How much does a liveaboard cost?
23 July 2026
Quick answer
A liveaboard usually costs between about 700 and 7,500 US dollars per person for a week, depending on the destination and the boat. The Red Sea and Thailand are the cheapest. The Maldives, Indonesia and the Bahamas sit in the middle. The Galapagos is the most expensive. On top of the trip price, budget for flights, marine park fees, nitrox, gear and tips.
Typical price per week by destination
Approximate 2026 prices, per person for a standard week in a shared cabin. Prices change, so always check the live price on DiveScanner, which shows every operator cheapest first.
| Destination | Typical week, per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red Sea (Egypt) | About 700 to 1,300 USD | The best value liveaboard region. |
| Thailand (Similans) | About 900 to 1,400 USD | Shorter trips, good value. |
| Maldives | About 1,400 to 2,800 USD | Mid range, wide choice. |
| Bahamas | About 2,800 to 3,600 USD | Shark trips, US run boats. |
| Indonesia (Raja Ampat, Komodo) | About 2,500 to 5,500 USD | Remote, premium boats cost more. |
| Mexico (Socorro) | About 3,000 to 4,500 USD | Remote, big animal trips. |
| Galapagos | About 5,000 to 7,500 USD or more | The most expensive, liveaboard only. |
What is usually included
Most liveaboard prices include your cabin, all meals, tanks, weights and guided diving, usually three to four dives a day. Always check the boat's own list, since it varies.
Budget cabin or luxury cabin
A big part of the price is the cabin. Budget boats put you in a simple shared or bunk cabin with a shared bathroom. Premium boats give you a spacious en-suite double with a sea view. Same ocean, very different price.
A budget bunk cabin, the cheapest way to sail.
A luxury en-suite double on a premium boat.
What is usually extra (budget for these)
- Flights to the departure port.
- Marine park fees, from a little to about 220 USD in the Galapagos. See our marine park fees guide.
- Nitrox, if you use it.
- Gear rental, if you do not bring your own.
- Tips for the crew, usually about 10 percent. See our tipping guide.
- A fuel surcharge on some routes. See our fuel surcharge guide.
Why the same boat can show different prices
Different agencies sell the same boat at different prices. That is why DiveScanner puts every operator's price for a boat side by side, cheapest first, so you pay the real lowest price for the month you choose, not the first one you find.
How to find a cheaper liveaboard
- Choose a value region like the Red Sea or Thailand.
- Travel in shoulder season.
- Be flexible on dates and look at last minute departures.
- Share a cabin rather than paying the solo supplement.
- Compare every operator, cheapest first, on DiveScanner.
FAQ
How much does a liveaboard cost per week?
Roughly 700 to 7,500 US dollars per person, depending on the destination and boat. The Red Sea is cheapest, the Galapagos most expensive.
What is the cheapest liveaboard destination?
The Red Sea in Egypt, then Thailand.
Is a liveaboard price all inclusive?
It usually covers the cabin, meals, tanks and guided diving. Flights, park fees, nitrox, gear and tips are normally extra.
How can I find a cheaper liveaboard?
Choose a value region, travel in shoulder season, be flexible on dates, and compare every operator cheapest first on DiveScanner.
Compare real prices
Prices here are approximate for 2026 and change with season, boat and operator. For the real current price, compare every operator cheapest first on DiveScanner. Questions? Contact us at [email protected].