MV Odyssey Liveaboard Overview

diver in scuba gear smiling on a small boat at seaDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By
Melina Biedermann
diver in scuba gear smiling on a small boat at sea
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Melina is a dedicated traveler and seasoned divemaster based in the heart of South East Asia. With a flair for discovering hidden treasures, her love for...
Rebecca Strauss
DIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...
Odyssey Explorations dive tender floating above vivid turquoise reef water, aerial view
Journey to isolated Rowley Shoals, Australia, a hidden gem 200 miles (333 km) off the coast of Western Australia.
Side view of the MV Odyssey catamaran anchored near a hillside
The vessel's custom-built, 97-foot (24 m) catamaran design provides stability, quiet cruising, and spacious comfort for up to 20 guests.
MV Odyssey catamaran anchored at sunset with guests on deck
These exclusive trips only depart in October and November, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Aerial view of the MV Odyssey anchored off a white sand beach
Onboard MV Odyssey liveaboard, guests are guaranteed a unique experience, tailored to the preferences of each diver.
Cabin bed with navy linens and a window overlooking the harbor
The vessel features 10 cabins, including six double deluxe and four twin-bed configurations, sleeping a maximum of 20 guests.
Wooden dining table set under shade sails with ocean view
Grab a bite inside or outside in the alfresco dining area to enjoy the view with your meals.
Platter of cooked crab served beachside with champagne at sunset
The buffet-style presentation features a mix of international, local cuisines, vegetarian options, and fine cuisine, three times a day.
Group of guests sitting together on deck at sunset
Take in a Western Australia sunset from the deck.
Large potato grouper resting camouflaged on a coral reef
Each of the three atolls offers diverse snorkeling and diving opportunities, with 233 species of coral and 688 species of fish.
Small crab camouflaged among the branches of red soft coral
Fewer than 400 people per year visit Rowley Shoals, so the experience is truly once in a lifetime.
School of small blue reef fish swimming above coral
Imagine descending into the hidden depths of Rowley Shoals, Australia—a pristine and remote marine wonderland characterized by three coral atolls rising from the depths of the Indian Ocean.

Journey to isolated Rowley Shoals, Australia, a hidden gem 200 miles (333 km) off the coast of Western Australia. This diver’s haven is an untouched underwater wonderland, with vibrant tropical fish and exceptional visibility. Onboard MV Odyssey liveaboard, guests are guaranteed a unique experience, tailored to the preferences of each diver.

Since 1998, this family-run business has been a pioneer in delivering personalized service. The vessel’s custom-built, 97-foot (24 m) catamaran design provides stability, quiet cruising, and spacious comfort for up to 20 guests. These exclusive trips only depart in October and November, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Keep reading as we dive into our review of the MV Odyssey.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Things we like:

  • Visibility up to 164 feet (50 m)
  • Pristine diving in a remote part of the world
  • Excellent snorkeling in the atoll
  • A chance to spot humpbacks at Mermaid Atoll
  • Exceptional service from crew and staff

Things we don't like:

  • Lack of dive site variety
  • Showers often cold; not enough towel changes
  • Limited space for large camera setups
  • All dives strictly limited to 50 minutes
  • No nitrox available

Diving on the MV Odyssey liveaboard

Large potato grouper resting camouflaged on a coral reef
Small crab camouflaged among the branches of red soft coral
Large sea fan coral viewed from below against sunlit blue water

Imagine descending into the hidden depths of Rowley Shoals, Australia—a pristine and remote marine wonderland characterized by three coral atolls rising from the depths of the Indian Ocean. These atolls, named Imperieuse, Clerke, and Mermaid, boast some of the most untouched and diverse coral formations on the planet.

Each of the three atolls offers diverse snorkeling and diving opportunities, with 233 species of coral and 688 species of fish. The exceptional visibility elevates the entire diving experience. Fewer than 400 people per year visit Rowley Shoals, so the experience is truly once in a lifetime.

Guests should note that there’s a mandatory extra national park fee, which ranges from $60 to $160 USD.

Highlights:

  • Pristine, untouched underwater environment
  • Exceptional visibility

Onboard the MV Odyssey

Twin bunk cabin with patchwork bedding and wood-paneled hallway
Group of guests sitting together on deck at sunset
Guests standing along the bow rail watching a coastal sunset
Crew member arranging scuba tanks racked along the boat's dive deck

The MV Odyssey offers a stable, comfortable journey thanks to the catamaran design. The vessel features 10 cabins, including six double deluxe and four twin-bed configurations, sleeping a maximum of 20 guests. Individually controlled air-conditioning, storage, and bar fridges are provided in each cabin. Cabins share four toilet and shower facilities.

Outside, you’ll find viewing decks, providing passengers with ample space to unwind and enjoy the surrounding views. Sunseekers can relax on the sundeck, with deck chairs and sun loungers.

On the dive deck, there’s a shaded area to put on and take off your gear, a separate rinse station for camera gear, and a camera room with a table and charging point.

The Odyssey is accompanied by the 39-foot (12 m) expedition vessel named Homer. This vessel ensures that divers reach the best dive and snorkel spots comfortably. Three tenders in total offer easy access to dive sites.

Highlights:

  • Personalized service for 20 guests in 10 air-conditioned cabins
  • Three outdoor viewing decks
  • A 39-foot (12 m) expedition vessel

Dining on the MV Odyssey

Aerial view of a mud crab platter served with champagne on deck
Wooden dining table set under shade sails with ocean view
Platter of cooked crab served beachside with champagne at sunset

The expert chef prepares fresh, delicious meals daily. Special dietary requirements are accommodated with advance notice. The buffet-style presentation features a mix of international, local cuisines, vegetarian options, and fine cuisine, three times a day.

Grab a bite inside or outside in the alfresco dining area to enjoy the view with your meals. Snacks and beverages, including complimentary options, and reasonably priced alcoholic drinks, are available throughout the cruise.

Highlights:

  • Fresh, delicious meals
  • Mix of international and local cuisines

Things we like:

  • Visibility up to 164 feet (50 m)
  • Pristine diving in a remote part of the world
  • Excellent snorkeling in the atoll
  • A chance to spot humpbacks at Mermaid Atoll
  • Exceptional service from crew and staff

Things we don't like:

  • Lack of dive site variety
  • Showers often cold; not enough towel changes
  • Limited space for large camera setups
  • All dives strictly limited to 50 minutes
  • No nitrox available
Key facts
Year built: 2006
Max divers: 20
Rental equip: No
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: No
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Mid-range
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