The advantage of a live-aboard is that we can cover a larger dive area and is much cheaper than shore-based trip.

Once aboard, we settled into the dive routine: 6:00-6:30 wake-up call, a cup of tea before the first dive at about 7:00. Then back on the boat for breakfast, followed by watching movie (prison break season 1) in sleeping cabin, around 11:00 briefing for 2nd dive. Lunch would be served after 2nd dive, then again watching movie before the 3rd dive of the day at 15:00. Tea was followed until dinner around 20:00.

The first few days were quite boring. By day six, the third dive of the day, the visibility was fairly low and then suddenly saw a manta ray appear in front of us, not more than 3 feet away. So close, this was a truly unforgettable and exciting experience!