A Diver's Paradise Awaits

The Nautilus Explorer embarks on a series of captivating journeys that span across some of the most coveted dive destinations in the world. From the serene waters of the Sea of Cortez to the enchanting Cabo Pulmo Marine Park and the adrenaline-pumping encounters at Guadalupe Island and the Socorro Islands, this liveaboard experience offers divers a chance to explore a diverse range of underwater ecosystems.

Unveiling the Underwater World

One of the most exciting aspects of liveaboard diving is the wide variety of underwater experiences it offers. The Nautilus Explorer specializes in encounters with some of the ocean's most iconic and elusive creatures. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Great White Sharks: Guadalupe Island is renowned for its thrilling great white shark encounters. These majestic apex predators patrol the waters, offering divers a front-row seat to observe their grace and power. Cage diving at Guadalupe provides a unique opportunity to come face to face with these magnificent creatures.
• Hammerheads and Whale Sharks: The Socorro Islands are a hotspot for hammerhead sharks and the gentle giants of the ocean, whale sharks. Dive into the deep blue and witness the mesmerizing ballet of hammerheads or swim alongside the world's largest fish, the awe-inspiring whale shark.
• Manta Rays and Silky Sharks: Cabo Pulmo Marine Park is a sanctuary for manta rays and silky sharks. Glide alongside these graceful creatures as they navigate the vibrant coral reefs of the park. Encounter silky sharks and other marine species that call this underwater haven home.
• Bait Balls and Giant Mantas: Experience the excitement of bait ball events, where massive schools of fish gather, attracting predators from all directions. Dive into the heart of the action and witness the chaos and beauty of this natural phenomenon. The Nautilus Explorer is also known for encounters with giant mantas, which often grace divers with their majestic presence.
• Sea Lions and Dolphins: Throughout your journey, you'll have the opportunity to interact with playful sea lions and inquisitive dolphins. These intelligent and social marine mammals provide unforgettable moments as they engage with divers in their natural habitat.
• Cabo Pulmo UNESCO Site: Explore the wonders of Cabo Pulmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with over 6,000 marine species. Dive into vibrant coral reefs and witness the remarkable diversity of marine life in this ecological treasure trove.

Preparing for Your Dive Adventure

Before embarking on your liveaboard voyage with the Nautilus Explorer, it's essential to pack wisely. Here's a checklistto ensure you're well-prepared for an unforgettable diving experience:

• Diving Gear: Pack your essential dive gear, including a mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, and BCD. Don't forget your dive computer and underwater flashlight for night dives.
• Camera Gear: Capture the magic of the underwater world with your camera gear. Whether you're an amateur or professional photographer, bring your camera, underwater housing, lenses, and strobes to document your encounters.
• Swimwear and Rash Guards: Comfortable swimwear and rash guards are ideal for surface intervals and water activities.
• Sun Protection: Protect yourself from the sun's rays with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Lip balm with SPF will keep your lips safe from the sun.
• Clothing: Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days on deck. A windbreaker or light jacket may be needed for cooler evenings.
• Toiletries and Medications: Bring personal toiletries, prescription medications, and seasickness remedies for a comfortable journey.
• Travel Documents: Safeguard your passport, travel insurance, dive certifications, and any required permits in a waterproof pouch.
• Power Adapters: If you plan to recharge your camera and devices, bring the necessary power adapters and chargers.

As you prepare for your liveaboard adventure with the Nautilus Explorer, ensure your packing list is complete. Capture the wonders of the underwater world with your camera gear, and get ready for thrilling encounters with a diverse array of marine life.

Dive into Extraordinary Moments

A liveaboard journey with the Nautilus Explorer is an invitation to dive into a world of extraordinary moments beneath the surface. Whether you're seeking heart-pounding encounters with great white sharks or tranquil moments with manta rays, this dive adventure promises to leave you with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the beauty and mystery of the ocean.

For more information and to book your liveaboard experience, visit the Nautilus Explorer website. Get ready to embark on a voyage where each dive is a testament to the wonders of the deep, and every moment is an adventure waiting to be discovered.

