2026 Scuba Diving Readers Choice Awards: Best Liveaboards in the World

All Star Liveaboards is honored to receive 63 Scuba Diving Readers Choice Awards this year! Thank you for your support, and we look forward to diving with you again next year!

Scuba diving enthusiasts worldwide are searching for the best liveaboards, dive destinations, dive operators, and underwater experiences — and the Scuba Diving Magazine Readers Choice Awards remain one of the most trusted rankings in the industry. Each year, thousands of divers vote for their favorite scuba diving resorts, liveaboard dive boats, dive destinations, and marine life encounters, making these awards a powerful guide for travelers planning unforgettable dive vacations. From world-class diving in Indonesia, the Maldives, and the Red Sea to luxury liveaboards exploring remote reefs and shark-filled waters, the Readers Choice Awards highlight the top-rated scuba diving experiences based on real diver reviews and expert travel insights. Whether you are searching for the best scuba diving destinations, top liveaboards for 2026, or award-winning dive vacations, this year’s winners showcase the very best in underwater adventure travel.

BEST LIVEABOARDS IN THE CARIBBEAN

We are thrilled to have All Star Cat Ppalu voted 1st Place for the Caribbean’s Best Overall Liveaboard. All Star Cat Ppalu was the winner of 9 Readers Choice Awards including 5 First Place Awards.

For small groups of friends or family, Cat Ppalu is the liveaboard adventure of a lifetime – and we couldn’t be happier to see that reflected in this year’s ranking of #1 Best Overall Liveaboard in the Caribbean! With an amazing crew, great diving, and endless itinerary possibilities, this classic sailing catamaran vacation is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the Bahamas in a unique (and affordable) way without sacrificing comfort or privacy.

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All Star Aqua Cat has maintained the title of #1 Best Level of Luxury in the Caribbean, along with 8 other awards including Best Quality of Food, Best Quality of Safety, and Best Quality of Accommodations/Cabins.

On Aqua Cat, you can always expect an amazing crew, plenty of underwater and topside adventures, and, of course, a luxury Bahamas liveaboard experience. We’re thrilled to take home 1^st Place for Level of Luxury and Quality of Liveaboard this year!

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All Star Blackbeard’s has always been one of the top dive deals and has continued to win 1st Place as the Best Level of Value in Dive Travel. Blackbeard’s Morning Star & Blackbeard’s Sea Explorer earned top rankings in 9 categories including Level of Safety, Quality of Liveaboard, Quality of Food, and Quality of Accommodations.

For over 47 years, Blackbeard’s has proven that you don’t need bells and whistles to have the time of your life in paradise. “Low frills, high fun” has been our motto for decades, and it still rings true…this year’s awards for #1 Best Level of Value and #3 Best Overall in the Caribbean prove that. If you want to live like a pirate for a week (a pirate with A/C, of course), come out on Blackbeard’s. If you want to make lifelong friends on an iconic Bahamas liveaboard adventure, come out on Blackbeard’s. If you want to perfect your underwater skills with up to 19 dives for just $1,195, come out on Blackbeard’s.

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You don’t have to travel all the way to the Coral Triangle for pristine diving…Jardines de la Reina is barely an hour’s flight from Miami! Pack your wide-angle lens on this trip, because sharks and goliath groupers are the stars of the show. Every dive in Cuba offers a infinitely unique and truly exciting underwater experience that you just can’t get anywhere other than on a Jardines de la Reina liveaboard. And, of course, luxurious onboard accommodations ensure that you’ll return home rested (and ready to plan your next All Star Avalon trip ASAP)!

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BEST LIVEABOARDS IN MIDDLE EAST & INDIAN OCEAN

All Star Scuba Scene may only be 3 years old, but sje has made a name for herself as the Best Liveaboard in Egypt along with Best Level of Safety for a Liveaboard. All Star Scuba Scene was voted #1 Overall – Best Liveaboard in the Middle East & Indian Ocean. It also earned first place for #1 Best Level of Safety. View our blog on the safety features aboard All Star Scuba Scene.

All Star Scuba Scene’s incredibly high-end accommodations are enough to get any traveler excited, but vibrant reefs, thrilling marine life, and affordable pricing make this trip a legendary addition to the All Star fleet. Being new to the Red Sea, we’re honored to have earned the title of #1 Best Overall Liveaboard in the Middle East & Indian Ocean. Come relax in the pool, chat about oceanic whitetips with our onboard shark expert, and enjoy a delicious meal made fresh by our talented chef…see for yourself why readers loved the trip so much!

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BEST LIVEABOARDS IN THE PACIFIC

All Star Velocean’s motto, “liveaboard refined,” announced the beginning of a whole new category of dive liveaboards: Ultra-Luxury. Upon her highly-anticipated launch, All Star Velocean’s sleek, modern style and exceptionally high-end finishes exceeded expectations. We are thrilled to be awarded so many awards in the Pacific Liveaboards category, and we’re excited to continue offering such a dazzling liveaboard option in one of the most amazing dive destinations on Earth.

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There’s no better way to experience the culture and beauty of Indonesia, above and below the surface, than by exploring with a traditional Pinisi-style liveaboard. Feel the smooth wooden deck beneath your feet, watch mobula rays jump in the distance, and dive with some of the most amazing marine creatures in the world while a phenomenal crew takes care of your every need onboard.