8 eco-friendly dive liveaboards around the globe
Planning a sustainable scuba vacation? Discover 8 of the world’s best eco-friendly dive liveaboards to keep your footprint to a minimum.
With rising concern about the state of our oceans and threats to global marine life, many of today’s dive liveaboards are designed and operated with sustainability at the forefront.
They provide scuba enthusiasts with the opportunity to experience some of the world’s most remote and spectacular dive destinations. All while keeping their environmental impact to a minimum.
These floating homes-away-from-home often feature the latest green technologies, from solar panels to advanced water treatment systems. This enables them to generate their own clean power and reduce waste during liveaboard trips.
The itineraries of eco-friendly dive liveaboards are also carefully curated to showcase the natural wonders of the surrounding waters. At the same time, they nurture a deep appreciation for the marine ecosystems they are exploring.
So if you’re looking for a sustainable scuba adventure that doesn’t leave a heavy footprint, seek out an eco-liveaboard for your next dive trip.
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 unwavering environmental stewardship.
Want to be a responsible scuba diver? Discover 7 easy ways to be an ocean advocate here.
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La Galigo, Indonesia
Plying the waters of Raja Ampat and Komodo, La Galigo is a magnificent phinisi crafted in 2012 by skilled builders from Southern Sulawesi.
This style of boat (phinisi) has been produced for centuries by the Bugis people. They are believed to have drawn 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.
Beyond its sheer beauty and seafaring capabilities, La Galigo has made a strong commitment to operating in an eco-friendly manner.
The boat’s owners have implemented a range of sustainable practices. Aside from recycling waste and banning single-use plastics, the vessel only uses reef-safe sunscreen and cleaning products.
La Galigo provides environmental training for guides to help them conduct dives in a sustainable manner. Additionally, they have shown support for 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 has also shown a dedicated commitment to sustainability.
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.
This eco-friendly Palau liveaboard provides unmatched access to the archipelago’s most famous dive sites, with comfortable skiffs and expert local guides at the help.
Its facilities include a steam room and a jacuzzi, plus state-of-the-art camera facilities. Added to that, you can take advantage of the free watersports equipment and a powerful telescope for stargazing at Palau’s breathtaking 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 Sulawesi-built phinisi that is upholding sustainable principles is the Coralia. It has its home base at Papua Explorers, one of the top eco-friendly dive resorts in Indonesia.
This gorgeous vessel takes guests through the remote waters of the Indonesian archipelago, exploring awe-inspiring destinations like Raja Ampat, Halmahera and Cenderawasih Bay.
Each of Coralia’s teak cabins has been thoughtfully designed and stylishly furnished, complete with stations for photography or remote work.
Guests have access to several decks where they can relax in between dives, as well as an air-conditioned camera room and a full-service spa.
As part of Coralia’s commitment to sustainability, it provides complimentary 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 local non-profit organisation 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
Blue Horizon is the flagship vessel of the esteemed Blue O Two fleet and offers incredible adventures amidst the reefs and wrecks of the Red Sea.
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.
Aside from support for tech and rebreather diving, this eco-friendly Red Sea liveaboard also offers nitrox and high-quality rental equipment.
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
Offering dive trips to some of the world’s most highly sought-after scuba destinations, Explorer Ventures is a leader in its industry when it comes to environmental sustainability.
This liveaboard company has recognised the responsibility it has as a steward of the environment. 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.
Andaman Scuba, Thailand and Myanmar
Operating an extensive fleet of liveaboard vessels, Andaman Scuba offers three to eight-day dive trips in Thailand and Myanmar.
Its carefully curated trips cater to divers of all skill levels. This ensures that both novices and seasoned professionals 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 a diving operator committed to sustainable practices, Andaman Scuba adheres to the International Sustainable Diver Charter and the Sustainable Shark Ecotourism Charter.
They plan 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.
During pre-dive briefings, this eco-friendly Thai liveaboard places a strong emphasis on sustainable dive practices, encouraging guests to follow “leave no trace” and “touch only with the eyes”.
Planning a dive trip to Southeast Asia? Check out our scuba guides to Thailand and Myanmar.
Ghazala Explorer, Egypt
The Ghazala Explorer is an impressive addition to the Ocean Tribe fleet and one of the most sustainable liveaboard yachts cruising the Red Sea.
It is a certified Silver Member of the Green Fins initiative, demonstrating the vessel’s commitment to environmentally conscious operations and marine conservation.
Built in 2021, the Ghazala Explorer features 12 well-appointed cabins (including three luxurious suites). Each is is outfitted with air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.
It departs from the city of Hurghada and offers both northern and southern itineraries through the Red Sea.
Jakaré, Indonesia
Beautifully designed, the Jakaré is a traditional phinisi liveaboard that offers thrilling expeditions through the Indonesian archipelago.
It has set itself apart with its commitment to sustainability, implementing an energy-efficient electric system, fuel-efficient engines and natural ventilation into its design.
Not only that, but Jakaré also follows a zero-plastic policy. This means that single-use items are completely eliminated on board. Additionally, guests are provided with reef-safe toiletries to use throughout the trip.
Each of Jakaré’s teak cabins is spacious and adorned with local design elements that reflect the cultural heritage of the region. Whether you’re discovering the underwater wonders of Raja Ampat, the Komodo Islands or the Banda Sea, the crew-to-guest ratio is nearly 1:1.
The shaded rear deck serves as the main rest area, with plenty of cushioned loungers where you can kick back while enjoying the expansive views.
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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.