2. The Brothers Islands, Egypt:

Situated in the middle of the Red Sea, the Brothers Islands are a magnet for experienced divers. These two small islands offer thrilling drift dives, deep walls, and the opportunity to encounter large pelagic species such as hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, and even the elusive oceanic whitetip shark. The stunning coral formations and dense schools of fish make the Brothers Islands a must-visit destination for advanced divers. Photo courtesy of AlertDiver / Marcello Di Francesco

3. SS Thistlegorm, Egypt:

The SS Thistlegorm is a famous World War II shipwreck located near Sharm El Sheikh. This well-preserved wreck, sitting at a depth of 30 meters, is a paradise for wreck diving enthusiasts. Exploring the cargo holds filled with military vehicles, motorcycles, and even train carriages is like stepping back in time. The marine life surrounding the wreck is equally captivating, with large groupers, barracudas, and an array of colorful fish making it their home.

4. Elphinstone Reef, Egypt:

Situated off the coast of Marsa Alam, Elphinstone Reef is a marine sanctuary that offers a thrilling drift dive experience. This narrow reef is known for its steep walls covered in soft corals and its encounters with sharks, including oceanic whitetips and the occasional hammerhead. The vibrant colors and abundant marine life at Elphinstone Reef make it a favorite among underwater photographers. Photo courtesy of Egypt Independent.

5. Dahab Blue Hole, Egypt:

Dahab's Blue Hole is a world-renowned dive site that attracts divers from all corners of the globe. This unique site features a captivating underwater sinkhole that drops to a depth of over 100 meters. The Blue Hole offers a stunning coral wall dive, and experienced divers can explore the "Arch," a passage that connects the Blue Hole to the open sea. The marine life here includes turtles, schools of fish, and even the occasional reef shark. Photo courtesy of Naama Blue Hotel.

6. Sha'ab Rumi, Sudan:

Located in the Sudanese Red Sea, Shaab Rumi is famous for its steep walls and strong currents, making it an exciting destination for experienced divers. The site is home to Jacques Cousteau's "Precontinent II" underwater habitat, which served as an experimental station in the 1960s. Divers can explore the remnants of this historical structure while encountering colorful coral formations and an abundance of marine life.

7. Giftun Island, Egypt:

Giftun Island, located near Hurghada, is a popular dive site known for its beautiful coral gardens and vibrant marine life. The island offers a variety of dive sites suitable for all levels of divers, from beginners to experts. The crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility, allowing divers to observe an array of fish species, including clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. Giftun Island is also a great spot for snorkelers, with shallow coral reefs close to the shore. Photo courtesy of Red Sea Life Dive Center.

8. Fury Shoals, Egypt:

Fury Shoals is a group of reefs and small islands located in the southern Red Sea. This remote and pristine area offers an array of dive sites with breathtaking coral formations and an abundance of marine life. Divers can explore underwater canyons, swim-throughs, and encounter schools of colorful fish, turtles, and even dolphins. Fury Shoals is a true paradise for underwater photographers, with its vibrant coral gardens and crystal-clear waters. Photo courtesy of Blue O2.

9. Abu Nuhas Shipwrecks, Egypt:

The Abu Nuhas reef is known as the "Ship Graveyard" due to the numerous shipwrecks that rest on its seabed. This site near Sharm El Sheikh is a treasure trove for wreck diving enthusiasts. Among the famous wrecks are the Giannis D, the Carnatic, and the Chrisoula K, each offering a unique diving experience. The wrecks are covered in colorful corals and attract a wide variety of marine life, including schools of snappers and batfish. Map courtesy of Diving Star Center.

10. Tiran Island, Egypt:

Tiran Island is located at the entrance of the Gulf of Aqaba and offers an unforgettable diving experience. The island is surrounded by pristine coral reefs, including the renowned dive sites of Jackson Reef, Woodhouse Reef, and Thomas Reef. Divers can explore impressive drop-offs, encounter schools of barracudas and snappers, and even spot larger pelagic species like sharks and rays. The clear waters and the abundance of marine life make Tiran Island a top destination for diving enthusiasts. Photo courtesy of Egypt Tours Plus.

