Planning a diving trip but are unsure whether to stay at a dive resort or go live aboard? Choosing which way to go may seem daunting for beginners like you. In fact, even pro divers sometimes share the same dilemmas you have. And the truth is: there is no straight answer to this question. However, the decision lies in one’s preference depending on the type of diver you are.
Is relaxation important on a diving holiday? Would you want to visit more underwater sanctuaries? Do you prefer focusing on diving over other recreational activities? Questions such as these are extremely important when choosing between dive resort and living aboard. Knowing the pros and cons of your options also make it easier to come up with a decision, which we’re glad to list down for you.
Dive Resorts
Like normal resorts, dive resorts boast of a range of amenities that provide comfort among guests. The only difference is that dive resorts center on maximizing the diving experience of its target audience, generally offering a set number of diving schedules aside from the usual accommodations.
Pros
- Offers the amenities of a typical resort (spacious rooms, spa, gym, pool, etc.)
- Provides more recreational activities beyond diving, perfect for divers with a non-diving companion.
- Greater dining options; divers can choose what and where to eat.
- More suitable dive sites for greenhorn divers with calmer currents and shallower depths.
- More time for relaxation after a diving session with resort’s entertainment features (Wi-Fi, television connection, telephone line).
- Flexible price range as divers have wider options depending on their budget. They can choose from cheap, acceptable 3-star dive resorts to expensive, luxurious 5-star ones.
Cons
- Prone to changing schedules resulting to less diving time, as some divers boarding and gearing up late may delay the trip.
- Limited dive sites, with the more spectacular & challenging dive sites only accessible thru a live aboard boat.
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| https://www.living-aboard.com/ |
Live Aboard
Living aboard, while not as comfortable as dive resorts, offer more time to explore bountiful waters throughout the holiday—the primary reason you go on a diving trip. Being at sea the whole time, you get to dive as much as you want. Although living is known to cater advance divers, there are certain trips that offer beginners diving courses onboard.
Check out Experiencing Milne Bay Live Aboard MV Spirit of Niugini and enjoy live aboard.
Pros
- All-inclusive except for personal items such as beverages.
- Access to the best dive sites reachable only by going aboard a boat.
- Everyone being already on the dive boat, there is no need to hurry up or wait to go diving, maximizing the time you spend at sea.
- Feel more connected with nature (do star gazing from the deck, watch the sunrise & sunset from across a reef, explore underwater sanctuaries longer, etc.)
Cons
- Dive sites may not be friendly for beginners and may require advance diving certification to explore.
- The price range of different living aboard options isn’t as flexible, being all-inclusive which often makes it the more expensive choice.
- There is hardly much difference when it comes to the quality of live aboard deals, unlike in dive resorts.
- Although some trips have professional chefs prepare the meal, there is limited dining option aboard a boat.
- Connectivity is seldom in range, which is a bummer for those who like to frequently update their Facebook, Twitter & IG feeds.
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| http://dive-bohol.com/ |
Deciding On a Diving Holiday
It’s true that staying in a dive resort offers great comfort that living aboard doesn’t provide. However, this option may not really give the maximum diving experience you desire since access to the best dive sites is limited. On the other hand, living aboard offers the most spectacular underwater sanctuaries at the expense of a relaxing holiday, given its exhausting nature. Then again, the shallower waters and calmer currents of dive resorts may be ideal for beginners while living aboard trips may prove too challenging for you.
See? Both options have their pros and cons that can either seal or break the deal for you. It’s really a matter of choice: would you choose to stay in a dive resort or go on a live aboard trip? Weigh the options based on your needs and wants, then, come up with a decision. If you’re really torn, you can also split your 3 or 4-night holiday between the two to get the best of both worlds?
Whether you opt for comfort, choose the better diving experience, or break even, the decision is yours.
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