Land-based or Liveboard: what’s right for you?
There are so many ways to approach scuba diving as a hobby or a lifestyle.
It does not need to be expensive and exclusive. Dive destinations can be broken down into two different set-ups, land-based or liveaboard; within these two, some are more suited for cocktail divers, divers, or aquaholics. Their names explain themselves: land-based diving is usually in destinations where you can do shore dives or quick access to a lot of dive sites within a two-hour boat ride, while liveaboards are generally destinations that are only accessible if you bring the entire dive center with you for a weekend up to 10 days. There are pros and cons to both, and it all comes down to cost, comfort, and, ultimately, what you want to see underwater.
Land-based
Land-based does not mean less epic. Chickenfeet Travels works with dive centres and resorts all over Indonesia. So far, we have only established partnerships in Indonesia because the convenience of travel to most land-based dive destinations are suffering from the negative impacts of over-tourism. Besides Amed and Nusa Penida, we focus on destinations where dive sites are still being discovered and our dive partners transform communities through their social responsibility and economic empowerment.
When you dive with us, you will most likely be the only group underwater, and there is nothing more magical than having a corner of the ocean for yourself and the fishies.
PROS
Flexibility - if you want to skip a dive or a day, you can do so without paying.
Accessibility and Convenience—there are generally plenty of restaurants and other activities (such as yoga) to mix your day up.
There are so many choices - there are infinite dive destinations.
CONS
People - a lot of divers bubbling up your dive in over-touristed dive destinations
Over-dived sites where you can witness climate change and human-caused problems.
Less to see underwater (corals, fish, and megafauna)
Liveaboard
Every diver must try a liveaboard at least once. There is something magical about travelling overnight to your dive sites, to wake up on top of perfect reefs and jumping right into your own private dive.
Moreover, you don’t need to find your way to a dive centre, hop onto a speedboat or dive boat and chug along to your dive site. When the diving is done, depending on the level of luxury on the liveaboard, there could be a spread of fresh bread rolls, coconut peels, and fruit waiting right by your dhoni. Accompanied by the view of endless skies meeting the seas on the horizon all around you, you will truly feel out in nature itself. Liveaboards can range from two nights to two weeks depending on where you go.
Some places are only accessible by boat, and to be honest, those are the ones where you can see marine life, which you cannot see from a dive close to some land. Also, these places often come with the highest guarantee of seeing what they promise. So if you want to dive with hammerheads, whale sharks, or mantas, your best chance will be heading out to sea for a week where noise pollution and the fear of humans have not reached our pelagic friends.
PROS
Epic and isolated (read: not overcrowded!) dive destinations.
Sense of freedom and discovery underwater, diving without being able to see the seabed all around you.
MAGICAL PELAGICALS : ) (large and larger fish!)
CONS
Trapped on a boat with strangers you may or may not like.
Time-consuming - the point of departure is always far away, and the travel time is between dive sites.
Seasickness