The Red Sea is a true paradise for divers, with its incredible dive sites offering a wide range of underwater experiences. Whether you're an experienced diver looking for thrilling encounters or a beginner eager to explore the vibrant coral reefs, the Red Sea has something for everyone. So, grab your gear, dive into the crystal-clear waters, and prepare to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of this underwater wonderland.

10-Day Adventure Aboard the Palau Siren

Published rate $6440 - Our rate $5940 per person 

The 10 nights Special New moon spawning itinerary on Palau Siren offers guests something truly exceptional. Divers joining this cruise will have a chance to witness one of the most spectacular natural events on earth; the spawning aggregations of the bumphead parrotfish that occur at new moon lunar cycles.

Itching for your next underwater adventure? Want to enjoy the sights above and below Oceania? The Palau Siren gives you everything you require for an unforgettable scuba diving experience! A luxurious dive ship that offers guests the opportunity to explore the amazing underwater world of Palau, this vessel is located in the heart of Palau's spectacular marine environment. Just a few minutes away from the world-renowned Jellyfish Lake and the Blue Corner Dive Site, the Palau Siren docks off the coast of Koror before setting sail. 

The Palau Siren features spacious cabins that are perfect for solo travelers and couples. Each room is equipped with a comfortable bed, ensuite bathroom, and air conditioning.

A fantastic dive cruise experience would not be complete without plenty of delicious food to keep you satiated between your dives. The Palau Siren offers an impressive selection of cuisine to suit every taste. On board, you’ll enjoy an array of fresh, international and local dishes and delicious beers, wines, and cocktails to pair with your meal. 

About The Dives

On the Palau Siren's dive trip, you can expect to see a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, coral reefs, manta rays, turtles, and dolphins. You will also have the chance to visit some of the more unique diving sites like Jellyfish Lake, Blue Holes, and Ulong Channel. If you are lucky, you may even spot some rare species such as the Manta Ray or the Hawksbill Turtle. Guests can also enjoy nearby attractions such as the iconic Rock Islands, the famous Uncharted Nicholls Statue, and the brilliant Ngemelis Wall Dive Site.

The Palau Siren is a PADI certified dive vessel, meaning the boat meets the highest safety standards and offers guests the best possible diving experience. The boat also has a dedicated dive master who is certified to provide guidance and instruction in all aspects of diving, from beginner to advanced levels.

The New Moon Spawning Trip: A 10-Day Adventure

The Palau Siren offers scuba diving enthusiasts a 10-night trip that takes guests on an incredible journey through the stunning reefs and islands of Palau. The New Moon Spawning Trip takes place each month when the moon is at its darkest. This trip allows divers to witness one of the most spectacular natural events on earth; the spawning aggregations of the bumphead parrotfish that occur at new moon lunar cycles. During this unique event, divers will witness the vibrant coral reef transformation as fish spawn and lay eggs in stunning hues. Along the way, there will be plenty of opportunities to discover the unique wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and distinct cultures of Palau. 

Contact the team at Liquid Diving Adventures today to help you arrange your travel plans!  

Get our discounted rate and save $500 - $5940 ppdo  BOOK this TRIP

Diving is made easy in the Filipino municipality—dive sites range from a 10- to 20-minute boat ride from most resorts. The healthy, colorful reefs keep divers in a state of awe, and the muck, blackwater, and night diving opportunities make them ready for more. Dives take place from bankgas, which are small boats that seat up to four divers and two to three crew members. The highly experienced crews keep divers safe while pointing out the vast marine life. Popular sightings include shrimp, crabs, nudibranchs, squid, cuttlefish, frogfish, pipefish, seahorses, wonderpus, blue-ringed octopus, and bobbit worms. With such unique experiences, Anilao is also beginner-friendly due to the often calm currents and shallow dive sites. 

While Anilao is known for its small marine life, larger beings like jacks, turtles, and giant seahorses can be spotted. Sites like Manitit Point have strong currents that bring in larger life like reef sharks, hunting barracudas, and giant and bluefin trevally. In deep waters, there are rare sightings of small whale sharks.

