Infiniti Liveaboard Overview

With over 7,000 islands and some of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems, the Philippines is a spectacular scuba diving destination. From pristine coral reefs, to wrecks, to spectacular drop offs, there is something for every diver.

Standouts include UNESCO World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a remote atoll teeming with marine life, and Malapascua, which is known for its thresher sharks. Divers can also visit WWII shipwrecks in Coron Bay and experience huge sardine bait balls in Moalboal, which attract predators including tuna and sharks.

The Infiniti is a 133-foot (39 m) steel-hulled vessel catering for 22 guests. Co-branded with All Star Liveaboards, it was built in 2013, renovated in 2018, and has 11 air-conditioned en-suite cabins.

Beginning and ending at Cebu or Puerto Princesa, most itineraries are 7 days/6 nights and take in the thresher sharks at Malapascua or the Moalboal sardine run. Guests can expect to see a wide variety of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, sharks, and turtles.

Let’s dive into our review of the Infiniti.

Where to book

Infiniti liveaboard yacht at anchor viewed from above with two tenders alongside

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Diving on the Infiniti liveaboard

school of orange and silver fish swimming through a coral reef

rows of scuba tanks and regulators set up on the Infiniti's dive deck

pair of clownfish sheltering in a large sea anemone

Thresher shark cruising through open blue water with its long tail fin trailing

Diving conditions in the Philippines are generally excellent, with warm water from 81 to 84 F (27 to 29 C), good visibility from 50 to 100 feet (15 to 30 m), and incredibly diverse marine life.

Divers can expect a variety of dive conditions, including wall dives, drift dives, strong currents, reefs, walls and spectacular drop offs. The Philippines is also home to a number of wrecks, both from WWII and more recent times.

A highlight is Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a 375-square-mile Marine Protected Area in Palawan in the heart of the Coral Triangle, accessible only on a liveaboard, and only from mid-March to mid-June.

The Philippines is home to nearly 1,400 species of fish and over 500 species of hard and soft coral. Strong currents and fast-washing water create plentiful food sources and spectacular marine diversity. Of special mention is the sardine run at Moalboal, where divers can see huge bait balls and large pelagics that come to prey on the small fish.

To access the dive sites, the Infiniti has two RIBs which drop off and collect divers. There are four dives a day, including night dives. Divers are required to have PADI Open Water or equivalent, though some sites may require PADI AOW or equivalent certification.

Huge shoals of sardines, whale sharks, thresher sharks, frogfish, schooling reef fish, pygmy seahorses, turtles, and reef sharks can all be seen here.

The Philippines is excellent for underwater photographers, with opportunities for macro, wide-angle, and pelagic photography. The Infiniti’s dedicated camera room has several charging stations, plenty of counter space, shelves and drawers, plus an onboard computer with a media center. Plasma screens for viewing and editing are also available.

Highlights:

Up to 19 dives including night dives
Large pelagics including whale sharks and thresher sharks
Full gear is available free of charge (except computer); must be booked in advance
Excellent photography and videography viewing and editing facilities

Onboard the Infiniti

two glasses of wine on a table with guests relaxing under a starry sky

row of wicker lounge chairs on the Infiniti's covered sundeck

covered outdoor dining deck aboard the Infiniti overlooking the sea

Twin single beds in a wood paneled cabin aboard the Infiniti liveaboard

The Infiniti has 11 comfortable and spacious air-conditioned cabins fitted out with wood paneling. Five standard cabins on the lower deck are a mix of triples and doubles. There are four deluxe cabins on the main deck and two deluxe cabins on the upper deck. All cabins emphasize comfort. Of note are the bathrooms with full-sized showers and basins and plenty of storage.

The indoor lounge and dining room on the Infiniti is also spacious and comfortable. The lounge is equipped with a large TV, DVD player, and sound system, and a well-stocked library with books, movies, magazines, and games. Guests will also find coolers filled with refreshments and snacks. The dining area is decorated predominantly in wood and has several tables where guests can enjoy meals together. Dive briefings take place in the dining room.

Outside, there’s a huge sundeck with cushioned loungers and hammocks, as well as a shaded lounge area on the main deck with a self-serve bar where guests can put their feet up and relax while taking in the amazing views and sunsets.

The dive deck, situated on the main deck, is modern and well-equipped with plenty of space for divers to prepare. Personal dive stations have lots of storage and there are freshwater rinse tanks for equipment and cameras. After setting up equipment, all gear is transferred to the RIBs by the crew. There’s also a toilet for guest comfort on the dive deck.

Highlights:

Spacious cabins with comfortable beds
Large bathrooms with full-sized showers
Lots of space for relaxation and socializing
Well-organized dive deck

Dining onboard the Infiniti

platter of grilled whole fish garnished with lemon and parsley

grilled fish steaks topped with chopped scallions in a serving pan

wood paneled lounge aboard the Infiniti with dining tables and a small Christmas tree

The Infiniti serves three meals per day along with mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks. Meals are predominantly served buffet-style, with an occasional barbecue under the stars, served on the sundeck.

Dishes include both local and Western cuisines and the chef specializes in Thai, Philippino, Chinese and Indian dishes. For special holidays—such as Chinese New Year, Christmas and Easter—the chef prepares special celebration dinners.

The chef on the Infiniti is happy to accommodate special dietary requirements, though guests should notify the boat of their requirements at least two weeks in advance.

Water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, and wine are available free of charge, and liquor is available for purchase onboard. Rehydration and mineral salts are highly recommended in the tropical climate and available free of charge for guests.