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Diving on the Gaia Love liveaboard
It’s hard to go wrong with Indonesia diving. Remote islands, up to 500 species of coral, and thousands of fish all make this a destination that regularly tops divers’ bucket lists. The Gaia Love liveaboard takes you to some of the most-loved areas of the archipelago, with a crew that ensures you dive safely and experience as much as possible of the beautiful Indonesian underwater world.
While most divers will have heard of the currents of Komodo, which are both thrilling and challenging, and the soft coral reefs of Raja Ampat, the Banda Sea and Alor have not (yet) got the same appeal. Don’t let that put you off. The diving in these places is just as good, if not better, thanks to fewer boats in the area.
Think about discovering hidden seamounts, diving with schools of thousands of fish, or discovering the strangest and tiniest of underwater creatures. Plus, the liveaboard also covers the Forgotten Islands, Triton Bay, and Halmahera. As more and more liveaboards are adding these destinations to their roster, they won’t stay secret for much longer.
As for the dive facilities, the dive deck on the main deck has been specifically designed to allow divers the space they need to prepare their gear safely and comfortably. You won’t find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with another diver, struggling to get enough space to prepare.
Instead, you’ll find plenty of space for gearing up as well as personal seating, helping you keep your equipment organized throughout the trip. You’ll also have access to designated wet and dry areas for personal items, and there are dedicated camera rinse tanks.
All dives start from custom-built aluminum dive tenders. In between or after dives, the crew will also use the tenders to get you closer to the islands for photo opportunities. But let’s get back to the diving. The Gaia Love offers up to four dives per day, depending on water conditions and travel requirements. Nitrox is also available; you simply pay a fixed price per day to cover all your tanks.
Photographers will enjoy the dedicated space in the vessel’s camera room, making it easy to prepare and maintain their favorite piece of equipment.
Highlights:
- Spacious, well-designed dive deck
- Dedicated wet and dry spaces for up to 20 divers
- Great choice of destinations including firm favorites and less-well-known areas
Onboard the Gaia Love
The Gaia Love makes the most out of the space available on board. Let’s start by taking a closer look at the cabins. All of them feature en suite bathrooms and air conditioning. The décor is modern and contemporary in keeping with the boat itself, and interiors have been designed to maximize space.
We love the private balconies outside the upper deck rooms. These rooms can be configured as king-size, queen-size, or super-single-size rooms. Having a private balcony is a great little luxury when you just want to kick back and relax between dives or at the end of an exciting day.
The lower deck cabins offer similar amenities, although there are no private outdoor spaces. All cabins have TVs, media players, and a network-linked entertainment system for those long nights.
If you’d rather spend time outside of your cabin, check out the expansive views from the upper deck. This is a great place to soak up the sun, practice your yoga routine, or take a nap. The liveaboard also offers a massage service after your dives for a fee. Part of the deck is covered, too, for anyone looking to avoid too much sun exposure. There’s also a well-stocked bar here, allowing you to toast a successful diving day.
If you’d prefer to relax indoors, the salon on the main deck is just perfect with comfortable seating to help you relax and relive the adventures of the day.
Highlights:
- Good use of limited space with cabins spread over two decks
- All cabins can be converted to suit single divers or those traveling as a couple
- Massages and laundry service available for a fee
Dining on the Gaia Love
No liveaboard review would be complete without taking a look at the food. Diving even once makes you hungry, and when you’re diving up to four times a day, sometimes in challenging conditions, you’ll certainly look forward to your meals.
Gaia Love’s website sets the bar high by calling food “the most important spoil of any vacation.” The boat’s chefs are ready to serve divers a combination of Western favorites and Indonesian cuisine. In addition, divers are treated to a selection of pastries that are freshly baked every day, making sure you never go hungry no matter how many dives you do.
Food is served in the restaurant on the main deck, but you may also dine on the upper deck if you prefer. Aside from breakfast, lunch, and dinner, divers can also enjoy an afternoon tea. The chefs are happy to accommodate dietary requirements, but ask guests to inform them beforehand of their specific needs.
Head to the salon for an endless supply of snacks in between meals. Soft drinks, purified water, herbal teas, and fresh coffee are available all day at no additional cost. The Gaia Love also stocks beer and a selection of wines that are available to purchase.
Highlights:
- Indoor and alfresco dining
- Freshly made pastries every day
- Beer and wine available for purchase
Things we like:
- Well-thought-out diving facilities to accommodate 22 divers
- Private balconies on upper deck cabins
- Large camera space compared to the size of the boat
Things we don't like:
- Dive sites can be a little crowded when all 22 divers are in the water
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2017 |
| Max Divers | 28 |
| Price Range | Luxury |
| Trip Length | 8+ Nights |
| Internet | Yes ($) |
| Nitrox | Yes ($) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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