilities, but lacking modern luxuries, or that it’s the other way around. Tiburon Explorer however, is most certainly the exception. 

Considered one of the best high-end liveaboards, this is a luxury diving boat designed by divers, for divers who wish to enjoy the finer things in life. 

Tiburon Explorer sleeps 16 guests, provides luxury cabins with gorgeous ocean views, a hot tub, and a vast dive deck. The dive deck is host to everything a keen diver could want, including dive bins, air, nitrox filling stations, and freshwater rinse tanks for your gear and equipment. 

With a dedicated crew, fluent in English and Spanish, no request will be too much trouble. 

Features: 

• Nitrox available 
• Spacious dive deck 
• Freshwater rinse tank 
• Individual dive bins 
• Rinse hoses 
• Free wine with dinner 
• Luxury local and western cuisine 
• Outdoor dining 
• En-suite bathrooms 
• Library 
• Air-conditioned cabins 
• Bar 
• BBQ area 
• Hot Tub/Jacuzzi 
• Outdoor showers 
• Daily housekeeping 
• TV in cabins 
• Free soft drinks 
• Snacks served all day 

What we Liked:

• As your liveaboard experience prominently features diving, it’s nice to see a luxury liveaboard packed full of diving features and facilities. 

• The ship’s décor and design just screams nautical luxury and is incredibly stylish. Guests will feel at home as soon as they board. 

What we Disliked: 

• Alcoholic drinks packages will need to be purchased as extras, though free wine is included with dinner, and you do get to enjoy welcome cocktails. 

Tiburon Explorer Liveaboard, Galapagos – LiveAboard.com

Elite, Galapagos 

Sticking with the Galapagos because it’s such a beautiful part of the world, we also have the aptly named Elite. 

Considered one of the best luxury liveaboards currently available, Elite was built in 2019 and is one of the most opulent vessels you’ll ever encounter. 

Elite is a gorgeous Catamaran featuring sun decks, a hot tub/jacuzzi, heaps of indoor and outdoor socialising space, and a whole lot more besides. With vibrant white décor and stunning wooden furnishings throughout, this is a really special boat. 

Each spacious suite on board provides ocean views, and throughout you’ll find plenty of social areas and outdoor balconies to give you that truly unmissable view. 

As for diving, guests can enjoy snorkelling equipment and gear rental. There are even kayaks on board to make your trip that little bit more fun and enjoyable. 

Features: 

• On board kayaks 
• Diving gear rental 
• Snorkelling rental 
• Hot tub/jacuzzi 
• Bar 
• BBQ area 
• Luxury cabins with sea views 
• En-suite bathrooms
• Leisure decks 
• Air conditioned saloon 
• Outdoor Al Fresco dining 
• Local and western cuisine 
• Dedicated English and Spanish-speaking crew 
• Sun deck 
• Warm water showers

What we Liked:

• As this vessel is not yet 5 years old, she is in immaculate condition and is furnished and decorated to the very highest of specs. 

• The cabins in particular, are hugely impressive. They have the look and feel of a 5-star hotel and offer fantastic sea views, many of which also feature balconies. 

What we Disliked:

• Although it does have basic diving facilities, this boat has been designed with snorkellers in mind, rather than seasoned divers. 

Elite Cruise Ship, Galapagos – LiveAboard.com

Coral Adventurer, Australia 

Finally, last but not least, we have Coral Adventurer. 

Coral Adventurer is another stunning vessel that is ideal for exploring Australia’s coastlines in hugely luxurious surroundings. 

Fully air conditioned, with climate controls in each cabin, you needn’t worry about the fierce Australian heat here. 

With accommodation for up to 120 passengers, you’ll find a selection of luxurious staterooms, coupled with 2 bridge deck balcony suites. Included in your package are land excursions, paddleboarding, complimentary toiletries, food and drink including a full-board meal plan, and much more besides. 

Coral Adventurer is considered one of the best high-end liveaboards currently available. She is spacious, she is contemporary, and she is one of the finest vessels you could ever wish for. Not only are there private cabins, saloons, and countless social areas, you’ll even find a gym on board so you can work up a sweat before dinner (or burn off the excesses of your indulgences). 

Features:

• Laundry service 
• On-board gym 
• En-suite bathrooms 
• Sea view cabins 
• Leisure decks 
• Kayaks 
• Bar 
• Snorkelling equipment 
• Library 
• Sundeck 
• BBQ area 
• Daily housekeeping 
• Air con throughout 
• Rooms with private balcony 
• Welcome cocktails 
• Free wine with your dinner 
• 5-star dining 
• Snacks available all day
• Free soft drinks 
• 2 tenders 
• 6 zodiacs
• Beach BBQ
• Gear rental 
• And more…

What we Liked:

• One of the best things about this boat is her sheer size. Even though the boat can carry upwards of 100 passengers at a time, it never feels cramped and there is heaps of room for everybody to enjoy. 

• For those of you who are interested, you can also enjoy scientific research exhibitions and engine room tours. There is even an on-board lecture lounge for if you’re feeling particularly academic.

What we Disliked: 

• Though not a deal breaker, it would have been nice to see a hot tub/jacuzzi on a ship of this size, with this kind of spec. 

Coral Adventurer Cruise Ship, Australia – LiveAboard.com

Final Thoughts 

And with that, our look at 5 of the best luxury liveaboards now draws to a close. 

We hope that you’ve found the info above useful and insightful, and that you are now feeling inspired to explore the ocean waters in style. 

Whether you’re looking for a dedicated diving vessel, or a boat designed more for rest and relaxation instead, the liveaboards we’ve just looked at come very highly recommended indeed, and we can understand exactly why that is.