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 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, enabling 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 while nurturing 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-friendly dive liveaboard for your next dive trip. In this article, we’ll highlight eight of the best, all of which are combining creature comforts and state-of-the-art dive facilities with unwavering environmental stewardship.
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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 artisans from Southern Sulawesi. This style of boat has been produced for centuries by the Bugis people, who 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, the 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, including recycling waste, banning single-use plastics and using reef-safe sunscreen and cleaning products. They also provide 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.
Black Pearl, Palau
While the Black Pearl is one of the most luxurious liveaboards plying the waters of 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, as well as having a water treatment centre on board to minimise ocean pollution.
This eco-friendly Palau liveaboard provides unmatched access to the archipelago’s renowned diving areas, with comfortable skiffs and expert local guides at the help. Its top-notch facilities include a steam room and a jacuzzi, plus state-of-the-art camera facilities, 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.
Eco-friendly dive liveaboard
Coralia, Indonesia
Another Sulawesi-built phinisi that is upholding sustainable principles is the Coralia, which has its home base at Papua Explorers, one of the top eco-friendly dive resorts in Indonesia. This gorgeous vessel takes guests on journeys 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. They also collaborate with the Raja Ampat SEA Centre, a local non-profit organisation dedicated to research, restoration and conservation efforts in the region.
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, as well as boating 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 informative environmental briefings before each dive. Its team also organises collaborative expeditions with local organisations like Shark Project and Manta Trust to help highlight local environmental issues.
Eco-friendly dive liveaboard
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. Recognising the responsibility they have as stewards of the environment, this liveaboard company made a concerted effort in 2008 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, which 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, ensuring that both novices and seasoned professionals can indulge in 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 and 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 practices, encouraging guests to follow "leave no trace" and "touch only with the eyes" policies.
Eco-friendly dive liveaboard
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 of which is outfitted with air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. It departs from the city of Hurghada and offers both northern and southern itineraries, allowing divers to experience a dazzling array of marine life.
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, ensuring 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 regions it cruises through. 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, guaranteeing an incredible experience. 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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