The Caribbean Sea stretches from the Bahamas in the northeast to southwestern Panama, with thousands of islands scattered in between.
It’s a paradise for scuba diving, with diverse marine life, marine parks, wrecks, shark diving, fantastic visibility, pelagics, and access to year-round to some of the best dive sites in the world.
Due to the geography of this region, it can be challenging to get all the islands and reefs discovered. So how do we dive thousands of islands? A diving liveaboard!
Caribbean liveaboard diving offers a next-level scuba diving experience as you get to explore even the most secluded dive sites, atolls, and barrier reefs, whilst enjoying yourself on a luxurious liveaboard trip.
We’ve come up with the 5 best liveaboards in the Caribbean, to make your life just a little bit easier.
Plan your dive trip on one of the world-renowned Aggressor Fleet boats around the gorgeous blue waters of Belize and enjoy one of the best diving destinations in the world.
Table of Contents
At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help you book your dream liveaboard. We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors, as well as liveaboard cruise directors to research all available options.
How We Pick
In order to create our best liveaboard lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the liveaboard landscape for a particular region of world, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
Unfortunately it’s not possible to go on every single liveaboard, but we go on the ones we can.
Next, we identify 3-5 liveaboards per region that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget options, luxury options, or a liveaboard that exclusively hits a certain dive site.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the liveaboards on our lists by researching information on liveaboard booking websites, review websites, and our social media communities of divers.
We also contact each liveaboard mentioned on our lists ensuring the information is accurate.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help you book your dream liveaboard. We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors, as well as liveaboard cruise directors to research all available options.
How We Pick
In order to create our best liveaboard lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the liveaboard landscape for a particular region of world, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
Unfortunately it’s not possible to go on every single liveaboard, but we go on the ones we can.
Next, we identify 3-5 liveaboards per region that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget options, luxury options, or a liveaboard that exclusively hits a certain dive site.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the liveaboards on our lists by researching information on liveaboard booking websites, review websites, and our social media communities of divers.
We also contact each liveaboard mentioned on our lists ensuring the information is accurate.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
Best Caribbean Liveaboard
Belize Aggressor III
Take a ride on one of the world-renowned Aggressor Fleet boats around the gorgeous blue waters of Belize.
- Photography facilities
- Great food
- Complimentary alcohol
- Snorkel gear not included
- Extra for wifi
- Extra for nitrox
The M/V Aggressor III is a 100 feet (33m) long luxury liveaboard which can accommodate 18 divers.
The huge salon is equipped with an entertainment system and air conditioning. The sundeck features chaise lounges and a hot tub, ideal for chilling under the stars. Nine spacious cabins are fully equipped with AC, ensuites and entertainment systems.
You will have a choice of two dining rooms, interior and al fresco, where you will enjoy your 3 freshly prepared meals. They are served buffet style and combine local specialties with western classics. Conveniently, all beer and wine with dinner is included in the price.
The dive deck is fully shaded and each diver is allocated space for their gear. For those with their own dive cameras, there is a high spec camera table and photo editing facilities. Nitrox is available for an extra fee, which might be useful as there are 5 available dives per day.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/Divers: 18 guests
- Number of Dives: Up to 27 dives per trip
- Number of cabins: 9 cabins
- Trip Length: 7 nights
- Wifi: Available for an additional fee
- Nitrox: Available for an additional fee
- Drinks: Complimentary beverages including beer and wine
- Port: Belize City
- Onshore Excursions: Island tours and beach visits available for an additional fee
- Route/Itinerary: Diving at Lighthouse Reef, Half Moon Cay, and the famous Blue Hole
- Camera Station: Yes, there is a camera station with charging points and storage space.
The AllStarLiveaboards Blackbeards duo of the Morning Star and Sea Explorer take the #1 spot on our list of Bahamas liveaboards list.
It’s an incredible value at $175/n USD, and will take you to some of the best reefs, atolls, and cays, the Bahamas has to offer including:
Reefs – Periwinkle, Amberjack, Jeep, Lighthouse reef
Wrecks – Austin Smith with sharks and a resident Goliath grouper
Wall diving – Pillar, Whale Tail, Hole in the Wall
Drift Diving – Washing Machine
Blue Holes – Lost Blue Hole, Jakes, Lost
Night Diving – Hammerhead Gulch, Ray’s Reef
The liveaboard also includes a shark feed, where the crew places a bucket of chum above the entire group of divers as they look up towards a feeding frenzy.
