BEST OF · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Dive Boat Trips

62 dives  ·  from $20 a head

The boat decides the day: how far out you get, how many tanks fit in, and whether there is shade for the surface interval. These 15 are compared on price, run time and how much of it is actually spent in the water.

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns - The long run to Saxon or Norman Reef
Cruises & Boat Tours, Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

1.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,714 reviews · from $190Our pick

Spend about 8.5 hours aboard Evolution from Cairns, visiting two outer reef sites near Saxon, Norman, or Hastings Reef. Snorkel with supplied gear, add an introductory or certified scuba session, or book a 10-minute helicopter flight. Crew members such as Indy and Phil may add marine-life talks.

“Fantastic experience. The staff onboard the ship were extremely nice, helpful and encouraged all to snorkel and see the coral and sea life. Kudos to each one of the staff for their support. Additionally, we took the helicopter ride to see the reef and it was a sight to behold.”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise - Morning aboard the Ocean Freedom catamaran
Cruises & Boat Tours, Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, VIP

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

2.Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,895 reviews · from $181Top rated

Board the 65-foot Ocean Freedom catamaran in Cairns for a full reef day at Upolu Cay and Wonder Wall. You get guided snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat tour, six hours on the reef, buffet lunch, equipment, and crew help in the water. Certified and introductory scuba options cost extra.

“Staff was super nice and everyone was super kind. Both snorkel sites were amazing and we saw a blue star fish and a few turtles. It was a memorable trip. However a few suggestions: (1) Boat was super crowded. If you prefer a small group, would suggest the ocean free (same company but smaller boat) which is a smaller 25 person total for the boat. It feels less luxurious when it is so crowded.. (2) Also was not a fan of the going, barefoot on the boat.. It was quite disgusting by the end of the trip. They should tell us to bring water shoes. (3) Just a suggestion, but…”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise - From Marlin Marina to the outer reef
Cruises & Boat Tours, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

3.Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,467 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $183

Cruise from Cairns on a fast 20-metre catamaran to Upolu Reef and Cay. Expect guided snorkelling, glass-bottom boat trips, optional certified or introductory scuba sessions, and a generous lunch. Instructors including Ollie, Paul, and Tori help keep beginners calm and well supported.

“if you want a great safe introductory dive , you may trust this crew, very professional and friendly. if you like snorkel , they will show you the good places on the reef. very worthy experience .”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Polignano a Mare boat tour emotions, caves, diving and appetizers - Grotta Azzurra and the changing cave light
Cruises & Boat Tours, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Italy, Tour Reviews, Tours

Polignano a Mare boat tour emotions, caves, diving and appetizers

4.Polignano a Mare boat tour emotions, caves, diving and appetizers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,022 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Cruise from San Vito along Polignano a Mare’s rocky coast with a small group of up to 10 people. Expect sea caves, swim and snorkel stops, music, local commentary from captains such as Christian, Nicholas, or Valerio, and a simple Prosecco aperitivo.

“Parking may be difficult. The driver is great. Swimming great if you want to snorkel bring your own.”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Scuba Diving Full Day Boat Trip for beginners With Lunch & Transfer – Hurghada - Morning pickup from your Hurghada hotel
Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Lunch Experiences, Private Drivers, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving for Beginners, Scuba Diving in Egypt, Scuba Diving in Hurghada, Tour Reviews

Scuba Diving Full Day Boat Trip for beginners With Lunch & Transfer – Hurghada

5.Scuba Diving Full Day Boat Trip for beginners With Lunch & Transfer – Hurghada

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 580 reviews · from $24

Set out from Hurghada for an eight-hour Red Sea boat trip with two scuba stops, beginner-friendly instruction, onboard lunch, drinks, equipment, and hotel transfers. Guides including Sultan, Mustafa, Hossum, Osama, and Mimo are praised for patient support, though site timing and gear quality can vary.

“Absolutely amazing boat trip, we were a family of 5. So many involved in making sure all in the group got diving from the boat. The patience shown to me (a non swimmer) to ensure I dived was second to none. My 16 year old boys loved it and my 12 year old daughter did something she didn't think she could. The highlight of our holiday. Needs a generous tip.”

Dates and spaces →The full review

2 Tank Lanai Cathedral Scuba Dive Via Boat for Certified Divers - The crossing from Maui to Lanai
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dives for Certified Divers, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Maui, Scuba Diving in the USA, Tour Reviews, Two-Tank Dives

2 Tank Lanai Cathedral Scuba Dive Via Boat for Certified Divers

6.2 Tank Lanai Cathedral Scuba Dive Via Boat for Certified Divers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 548 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $306

Meet Dive Maui at 6:30 AM for a boat ride from Lahaina to Lanai, where certified scuba guests make two descents of up to 60 minutes. Expect caverns, arches, lava formations, swim-throughs, possible whales and dolphins, and guides such as Abbi, Jess, Brian, or Scott.