With stunning jungles on land, guests also flock to the soft coral forests, which range from 70 to 130 feet deep. The untouched corals feature rare critters like seahorses and rhinopias.

TOP DIVE SITES 

One of Anilao’s iconic dive sites is Twin Rocks, with vibrant life as shallow as 10 feet and as deep as 130. Photographers love this site for the macro life and wide-angle opportunities. Soft corals, jacks, jawfish, and more are just a few of the creatures spotted here.

Beatrice is popular with experienced divers who can brave the strong currents. With more wide-angle shots, Beatrice is known for swarms of anthias and stunning corals. Kirby’s Rock is another macro life mecca with a stunning wall and incredible visibility. For the muck diving fanatic, Secret Bay is a hot spot for mimic octopus, wonderpus, pipefish, and seahorses. Blackwater dive sites vary but spotting one-of-a-kind jellies, larvae, and invertebrates is a guarantee. 

DIVE CONDITIONS AND WHEN TO VISIT  

Waters are calm and warm year-round, ranging from 77°F to 81°F (25°C to 27°C) and a visibility of 40 feet to 50 feet (10m to 15m). The main season is from October to early June, with November and December as the peak. April and May tend to be the most crowded months for resorts. Monsoon season is in July and August, but dive sites can still be accessed.

WHERE TO STAY

Crystal Blue Anilao is set in the bay area and features accommodations for families, groups, and couples. Guests praise the resort for their dive facilities, which include a covered dive deck, rinse tanks, showers, camera rinse tanks, and a camera room. 

Buceo Anilao features a PADI-certified dive shop with Nitrox and air fills. The camera room includes eighteen workstations with air guns, rinse tanks, lockers, matted desks, and shelves. In addition to the iconic muck and macro diving Anilao is known for, Buceo brings guests to wreck and cave dives as well as weekly dive trips to Verde Island. 

While Anilao itself doesn’t have much outside of diving and watersports, the resorts keep guests busy with karaoke, bars, spa treatments, and pools. 

Ready for your Anilao adventure? Book with us today!

MALE TO KOODDOO  January 28 to February 4, 2023    BOOK ONLINE -->  CLICK HERE

Starting within the central atolls, you'll start exploring this tropical paradise with more relaxed and colorful pinnacle and wall dives. On an evening, you'll jump in for some spectacular night dives with our curious nurse shark and stingray nighttime visitors. You'll spend the day at the Meemu atoll, you'll experience unforgettable encounters at the manta cleaning stations. Moving further south, there will be an abundance of channel dives, with their strong currents attracting rich pelagic fauna. As the evenings roll in you'll venture round to the back of the boat for unforgettable night snorkeling experiences with whale sharks. There's a high chance of you having more than one visitor of an evening, and if you stay up late, one-on-one experiences are likely. The itinerary includes a trip to the Huvadhoo channels, a world-renowned diving location. There's a wealth of exciting encounters waiting to be had here with silvertip, hammerhead, bull, and large schools of grey reef sharks.

KOODDOO TO GAN  February 2-11, 2023  |  February 18-25, 2023  |  March 4-11, 2023

GAN TO KOODDOO February 11-18, 2023  |  February 25 to March 4, 2023  |  March 11-18, 2023

BOOK ONLINE -->  CLICK HERE

This will be a week of breath-taking channel and drift drives, as you ride the current alongside pelagic life and get to experience not only sightings, but a front seat look into their behaviors. The itinerary includes a trip to the Huvadhoo channels, a world-renowned diving location. There's a wealth of exciting encounters waiting to be had here with silvertip, hammerhead, bull, and large schools of grey reef sharks. Moving on to Fuvahmulah atoll, you'll be immersed into oceanic depths with unbeatable conditions that lend themselves to great encounters with tiger, whale, and thresher sharks, black oceanic mantas, and many other pelagic fauna. This is renowned for being many's most memorable dive of their logbook. As the evenings roll in you'll venture round to the back of the boat for unforgettable night snorkeling experiences with whale sharks. There's a high chance of you having more than one visitor of an evening, and if you stay up late, one-on-one experiences are likely. The itinerary includes a trip to the Addu atolls, a dive site blessed with the best hard corals that make for great sightings of giant manta rays in their cleaning stations. Additionally, this is home to the biggest shipwreck in the Maldives, The British Loyalty, which you'll get the chance of exploring.

