Last Minute Liveaboard

[bennyscuba]

So the wife and I recently got some free time in February - both changing jobs - so wanted to get some diving in.

We've never done a liveaboard but figured this may be a good time to check it out. I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion for how to find some last minute deals on liveaboards. Here are requirements:

(1) We are pretty open to location. We live in California so imagine Hawaii or Caribbean would be easiest to get to (and find last minute plane flights).

(2) Prefer a place that is good for beginners (the wife is still a bit of a newbie).

(3) Probably a higher end boat would be good given that this is the first experience want it to be a positive one.

Any suggestions on boats or locations or sites to find deals is appreciated...

bg

 

[diversteve]

Since you're looking for Hawaii or the Caribbean go to both Explorer Ventures and the Aggressor Fleet websites and sign up for their e-mail newsletter. Dancer Fleet has merged with Aggressor recently but still have separate operations/websites. Those are the three main LOB operations in those areas.

Here's the current Explorer Ventures specials: Explorer Ventures: Adventures in Live-Aboard Diving
Dancer specials: http://www.dancerfleet.com/specials.shtml
Aggressor specials: Aggressor Fleet | Specials

I also get a liveaboard deals e-mail from one of the dive travel agencies, but every time I've checked the prices are exactly the same as what's on the LOB websites so I don't see the advantage in not booking direct.

Another one to check is the Aquacat. Cat PPalu is a less expensive option - they sometimes sell off extra spaces on their charters at the last minute. Also check Cuan Law in the BVI's.

Aggressor/Dancer are typically the higher end boats - and priced accordingly.

btw, the only liveaboard in Hawaii is the Kona Aggressor.

Some easy liveaboards to consider: any of the Bahamas boats, Utila, Turks/Caicos, Belize. You may find some of the other departure islands harder to get to the same day - at least they are for us. The BVI's are also shallower and calm so Cuan Law might be a good first option.

If there's any possibility of seasickness try one of the big Cats - Cuan Law or Aquacat - they're often more stable.

Another option from SoCal might be Rocio Del Mar but not to Socorros - it's rougher diving - which IIRC they are during the winter. Part of the year they're based in Puerto Penasco -you can fly here (PHX) and take the shuttle. ($100pp/rt)

It's addicting, it's usually our first choice when planning trips now. You can do a large number of dives w/o much work. I typically average 24-25 per week.

 

[Shasta_man]

Plenty of real nice boats in the ocean right in front of you.

Go to Fiji. They have three boats now, though Nai'a is best. Great place, great people with land experiences and great diving.

 

[Supercore]

I'd like to suggest the SailDives.com unique diving experience in the caribbean. From a liveaboard catamaran sailboat with 4 cabins (each sleep two) it's great for the diver that wants to dive multiple dives a day and also perfect for their partner who just might not want to dive, dive, dive (like i do). If they want to kayak, swim, snorkel, read, nap, drink, or go ashore and explore one of the caribbean islands you'll still be together before and after your dive. These all inclusive SailDive (TM) trips combine sailing and SCUBA diving and are available year round at a variety of carribean locations.

 

[Doubler]

My suggestions:
1. I totally agree with Shastaman on the Nai'a suggestion, if you can get a booking. Be aware that it is mostly drift dives, for some reason a lot of newbies get freaked by this concept but it is the easiest diving to do. Fights LA to Fiji on Pacific Air

2. Kona Aggressor easy diving for newbies, got internet 99% of the time and the MANTA NIGHT Dive best night dive in the world IMHO. Direct flights to Kona on Alaska

3. Belize Aggressor or Sun Dancer. No current, 100+ visibility, great walls, Blue Hole. Easy beginner diving. I always leave on Friday and stay at the Ft. George Radisson. The Belize Aggressor and Sun Dancer tie up at the end of the Radisson Pier. I also book a room on the Friday night Return. Fights connect in Houston to Belize City.

4. Cayman Aggressor. Easy Diving. Bloody Bay Wall (my research says the crossing from Grand Cayman to Little Cayman is iffy this time of year) Book a room in the Sunset house coming and going) I always get there a day ahead, let's body chill and luggage catch up if need be.

 

[Quero]

I know you said Hawaii or Caribbean, but if you are not opposed to a longer flight, consider Thailand.

We have last-minute prices on a number of nice boats right now. All in all, the rates for our boats are lower than the average in Hawaii and Caribbean, so even if you pay more to get here, you still generally don't spend any more all together.

Plus it's Thailand!

 

[bennyscuba]

Thanks for the tips - i will check out those sites. Quero - we actually went to Thailand last x-mas for our honeymoon - diving was excellent off Phi Phi. Fiji is definitely on the hit list but my impression that the time of year to go was (northern) summer - is that true?

thanks,

bg

 

[BoltSnap]

I know you said Hawaii or Caribbean, but if you are not opposed to a longer flight, consider Thailand.

We have last-minute prices on a number of nice boats right now. All in all, the rates for our boats are lower than the average in Hawaii and Caribbean, so even if you pay more to get here, you still generally don't spend any more all together.

Plus it's Thailand!

Are there high end liveaboards (equivalent to Aggressor/Dancer fleets) with all comfort amenities including Nitrox where you are?

 

[Quero]

Are there high end liveaboards (equivalent to Aggressor/Dancer fleets) with all comfort amenities including Nitrox where you are?

There are lots of boats in all price ranges with Nitrox. We don't have much of a market for the really high end boats for join in trips, but there is one that I would class with Agressor and Dancer fleets. It's the Siren. We do have a market for private yacht charters, however, and there are a number of them with diving as a possibility. Those don't offer Nitrox, though. I've actually got a group coming in a couple of weeks that I'll be accompanying for a week-long private catamaran charter, with a dive compressor aboard.

 

[BoltSnap]

There are lots of boats in all price ranges with Nitrox. We don't have much of a market for the really high end boats for join in trips, but there is one that I would class with Agressor and Dancer fleets. It's the Siren. We do have a market for private yacht charters, however, and there are a number of them with diving as a possibility. Those don't offer Nitrox, though. I've actually got a group coming in a couple of weeks that I'll be accompanying for a week-long private catamaran charter, with a dive compressor aboard.

The Siren looks even above the Aggressor and Dancer fleet level based on the website.

What is your role in this matter? Are you a booking agent or a guide or what?