Blackbeards Sea Explorer Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
If you are scuba diving on a budget and want to scuba dive the Caribbean on a low cost liveaboard, you can choose from one of the Caribbean liveaboards priced at under £200 ($272/€224) per day included in this article. Included is a handy table with most of the features for each budget liveaboard, followed by more detail about each dive boat.
The best way to dive the Caribbean is by a scuba diving liveaboard. You can check the latest and best deals on Caribbean liveaboards using the followingw window:
Budget Caribbean Diving Liveaboard notes:
1. The exchange rate used for GBP to USD 1.36 and GBP to Euro 1.12.
2. If you love one of these Budget Caribbean liveaboard dive boats, but the price is above your budget, please always check the most up to date cost of the trip by clicking on the "Enquire" link, as there may be special offers or a significant price change for a specific Caribbean liveaboard dive boats not yet reflected in the above table of cheap Caribbean liveaboards.
3. The 'Cost per day' column will make it easy to sort these low cost Caribbean liveaboard dive boats by cost, but these prices may vary when you visit to book. The prices listed are a cost guide and were correct at the time of compiling this table.
4. Under review rating '0.0' means no rating received at the time of compiling the table.
5. To scroll on desktop select table and use arrow keys. On touch screen including mobile devices scroll the table using the screen.
6. Min dive certification: OW = Open Water Diver. AOW = Advanced Open Water Diver.
7. When the minimum logged dives has "enquire" this usually means the number of minimum dives varies by trip.
8. Blackbeards Morning Star and Blackbeards Sea Explorer have bunk cabins.
Low cost budget Caribbean liveaboards
There are eight budget Caribbean liveaboards to choose from. The above table lists ten Caribbean liveaboards, but that’s because the Caribbean Explorer II Liveaboard (Saba St. Kitts & St. Maarten) and the Turks & Caicos Aggressor II Liveaboard (Turks and Caicos & Dominican Republic) dive two of the Caribbean Islands.
Blackbeards Sea Explorer Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
1. Blackbeards Sea Explorer Liveaboard
Budget friendly Blackbeard’s Sea Explorer sailing liveaboard (sister liveaboard to Blackbeard’s Morning Star) offers year-round dive trips to the crystal clear waters of the Bahamas. The cost of diving on Blackbeard’s Sea Explorer is kept on a budget as it has three dormitory style cabins. A maximum of 18 guests share these three cabins in bunks and share three bathrooms (heads). The bunks are similar to sleeping on a sleeper cabin on a train.
Blackbeards Sea Explorer Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
Key features of budget friendly Blackbeard’s Sea Explorer
Budget price includes all alcoholic beverages, drinking water, soft drinks, tea & coffee, wine with dinner, full-board meal plan, snacks, diving package, fishing and land excursions.
Food served onboard includes western style and local food, with vegan and vegetarian options or other requests for religious beliefs.
Trips of 7 days/6 nights offer up to 19 dives in total.
Likely dive sites include Lost Blue Hole, Periwinkle Reef, Amberjack Reef, Austin Smith Wreck, Cathedral, Jeep Reef, Pillar Wall, The Washing Machine, Whale Tail Wall.
Marine life could include stingrays, Jacks, lobster, jawfish, angelfish, groupers, blennies, moray eels, reef sharks, turtles and eagle rays.
Blackbeards Sea Explorer Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
Blackbeard’s Sea Explorer review:
“Impossible to get more on a trip! The crew on Blackbeards Sea Explorer were phenomenal! Brian did great briefings. Iain took us to amazing spots with our safety always in mind. Justing gave us the VIP treatment with great stories, Elayna was a joy to be around, and Chris was a blast and worked hard to keep everything running. Also, Gladys cooked amazing food and was a ton of fun to be around! Only thing I could recommend in the future would be a Margarita machine but that’s it. Can’t wait to come back!” Recommended for: More sharks than I could count, amazing food (Thanks Gladys!) and staff I would be happy to work with!
Max E Blackbeard’s Sea Explorer review from United States
Blackbeards Morning Star Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
2. Blackbeards Morning Star Liveaboard
Budget friendly Blackbeard’s Morning Star sailing liveaboard (sister liveaboard to Blackbeard’s Sea Explorer) offers year-round dive trips to the crystal clear waters of the Bahamas. The cost of diving on Blackbeard’s Morning Star is kept on a budget as it has three dormitory style cabins (both double and single berths. A maximum of 18 guests share these three cabins in bunks and share three bathrooms (heads). The bunks are similar to sleeping on a sleeper cabin on a train.
Blackbeards Morning Star Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
Key features of budget friendly Blackbeard’s Morning Star
Budget price includes all alcoholic beverages, drinking water, soft drinks, tea & coffee, wine with dinner, full-board meal plan, snacks, diving package, fishing and land excursions.
