8 Eco-Friendly Dive Liveaboards Around the Globe: Sustainable Scuba Travel
If you’re anything like us, you want your dive trips to be about more than just incredible underwater experiences. The health of our oceans and the threats they face are increasingly important considerations when choosing where (and how) we travel.
That’s why eco-friendly dive liveaboards and vessels that prioritise sustainability have become such an appealing option.
Instead of staying at a land-based resort and commuting to dive sites each day, liveaboards allow you to really immerse yourself in remote marine environments. You can venture further from “civilisation” and access dive sites that few others get to explore.
As dive operators respond to an increased interest in “eco” experiences, many of today’s leading operators are investing in sustainable technologies.
From solar power and advanced water treatment systems to plastic-free policies and reef conservation partnerships, these liveaboards are educating divers about responsible underwater practices and “walking the walk”.
If you’re planning your next dive adventure and want to travel more responsibly, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll highlight eight of the best eco-friendly dive liveaboards around the world. All combine creature comforts and state-of-the-art dive facilities with a commitment to protect the oceans they explore.
Want to be a responsible scuba diver? Discover 7 easy ways to be an ocean advocate here.
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La Galigo, Indonesia
One of our favourite eco-conscious liveaboards (in fact, it was the first liveaboard we ever went on) is La Galigo, which operates throughout the spectacular waters of Raja Ampat and Komodo.
Built in 2012 by master boatbuilders from Southern Sulawesi, this traditional phinisi combines Indonesian maritime heritage with modern sustainability practices.
This style of boat (phinisi) has been produced for centuries by the Bugis people. Historians believe they drew inspiration from the Dutch clipper ships abandoned here during the age of colonial exploration.
While the hull of La Galigo is made from a wood locally referred to as ‘Kayu Besi’ (renowned for its strength and resilience), the rest of the vessel has been finished in teak. It’s really beautiful!
As we saw firsthand, the boat’s owners have implemented a range of sustainable practices and its team strives to operate in an eco-friendly manner.
Aside from recycling waste and banning single-use plastics, the vessel only uses cleaning products and encourages guests to stick with reef-safe sunscreens.
La Galigo also provides environmental training for guides to help them conduct dives in a sustainable manner.
We also love that they support local conservation efforts through donations and collaborations with organisations like The SEA People, Sungai Watch and Manta Matcher.
Prefer a land-based dive vacation in Indonesia? Check out these sustainable eco-dive resorts around the archipelago.
Black Pearl, Palau
While the Black Pearl is one of the most luxurious liveaboards in Palau, it’s more than just a “pretty face”.
This eco-friendly vessels provides convenient access to the archipelago’s most famous dive sites – we’re talking Ulong Channel, Blue Corner and German Channel – with expert local guides at the helm.
Aside from minimising single-use plastic waste, the vessel offers ocean-friendly toiletries and reusable water bottles for guests. Additionally, it has a water treatment centre on board to minimise ocean pollution.
When you’re not diving, you can take advantage of the onboard jacuzzi – who doesn’t want to soak while gazing out at the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands!
The Black Pearl is also well equipped with underwater camera facilities, watersports equipment and even a telescope for observing Palau’s famously clear night skies.
If you want to explore what is one of Micronesia’s best dive destinations, the Black Pearl allows you to do it in a sustainable manner.
For more information about diving in Palau, check out our detailed article here.
Coralia, Indonesia
Another beautiful Indonesian phinisi that deserves a place on this list is the Coralia. We were first introduced to it at Papua Explorers (one of Indonesia’s leading eco-dive resorts), which is where the Coralia has its home base.
This gorgeous vessel takes guests through the remote waters of Raja Ampat, Halmahera and Cenderawasih Bay, as well as cruising to places like Lembeh Strait.
Each of Coralia’s teak cabins has been thoughtfully designed and stylishly furnished, complete with stations for photography or remote work.
In between dives, you have access to several decks where you can relax, as well as an air-conditioned camera room and a full-service spa.
As part of Coralia’s commitment to sustainability, it provides reef-safe toiletries, avoids the use of single-use plastics and offers environmentally focused briefings before each dive.
It also collaborates with the Raja Ampat SEA Centre, a non-profit organisation based at Papua Explorers that is dedicated to research, restoration and conservation efforts in the region.
Looking for an affordable dive trip to Raja Ampat? Consider one of these eco-friendly Raja Ampat homestays.
Blue Horizon, Egypt
If you’re a diver dreaming about exploring the reefs and wrecks of the Red Sea, the Blue Horizon is a standout option.
It boasts comfortable cabins, stylish social areas and a jacuzzi on deck where you can relax in between dives.
