What is a single supplement and how much does it cost?

A single supplement is the extra fee for occupying a twin cabin alone. Typically 30-70% above the per-person twin rate.

Liveaboard pricing is built around shared cabin occupancy — most cabins are designed for two guests, and the per-person price assumes the second bed is also paid for. If you want a cabin to yourself, you pay a 'single supplement' to compensate the operator for the empty bed.

The supplement is typically 30-70% above the per-person twin rate, depending on the boat, season and how full the trip is. A few generous operators waive it in shoulder season or for repeat customers. Premium expedition operators (Galápagos, Cocos) often charge 80-100% supplement because demand is so high they could otherwise sell the second bed.

The exact supplement is shown on the booking page when you select 'single occupancy' as your share type. We list it transparently before you commit. Master cabins (already designed for one guest in a king bed) typically don't have a supplement because they're priced as single-occupancy from the start.

Workarounds to avoid the single supplement: (1) Book a twin-share cabin and accept being paired with another solo guest of the same gender — most boats organize this for free and it's the cheapest way to dive solo. (2) Book a last-minute cabin where the operator is trying to fill empty beds and may waive the supplement. (3) Travel in a group where you and a friend split a twin cabin even though you're not romantic partners.

Some boats have dedicated 'single cabins' (small cabins designed for one guest with a single or double bed) that are priced lower than a single-occupancy twin. These are increasingly common on newer vessels and represent the best value for solo divers who want privacy.