M/Y Narayana is a 26-meter ironwood liveaboard purpose-built for Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. The vessel accommodates 14 guests in 8 en-suite cabins, positioning itself as one of the most affordable options for accessing UNESCO World Heritage diving.
Built in 2014 from Thai ironwood and refitted in 2018, Narayana targets budget-focused divers willing to prioritize reef access over luxury amenities.
Narayana was designed specifically for Tubbataha’s remote conditions, balancing seaworthiness with cost-effective operations.
All cabins include en-suite bathrooms with private showers and individually controlled air conditioning. Six double cabins on the middle deck feature queen-size beds plus private balconies measuring 2 meters by 80 centimeters—useful for drying gear or grabbing fresh air between dives.
The two upper deck twin cabins use bunk beds and suit single travelers or friends sharing. Storage space is provided under beds in all cabins. Complimentary toiletries are supplied.
Common areas include an indoor dining room, outdoor dining/lounge space, and sundeck. The vessel’s modest size creates an intimate atmosphere but limits personal space during full bookings.
Meals are served buffet-style with a mix of Filipino and Western dishes prepared by hotel-trained staff. The kitchen crew prepares hearty portions with fresh ingredients sourced in Puerto Princesa. Dietary accommodations available with advance notice. Snacks and drinking water provided between dives. The food receives consistent praise from guests as a highlight of trips.
Read full reviews on Liveaboard.com and Divebooker.
Narayana divides guests into two groups of up to 7 divers each, maintaining better guide-to-guest ratios than larger vessels. The dive deck at the stern accommodates 14 divers preparing simultaneously—functional but tight when fully booked.
Diving services:
Narayana operates seasonally across three main diving areas. The Tubbataha season (March-June) represents the vessel’s primary focus, with 7-day expeditions departing Puerto Princesa. Sites include North Atoll, South Atoll, and Jessie Beazley Reef, with typical encounters including reef sharks, hammerheads, trevally, barracuda, and turtles.
Outside Tubbataha season, the vessel runs October-December itineraries to Coron, El Nido, and Apo Reef Natural Park . Custom charters may be available—contact directly for pricing and availability.
Check schedules on Liveaboard.com or Divebooker.
Standard week-long trips include accommodation in assigned cabin category, full-board meals and drinking water, 3-4 dives daily, dive guide services, air fills, and weight belts. Equipment rental, nitrox fills, and transfers available for additional fees paid onboard.
Narayana works for divers where budget is the primary concern and Tubbataha access matters more than vessel luxury. Shared spaces feel cramped when fully booked, and fresh water conservation is necessary. The smaller vessel size means rougher crossings in adverse weather compared to larger boats. However, the intimate group size and lower cost point make this viable for divers who’ve postponed Tubbataha trips due to pricing on premium vessels.
Check rates & availability on Liveaboard.com or Divebooker.