Food served onboard includes western style and local food, with vegan and vegetarian options or other requests for religious beliefs.
Trips of 7 days/6 nights offer up to 19 dives in total.
Likely dive sites include Lost Blue Hole, Periwinkle Reef, Amberjack Reef, Austin Smith Wreck, Cathedral, Jeep Reef, Pillar Wall, The Washing Machine, Whale Tail Wall.
Marine life could include stingrays, Jacks, lobster, jawfish, angelfish, groupers, blennies, moray eels, reef sharks, turtles and eagle rays.
Blackbeards Morning Star Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
Blackbeard’s Morning Star review:
“It is my first time live-aboard diving trip, and I enjoyed it very much! There were so many different types of dives to experience; shallow, deep, walls, drift, holes, wreck, and of course the shark feeding dive. And the best part is to have warm nice DELICIOUS meals after diving.” Recommended for: food, people, diving.
Blackbeard’s Morning Star review customer from United States
Caribbean Explorer II Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
3. Caribbean Explorer II Liveaboard
Budget friendly liveaboard Caribbean Explorer II is a 35m luxury liveaboard. Offering year-round diving cruises to the best dive sites of Saba/St. Kitts and St. Maarten. Up to 18 guests can stay on the Caribbean Explorer II liveaboard across 9 cabins, each with air conditioning and private en-suite bathrooms.
Caribbean Explorer II Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
Key features of budget friendly Caribbean Explorer II Liveaboard
Budget price includes all alcoholic beverages, drinking water, soft drinks, tea & coffee, wine with dinner, full-board meal plan, snacks and diving package.
Food served onboard includes western style and local food, with vegan and vegetarian options or other requests for religious beliefs.
Trips of 8 days/7 nights offer up to 25 dives in total.
Nitrox onboard at an extra charge so you can extend dive times.
Likely dive sites include dives around Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts and Nevis.
Marine life could include nurse sharks, turtles, dolphins, black-tip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, eagle rays, barracuda, long snout seahorse, dolphin fish, frogfish, barracuda, lobsters, porcupine fish, drumfish and flying gurnards.
Caribbean Explorer II Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
Caribbean Explorer II Liveaboard review:
“A wonderful week of diving, with professional crew and delicious food. Each of the seven crew members gave 100% to making this a terrific week. While COVID restrictions necessitated some changes in the dive locations, Saba provided plenty of options, including some gorgeous pinnacles and two enjoyable night dives. Julian provided such wonderful meals and snacks (including freshly-baked bread)–I still don’t know how he produced such bountiful and delicious meals from a galley kitchen! Sarah, Kirsten, Demian and Tino were each enthusiastic and well-qualified dive guides.
Captain Bob did everything possible to get us to the calmest and clearest dive sites, and Craig, as engineer, kept everything running smoothly. The crew worked together like a well-oiled machine, making it easy for the guests to relax and enjoy the week. We guests got to know each other quickly and had fun fellowship together throughout the week. My husband and I would gladly return for another Explorer Ventures cruise.” Recommended for: Crew, food, and diving.
Caribbean Explorer II Liveaboard review by Sandi B from United States
4. MV Bahamas Aggressor Liveaboard
Bahamas Aggressor Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
Also known as the Carib Dancer, the budget friendly Bahamas Aggressor Liveaboard is a 30 metre (100 feet) dive boat. All five cabins include en-suite facilities, individual climate control, TV/DVD and a hair dryer. The deluxe guest cabins feature a double bed, a single bunk, and the Quad Stateroom has two sets of twin bunk-style beds.
Bahamas Aggressor Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
Key features of budget friendly Bahamas Aggressor Liveaboard
Budget price includes all alcoholic beverages, drinking water, soft drinks, tea & coffee, wine with dinner, full-board meal plan, snacks, diving package, cabin towels, complimentary toiletries and deck towels.
Food served onboard includes western style and local food, with requests for dietary requirements for religious beliefs.
Trips of 8 days/7 nights offer up to 27 dives in total.
Likely dive sites include Exuma Cays, Lost Blue Hole, Periwinkle Reef, Amberjack Reef, Austin Smith Wreck, Barracuda Shoals, Blacktip Wall, Cathedral, Cracked Coral Head, Jeep Reef, Pillar Wall, Cave Rock, Monolith, Cave Reef, Empress Pinnacles.
Marine life could include reef sharks, hammerheads, nurse sharks, eagle rays, stingrays, groupers, garden eels, yellowhead jawfish, lemon goby, pirate blennies, sergeant majors and angelfish.
The main deck has a Jacuzzi/hot tub for relaxing between dives.
