Recommended liveaboards for divers traveling solo

Thinking of travelling solo on your next dive holiday and looking to keep costs to a minimum? We’ve scoured the globe to find the very best dive liveaboards for single occupancy bookings. Not only are these vessels comfortable and well-equipped for the dive trip of a lifetime, they’re also ideal for solo divers with either dedicated single occupancy rooms or low single supplements.

Crafted by renowned boat-builders, this 28-metre Indonesian phinisi combines traditional charm with the conveniences of a 21st century vessel. Whilst exploring the best of the Indonesian archipelago, Lady Denok accommodates a maximum of 12 guests in seven cabins, two of which are set-up specifically for single occupation. Dedicated divers will appreciate this vessel’s spacious dive deck, speedy tender, and nitrox fills, while land excursions and onboard kayaks provide additional enrichment.

New White Manta is one of Indonesia’s largest liveaboards, with 14 cabins configured for either two or three guests. But, with a low single supplement of just 20% on this vessel’s already affordable trips, solo divers can feasibly enjoy one of these oversized staterooms all to themselves. The New White Manta is also a popular option among underwater photographers, with its spacious camera room, as well as a wide outdoor work table and blow-dry stations.

Cheng Ho is a picturesque Indonesian phinisi promising traditional teak design, a down-to-earth atmosphere, and flourishes of luxury such as the on-deck hot tub. At 35-metres long this gorgeous vessel features 14 cabins, including two single-occupancy options, all of which balance both space and style. And, with several advanced dive services on offer – such as nitrox fills and the possibility of tech and rebreather support with prior notice – even the most seasoned divers are sure to be satisfied.

Mermaid I is an iconic Indonesian liveaboard offering an impressive range of itineraries which last up to two weeks at sea. This sturdy yet stylish 28-metre vessel welcomes up to 15 guests in eight individual cabins, one of which is dedicated to single travellers. Visiting remote areas such as Halmahera and the Togian Islands, along with classics like Raja Ampat, Komodo, and Lembeh, Mermaid I is popular among dedicated divers who enjoy a few creature comforts and excellent service.

Renovated to meet the standards of discerning divers, Seaisee is a luxurious modern motor yacht cruising to Indonesia’s most sought after scuba spots. Measuring 45-metres in length and accommodating 24 guests, this vessel offers a dramatically diverse range of cabins – from enormous seaview suites to triple, twin, and single occupancy options. Seaisee’s dive facilities cater for beginners and experienced divers alike, while indulgent amenities include an open-air hot tub, along with jet skis and massage services.

Amira is a 52-metre phinisi boasting sumptuous design, fine dining, and optional extras such as massage and spa services. This spacious dive liveaboard features a total of 10 well-appointed cabins, including one specifically for solo travellers. Amira’s dive facilities are equally impressive, incorporating a state-of-the-art camera room, along with nitrox fills and top-of-the-line dive equipment, including tech gear and rebreathers. For extra peace of mind, all divers are also provided with a ENOS GPS locator device.

Blue Manta is the twin vessel of New White Manta, and offers an almost identical experience – only arguably a touch more luxurious. Though almost equal in size, Blue Manta welcomes fewer passengers, accommodating a maximum of 22 guests in 14 separate cabins. These rooms are configured for double or twin occupancy, but the fleet’s low single supplement of just 20% means solo divers can opt to enjoy one all to themselves.

Measuring 40-metres in length, Damai I is a stunning sailing phinisi that was custom-built for scuba diving. It’s open and airy design is instantly inviting, while small groups of just 12 guests keep the atmosphere intimate. The vessel has seven staterooms with a choice of single, twins and doubles configurations, as well as two spacious master cabins. Damai I caters to advanced divers with a dedicated camera room and optional extras such as nitrox and pony bottles.

Damai II is the sibling vessel of Damai I and was crafted by the same respected master boat builders. Both boats deliver the same signature all-inclusive service, but Damai II’s spacious and recently updated interior makes it even more luxurious. The vessel features seven cabins, with the below deck options designed to accommodate single or twin occupants in unprecedented comfort. Of course, Damai II also offers the same dive facilities as Damai I, including a dedicated camera room and optional extras such as nitrox and pony bottles.

Spread over four recently-remodelled decks, the Seafari Explorer 2 is one of the Maldives' most modern boats. The vessel accommodates up to 24 guests in 15 well-appointed cabins, two of which are set up for single occupation. Guests will love this vessel’s generous common areas, oversized cabins, and gorgeous interior design – not to mention the sumptuous open-air hot tub. Additional onboard perks include free use of nitrox, snorkelling kits, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards.

Launched in 2004, Conte Max pioneered the concept of diving and wellness cruises in the Maldives, combining action-packed diving with yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic treatments. The vessel welcomes 22 guests in nine cabins, arranged in double, twin, triple, and single configurations. Diving is from an accompanying 16-metre dhoni which has everything you could need for exciting ocean exploration, including underwater scooters and nitrox 32%. Assistance and materials can even be offered to rebreather divers.