“Abby & Jess are the two best dive masters! Very impressive knowledge of all the marine life. Good quality rental gear. Beautiful scenery! Highly recommend.”

Dates and spaces →The full review

From Sharm: Ras Muhammed & White Island By Boat & intro Dive - From your hotel gate to the yacht
Cruises & Boat Tours, Discover Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Egypt, Scuba Diving in Sharm el Sheikh, Tour Reviews

From Sharm: Ras Muhammed & White Island By Boat & intro Dive

7.From Sharm: Ras Muhammed & White Island By Boat & intro Dive

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 493 reviews · from $43

Join guides such as Abanoub, Emad, Bishoy, and Arabi for a full day on the Red Sea. You will visit up to three swim sites, try a supervised 10 to 15-minute beginner scuba session, snorkel among coral and fish, and eat a buffet lunch aboard the yacht before visiting White Island.

“Imad and Majid were great as was the rest of the crew, Lovely day definitely will book again thank you so much”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Introductory scuba for first-timers
Cruises & Boat Tours, Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise

8.Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 432 reviews · from $212

Spend about 10 hours aboard Silverswift, a 29-meter catamaran from Cairns, visiting three outer reef sites. Snorkel all day, try one or two introductory scuba sessions, or complete three certified descents. Guides such as Matilda, Paul, Dave, and Vanessa have helped beginners feel at ease.

“This boat was the nicest boat we've been on to go snorkeling/scuba diving. This was our first dive after our certification. The guide was very helpful. He took care of our tanks and hoses between dives. He gave us good tips. We had 6 people in our group. We saw some neat fish and a couple of turtles. On the second dive, we did some swim throughs. There was also hot fresh water showers when you got out of the ocean. We went to Flynn Reef. The lunch included fruit, pasta, curry, chicken legs amongst other things I don't remember. There was hot tea and coffee at every stop. It…”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Cape Town: Gansbaai Eco-Friendly Shark Cage Diving Cruise - Breakfast, briefing, and the Great White House
Cruises & Boat Tours, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Cape Town, Scuba Diving in South Africa, Shark Diving, Tour Reviews

Cape Town: Gansbaai Eco-Friendly Shark Cage Diving Cruise

9.Cape Town: Gansbaai Eco-Friendly Shark Cage Diving Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 326 reviews · 6 - 10 hours · from $237

Travel from Cape Town to Gansbaai for a guided shark cage encounter with Marine Dynamics. You’ll get safety instruction from a marine biologist, use supplied wetsuits and gear, and visit the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary. Bronze whaler sharks are the main attraction, with seals, rays, whales, and dolphins possible.

“This trip was very well organized- they’ve really thought of everything and strived to make the participants as prepared and comfortable as possible. I had a GREAT time and very adventurous yet comfortable experience. The boat was very well stocked, the shark cage was very safe and well designed, and the guides and crew were knowledgeable, informative, and helpful. Highly recommend.”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Incredibly Fun Coral Reef Giant Sea Turtles 4hour Boat Scuba Tour - The boat ride and group setup
Cruises & Boat Tours, Diving with Turtles, Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Oahu, Scuba Diving in the USA, Tour Reviews, Tours

Incredibly Fun Coral Reef Giant Sea Turtles 4hour Boat Scuba Tour

10.Incredibly Fun Coral Reef Giant Sea Turtles 4hour Boat Scuba Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 300 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $299

Spend four hours aboard a large Oahu dive boat with instructors such as Josh, Chad, Olga, or Red. Beginners receive hands-on training before two shallow open-ocean scuba sessions, where you may see turtles, octopus, rays, eels, reef fish, and sometimes sharks.

“Great experience for my 3 older kids. Complete beginners, but felt very safe. All want to become certified now!”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Hurghada Diving Adventure one Day with two Dives Boat Trip - The Red Sea setting and the value of a guided group
1-Day Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Egypt, Scuba Diving in Hurghada, Tour Reviews

Hurghada Diving Adventure one Day with two Dives Boat Trip

11.Hurghada Diving Adventure one Day with two Dives Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 238 reviews · from $26

Join Aquarius Diving Club at Hurghada’s Marriott Beach Resort for two guided boat sessions at selected Red Sea sites. You get expert instruction, lunch, drinks, and hotel pickup. Equipment rental and the 5 euro national park fee cost extra. Non-divers can snorkel.