Bahamas Aggressor Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
Bahamas Aggressor Liveaboard review:
“Everything about my trip was extraordinary, especially the crew, it was a great adventure! The highlights of my trip involved the incredible amount of caring, support and goodwill that the crew exhibited during the entire trip…this involved all aspects ranging from the diving, accommodations,and food. Every member of the crew was there for us in every way…I consider this trip as one of my greatest adventures“, Recommended for: The crew was amazing, entirely sincere, the diving was superb and the food fantastic !
Bahamas Aggressor Liveaboard review by Daniel F from United States
Bahamas Phoenix Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
5. Phoenix Liveaboard
The Phoenix is a catamaran diving liveaboard offering diving adventure in the Bahamas. Catering for up to eight guests across four cabins with double beds and private washrooms and showers.
Bahamas Phoenix Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
Key features of budget friendly Bahamas Phoenix Liveaboard
Budget price includes all drinking water, tea & coffee, full-board meal plan, snacks, diving package, extra dives, beach towels, cabin towels, complimentary toiletries and deck towels.
Food served onboard includes western style and local food, with vegetarian and vegan options and requests for dietary requirements for religious beliefs.
Trips of 7 days/6 nights offer up to 20 dives in total.
Likely dive sites include Dog rocks, Up Jump To Devil, Barracudas Shoals, Pillar Wall, Jewish Fish, Crab Wall, Madison Avenue, Lobster, Blacktip Wall, Washing Machine, Whale Shark Wall, Shark Arena, Heineken Wall, Ray of Hope, James Bond Wreck, Twin Sister, Sea Viking, David Tucker Wreck, Sea Trader Wreck and Port Nelson Wreck.
Marine life could include reef sharks, hammerheads, nurse sharks, eagle rays, stingrays, groupers, garden eels, yellowhead jawfish, lemon goby, pirate blennies, sergeant majors and angelfish.
Bahamas Phoenix Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
Bahamas Phoenix Liveaboard review:
“Unbelievable Experience, Small group on boat, Big Groupers below the boat. The Dive Masters were very good at what they had to do on the boat and in the water. Thank you to my new friends Ivo and Andrea. I had the Experience I will never forget. Well, I was the only one that showed up. First thing take off your shoes and hop on! Ivo set up my gear and showed me my room. Very nice room with side window and top hatch for a nice breeze. Hot shower.
The diving is what I came for and I had all the dives I wanted, at all the dive sites I wanted to dive. They were all amazing in there own way. The best was the Hammerhead at Pillar Wall with Ivo. And Shark Arena with Andrea. I have never been so close to big Reef Sharks. And I am so happy I have Pictures and video of my experience. I will see you next year Oleg. California Tom S.” Recommended for: Sharks on almost every dive. Nice breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner from Capitan Oleg.
Bahamas Phoenix Liveaboard review by Thomas S from United States
The Aqua Cat Catamaran diving liveaboard has 11 large cabins for up to 30 guests. Each cabin has individually controlled AC, private bathroom with shower and large beds for extra comfort. The Aqua Cat also has twin cabins which have fold-down bunks. These can accommodate an extra two guests, which is idela for a family or friends.
Key features of budget friendly Bahamas Aqua Cat Liveaboard
Budget price includes all alcoholic beverages, drinking water, soft drinks, tea & coffee, welcome cocktails, wine with dinner, full-board meal plan, snacks, diving package, extra dives, fishing, kayaks, land excursions, naturalist guide, stand up paddleboard, wakeboarding, beach towels, cabin towels, complimentary toiletries and deck towels.
Food served onboard includes western style and local food, with vegetarian and vegan options and requests for dietary requirements for religious beliefs.
Trips of 8 days/7 nights offer up to 26 dives in total.
Likely dive sites include Lost Blue Hole, Periwinkle Reef, Amberjack Reef, Austin Smith Wreck with Goliath Grouper, Cathedral, Jeep Reef, Pillar Wall, Washing Machine, Tail Wall, Hole in the Wall, Jakes Hole and Monolith.
Marine life could include tiger sharks, lemon sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, bull sharks, hammerheads, nurse shark, oceanic whitetips.
“Exactly how a diveboat should be. We were blessed with perfect conditions with a wonderful crew and really nice dive sites who says the Bahamas has been fished out ,Abaco is truly amazing. gotta love the sharks“. Recommended for: Great boat, great crew,great dives.
Bahamas Aqua Cat Liveaboard review by Albert L from America
The Cat Ppalu catamaran diving liveaboard is the perfect dive boat for groups, families and friends to explore and scuba dive the Bahamas. Designed for up to 12 guests across six cabins with aircon. There are two bathrooms on the boat that are shared by all guests.
Key features of budget friendly Bahamas Cat Ppalu Liveaboard
Budget price includes all alcoholic beverages, drinking water, soft drinks, tea & coffee, full-board meal plan, snacks, diving package, fishing, kayaks, land excursions, stand up paddleboard and cabin towels.