Part of the prestigious Eco Pro Divers fleet, Mariana is a recently-updated liveaboard offering exciting itineraries throughout the Maldives’ central and southern atolls. This 30-metre vessel deliberately operates below maximum capacity, welcoming just 16 guests in nine cabins, opening up the potential for single occupancy. And, Mariana’s accompanying dhoni ensures the main vessel remains spacious and uncluttered with all the necessary facilities onboard, including rental gear and nitrox fills.

Part of the same fleet as Conte Max, the Duke of York is a modern motor yacht combining meticulous attention to detail with sophisticated comfort. Spread over four luxurious levels, this 36-metre vessel can accommodate up to 24 guests in 11 cabins with a choice of either single, double, twin, or triple sleeping arrangements. Like Conte Max, diving from Duke of York is done from an accompanying dhoni which offers underwater scooters, nitrox 32%, and rebreather assistance if arranged in advance.

The largest vessel in the Carpe Diem Fleet, Carpe Novo spoils divers with award-winning liveaboard cruises in the Maldives. A total of 22 guests are welcomed aboard this vessel, all accommodated in a choice of 12 cabins divided into several different categories, including two single suites. For maximum convenience, diving is from Carpe Novo’s 18-metre dhoni and experienced divers will appreciate complementary nitrox fills and an onboard camera room.

Operated by Maldives Boat Club, Adora is an outstanding liveaboard running scuba diving and surfing cruises with all the comforts of a hotel. This 37-metre vessel can accommodate 21 guests in 11 cabins, meaning one room is reserved solely for single occupancy. Adora’s expansive sun deck is the ultimate place to relax, while the spacious dive deck is equipped with individual lockers for guest’s gear and warm showers. Nitrox fills are also available for an additional charge.

Nautilus Explorer is a robust and capable vessel embarking on voyages to some of Mexico's most remote diving regions. Within its tough exterior, this vessel is also plenty comfortable, featuring a modern, homely style and little luxuries like an on-deck hot tub. Nautilus Explorer accommodates up to 25 guests in 13 cabins, including a single stateroom located below deck. Plus, as the entire Nautilus Fleet charges a single supplement of just 25%, solo divers can choose to bag a double room aboard any Nautilus vessel at a reasonably affordable price.

Solmar V is a legendary Mexican liveaboard with classic style and a laid-back ambience on board. The vessel features 12 cosy cabins, including two set-up for single occupancy, and can comfortably accommodate 22 guests. Ever-ready to embark on exhilarating exploration of the East Pacific Ocean, Solmar V comes with two spacious zodiacs, camera facilities, and safety features such as nitrox and complimentary nautilus lifelines.

Ferox is certainly one of the safest, sturdiest, and most robust liveaboard vessels in the world. Originally designed to tackle the most challenging of conditions, this former ice-class navy vessel has retained its rugged appeal which helps to cultivate an exploratory atmosphere on board. Up to 12 guests are accommodated in this boat’s eight cabins, four of which are reserved for single-occupancy. Dedicated divers will appreciate Ferox’s well-equipped dive deck, which comes complete with camera table and low-pressure air hoses.

The Bahamas Master is one of the country's top liveaboards, boasting modern interiors and first-class facilities. A total of 18 divers are welcomed aboard this vessel, accommodated in 10 individual rooms. And, to suit every travel style, the Bahamas Master offers several different cabin classes – including two single-occupancy rooms on the main deck. Having been renovated in 2018, this vessel has plenty of diving amenities, including a modern indoor camera station, nitrox fills and support for rebreathers.

All Star Red Sea is one of the Egyptian Red Sea’s newest and largest dive liveaboards. Two of its 14 cabins are well-suited to single-occupancy, yet still provide plenty of space and are furnished with an additional sofa bed. Discerning divers will be blown away by All Star Red Sea’s many facilities, ranging from convenient washing and drying facilities, camera preparation areas, and support for tech and rebreather divers. It even boasts a small open-air swimming pool on one of the upper decks.

Exocet is a salubrious scuba diving liveaboard that always endeavours to go the extra mile. The vessel features 12 double cabins and one single cabin, and guests will enjoy its indulgent comforts such as an open-air hot tub and onboard pastry chef. Exocet is able to accommodate a range of diving requests including sidemount, DPV scooters, solo diving, rebreather support, and technical training. The team also offers complimentary dive planning and gas blending. 

FeBrina is sturdy, seaworthy liveaboard delivering high standards of service in the vibrant waters of Papua New Guinea. The vessel has seven cabins located below deck, four of which are suitable for solo travellers. In fact, Febrina is one of the most affordable ways for lone divers looking for a single occupancy as they explore PNG. All diving is done directly from the dive platform and swim deck at the rear of the vessel.

Custom-designed for liveaboard diving, the 30-metre Pacific Master is a capable and spacious ship with an experienced crew. The vessel accommodates up to 20 guests in 12 cabins, including four standard single rooms with shared bathroom facilities. Travelling to the remote and exciting destinations of Truk Lagoon and Bikini Atoll, Pacific Master is suitably equipped for adventurous diving, catering to recreational divers as well as rebreather divers, tec divers, and underwater photographers.