Choosing the Right Scuba Diving BoatsScuba Diving Boats.You’re newly certified and ready go out on your first diving adventure.You pick your destination and go online to find a good dive boat to book your first trip. Well holy crap! There’re about 25 boats to choose from and they all claim to be the best for one reason or another This one drifts, that one anchors; this boat’s private, that boat’s a cattle boat. Platform entry, side entry, ladders, rails, snacks, Aaaarrrggg! What does all this junk mean? I just want to go diving! Here are a few tips to help you choose the best scuba diving boats for you and help you navigate the maze of dive jargon. What type of dive do you want to do?First of all, you have to know what kind of dive you want.You already know where you want do dive, but now you have to decide what kind of dive you want to do. Generally you have two options here: drift dives and anchor dives. Drift dives are the easiest for most new divers because there’s absolutely no navigation involved. All you have to do is drop down and follow the divemaster. The boat will follow a ball that the divemaster’s dragging and when you surface, the boat will be right there. I call it “lazy diving” because it requires very little thought or effort and you get to see a large portion of the reef. Anchor dives are your other option. These dives are great for people who want to do a bit of exploring on their own. It’s also great for underwater photographers who want to spend a little more time setting up that perfect shot without being rushed by the group. However, anchor dives require a bit more planning. You have to watch your air carefully to make sure you have enough to return to the boat and surface. You’ll also need a compass and a dive slate to write on so you can take bearings and find your way back to the scuba diving boats. Anchor dives are a bit more work, but they’re worth it if you want to explore on your own (with your buddy of course). Okay, now what, a private boat or a "cattle boat"?Your next decision is whether to book a private boat or a “cattle boat”.A “cattle boat” is a boat that holds anywhere from 8 to 20 divers who will all be diving the same site. The main advantage of a cattle boat is that they’re inexpensive; generally around $40 per person for a two-tank dive. Private boats, on the other hand, are just that: private. It will generally be just you and your buddy or four people tops. These operators generally know the locations of dive sites that are off the beaten path so the reefs will be in much better shape, but you will pay for the privilege of having a private boat. Paying $500 to $1,000 is not unheard of. I wouldn’t worry too much about the type of entry that a boat offers. One method is about as good as the next unless you have health problems that require a significantly easier entry and exit. I would, however, make sure that your boat offers drinks and snacks between dives. Nothing’s better than fresh pineapple to get the taste of saltwater out of your mouth. LiveaboardsLiveaboard dive vessels are the ultimate in diving. Not only do you get the opportunity to do more diving in a single trip than you would in a year, but you are living and breathing diving on the reef with like minded other divers.Have you ever thought about going on a liveaboard dive trip? If you haven't have a look here for more information. Dive Boat EtiquetteOnce you have arrived on the scuba diving boats, be aware that there are guidelines in place to make everything run smoothly.Dive boats can be crowded places, have a look here for the correct dive boat etiquette. Return to Underwater Diving Equipment Home Page.
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