Dive Liveaboards That Include Diving: Everything You Need to Know

When you’re planning a scuba diving holiday, one of the most important questions is: what’s included in the price?

With a dive liveaboard that includes diving, the answer is simple; everything you need for an unforgettable underwater adventure.

These trips are designed so that your diving is already built into the cost.

That means:

• No hidden charges for each tank or dive;
• No worrying about extra boat trips, and;
• No surprises at checkout.

Whether you’re dreaming of the Maldives, Indonesia, the Red Sea, or somewhere else afield like Australia's Great Barrier Reef, a dive liveaboard is the easiest way to maximise your time underwater, and get in the maximum number of dives for the money you pay.

The dive sites are literally where you wake up each money, so you can almost roll out of bed and dive in.

What Does “Liveaboard That Includes Diving” Mean?

In short, it means that all your scuba dives are part of the package price. On most itineraries, this typically includes:

• 3–4 dives per day – often morning, afternoon, and night dives.
• Tanks and weights – standard equipment is included, though some specialty gear (like Nitrox or rental kit) may cost extra.
• Dive guides – professional dive leaders are always on hand to brief, guide, and keep you safe. Although a private dive guide will normally cost extra.
• Unlimited diving within the schedule – you can join every dive, or sit one out if you fancy more sunbathing time.  Unlimited meaning, unlimited to the number of dives that can be done in a day, which will be subject to weather, your certification and experience.

In many cases, the number of dives you can do on a liveaboard far exceeds what you’d manage on a resort-based holiday, which is why these trips are so popular with passionate divers.

Why Choose a Liveaboard Instead of a Dive Resort?

One of the most common questions is: Why should I book a dive liveaboard instead of staying in a resort?

Here are the key reasons:

1. More diving, and more diving – On a resort holiday, you’ll usually do one or two boat dives a day. On a liveaboard, 3–4 dives daily is the norm, including optional night dives. In most cases on a dive liveaboard, you have the option to dive before breakfast after waking at the dive site.
2. Access to remote dive sites – Liveaboards can reach reefs, wrecks, and atolls that are often too far from resorts for the day-boats to reach. Which can mean you’ll often dive pristine spots with few or no other boats around.
3. Uninterrupted adventure – You unpack once, setup your scuba gear and there's no waiting for transfers. Everything happens on board the boat, including diving, eating, drinking, sleeping and other naturalist trips, depending on the liveaboard trip and location you choose.
4. Community spirit – You’ll be diving and relaxing with a group of like-minded enthusiasts, creating a unique social atmosphere. You can share your experiences from the last dive, and from your past dives over a drink or two.
5. Better value – When you add up accommodation, meals, and the cost of multiple boat dives at a resort, liveaboards often work out cheaper for the amount of diving you do. Value for money per dive, a dive liveaboard often works out better value. With that said, you might want to find a discounted deal by searching the above table of discounted deals.

The Best Countries for Liveaboards That Include Diving

There’s a huge choice of destinations where you can book liveaboards with diving built in. Here are some of the most popular:

• The Maldives – Known for manta rays, whale sharks, and luxurious liveaboards. Diving is always included, with trips ranging from central atolls to remote, untouched regions.
• Indonesia – Raja Ampat, Komodo, and the Banda Sea are just some of the incredible regions where biodiversity is unmatched.
• The Red Sea (Egypt) – Affordable and easy to reach from Europe, with world-class wrecks like the SS Thistlegorm and reefs teeming with marine life.
• The Philippines – From Tubbataha Reef to Malapascua, Philippine liveaboards cover shark encounters, macro diving, and everything in between.
• The Galápagos Islands – Diving here is always included, with thrilling encounters with hammerhead sharks, sea lions, and marine iguanas.
• The Bahamas – Famous for shark diving, wrecks, and crystal-clear waters, with year-round liveaboard options.
• Thailand – Liveaboards to the Similan and Surin Islands are perfect for combining tropical diving with great value trips.
• Mexico – Think Socorro and Guadalupe, where manta rays, humpbacks, and great white sharks make diving unforgettable.

What Else is Included on a Dive Liveaboard?

Aside from diving, most packages also include:

• Cabins and accommodation – comfortable twin, double, or even luxury suites.
• Meals and snacks – usually full board with international menus.
• Soft drinks, tea, and coffee – sometimes alcoholic drinks too, depending on the boat.
• Dive facilities – camera rinse tanks, charging stations, and spacious kitting-up areas.

This all-in-one approach means you know exactly what you’re paying for before you set foot on the boat.

Who Are Liveaboards That Include Diving For?

These trips are perfect for:

• Certified divers who want to maximise their dive time.
• Clubs and groups – easy to book together, with guaranteed daily diving.
• Solo travellers – you’ll quickly make friends on board with other divers.
• Underwater photographers – liveaboards provide access to remote, photogenic dive sites with excellent facilities for cameras.

Tips for Booking the Right Trip

• Check the itinerary – Make sure the route matches your certification level and interests (wrecks, sharks, macro, etc.).
• Look at what’s included – Nitrox, gear rental, and alcoholic drinks may be extra.
• Plan early – The most popular boats and destinations fill up quickly, especially in peak season.
• Balance diving with rest – 3–4 dives per day is amazing, but don’t be afraid to skip a dive to recharge.

Final Thoughts

A dive liveaboard that includes diving is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the underwater world. With all your dives built into the price, you can enjoy multiple dives per day, access remote sites few others reach, and share the adventure with fellow divers.

Whether you’re exploring the manta cleaning stations of the Maldives, the reefs of the Red Sea, or the hammerhead schools of the Galápagos, booking a liveaboard with diving included gives you unbeatable value and unforgettable experiences.

If your goal is to dive as much as possible and make the most of your holiday, then a liveaboard is not just better than a resort — it’s the best way to experience scuba diving.