just finished my 3rd liveaboard. red sea, st croix, socorro. i did them, for the most part, on my own. i took the patch for seasickness never had an issue. i must say they make me loopy. my biggest gripe is the lack of entertainment at night. after resort land based dives you can go watch a show or band at the bar. on liveaboards nothing. if you're not sociable as charlie brown would say you're doomed. i said to myself i would not go again unless i brought my wife, not a diver, but one out of the bahamas sounds interesting..
I have not had the chance to experience a live aboard, but plan on making my first experience with one in the Bahamas. Thanks for the excellent breakdown of what to expect and do as a first timer!
My liverboard is two weeks into a 3 month tour of s/e Asia ending up in Cambodia where I'm starting work as a dm so I'll have my life packed in my bags, I'm trying to slim it down but it's a lot.
I prefer them over land-based diving. We get away. Not a big fan of the resort diving of 2 dives in the morning and pool drinking the rest of the day away. Let's dive. I am used to tue rough life of bunks from California LABs. Done thailand, socorro, sea of cortez, Channel islands and California coast on a LAB. All good times.
Nice informative video. Sure would have preferred to see footage of trips that you had taken with the company. You look great behind the podium. seeing you diving would have been more effective. Look forward to the next video! Especially if you take my advice. lol
I was mining advice on liveaboard diving that has come from me doing it for over 20-odd years, and on many of those trips, I didn't have a camera, never mind anyone else. I take still photographs for the magazine when I am out on assignment now, alas I don't have a videographer accompanying me on my trips.
Thank you. Fantastic advice. I was on my way to diving as a career when I returned to London after completing my 2 month Divemaster. Could I do a live abroad if I have not dived in 10 years. Any advice?
What live aboard locations or itinerary would you recommend for Europe based, beginner divers? (It doesn't have to be in Europe, just something relatively close, like Egypt) Is 10-20 dives in relatively difficult conditions (cold water, low vis etc) going to be enough experience to enjoy a live aboard? Would you advise to get AOW first?
You will definitely benefit from getting your AOW first. Egypt is going to be the best short hall for Europeans, then the Maldives for a little longer. Although diving here can be challenging at times because of the current. The Caribbean is a pretty safe bet for beginners as well.
There might be AOWD mandatory for most liveaboards. So it is definitely worth doing that course beforehand. So you can extend your reach and confidence in diving. Plus take a closer look at that wrecks propeller at 30m depth. Also considering your buddy, being restricted by your (depth)limits.