AllStarLiveaboards was kind enough to host us on Blackbeard’s liveaboard, so be sure to read our review.
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: Blackbeard’s cruises can accommodate up to 18 guests and offer space for 2-3 dives per day.
- Number of Dives: Blackbeard’s offers 19-22 dives on their week-long cruises, including night dives.
- Number of cabins: 9 cabins with bunk beds for guests.
- Trip Length: Blackbeard’s offers week-long (7-night) cruises in the Bahamas
- Wifi: Wifi is not available
- Nitrox: Nitrox is not available on board Blackbeard’s.
- Drinks: Alcoholic beverages are not included in the package price, but guests are allowed to bring their own.
- Port: Blackbeard’s cruises depart from either Freeport or Nassau in the Bahamas.
- Onshore Excursions: No
- Route/ Itinerary: Blackbeard’s cruises visit various dive sites in the Bahamas, including the Exuma Cays, Eleuthera, and the Andros Barrier Reef.
- Camera Station: Yes
Turks and Caicos Explorer
- Great value
- Lots of dives
- Amazing macro and visibility
- Less pelagic
- No wifi
- Extra for nitrox
She can accommodate up to 20 passengers in 10 luxury staterooms. Each room is fully equipped with ensuites, AC, and sea-view windows.
The salon and entertainment area offer air-conditioned places to chill. Meanwhile, the sundeck is ideal for sunbathing in between dives. A full bar is onboard, and drinks are complimentary.
Meals can be eaten in the dining room or the al-fresco dining area, where you can enjoy the ocean breeze. The food is freshly prepared and features both local and international cuisine. Different dietary options including vegan are available.
The dive deck is shaded, with individual gear bins and a fully equipped camera table.
Nitrox is also available for an extra fee. There are lots of thoughtful touches on the Turks & Caicos Explorer, such as the warm towels you are greeted with post-night dive.
Turks & Caicos feature flourishing coral reefs that are teeming with life. It’s not out of the ordinary to see grey reef sharks, nurse sharks, and possibly sighting tiger sharks if you are lucky. Some of the most famous sites you can dive into are Providenciales, Shark Hotel, Black Coral Forest, Double D, and G-Spot.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: 20 guests / divers
- Number of Dives: Up to 5 dives per day, including night dives
- Number of cabins: 10 cabins
- Trip Length: 7 nights
- Wifi: Available for an additional fee
- Nitrox: Available for an additional fee
- Drinks: Complimentary beer and wine with dinner; additional alcoholic beverages available for purchase
- Port: Caicos Marina and Shipyard, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
- Onshore Excursions: Island tours and beach excursions available for an additional fee
- Route/Itinerary: Southern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands, including sites like West Caicos, French Cay, and the Turks and Caicos Wall
- Camera Station: Yes, with rinse tanks and charging stations available.
Cayman Aggressor IV
- Hot tub
- Wreck dives
- Luxurious
- Extra for nitrox
- Extra for wifi
- Extra for drinks
Nine modern staterooms can accommodate up to eighteen guests. Each features a private ensuite, storage space, AC, entertainment system, and a Seaview window.
There is an air-conditioned salon with an entertainment system. The sundeck boasts loungers, ideal for sunbathing between dives, as well as a hot tub for relaxing under the stars.
There are both al-fresco and internal, restaurant-style dining areas where you can enjoy your freshly prepared meals. A full bar service is on offer, for an additional fee.
The spacious dive deck has individual gear bins, warm showers, rinse tanks, and a camera table. There is an additional dry camera room for photo editing. Dive tenders are on hand to get you safely to dive sites and nitrox is available for a small fee.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/Divers: 18 guests/ 2 dive masters
- Number of Dives: Up to 5 dives per day
- Number of cabins: 9 cabins
- Trip Length: 7 or 10-night trips
- Wifi: Available for an additional fee
- Nitrox: Available for an additional fee
- Drinks: Complimentary beer and wine with dinner; other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase
- Port: Departures from George Town, Grand Cayman
- Onshore Excursions: Not included in the trip, but can be arranged for an additional fee
- Route/ Itinerary: Dives around the Cayman Islands, including Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac
- Camera Station: Yes, there is a camera table and charging station onboard.
Caribbean Explorer II
The Caribbean Explorer is a gorgeous 35m liveaboard that ventures through the best dive sites of St.Kitts, St Maarten, and Saba.
- Great value
- Land excursions available
- Drinks included
- Snorkel gear not included
- Older style boat
- No wifi
It has space for 18 divers in nine staterooms, all fully equipped with AC and ensuites.
