Liveaboard Dive Trip: A Day in the Life
Creatures of routine, rejoice: The liveaboard experience is a very structured one, since most divers are looking to spend as much time underwater as possible. Of course, you can always opt out of a dive to relax topside. But nearly every liveaboard’s schedule revolves around when it’s time to get back in the water and dive. Here's a typical onboard day.
WEBSITE: aquacatcruises.com
LENGTH: 102 feet
CABINS: 11
MAX GUESTS: 22
SEASON: Year-round
SPECIAL: Aqua Cat offers a chance to win a free cruise every quarter (register on its website), a $2,395 value. Bring your nondiving buddy on this boat: Every day, you can hop aboard the Sea Dog launch (or use one of the 12 onboard kayaks) to get to various beaches, man- groves, and villages where you can sunbathe, snorkel, and shop.
Aqua Cat
Coffee and a Dive
[ 6:30 a.m. ] Wake up for a light breakfast.
**[7:30 a.m.to 8a.m.] **Gear up, pay attention to the briefing, and then head out for the day’s first dive.
Midmorning
[ 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ] Return to the boat and settle in for a big breakfast, usually with made-to-order options.
[ 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. ] Head back out for the second dive of the day.
Lunchtime
[ 12:30 p.m. ] Lunch is served, followed by time for a short siesta.
[ 2:30 p.m. ] Third dive.
Happy Hour
[ 4 p.m.] Casual snacks and teatime in the lounge.
[ 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. ] This is the window when you typically have to make the day’s biggest choice: Opt for the late-afternoon dive followed by sunset cocktails and dinner, or postpone happy hour in favor of a night dive.
After Dinner
[ Post-dinner ] Divemasters usually use the end of the evening meal to brief the group about the next day’s itinerary and dive plans, and let you know if the boat will be reposi- tioning overnight. Chill on the deck after, and share dive stories with a bunch of your new friends.