Food served onboard includes western style and local food, with vegetarian and vegan options and requests for dietary requirements for religious beliefs.
Trips of 7 days/6 nights offer up to 19 dives in total.
Likely dive sites include Exuma Cays, walls, Blue Holes, drift diving and up-close shark action.
Marine life could include tiger sharks, lemon sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, bull sharks, hammerheads, nurse shark, oceanic whitetips.
Turks & Caicos Aggressor II Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
8. Turks & Caicos Aggressor II Liveaboard
Turks & Caicos Aggressor II Liveaboard is in Turks & Caicos between April to December and the Dominican Republic January to March for swimming with humpback whales. Built for up to 18 divers across nine en-suite cabins with individually controlled aircon.
Turks & Caicos Aggressor II Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
Key features of budget friendly Turks and Caicos Aggressor II Liveaboard
Budget price includes all airport transfer, alcoholic beverages, drinking water, soft drinks, tea & coffee, wine with dinner, full-board meal plan, snacks, diving package, cabin towels, complimentary toiletries and deck towels.
Food served onboard includes western style and local food, with requests for dietary requirements for religious beliefs.
Trips of 8 days/7 nights offer up to 27 dives in total.
Likely dive sites include French Cay – Double D, French Cay – G-Spot, French Cay – Rock and Roll, French Cay – West Sand Spit, Northwest Point – Black Coral Forest, Northwest Point – Shark Hotel, Northwest Point – The Crack, Northwest Point – The Dome, West Caicos – Driveway, West Caicos – Gullies, West Caicos – Rock Garden Interlude and West Caicos – The Anchor/Whiteface.
Marine life could include sheer walls with healthy corals, orange elephant ear sponges, grey reef sharks, angelfish, eagle rays, horse-eye Jacks, lobster, snapper, garden eels, nurse sharks, turtles, stingrays, triggerfish, barracuda, scorpionfish and lots of macro life.
Turks & Caicos Aggressor II Liveaboard – Image courtesy of Liveaboard.com
Turks & Caicos Aggressor II Liveaboard review:
“Best liveaboard experience so far. This is my 6th liveaboard trip and the best so far. Now I understand why aggressor liveaboard is so popular. I felt so pampered and spoiled on the trip. Food was amazing, crews are friendly and captain Amanda is so knowledgeable and sweet. She knows even the rare sealife by just description and tell stories about fish and sharks to make the dive more interesting and search fun. Now it would be hard for me to not book all the other aggressor trips.” Recommended for: Food, crew services, captain Amanda.
Turks & Caicos Aggressor II Liveaboard review by Solina M from Canada
Table of Caribbean liveaboards
This list of Caribbean liveaboards is in descending customer rating order, followed by Scuba Diving Luxury Rating (SDE Lux Rating, see below), so the liveaboards with the highest customer rating and the best SDE lux rating will be at the top of the list. If you want to change the list order, use the “Sort by” dropdown below.
The Scuba Diving Earth Luxury Rating (SDE Lux Rating) is explained on each liveaboard review when you click the “Discover Liveaboard” link, and is my own Liveaboard Luxury Rating I’ve assigned to all liveaboards. Choosing between liveaboards is helped by customer scores, and if you get stuck choosing between two or three liveaboards, where each one has a high customer score out of 10, you can use the SDE Luxury Rating to help narrow down your choice.
Think about it like using Booking.com when searching for the best hotel. Booking.com also use a customer score where each customer rates hotels out of 10. This is similar to the liveaboard customer rating, which is also rated out of 10. But let’s say you only like to stay in hotels rated 8 and above on Booking.com, but you also want the hotel to have WIFI or parking, or to have a swimming pool etc. The features each hotel has is usually secondary to the score out of 10.
I hope you enjoyed this article about budget Caribbean liveaboard diving
I’d love to hear from you. Tell us about your adventures of diving and snorkeling, in the comments below. Please also share your photos. Either from your underwater cameras or videos from your waterproof Gopro’s!
If this article hasn’t answered all of your questions. If you have more questions either about snorkeling or scuba diving (or specifically about budget Caribbean liveaboard diving), please comment below with your questions.
There will also be many more articles about scuba diving (and snorkeling) for you to read and learn about these fabulous sports.
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Article written by Russell Bowyer who has been a scuba diver since diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia in 1989. After his first dive he trained as a BSAC diver in the UK. He attained his Diver Leader certification with BSAC. He then went on to become a scuba diving instructor, teaching others how to dive and was voted as Diving Officer and Treasurer for the Saffron Walden BSAC club too. Russell has dived all over the world, including the UK, on liveaboards in the Red Sea, the Caribbean, South Africa and the USA. Russell is experienced in all dive types, including drift diving, deep dives that involved decompression stops and recreational dives too.
