A liveaboard dive trip is one of the most exciting and memorable experiences a scuba diver can have. It’s full-on, and ideal for people who want to dive as much as possible, especially if you’re interested in exploring remote locations. But if it’s your first time, you’ll want to be well-prepared, both mentally and logistically. Let’s talk about how to get ready for your first one.

Liveaboards operate all over the world, from Indonesia to the Red Sea to the Galápagos. Your destination will impact everything: the water temperature, marine life, visibility, and the type of diving you’ll do (e.g., drift, wall, or deep). It also affects what gear and clothing you’ll need to pack. Consider your certification level and comfort in various conditions—some trips require advanced certification or a certain number of logged dives.

Cabins on liveaboards are usually compact, often with bunk beds and minimal storage. Bring a soft-sided duffel bag with your essentials for your room and the big gear bag can get stored on the boat. Essentials include:

• Reef-safe sunscreen and toiletries.
• Comfortable loungewear, layers for cooler evenings and AC in the boat (sweats), and swimsuits (bring at least two so one can dry).
• Power bank and multi-outlet charger. Outlets can be limited and there will be rules about using electricity on the boat, so listen to your briefings.
• A small flashlight (or your phone) for moving around at night.
• Motion sickness medication, even if you’re not usually prone to seasickness. The scopolamine patches work best.
• A dry bag for keeping electronics or dry clothes safe on the deck.

Obviously, you’ll need to bring dive gear (or arrange rentals), which should include mask, fins, snorkel, wetsuit, dive computer, BCD, regulator, and surface marker buoy (SMB).

Liveaboards are intense. You’ll typically do 3–5 dives per day, starting early in the morning and possibly ending with night dives. The rhythm is repetitive but rewarding: dive, eat, rest, repeat. If the rhythm doesn’t work for you, feel empowered to skip dives to rest more.

• Hydrate and eat regularly to keep your energy up.
• Nap between dives—short rests make a big difference.
• Log your dives as you go so you don’t forget the details.
• Communicate any questions or concerns early with the crew or dive guides.

Living in close quarters requires flexibility and respect. Keep your belongings organized and avoid spreading gear outside your designated area. If you’re bunking with someone, pack earplugs and an eye mask. Sleep schedules may vary slightly, and the boat’s movement or engine noise can affect your rest.

Even seasoned divers can get seasick in rough conditions. Start your sea sickness medication about 12 hours before boarding. Ginger tea or chews can also help. Drink electrolytes, have light snacks/meals if you’re feeling nauseas, and avoid alcohol. Fresh air and keeping your eyes on the horizon can ease queasiness.

Meals are prepared by an onboard chef and include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks between dives. If you have dietary restrictions, inform the operator well in advance so the crew can provision accordingly. You can also bring your own snacks if you want specific items.

It takes a night or two to adjust to sleeping at sea. Secure loose items in your cabin so things don’t rattle or roll all night. The rocking of the boat can either lull you to sleep or keep you up, depending on the strength of the swell. Do your best to relax with some deep breaths and remember, a boat is gonna boat. It’s gonna float. It was built to rock.

A liveaboard is one of the most efficient and spectacular ways to log loads of dives, see remote reefs, and connect deeply with the ocean and your dive buddies. If you want to join Azul Unlimited for some diving, check out my upcoming trips!

See what trips are coming up. I always give my community first dibs on spots, so you can sign up for Patreon (and get trip discounts) or my email list to be the first to know about new expeditions in the future.