“We had an amazing experience with Acquarius Diving Club in Hurghada! We are a couple and had already gone on a snorkeling trip the day before with another company, but it was not in the least comparable to what we experienced with them. With Acquarius, we did botRead moreAuto-translated”

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2-Dive adventure-Safe & Top-rated boat for Certified Divers - 8 am pickup and a calm start at the marina
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dives for Certified Divers, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Egypt, Scuba Diving in Hurghada, Tour Reviews

2-Dive adventure-Safe & Top-rated boat for Certified Divers

12.2-Dive adventure-Safe & Top-rated boat for Certified Divers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 228 reviews · from $78

Spend a full day aboard a 27-meter Red Sea boat from Hurghada, with two scuba sessions at sites chosen for your certification level. PADI guides lead small groups, tanks and weights are supplied, and hotel transport is included within 10 kilometers of the marina. Bart is praised for patient help with newer certified divers.

“Absolutely loved diving with Blue Paradise, Bart was so helpful in every way, I'm not an experienced diver completed the course in the states and came to Hurghada Red Sea Egypt with my husband on our honeymoon and he really wanted to Read more”

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Journey of Diving or Snorkelling from a Boat - What the underwater portion is meant to offer
Cruises & Boat Tours, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Aqaba, Scuba Diving in Jordan, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Journey of Diving or Snorkelling from a Boat

13.Journey of Diving or Snorkelling from a Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 218 reviews · from $85

Join Coral Garden Diving Center in Aqaba for a four-hour Red Sea boat trip from Ayla 5* Marina. Snorkel, try scuba with instructors such as Lance and Natalia, or relax aboard the 22-meter boat. First-timers are welcome, with pickup offered and groups capped at 30.

“I had an awesome first experience of scuba diving with them. The staff as well as my instructor were extremely friendly. As a diving first-timer, I was totally looked after during the dive. It’s a breathtaking experience. Would love to come back and dive again!”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Private Dive Boat for Certified Divers - Cabo San Lucas - The Arch and the Surface Interval
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dives for Certified Divers, Private, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Cabo San Lucas, Scuba Diving in Mexico, Tour Reviews

Private Dive Boat for Certified Divers – Cabo San Lucas

14.Private Dive Boat for Certified Divers – Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

You’ll meet Cabo Private Guide at Plaza Nautica, fit your gear, walk five minutes to the boat, and visit two nearby marine reserve sites. Your guide chooses locations around your experience and sea conditions, offers a free refresher, and sends basic underwater photos afterward.

“It was a perfect day!!! The dives were beautiful with so much sea life!! Our captain and dive instructor were amazing!”

Dates and spaces →The full review

From Hermanus: Cruise with Shark Cage Dive and Lunch - What the cage encounter feels like
Cruises & Boat Tours, Lunch Experiences, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Cape Town, Scuba Diving in South Africa, Shark Diving, Tour Reviews

From Hermanus: Cruise with Shark Cage Dive and Lunch

15.From Hermanus: Cruise with Shark Cage Dive and Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 184 reviews · 1 day · from $168

Spend about three hours at sea near Kleinbaai, watching bronze whaler and possibly great white sharks from a protected cage. The crew provides wetsuits, masks, food, drinks, and marine-life briefings. Expect cold water, rough seas at times, and rotating cage time for groups of four or five.

“Was so amazing!!! I loved! Staffs as really nice and kind, the filming was so good. In the end we had soup and bread witch was really good. Recommended a hundred times. The only thing is we didn’t see great white sharks, they told us they are not in that region. Shame! But it worths anyway”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Just written up in Cruises & Boat Tours

★ 4.2Nassau: SNUBA Diving Island Cruise with Bahamian LunchFrom $1198
★ 5.0Kauai: Morning 2 Tank Boat Dive for Experienced DiversFrom $2595
★ 4.9Mallorca: Try Scuba Diving by BoatFrom $12318
★ 4.6Mallorca: Snorkeling tour with diving instructor from a boat – Cap de FormentorFrom $6547
★ 4.9Kos: Try Scuba Diving with a diving boatFrom $12398
★ 4.8Koh Samui: Discovery Dive to Koh Tao or Sail RockFrom $22341
★ 4.1Koh Samui: Dive Tour to Sail RockFrom $20410
★ 4.8Koh Samui: Day Trip Diving at Sail RockFrom $18613
★ 4.9Hurghada: Yacht Trip 2 islands, Diving & Snorkeling W LunchFrom $2713
★ 4.1Hurghada: Scuba Diving cruise with lunch & pickupFrom $4032
★ 3.6Hurghada: Orange Bay Snorkeling cruise and optional divingFrom $317
★ 4.7Heraklion: Boat Safari with guided snorkeling/diving tour.From $829
★ 4.6Gansbaai: Shark Dive & Whale Watching Combo Boat TripFrom $29222
★ 5.0Gansbaai: Shark Dive & Big 5 Sea Safari Combo Boat TripFrom $2552
★ 4.9Gansbaai: Shark Cage Diving and Shark Viewing Boat TripFrom $16114

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