Dive Liveaboards With Air Conditioned Saloon
Why choose a liveaboard with an air conditioned saloon?
After a long dive you want a cool calm space to rest and chat.
An air conditioned saloon gives you that comfort, as aircon keeps you cool. The room collness of an air conditioned sallon is also great for camera equipment too. A cool lounge also helps you sleep better later because your body has time to relax between dives.
What are the real benefits of an air conditioned sallon on a hot dive trip?
Heat can drain your energy fast.
A chilled saloon will help you recover quicker from your dives and help you feel less tired. This will help you to enjoy up to 3-4 dives a day,without feeling wiped out.
Humidity in an air conditioned space drops so towels and swimwear dry faster and your books and log sheets do not curl. Snacks and briefings feel pleasant rather than sticky. You get more time being social and less time hunting for shade.
Who will notice the biggest difference in an air conditioned saloon?
Anyone who runs hot will love it in an air conditioned space.
Photographers who need a cool dry space for camera checks will notice fewer fogged ports. Families and mixed groups will have a comfy place to hang out while others dive. Plus, if you are new to tropical heat, you will find the break in a cool room very welcome.
On top of that, the dive briefings in a cool space will be much nicer, assuming the dive guides do their breifings in the saloon.
Will you get ill from moving between hot decks and cool rooms?
Most divers are fine when they go from a hot deck to a cool air-conditioned space. Keep a light layer handy so you do not chill after a wet dive.
Remember to rehydrate after a dive, as you may feel less thirsty when it's cooler, but your body will still need to stay well hydrated ready for your next dive.
Does air conditioning help with scuba gear care?
A drier air-conditioned saloon means less damp in soft cases and camera bags. If your boat has a small camera table in the saloon the lower humidity helps with O ring checks and battery changes.
You still want to keep your wet kit outside but the cool air helps the whole boat feel fresher.
How do you stay eco aware while using the air conditioned space?
Make sure to close doors behind you and choose a room temperature that is comfortable not icy.
Final tip before you book your dive liveaboard
If air-conditioning is important to you, ask if the saloon is air conditioned all day and if it stays cool during meal times and briefings. You will also want to make sure the cabins are air conditioned too (see below), so you can sleep well at night.
