Seadoors Liveaboard overview

By
Yvonne Press
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Yvonne is a TDI instructor trainer and rebreather instructor with more than two decades of diving experience. After learning to dive on the Great Barrier Reef,...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...

Picture yourself surrounded by hundreds of schooling fish in warm, tropical waters or enjoying a breathtaking encounter with a whale shark or a thresher shark. Those encounters, as well as a chance to explore historic wrecks, are the ingredients that make Philippines diving special. Visiting this archipelago by liveaboard gives divers all the freedom they need to reach off-the-beaten-track dive sites and avoid the crowds.

Seadoors liveaboard promises not only to take guests to the hidden gems of Philippines diving but also offers trips that combine underwater and land excursions. The boat accommodates 16 divers in eight cabins, most of which can be shared by couples or friends thanks to flexible beds.

Itineraries range from six to 13 nights. Although this 82-foot (25 m) liveaboard is one of the smaller boats in the area, it has been designed with divers in mind and is perfectly suited for small groups.

Keep reading for our in-depth review of the Seadoors liveaboard.

About this review

To help you find a that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of s

Things we like:

  • Flexible cabins for easy sharing
  • Wide choice of destinations and trip lengths
  • Dedicated space and facilities for photographers and videographers

Things we don't like:

  • No Wi-Fi

 Diving on Seadoors liveaboard

The Seadoors liveaboard was custom-built for divers, so no matter which itinerary you choose you’ll have an excellent time. The Philippines has over 7,000 islands and 16 seas, so the hardest decision may be picking a trip.

The boat visits three main areas: Tubbataha, Visayas, and the Sulu Sea. The Sulu Sea trips are particularly special as they allow divers to experience the best of Tubbataha, the Cagayan Islands, and the Visayas. A special Malapascua–Cagayan itinerary is available in July and November only.

Depending on your itinerary, you may be completing three or four dives per day. Every dive starts in the living room with a detailed briefing by one of the experienced crew members. From there, divers head to the spacious dive deck, which offers plenty of space to get ready for dives. Between dives, everyone has a dedicated space to keep their equipment.

Divers will also find freshwater rinse tanks and a dedicated bench for photo and video equipment on the dive deck. Plus, the deck features freshwater showers, and divers are given warm towels after each dive.

The Seadoors has two 26-foot (8 m) fiberglass chase boats that offer all divers space to get to the best drop point comfortably. Both boats also feature ladders, which make it easy to re-enter the chase boat after the dive.

This boat is one of the few liveaboards in the area that is equipped for technical diving, including CCR diving. The operators offer Megalodon rebreathers and DPVs for their divers, and there is a gas booster to supply high-pressure oxygen.

Highlights:

  • Opportunity for three and four dives per day
  • Chase boats feature ladders for easy re-entry after dives
  • Nitrox, high-pressure oxygen, and technical diving facilities available

 Onboard the Seadoors

The first thing divers notice about the Seadoors is its sleek hull. The rest of the boat has been designed just as efficiently. This liveaboard features eight comfortable cabins across two decks. Each cabin has air-conditioning and an ensuite bathroom with hot water and towels. All bathrooms also have windows for ventilation.

Out of the six standard cabins, two are located on the main deck and four on the upper deck. Each has a queen-size bed and a twin bed installed as a bunk bed. This flexible setup makes the cabins perfect for sharing between friends and couples.

If you prefer to have a little more space and access to the queen bed from both sides, take a look at the deluxe cabins. Both are located on the main deck and offer sea views thanks to four windows.

If you prefer to spend your time between dives outside of your cabin, look no further than the living room, located right in the center of the main deck. It’s furnished with comfortable benches and even more comfortable, colorful bean bags. The living room is air-conditioned for those who are looking for a break from the tropical heat.

There is a large flatscreen TV here and a marine library that makes it easy to identify every creature you’ve spotted on your last dive. The Seadoors also offers plenty of space for relaxation and topping up your tan on the sundeck. Sun loungers, coffee tables, and sofas make this the perfect area to enjoy a sunset or simply take in the views.  

Highlights:

  • Deluxe cabins offer more space and sea views
  • All cabins are ideal for sharing and work well for couples, too
  • Comfortable living room to relax between dives
  • Dedicated charging station for electronics

Dining on the Seadoors

Touches of French cuisine–need we say more? Meals on the Seadoors are among the highlights of your liveaboard trip. The kitchen team is serving fine cuisine at buffet-style meals throughout the day.

All dishes have been developed to make the most of fresh, local ingredients for Western and locally-inspired dishes. Meals are served alfresco, allowing divers to enjoy their food and the views at the same time.

Vegetarians, vegans, and divers with other dietary requirements can be accommodated but, as always, we recommend notifying the operator in advance. For those who feel hungry between meals, the liveaboard offers snacks throughout the day, and soft drinks are included in your package.

As you may expect from a liveaboard with a strong French connection, there is an excellent selection of fine wines available. The crew also offers beer to toast your dives. On most trips, a beach BBQ is one of the culinary highlights.

Highlights:

  • French-inspired cuisine, including fine-dining dishes
  • Excellent choice of wine to purchase

Things we like:

  • Flexible cabins for easy sharing
  • Wide choice of destinations and trip lengths
  • Dedicated space and facilities for photographers and videographers

Things we don't like:

  • No Wi-Fi
Key Facts
Year Built 1996
Max Divers 16
Price Range Mid-range
Trip Length 5-7 Nights
Internet No
Nitrox Yes ($)
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
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