KOODDOO TO MALE  March 18-25, 2023     BOOK ONLINE -->  CLICK HERE

This week will start with adventurous channel drives, with currents rich in pelagic fauna. The itinerary includes a trip to the Huvadhoo channels, a world-renowned diving location. There's a wealth of exciting encounters waiting to be had here with silvertip, hammerhead, bull, and large schools of grey reef sharks. As the evenings roll in you'll venture round to the back of the boat for unforgettable night snorkeling experiences with whale sharks. There's a high chance of you having more than one visitor of an evening, and if you stay up late, one-on-one experiences are likely. You'll spend the day at the Meemu atoll, you'll experience unforgettable encounters at the manta cleaning stations. The itinerary will then take you to the Vaavu atolls, where you'll spend the evening diving with nurse sharks and stingrays through the stunning crystal clear lagoons. You'll finish the week in the central atolls, where you'll get a final exploration of this tropical paradise with more relaxed and colorful pinnacle and wall dives. From shark-filled channels, to the world's most fruitful manta cleaning stations, to once-in-alifetime night dives. We welcome experienced divers to explore this underwater wonderland in all its glory alongside us.

300 Suites  -  690 feet in length  -  92 feet in width

Introducing Seabourn Ovation, the sister-ship to the already -prestigious Seabourn Encore. Seabourn Ovation represents another welcome stage in the evolution of small-ship cruising, which Seabourn pioneered and has consistently expanded and enriched for all of our small-ship cruises. This ship delivers a wealth of new concepts, a fresh vision and a host of illuminating ideas to delight the world's most discerning travelers.

Seabourn Encore

300 Suites  -  690 feet in length  -  92 feet in width

Seabourn Encore is as strikingly beautiful and as excitingly innovative as any Seabourn has ever debuted. She crowns a fleet of luxury cruise ships already the newest, most modern, and most acclaimed in the ultra-luxury segment. Modeled on the award-winning trio of ships introduced with Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Encore represents another welcome stage in the evolution of small ship cruising, which Seabourn pioneered and has consistently expanded and enriched for all of our small ship cruises.

Seabourn Quest

229 Suites  -  650 feet in length  -  84 feet in width

Seabourn Quest is the third iteration of the vessel design called “a game-changer for the luxury segment.” True to her Seabourn bloodlines, wherever she sails around the world, Seabourn Quest carries with her a bevy of award-winning dining venues that are comparable to the finest restaurants to be found anywhere. Seabourn Quest offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste and every mood, with never an extra charge.

Seabourn Sojourn

229 Suites  -  650 feet in length  -  84 feet in width

Seabourn Sojourn enchants her guests with an array of public areas scaled to encourage a relaxed sociability. One of the most unusual features of Seabourn Sojourn and her sisters is Seabourn Square, an ingenious "living room" that replaces the traditional cruise ship lobby with a welcoming lounge filled with easy chairs, sofas and cocktail tables; making it more inviting and relaxing on a small ship cruise. An enclave in its center houses knowledgeable concierges discreetly seated at individual desks.

Seabourn Venture

Seabourn's ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship Seabourn Venture, is paying tribute to the remote destinations visited by the brand's highly successful expedition and Ventures by Seabourn excursion programs and the fascinating places yet to be explored in the future. Seabourn Venture launched in July 2022. The ship is designed and built for diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards and includes a plethora of modern hardware and technology that will extend the ship's global deployment and capabilities. A new and exciting offering will be two custom-built submarines carried onboard, providing an unforgettable view of the world beneath the ocean’s surface. The ship is also designed to carry a complement of double sea kayaks as well as 24 Zodiacs that can accommodate all onboard guests at once, which will allow for a truly immersive experience. The ship will feature 132 all veranda, all ocean-front suites.

Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn Pursuit is the second Seabourn expedition ship slated to launch in 2023. Both Seabourn Pursuit and sister ship Seabourn Venture are designed and built for diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards and include modern hardware and technology that will extend the ships’ global deployment and capabilities. Each will carry two custom-built submarines, 24 Zodiacs, kayaks, and a 26-person expert expedition team whose role is to engage guests throughout each voyage. 

The ship then continues onward by exploring the waters and landscapes of Greenland, Iceland and Norway throughout the spring and early summer, in some instances retracing the path of the Vikings to the frontier town of Tromsø while carving its way through the inside passage of the Norwegian fjords along the way. A sure highlight for August 2023 is the ship’s Northwest Passage journey through some of the most remote areas in the Northern Hemisphere from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Nome, Alaska. 

3 Glorious Ships That Will Complete Your Galapagos Getaway

The Galaxy Diver 

If you love boating and scuba diving you’ll be pleased to discover you get the best of both worlds on the Galaxy Diver. This 30-meter long, 12-passenger cruise ship is outfitted with an 8-person crew and 2 dive masters ready to guide you along your scuba diving journey. Upon stepping foot on this sleek ship, you’ll be greeted by beautiful, modern interior designs that create an atmosphere of luxury. Cool off in the interior lounge with a refreshing beverage of choice and scenic views from the expansive windows. The outdoor lounge, located on the upper deck of the ship, is just as inviting. Relax on the comfy sofas underneath the covering (or step out into the sun to work on your tan) and take in the views of the natural paradise. Need to take a nap or plan to cruise the ship overnight? The cozy cabins are complete with private bathrooms, air conditioning, all the modern amenities, and ultra soft beds that will have you believing you're sleeping on a cloud.

We haven't even gotten to the good part yet: all the diving. The Galaxy Driver can take you through diving sites across the region, including Douglas Cape, Wolf Island, Vicente Roca Point, and Cousins Rock. The best time to spot rare, exotic marine life is from December to June, so try to plan your diving adventure within those months. Diving in the Galapagos during the wet season also means you’ll experience calmer waters and clear visibility. First time diving? Have a fear of sharks? Put your mind at ease knowing you can download the Shark Scan App on your phone to monitor any underwater life in the Marine Reserve. 

The Alya

If diving is less of a priority for you and you’d prefer an authentic luxury experience, the Alya is the ship for you. The exquisite design of the ship matches the ambiance of the Enchanted Islands. This 9-cabin ship can fit up to 16 passengers and comes with nine crew members and one guide ready to create an unforgettable experience for you. The Alya is built with a living room, sundeck, al fresco area, dining room, and bar. The ship also comes with the MYDAS app to ensure you get all the comforts of home, including blockbuster movies to watch when you curl up in your private cabin bed at the end of the day. On the Alya, you can choose to simply enjoy the ship for what it is (an unbeatable luxury experience) or add on some adrenaline-inducing water activities like kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or taking a ride on a panga, an inflated zodiac that gives you an even closer upfront look at exotic marine life. 

And last, but certainly not least, is the Bonita yacht, the ideal option for adventurers looking for a Galapagos sailing experience at an affordable rate. Onboard, you’ll find ample indoor and outdoor spaces designed to fit up to 16 passengers. Eight crew members and one guide will be there to greet you with a delicious cocktail as you step foot on the main deck. Cool off in the air-conditioned living room and drink in the views of the surrounding waters and islands through the panoramic windows. When you get hungry, you can make your way to the dining room where three square meals and plenty of snacks are served each day (the menu also includes options for vegans and vegetarians). Aside from touring waters filled with some of the rarest aquatic creatures in the world, one of the best ways to experience the Galapagos is by watching the sunset from the yacht’s deck. After a long day of sailing the seas and jumping in the water to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard, make your way to your private cabin for the best sleep of your life. 

Ready to start planning your Galapagos getaway? Eager to put a boating excursion on your travel itinerary or find the best scuba diving adventures around the island? Contact the team at Liquid Diving Adventures today!