Liveaboard that allows small dog...?

[Hintermann]

I'm hoping that that the OP has never been on a liveaboard and has not spent just a few seconds considering what it means to live on a boat for a week with ~20 other folks.

Looks like it. On a liveaboard, everyone will start valuing their private space within 24 hours and regular liveaboarders are usually excellent in not getting in each others' way without making any effort. On a smallish boat little annoyances - if present - can get on one's nerves; like a damp patch on the corridor floor or a malfunctioning toilet doorknob. A dog running around the decks would be the last thing anyone would want for a week.

 

[JoeinLA]

Fair enough re: the opinions for no dogs on liveaboards - I totally appreciate your perspective.

That being said, I'm still wondering if there are any that permit them Though it seems unlikely (which is what I figured) given the opinions voiced in this thread and the absence of any recommendations/referrals.

 

[ASA400]

I truly love my dogs, to the point of liking them more than most people, but would never even consider bringing them on a dive trip.

So many things to wonder about, where would they do their business, the rooms are so small anyway, where would they sleep, getting in the way on the dive deck, where to feed them, barking at different people (my dogs don't love everyone), what to do in the event of an emergency, is there a life vest for the dog on board? God help anyone if they were to get bitten, even by accident, the dive boat would have to divert to the nearest hospital to check for rabies... It goes on and on.

 

[RJP]

Fair enough re: the opinions for no dogs on liveaboards - I totally appreciate your perspective.

That being said, I'm still wondering if there are any that permit them Though it seems unlikely (which is what I figured) given the opinions voiced in this thread and the absence of any recommendations/referrals.

Not a liveaboard, per se, but you could charter a bareboat power cat in the BVI's. Bring your dog and hook up with one of the many dive ops who provide valet tank/scuba service.

 

[t4e]

When I moved to Canada from UK I brought my cat, the plane ticket was the same price as it was for me.
Its way cheaper to hire a dog sitter.

 

[JoeinLA]

Not a liveaboard, per se, but you could charter a bareboat power cat in the BVI's. Bring your dog and hook up with one of the many dive ops who provide valet tank/scuba service.

Thanks for the tip - I was actually looking into a private charter this morning Sounds like the best alternative and not too much more expensive than a live aboard if you can a couple couples to go with you.

Thanks again!

 

[diversteve]

That was sort of my thought also - A big catamaran with a trampoline deck and your dog could do his business and if he missed a little it could be hosed off - if the captain didn't mind.

But you "own" the boat for the week and all have dinghy's - some even kayaks/jetski's. In the BVI's there's dozens of small islands where they tie up for the night. So you could probably "walk" the dog on a beach just about nightly.

Many of them are crewed by a private owner couple also. So might be more likely to be willing to watch the dog while you're diving. I believe some of them leave from St. Thomas also which is the U.S. So you know there won't be any quarantine issues for the dog. Also it's a fairly easy destination to reach.

If you did want to get the boat in the BVI's you'll have to contend with dog travel restrictions on the fast ferry over to Tortola - if they exist. I'm kind of thinking they don't - it's pretty casual there. It is a different country though - you do have to clear customs/immigration. Speaking for ourselves, coming back we cleared on St. John - the customs agent stayed in her office in town and never saw the boat/luggage. However our captain was a local operator who ran a shuttle service weekly so that may've been a factor.

Moorings is a popular option: Caribbean Yacht Charters & Sailing Vacations | The Moorings

The BVI's are also known for Rendezvous Diving. The shops meet you at locations with tanks/gear etc. and take you diving. So it's not necessary to charter a yacht with a compressor. But you'll probably get more dives in if you do.

Not that they don't exist but there's a lower percentage of sharks seen there in case the dog does go overboard accidentally...

It's very nice diving also. Often overlooked due to more popular options nearby. One thing we really liked is that sprinkled throughout the islands are yacht accessible restaurants - and bars...lots of bars. So for a change you don't have to eat on the boat. Most charters are non-diver based also so factor that into trying to fill the boat also - there's a lot of shore accessible things to do.

 

[JoeinLA]

awesome! very helpful - thanks!

 

[going2aussie]

Please let me know if there is one. I'd love to bring my Great Dane along. He's a limey. Does well at sea.