If you type the question "what is a liveaboard?" into Google, you'll get a somewhat confusing response, since "liveaboard" has a few different definitions. It can refer to a person who lives on a boat, or a boat that is designed for people to live aboard it. But in reference to recreational scuba diving, we're talking about a different definition: a boat trip lasting one or more nights, usually organized by a dive shop, that's totally dedicated to scuba diving. (And yes, despite the harsh red underline in my screenshot above, it is one word!)
For scuba divers, choosing a liveaboard rather than single day trips offers many benefits, including visiting more remote dive sites and forming a closer relationship with your dive master as well as fellow divers on the boat.
We recently got back from our very first liveaboard trip, which we absolutely loved. For four nights, we travelled by boat around the Similan and Surin Islands in Thailand, diving four times each day. From the incredible diving to the wonderful people we met on the boat, it was luckily a fantastic first experience.
But when reflecting on the trip, I realized that I only used about 5% of what I had brought on board. Despite advice to pack light, and a securely locked room in the dive shop for any unwanted bags, I somehow ended up with a backpack stuffed full of things I thought I'd definitely need. So, I created the following packing list, which I'll use for future liveaboards and thought could be helpful for any liveaboard newbies.
Scuba Diving Liveaboard Packing List:
- Swimsuit(s)
Obviously, you need at least one. Trust me, you'll live in it. We only wore bathing suits for five days straight. I recommend bringing two (or more, but no need to go crazy), because if you feel like taking off your wet bathing suit, it's nice to have a dry one to put on. - Towel
Our boat provided one microfiber towel per person but, again, if you have a lightweight travel towel, it's nice to have a dry/clean one for after your evening shower. - Cover-up
For guys, this means a t-shirt. Basically, if you're not comfortable hanging out in your bathing suit in between dives, or you want something to block out the sun, bring along a lightweight shirt or dress to throw on. - Toothbrush & everyday necessities
E.g. eyeglasses, contact lens case and a few extra pairs (if you're blind as a bat like I am). The key word here is everyday. Don't focus too much on the diving gear and forget something simple like this! - Camera and/or GoPro
You will be seeing some amazing stuff, both above and below the water. Definitely bring something along to take photos so you can make all your family/friends/coworkers jealous when you get home.
Those are the basic must-haves. Simple, right? Here are a few more optional items for consideration:
- For work: a computer if you'll need to upload photos before the end of the trip (we did)
- For play: playing cards, a fun inflatable float (wish we brought this - would have been great for photos!), a bottle of booze (depending on your boat's policies)
As far as what you definitely don't need to bring...
I can't believe I'm saying this, but leave the clothes behind, aside from the aforementioned cover-ups and maybe pajamas (I slept in my bathing suit. Told you I didn't take it off!). I mean, I'm not trying to boss anyone around. So, sure, bring clothes. But you will not wear them. Same goes for shoes. As we boarded, they told everyone to put their shoes in a bin and we didn't see them again until we disembarked.
Makeup is also pretty stupid unless you have some kind of miracle makeup that doesn't come off when you submerge your head in the ocean (as far as I know, this doesn't exist. If you have some, please send me the details immediately.)
If you follow these liveaboard packing tips, all that's left is to have a wonderful time in the water!
