Liveaboard vs. Resort: Why a Liveaboard Is the Ultimate Choice to Explore the Indonesian Archipelago

What Is a Liveaboard?

A liveaboard is a vessel designed for extended voyages, offering both accommodation and adventure. These boats, like our traditional phinisi Thalassa, serve as a floating hotel equipped with air-conditioned cabins, dining areas, dive and recreational areas and vast relaxation spaces. 

And of course, a huge infinity pool surrounding it - the ocean! Onboard, everything you need is provided by a professional and experienced crew—from beautifully crafted meals to diving equipment—allowing you to focus on your journey. 

Whether you’re diving, snorkeling, or simply exploring remote locations, a liveaboard offers unparalleled freedom, comfort and convenience, allowing you to experience multiple destinations without moving between hotels.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Dive Sites in Indonesia

Advantages of a Liveaboard: Freedom & Flexibility

Maximum Dive Time

A top priority for divers is maximizing dive time. With a liveaboard, divers, and adventurers will essentially stay onboard throughout their dive trip along with their dive guides and dive masters, which allows them to visit as many dive sites, villages, and hidden gems as they possibly can.

Unlimited Mileage

With a liveaboard, you will be based directly on the water which means you can easily explore multiple locations throughout your adventure. When considering a liveaboard vs resort, remember that Indonesia is made up of many islands covering hundreds of kilometers in every direction – one of the only ways to explore these remote destinations would be with a liveaboard.

No Schedules

With a liveaboard charter, you won’t be bound to predefined schedules so you can go for as many dives as you like, and at any time during the day or at night. You can visit multiple off-the-beaten-path locations that are hard to get to like the Fam Islands, Alor, and Halmahera, meet local tribes, spot wildlife and birds, and explore dive sites in the area.

Eliminate Travel Time

You won’t have to embark or disembark in between destinations or change your mode of transport at any time throughout your journey. A liveaboard takes you wherever your heart desires, and while onboard, you can enjoy the ever-changing views of Indonesia’s incredibly beautiful and diverse landscapes.

Whether liveaboard vs resort, the latter is ideal for divers traveling with non-divers. It’s a great way to compromise especially for divers with travel buddies who don’t want to spend too much time on the ocean away from dry land.

How to Prepare for a Liveaboard?

Whether liveaboard or resort, packing for your great Indonesian adventure can feel a little overwhelming. 

What should you bring? What's provided on board? And what about your dive gear? Careful planning and preparation are essential as you’ll be miles away from land and the nearest store!

Remember to bring the necessary diving equipment, swimwear, toiletries, and personal medications. Pack lightly and include lightweight, quick-drying, and protective clothing that can protect you from the heat and the harsh tropical sun while at sea.

Don’t forget your personal skincare, hair care, reef-safe sunscreen and after-sun care, electronics and chargers and miscellaneous items like headphones, flashlights, sunglasses and a hat, quick-drying beach towels, and a mesh laundry bag.

Important documents should not be forgotten, so triple-check that your passport will have at least 6 months validity upon entry into Indonesia, a Visa to enter Indonesia, your dive certificates, and travel and dive insurance.

Read more: Guide to Planning Your Raja Ampat Trip

Are Liveaboards Worth It?

Liveaboards are definitely worth it. With Uncharted Cruises, you can explore Indonesia’s best dive sites and off-the-beaten path gems aboard our beautiful two-mast comfort phinisi, Thalassa.

On board the Thalassa, you can relax in the lap of luxury as you explore Indonesia. This stunning phinisi can host up to eight guests in 3 comfortable and beautiful cabins. Onboard, you will find expansive indoor and outdoor dining areas, a fully equipped kitchen, a dive deck, and a relaxation area. 

The boat is equipped with the newest high-end equipment, to make your exploratory diving experience as safe and unique as possible.

Included in your liveaboard holiday is a wide range of trips from and technical diving and snorkeling to kayaking, land excursions and tribe visits, marine conservation, and sustainability.