The SDE (Scuba Diving Earth) Liveaboard Rating is Scuba Diving Earth's proprietary scoring system designed to help divers compare liveaboard boats objectively.

Unlike star ratings based on customer reviews alone, the SDE Liveaboard Rating evaluates each liveaboard across six specific categories based on the actual features and amenities offered.

How the SDE Liveaboard Rating Works

Each liveaboard is scored across six categories. Each category has 10 possible points, with one point awarded for each feature present. Some related features are combined (e.g., "free internet" and "paid internet" together count as one point for having internet access).

Boat Features (out of 10): One point for each: air-conditioned or indoor saloon, audio and video entertainment, charging stations, dedicated crew (local or international), internet access (free or paid), leisure deck or sun deck, nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, observation deck, and Smart Voyager accreditation.

Cabin Features (out of 10): One point for each: air-conditioned cabins, balcony rooms, cabin towels, complimentary toiletries, daily housekeeping, en-suite bathrooms, hairdryer in cabin, safe box in cabin, seaview cabins, and TV in cabin.

Diving Features (out of 10): One point for each: custom-built for diving, dedicated dive deck, DIN adaptors, gear rental, nitrox availability (free or paid), outside showers, rinse hoses, shaded diving area, tenders for diving, and warm water showers.

Food Features (out of 10): One point for each: al fresco dining, beach BBQ, dietary requirements catered for, fine cuisine, full-board option, local food, snacks available all day, vegan options, vegetarian options, and western food.

Drinks Features (out of 10): One point for each: alcoholic beverages, bar on board, beer available, complimentary wine with dinner, drinking water, fine wines selection, soft drinks, tea and coffee, welcome cocktails, and wine available.

Non-Diver Companion Features (out of 10): One point for each: fishing, glass bottom boat, jacuzzi or hot tub, kayaks, library, naturalist guide, snorkel gear provided, snorkeler-friendly trips, stand-up paddle boards, and wellness facilities (yoga, sauna, spa, or massage).

Understanding the Overall SDE Liveaboard Rating Percentage

The six category scores are combined to create the Overall SDE Liveaboard Rating, displayed as a percentage. A liveaboard scoring 54 out of 60 total points would show an SDE Rating of 90%. This makes it easy to compare liveaboards at a glance – the higher the percentage, the more features and amenities the boat offers across all categories.

What the SDE Liveaboard Rating Scores Mean

• 8-10 out of 10 (Excellent) – Outstanding in this category with most or all features present - highlighted in green in the above table.
• 5-7 out of 10 (Good) – Solid offering with the essential features covered - highlighted in orange in the above table.
• 1-4 out of 10 (Basic) – Limited features in this category, may suit budget-conscious divers - highlighted in red in the above table.

Why Scuba Diving Earth Created the SDE Liveaboard Rating

As an experienced diver myself, I found it difficult to compare liveaboards based on marketing descriptions alone.

The SDE Liveaboard Rating provides a transparent, feature-based comparison so you can find the liveaboard that matches your priorities – whether that's world-class diving facilities, luxury cabins, gourmet food, or activities for non-diving travel companions.

The SDE Liveaboard Rating complements customer reviews and star ratings from other platforms live Liveaboard.com, by providing an objective baseline.

A boat might have fewer features (lower SDE Liveaboard Rating) but still receive excellent customer reviews for value, crew friendliness, or dive site access – factors that our feature-based rating doesn't capture.