Where to book
Diving on the MV SeaEsta liveaboard
Although it’s been hit with several waves of coral bleaching, diving in the Great Barrier Reef still offers vibrant coral landscapes and diverse marine life, depending on where you go. Sea life, including lots of reef fish and turtles, remains a highlight.
Trips run either two, three, or four days/nights, offering between six and 14 dives, including night dives and dives at the iconic SS Yongala wreck. Other dive sites on the central Great Barrier Reef include Peacock Bommie, Vic’s Patches, and Wheeler’s Reef. Trips depart from and return to Townsville and, beyond diving, divers can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and beach excursions.
MV SeaEsta also offers nitrox fills, advanced courses, dive torch purchases or rentals, and camera rental with an included SD card. Divers have access to tanks with either yoke and DIN valves, with the option of nitrox and rental gear for an extra fee. Tanks, weights, and snorkeling equipment are provided free of charge.
Highlights:
- Great Barrier Reef showcases colorful coral and diverse marine life
- A chance to dive the world-class SS Yongala
- Night dives at renowned spots
Onboard the MV SeaEsta
To be clear—the MV SeaEsta is a budget dive vessel, so guests should keep their expectations accordant. This modest 55-foot (17 m) liveaboard has been in operation since 1982 and, without much in the way of updates, it provides a comfortable (enough) base for an affordable exploration of the SS Yongala and other central GBR dive sites.
The interior reflects a balance of practicality, budget, and functionality. With a limited capacity for 20 guests, accommodations include double, twin, or quad-share staterooms. Cabins are equipped with air conditioning and ample storage, though bathrooms are shared.
The deck on SeaEsta is the perfect spot for socializing, complete with fish ID and diving books for enthusiasts. Warm-water showers and a battery-charging station are also available.
The SeaEsta features a roomy dive deck, which offers space for divers to gear up and access the water via giant stride. Submerged ladders offer convenient water entry and exit when diving straight from the boat, and a zodiac offers access to dive sites further afield.
Highlights
- Modest size; 3-star experience
- Ample dive deck space
- Separate zodiac for convenience in reaching dive sites
Dining on the MV SeaEsta
Like the accommodations, the food onboard the MV SeaEsta is basic but serviceable. There’s a barbecue one night, and buffet-style meals offer a selection of Western and international food.
Guests have convenient, self-service access to snacks and beverages throughout the day, and chefs can accommodate special dietary requirements with advance notice.
Highlights
- Diverse buffet-style meals include local, international, and Italian dishes
- Barbecue dinner one night
Things we like:
- A chance to visit the Yongala shipwreck
- Helpful crew
Things we don't like:
- Insufficient restroom facilities
- Overcrowded and uncomfortable feeling on the vessel
- Boat needs maintenance and does not meet expected standards
- Some cabins are next to the engines
- Gear is tired and worn out
Key Facts
| Year Built | 1982 |
| Max Divers | 16 |
| Price Range | Budget |
| Trip Length | < 5 Nights |
| Internet | No |
| Nitrox | Yes ($) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | No |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
Take a moment to look at this.
