Christmas & New Year liveaboards 2026/27
Every departure we list that overlaps 20 December to 6 January, straight from our live calendar, from $751 per person. Dates disappear as they fill.
Red Sea · 6 departures
DealJP Marine
Deep South — Secrets of Zabargad
25% off — deep south over Christmas
from €1,055 €791−25%
DealDealJP Marine
Pelagic Trail — Hammerheads & Dolphins
25% off — New Year big-fish week
from €1,055 €791−25%
DealRoyal Evolution
Daedalus & Elba Reef
New Year special — premium southern route
from €1,499 €1,349−10%
DealBlue Melody
Northern Red Sea Wrecks & Reefs
35% off + free nitrox
from $1,155 $751−35%
DealJP Marine
Pelagic Trail — Hammerheads & Dolphins
Shark season · 25% off
from €1,055 €791−25%
Raja Ampat · 3 departures
DealDancing Wind
Central Raja Ampat — Festive
Christmas & New Year in Raja Ampat
from $9,000 $6,300−30%
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Galápagos · 2 departures
Thailand · 2 departures
Oman · 2 departures
Philippines · 1 departure
Philippines Explorer Two
Malapascua: Sharks & Shoals
Christmas week with the threshers — 6 guests max
from $3,000
Maldives · 1 departure
Photo: Jérôme Paillet / Ifremer, CC BY 4.0Where the diving is best over the festive season
| Destination | At peak in Dec–Jan | Water in December |
|---|---|---|
| Maldives | Whale shark, Sea turtle, Dolphin, Grey reef shark | 28–29°C |
| Socorro | Scalloped hammerhead, Manta ray, Dolphin, Humpback whale | 24–27°C |
| Red Sea | Sea turtle, Dolphin, Grey reef shark | 23–25°C |
| Raja Ampat | Manta ray, Sea turtle | 28–30°C |
| Palau | Manta ray, Grey reef shark | 28–30°C |
| Philippines | Sea turtle, Thresher shark | 28–29°C |
| Solomon Islands | Sea turtle, Grey reef shark | 29–31°C |
| Galápagos | Marine iguana | 22–25°C |
| Komodo | Manta ray | 28–30°C |
| Truk Lagoon | Sea turtle | 28–30°C |
| Seychelles | Sea turtle | 28–30°C |
| Oman | Dolphin | 24–26°C |
| Mexico | Whale shark | 21–24°C |
Diving over Christmas and New Year
Is it worth diving over Christmas and New Year?
For many divers it is the easiest two weeks of the year to take off, and several of the best seasons are running: Socorro, the Maldives, Raja Ampat, Komodo and the Red Sea all dive well in late December. The catch is demand. Festive weeks fill early, flights cost more, and the best cabins go first, so plan months ahead rather than weeks.
What happens on a liveaboard on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve?
It depends on the boat and the crew, but diving usually carries on as normal, with something a little special at dinner and a celebration on deck at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Alcohol is served only after the last dive of the day. If a quiet trip or a festive one matters to you, tell us and we’ll pick the boat accordingly.
Where is the water warmest in late December?
The tropics stay warm all year: the Maldives, Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Philippines and Palau run at roughly 27–30°C in December. The northern Red Sea cools to about 22–24°C by late December, and Socorro to the low-to-mid 20s, so bring a thicker suit for those.
How far ahead should I book a festive liveaboard?
As early as you can. Popular routes for the Christmas and New Year weeks are often full by late summer. If you are reading this in November or December, the dates listed here are what is genuinely still open, and we can hold a place for you free for 72 hours while you sort flights.
Want the festive weeks sorted?
Tell us your dates and what you'd like to see; we'll shortlist the boats that still have space.
