Dive Liveaboards That Offer Free Nitrox Fills Onboard

Why choose a liveaboard with free nitrox?

Free nitrox onboard means longer no stop times and shorter surface fatigue without paying extra each day on top of the cost of the liveaboard.

You get more useful bottom time on the second and third dives when air limits would usually cut you short. It is a simple upgrade that makes a full dive schedule feel easier on the body, especially when you consider you maybe diving up to 3-4 times a day.

What is nitrox in simple terms?

Nitrox is air with extra oxygen and less nitrogen. Because you take in less nitrogen on each breath, your no stop decompression limits are often longer at the same depth compared with air.

It is still real diving and the briefings do not change much, but your computer will show you more time to enjoy the reef.

Who benefits the most from free nitrox onboard a liveaboard?

As you will be doing multiple dives each day, everyone who takes advantage of the free nitrox will notice the difference, especially on trips with three or four dives daily.

Photographers love it because they can stay with a 'subject' longer within no stop limits. Divers who sometimes feel wiped after day two or three often feel fresher when using nitrox. So when nitrox is free onboard, why not take advantage?

Is nitrox safer than air?

Nitrox is not a magic safety shield. It reduces nitrogen loading which can lower your decompression risk when used well, but it comes with an upper depth limit because more oxygen means a higher risk of oxygen toxicity at depth.

To stay safe, follow your computer, respect the maximum operating depth, and stick to the plan.

Do I need a special certification to dive with nitrox?

Yes. You will need an Enriched Air Nitrox card from a recognised agency.

The enriched nitrox course is quick and mostly theory. You learn how to analyse a cylinder, set your computer, and plan a safe maximum depth. If you do not have the card yet, check to see if your chosen liveaboard offers scuba diving courses, and in particular a nitrox course, board before you travel.

How does free nitrox change my dive day on a dive liveaboard?

When you dive with nitrox your first dive may feel the same, but the benefit grows as the days go on.

On dive two and three your no stop time at typical liveaboard depths is often longer, so you can move slower and enjoy the scenery and fish life, without the same clock watching when you dive on a pure air fill. Many divers also report feeling less tired between dives.

What should you ask before you book your dive liveaboard?

This collection of dive liveaboards all share the same feature, which is they all offer free nitrox onboard, but it would be worth checking if nitrox is truly free for every fill and for all certified divers on board, prior to paying your deposit.

Confirm the blend percentage the operator offers, usually 32 percent, and whether the crew provides an nitrox analyser or you bring one. You may prefer to bring your own in any event, as you know it works.

Check that there are enough nitrox cylinders for the full group, so nobody has to switch back to air mid trip.

How do I use nitrox safely on the liveaboard?

Analyse every cylinder and write the percentage and your name on the tag.

Set your computer to match that percentage before the dive. Watch your maximum operating depth and keep a small buffer. If a guide plans a deeper section, consider your options to either switch to an air fill, or limit your depth and hover at a safe depth above the group.

Does nitrox change my air use?

Nitrox does not reduce how fast you breathe. Your air use depends on your depth, workload, and breathing rate.

You still plan your turn pressure and ascent as normal, but be guided by the onboard dive master. The difference is that your computer usually shows more no stop time at the same depth.

Please check this article if you want to find some useful techniques to improve your air consumption when diving, be it with air or enriched nitrox.

Any kit or health tips to remember?

Carry spare O rings and keep your regulator serviced. Drink plenty of water because good hydration helps your body deal with repetitive diving.

Make sure to get enough sleep, use reef safe sunscreen, and pace yourself on day one. Nitrox helps, but smart habits make the biggest difference.

Final tip before you choose your dive liveaboard with free nitrox onboard

If you want more relaxed dives over a busy week of diving, pick a liveaboard that includes free nitrox for certified divers.

Get your nitrox card, confirm fills are included, and enjoy longer no stop times with the same friendly briefings. More time on the reef is what liveaboards are all about.