Tips for Surviving a Liveaboard

Going on a liveaboard is a great way to explore surrounding islands (for trekking) and diving underwater. However, it is definitely not suitable for people who are seasick! I have only been on one liveaboard for mainly diving sake and the least I could do to help you is to give you some tips for surviving a diving liveaboard!

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What to look out for in a liveaboard:

• Amenities - sun deck, towels, toiletries (if any), mobile network etc

• Cabin sizes and how comfortable are you with its size

Check if you would need to share the cabin room with strangers!

• Are there ensuite bathrooms? If not, how comfortable are you with sharing a toilet with several others (depending on how many people there are on the boat sharing the toilet)

• Number of people onboard the boat: that would determine how much space you have to rest and relax throughout the liveaboard

• Food spread (read reviews to know!)

• Size of boat: a decent one would be more than 10m, and luxurious one tend to be 30m or more

• Diving related: would there be a camera room for you to dry your gears? (especially important for underwater photographers!)

What to expect from a liveaboard:

• A rocking boat as a result of the currents (dependent on the sea states)

• The long periods of doing nothing (my favourite!)

• You'd be off the grid from time to time (would recommend that you keep your phones away to get a good respite)

• The beautiful, and hopefully uncrowded, islands you would be visiting

What to bring for a liveaboard (list isn't exhaustive!):

Apparels:

• Windbreaker

• Several swimsuits (especially if you are diving - it would be better to change into something dry right after a dive!)

• A scarf (which can be used as a blanket/jacket)

• A towel (possibly a light one) to dry yourself right after your dives

Footwear:

• Trekking shoes (if your liveaboard is going to bring you up hills/mountains)

• Slippers (you would need it most of the time on the liveaboard!!)

Electronics:

• Camera gear - chargers, extra batteries

• MOGICS (a super lightweight, and compact extension bar) - I personally own this and can never live without it anymore!

Others:

• Sea sickness medicine

• Reef safe sunblock (can be bought from Trove of Gaia!) - I personally own this and it is super easy to use and does not occupy much space in your bag!

• Sunglasses

• Several hair ties (you are bound to lose them while diving!!)

• A book!! (you would have many hours of doing nothing and you would find a book really useful!)

A liveaboard experience for divers, or non-divers, is an exceptional one. You can never go wrong with a liveaboard. Enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle of cities, and fully embrace what lies ahead of you :)

Read here to find out more about my diving liveaboard experience onboard Empress II to Komodo Island, Labuan Bajo in Indonesia!