It has an air-conditioned salon on the upper deck that is semi enclosed and it has dining tables, a TV/DVD/ Multimedia station, video library, light table and lounge area. There is certainly opportunity to soak up the sun on the large sundeck with lounge chairs is aft of the main salon.
The dining area is alfresco, with stunning panoramic views. Meals are served fresh three times a day with plenty of snacks and a full, complimentary bar.
The dive deck is spacious, with individual gear storage and rinse hoses. The large camera table is ideal for maintaining all your diving gear, especially your camera. There is also a specific camera room for maintenance and photo editing. Nitrox is not included in the price and costs $150 a week/PP. All dives are made from a platform – rather than tenders.
The Caribbean Explorer II ventures to some off-the-beaten-path itineraries, creating a spirit of adventure. The waters bustle with marine life, from tiny macro critters to big nurse sharks and turtles amidst pristine coral reefs.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: 18 guests / 2 dive guides
- Number of Dives: Up to 5 dives per day
- Number of cabins: 9 cabins
- Trip Length: 8 days / 7 nights
- Wifi: Available for an additional fee
- Nitrox: Available for an additional fee
- Drinks: Complimentary beer and wine Port: Departs from St. Maarten
- Onshore Excursions: Available for an additional fee
- Route/ Itinerary: Itineraries vary, but can include St. Maarten, Saba, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Statia
- Camera Station: Yes, with charging stations and storage space
When To Dive In The Caribbean
The best time of year to head out for a Caribbean Liveaboard is from late November to May.
The majority of dive sites and countries (including Honduras, Cuba, Belize, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, and the British Virgin Islands) in the region have beautiful diving all year, but outside of these times, there’s a chance of hurricanes and fewer liveaboards operating. If you get seasick – avoid this time of year as it can get a little rough.
The average water temperature in the Caribbean Sea ranges from 78- 86F (26-30°C). It’s warmest from November to May and varies from island to island. During the colder months, you won’t need more than a 5mm exposure suit. In waters nearer 86F (30°C), you might be alright in just a swimsuit!
Visibility varies throughout the year and depends on the dive sites. Liveaboard diving allows you to visit the most remote dive sites and marine parks which tend to have the best visibility – sometimes exceeding 100ft (30m). Choppy conditions can reduce the visibility to around 50ft (15m).
Conditions can be challenging, especially at the dive sites accessible by liveaboard only. Whilst many liveaboards encourage beginner divers, it’s always worth checking the required skill level before you book.
Whilst you’re there, why not get a certification?
Learning how to use nitrox can be helpful for extending your bottom time at depth. It can be especially useful on liveaboards as there is evidence that it reduces tiredness over multiple dives.
Caribbean Diving Guide
The Caribbean is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world for scuba divers, and it’s easy to see why.
Besides all the wrecks, it has world class marine life that you can encounter is amazing. There are thousands of tropical fishes, large groupers, lobsters, and an abundance of untouched coral reefs.
You can encounter many endangered species such as Hawksbill sea turtles and Leatherback sea turtles.
There are many types of rays including southern rays, whiptail rays, stingrays eagle rays, and manta rays.
Liveaboards in the Caribbean almost guarantee shark encounters.
There are reef sharks at most sites, as well as big lemon, bull, hammerhead, and nurse sharks. At certain sites, you can also see the biggest fish in the ocean, the gentle whale shark.
Not many locations offer the opportunity to encounter whales, but the Caribbean is one of them. Humpback whales, false orcas, pilot whales, and even blue whales have all been sighted.
One incredibly rare opportunity is the chance to see pods of sperm whales, sleeping vertically in the water. Check out the video below.
In the Silver Bank region between Turks & Caicos and the Dominican Republic, there is the opportunity to swim with humpback whale calves.
It is important to only attempt this with an experienced and qualified guide.
Other species on show include ever-present dolphins, who love following dive boats, and myriad reef fish. Hundreds of different types of macro critters can be seen hiding amidst the pinnacles, rocks sponges, and corals.
Conclusion
Jumping on a Caribbean liveaboard is an excellent choice for any scuba diver. The Caribbean Sea has something for everyone beneath its turquoise waves.
Whether you like shark encounters, world-class wrecks or gentle reef diving, you can find it in the Caribbean. With so many locations to choose from, it’ll keep drawing you back!
But don’t forget about getting to there and then the boat ride to the site, you want to make traveling as easy as possible. We would recommend reading our tips on flying with dive gear and seeing if a travel BCD is for you as well.