Blue Horizon is particularly popular with underwater photographers due to its modern camera station. Additionally, it boasts a spacious dive deck, personal gear storage and two custom tenders to get you out to all the sites.
Aside from support for tech and rebreather diving, this eco-friendly Red Sea liveaboard also offers nitrox and high-quality rental equipment (if you don’t want to bring your own).
When it comes to sustainability, Blue Horizon has implemented a plastic-free policy and gives environmental briefings before each dive.
Its team also organises collaborative expeditions with local organisations like the Shark Project and Manta Trust to help highlight local environmental issues.
Prefer a land-based dive vacation Egypt? Check out these leading eco-resorts for diving the Red Sea.
Explorer Ventures, Global
If you’re looking for a company with a long-standing commitment to sustainability, we think Explorer Ventures deserves your attention.
In 2008, it made a concerted effort to turn its beliefs into tangible action by creating its Dive Green® Environmental Management Policy.
The overarching goal was to ensure the long-term sustainability of the ecosystems where they operate. These include Turks and Caicos, the Galapagos Islands, Palau, Maldives, the Red Sea and Indonesia.
In 2023, the company took things a step further by implementing the sustainability targets set by the Green Fins initiative across four of its liveaboard vessels. These include the Tiburon Explorer in the Galapagos Islands and the Emperor Explorer in the Maldives.
From reducing their carbon footprint and minimising waste to safeguarding vulnerable marine life, every aspect of the company’s operations has been optimised to have the lightest possible impact.
Planning a sustainable scuba vacation? Check out these 7 eco-friendly dive destinations around the globe.
Andaman Scuba, Thailand and Myanmar
Heading to Southeast Asia? In our opinion, Andaman Scuba offers some of the region’s most sustainability-focused liveaboard experiences.
Its fleet operates throughout Thailand and Myanmar, including trips to the iconic Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock and the Mergui Archipelago.
Its carefully curated trips cater to divers of all skill levels, ensuring both novices and seasoned scuba enthusiasts can experience these incredible marine ecosystems.
Among its vessels is the state-of-the-art Bunmee IV, which offers unforgettable dive trips to the Similan Islands.
As part of its sustainability initiatives, Andaman Scuba adheres to the International Sustainable Diver Charter and the Sustainable Shark Ecotourism Charter.
It plans efficient itineraries that minimise fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Additionally, they have made a concerted effort to reduce single-use plastics and use organic, locally-sourced ingredients onboard.
We particularly appreciate the emphasis placed on responsible diving practices, with guests encouraged to adopt “leave no trace” principles and interact respectfully with marine life.
Planning a dive trip to Southeast Asia? Check out our scuba guides to Thailand and Myanmar.
Ghazala Explorer, Egypt
Built in 2021, the Ghazala Explorer has grabbed our attention as one of the most environmentally conscious liveaboards operating in Egypt. It features just 12 cabins (including three luxurious suites), so the atmosphere on the vessel is personalised.
Part of the Ocean Tribe fleet, the Ghazala Explorer is recognised as a Silver Member of the Green Fins program (you can learn more about that here). It’s achieved this by demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable operations and marine conservation.
Departing from Hurghada, Ghazala Explorer offers itineraries throughout both the northern and southern Red Sea. In short, it gives divers access to some of the region’s most famous reefs and wrecks, all while supporting responsible tourism practices.
Jakaré, Indonesia
Last but certainly not least is the Jakaré, a traditional phinisi that offers liveaboard trips through the Indonesian archipelago.
As part of its sustainability initiatives, the vessel incorporates fuel-efficient engines, an energy-saving electrical system and natural ventilation to reduce energy consumption. It also operates with a strict zero single-use plastic policy and supplies guests with reef-safe toiletries throughout their stay.
Exploring destinations such as Raja Ampat, Komodo and the Banda Sea, Jakaré offers a highly personalised experience thanks to its near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. It really doesn’t get better than this!
Each of Jakaré’s teak cabins is spacious and adorned with local design elements that reflect the cultural heritage of the region. The shaded rear deck serves as the main relaxation area – we love all the cushioned loungers where you can kick back while enjoying the ocean views.
Embracing Our Environmental Responsibility
As divers, we’re feel incredibly fortunate that we get to experience some of the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems firsthand. It’s something we will never take for granted!
But with that privilege comes a responsibility. A responsibility to minimise our impact and support operators that are actively protecting the environments we choose to explore.
Whether you’re dreaming of manta rays in Raja Ampat, wreck diving in the Red Sea or exploring the healthy reefs of Palau, we encourage you to choose an eco-friendly liveaboard for your next adventure. It’s a simple way to make your next scuba adventure more sustainable.
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About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.
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We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe.
After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainable surf camps, eco-dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore.
