Dive Liveaboards That Include Kayaks Onboard

This collection of dive liveaboards all have kayaks onboard, which means you can enjoy kayaking between dives to explore the area on the surface.

Make sure you choose the right liveaboard and itinerary to suite your dive qualifications and level of experience, and have fun choosing.

Also, if you have a big family, you might want to charter the whole boat, and if you do, I've include a table of Liveaboards with group booking discounts, so you could get a good deal for your whole family.

The benefit of booking the whole dive boat on a charter basis, is you can work with the captain and dive master to customise the route and dive sites to suit your family's level of experience and diver certification.

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Note: The above “Price Per Day” was correct at the time of producing this article, as was the exchange rate used to convert the GBP cost to US Dollars and Euros. For an up-to-date cost for your chosen liveaboard, please visit the booking page.

Liveaboard Discounted Deals

Once you've found your perfect dive liveaboard, you might want to use this table of discounted liveaboard deals and last minute deals to find a great deal.

Dive Liveaboards That Include Kayaks Onboard

A dive liveaboard is already one of the most exciting ways to explore the underwater world. But some liveaboards take it a step further by including kayaks onboard, giving you the chance to enjoy the surface just as much as what lies below.

Whether you’re paddling around calm lagoons, exploring mangrove channels, or enjoying a sunrise before your first dive of the day, kayaks add another dimension to your liveaboard adventure.

This collection of dive liveaboards combines the best of both worlds: world-class scuba diving and memorable kayaking experiences.

Why Choose a Liveaboard with Kayaks?

Kayaks give you freedom that you don’t always get with a dive schedule alone. Onboard kayaks mean you can:

  • Explore between dives – paddle out to nearby islands, reefs, or beaches while the boat is moored.
  • Enjoy family activities – kayaking is suitable for non-divers or younger family members who may not scuba dive.
  • See more wildlife – mangroves, coastal shallows, and remote beaches often have birds, turtles, and marine life you won’t spot while diving. It's a perfect way to sneak up on dolphins or other sea creatures you can spot from the surface.
  • Stay active – great for stretching your legs (and arms) in between dives, or after a meal.

It’s also a perfect way to combine relaxation and adventure if you’re travelling with non-divers, so they too can enjoy the experience.

Best Destinations for Diving and Kayaking

Liveaboards with kayaks are available in many of the world’s top scuba diving destinations. Here are some of the best places where kayaking adds extra magic to your trip:

  • The Maldives – Calm lagoons and idyllic sandbanks make kayaking a beautiful way to enjoy the turquoise waters between dives.
  • Indonesia – Raja Ampat and Komodo are not only incredible for diving, but they are also stunning above the surface. Paddle past jungle-clad islands, hidden bays, and untouched beaches.
  • The Red Sea (Egypt) – In addition to wrecks and reefs, you can kayak along the Red Sea's desert coastlines and enjoy peaceful moments away from the main deck.
  • The Philippines – Known for its island-hopping, many liveaboards carry kayaks so you can explore secluded coves and small fishing villages.
  • Thailand – The Similan and Surin Islands offer crystal-clear water, dramatic coastlines, and calm bays ideal for kayaking.
  • The Galápagos Islands – A bucket-list destination for divers, but also one of the most exciting places to kayak too. Paddle alongside sea lions, marine iguanas, and even penguins.
  • Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – Vast reef systems and remote coral cays are perfect for exploring by kayak when you’re not underwater.
  • The Bahamas – With its calm seas, white-sand beaches, and blue holes, it’s one of the most enjoyable places to split your time between diving and paddling.
  • Antartica - If you ever faced a dive trip to scuba dive Antartica to dive under the ice, you may also be able to kayak around the icebergs too and spot penguins and whales in the cold southern oceans.

What Else Is Included on a Kayak-Friendly Liveaboard?

Alongside kayaking, these liveaboards still provide all the essentials you expect on a diving trip:

  • Cabin accommodation – from comfortable doubles to spacious family cabins.
  • Meals and snacks – usually full board with international and local cuisine.
  • Drinks – soft drinks, tea, and coffee included (some boats also include alcohol).
  • Diving – 3–4 dives a day with tanks, weights, and professional dive guides.
  • Other activities – many boats also offer snorkelling, paddle boarding, island visits, water skiing or wakeboarding, or even onboard spas.

Who Are Liveaboards with Kayaks Best For?

  • Mixed couples, groups or families – where not everyone wants to scuba dive every day.
  • Active travellers – scuba divers who enjoy variety and want to balance their diving with other recreational activities like kayaking.
  • Underwater photographers – many kayakers spot wildlife or scenic shorelines worth capturing on camera between dives.
  • Couples – enjoy a quiet romantic paddle together at sunrise or sunset.

Tips for Booking a Dive Liveaboard with Kayaks

  • Check availability – not every liveaboard carries kayaks, so make sure they’re listed in the boat’s other recreational activity section first before you book.
  • Consider destination – calm waters like the Maldives are beginner-friendly, while places like Raja Ampat and Galápagos are perhaps for the more adventurous.
  • Ask about extra costs – some boats include kayaks free of charge, whilst others may rent them out at a small fee.
  • Plan non-diver activities – if you’re travelling with non-divers, kayaking can keep them just as entertained as those diving, or you can enjoying going kayaking together after you've dived.

Final Thoughts on Dive Liveaboards That Include Kayaks

A dive liveaboard with kayaks onboard gives you the best of both worlds: action-packed scuba diving below the surface, combined with peaceful exploration above it.

From the manta-filled waters of the Maldives to the wildlife-rich Galápagos, kayaking lets you see these destinations from a whole new perspective.

Whether you’re paddling out to a sandbank, gliding past limestone cliffs in Thailand, or exploring hidden bays in Indonesia, it’s a fantastic way to make your liveaboard holiday even more memorable.

So if you’re looking for a trip that combines the thrill of scuba diving with the freedom of kayaking too, explore this collection of liveaboards that include kayaks onboard, and get ready for an adventure both above and below the waves.