Any divers out there?

[Jenn]

So DH and I got certified on our honeymoon and just took our second dive trip to Belize. We're totally hooked, but still on the inexperienced side with a total of 12 dives under our belts.

 

So here's the deal... I'm planning a trip to Thailand for early next year. I've been researching the cost of dive packages versus liveaboards. Has anyone done a liveaboard (anywhere, not necessarily Thailand)? It sounds amazing, and you really get the most bang for the buck between the number of dives as well as room and board. But, I'm worried we aren't experienced enough to do something like this. I know most of them also do night dives, which we haven't done (and I'm a bit scared to do).

 

Its a once in a lifetime trip, and I'm trying to make it a surprise for Sam, so I have no one but you guys to bounce ideas off of... help!

[caroline]

Jenn (and I'll be giving away my inexperience here!) When you say liveaboard, you mean going on board a vessel for a series of days of diving trips?

 

If that's what you mean, I did that when I got certified in Australis (where better than on the Great Barrier Reef?!) I was out on the water for around 5 days (?) and I've got to tell you, though fun, I was all 'dived out' at the end of it. Though not 'hooked' (as you say you are) I enjoyed it, but would never do it that way again...

[Jenn]

Caroline - by liveaboard, I do mean a smaller boat that you live on and dive off of for 4-5 days. It definitely gives you a chance to do more dives and see more remote locations, but I'm a bit concerned about being on a small boat for that long, the dives being more advanced than what we've done, and especially the night dives. For whatever reason, I'm scared of diving at night when you really don't have visibility.

 

What didn't you like about it? Was it just too much diving at once? DH and I usually dive in the morning and then lounge the rest of the day, so I was a little concerned about 4 dives a day. Thanks for your input...

[Tropical Imaging]

I am a master instructor. I have also done live aboard trips as well. As a general rule, most people going on a live aboard trip are more experienced.

 

That being said, the live aboard will have instructors on board (check if you are not sure) and every boat I have been on (live aboard or not) offers some kind of guided dive for the passengers while more experienced divers can go on the buddy system. It is a great way to get experience and increase your comfort level.

 

Night dives are fun, but you don't have to do them. I recommend doing your first one on a shallow reef 40 ft or less. I would also check what kind of dives you will primarily be doing in Thailand. Deep?(90 ft) Wreck? Drift diving? If those make up the largest percentage of the dives you may want to wait and get a few more logged in before you go. Mainly because anxiety is not fun to have diving and isn't as safe.

 

If those make up a smaller percentage of your dives on the live aboard, then go for it. Take up the guided dive options and have fun. And don't ever feel pressured to do a dive you are not comfortable with. If you have any more specific questions feel free to ask.

 

I haven't been diving in the Pacific but have many friends who have (including some of our photographers on staff) so I can ask them if you'd like.

 

Krys

[Tropical Imaging]

Oh yes,

 

And about the 4 dives a day thing. You may do it one day but it will wear you out. I always skip one or two each day and enjoy the above water lounging. Personally I never get sick of it, but I love being underwater. Once my kids get older, we'll get back into it in a more serious way.

 

Krys

[Jenn]

Krys - Thanks so much for your input! The boats I'm looking at have guides for the dives, so we definitely wouldn't be diving just on the buddy system. I also thought it would be a great way of doing a few specialty courses. My DH just decided we should take an Advanced Open Water course locally this summer, so that will also help a bit. I'm contacting a few different places, but if you know anyone who has done a live aboard in Thailand (or any diving), if you wouldn't mind asking for a recommendation, I'd appreciate it.

 

If I can't find something that works for our experience level, then there are tons of daytrips and packages, so I'm not worried. I just thought that a live aboard would be a really cool experience. My DH used to live on a little boat and loves them, so I think he'd really love it.

[lucy106]

Awesome info Krys, thank you!!! I am a diver but have never done a liveaboard, with over 200 dives logged I have always wanted to!! Congrats on your certification Jenn, like BDW it is an addiction!!

[Tropical Imaging]

You both sound like you have the right attitude about the diving and the love of it. I would go for it. The advanced course this summer is a great way to get a taste for it. I think you'll be fine.

 

We're in the midst of super busy season right now, but when I get a chance I'll ask a couple of our photographers who went there last year.

 

Krys

[Jenn]

Thanks! (This message is not long enough to post without ridiculousness)

[caroline]

Jenn... yes, it was just WAY too much diving over too long a period of time. At least for me. Having said that, it was a good time - and I accomplished what I set out to do... obtain my advanced certification.

 

The night dive was absolutely brilliant! And an awful lot of fun! Don't be deterred - its a totally different experience and a blast!