Highlighting amazing liveaboards is one of our favorite aspects here at Scuba Diving magazine, so we wanted to take one last look at the fabulous ships we featured in 2014 — from the Sea or Cortez to Australia and the Philippines. We are often blown away by the underwater world that awaits liveaboard divers, and the ships we selected for this gallery are some of the best. Each of these destinations encompasses a unique aspect of what we showcase in the "Liveaboard" section, and what divers can look forward to on their next vacation.

5 Reasons to Dive Spoilsport (Great Barier Reef, Australia)

1) Minkes

Spoilsport has a 98 percent success rate of providing guests in-water encounters with dwarf minke whales during june and july expeditions.

2) Reef Critters

Divers have the option to choose between blubber and reef life, and the GBR delivers beautifully in both categories.

3) Superb Staff

Professional, personable and flexible, the 12-person crew is lauded as one of the best in the business.

4) Photo Facilities

Mike Ball has a passion for underwater photography, so the ship is stocked with resouces catering to photographers.

5) Citizen Science

Divers can contribute to research on dwarf minke whales by sharing photos and observations.

Book Now: Mikeball.com

5 Reasons to Dive Philippine Siren (Tubbataha Atoll, Philippines)

1) Turtles

Whether at a cleaning station, having a bite to eat or soaring overhead, hawksbill and green sea turtles abound on almost every dive from Siren.

2) Dense Marine Life

The Eden that is Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is teeming with schooling fish, whitetip reef sharks and, if you're lucky, the occasional whale shark.

3) Comfy Cabins

Both twin and double-configuration berths have plenty of room, soft cotton robes, fresh towels, and an in-room computer loaded with movies you'll likely not find time to watch.

4) Excellent Service

Whether it's ordering a hot cappuccino, getting a massage on the aft deck or making sure your laundry is clean, the crew is ready to help.

5) Freebies

Among the ship's many perks, nitrox, soft drinks and beer are always free aboard Siren.

Book Now: Sirenfleet.com

5 Reasons to Dive M/V Valentina (Sea of Cortez, Mexico)

1) Hammers

Watching hundreds of hammerhead sharks congregate on the ocean floor will mesmerize you, but when dozens of these curvy, sexy creatures glide through the water just below your fins, it will take your breath away.

2) Playful Sea Lions

At Los Islotes, the friendly critters put on a show full of flips and pirouettes. If you're lucky, or your tender captain gives you a rope, the younger ones will play with you while their mothers watch unconcerned.

3) Breathing Room

A former cruise ship, the 130-foot Valentina has 10 cabins and three generous decks, more than enough space for the 20 passengers on board.

4) Culinary Creations

Traditional Mexican specialties and succulent seafood are often found on the chef's menu — it's not just food, it's cuisine.

5) Snorkeling

Look forward to whale shark encounters — sightings in La Paz bay are nearly guaranteed.

Book Now: Azulfleet.net