The Best Boats by Budget [2022]

Looking for the very best Similan Islands Liveaboard? Look no additional as a result of on this article I stroll you thru our prime diving boat picks! Want to expertise a number of the greatest scuba diving that Thailand can provide? Your greatest guess is to go over to the Similan Islands, a string of 9 islands protected by a marine nationwide park.

If you’re critical about your diving or are simply on the lookout for an unforgettable expertise, the very best and hottest solution to expertise the Similan islands is thru a liveaboard.

With a spread of itineraries and boats to select from, we’ve put collectively this information that will help you select the very best Similan Islands liveaboard.

Our Top Similan Islands Liveaboard Picks

Similan Liveaboard Comparison Table

Best Budget Liveaboard Diving within the Similan Islands

Manta Queen 5

Max. Divers: 20 visitors

Rooms: 10 cabins / AC

Bathrooms: 3

Alongside the remainder of Manta Queen’s fleet of boats, the Manta Queen 5 is without doubt one of the greatest choices for these on a price range.

Often operating fashionable three-night journeys departing nearly each week, the 23m Manta Queen can host as much as 20 visitors in twin bunk cabins. When you’re not diving or snorkeling, calm down on the open rooftop solar deck and gaze into the open sea.

Apart from the boat facilities (which embrace scrumptious buffet-style native meals), there are 5 dive workers and 6 boat crew who’re prepared to help you all through your complete journey. Nitrox can be out there on board for these which can be licensed.

Most of the journeys that the Manta Queen 5 runs are from the Similan Islands to Koh Bon Island from October to May. Full diving tools could be rented for 400THB per day.

What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Services, All Meals, Towels, Transfers/pickups from Hotel

Click the button beneath to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the Manta Queen 5

Manta Queen 1

Max. Divers: 22 visitors

Rooms: 10 cabins / AC

Bathrooms: 3

The Manta Queen 1 is a barely bigger liveaboard which affords four-night journeys for each snorkelers and divers heading in direction of the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and the beautiful Richelieu Rock.

The boat has 4 double, 5 twin, and one quad-sharing cabin, making it a perfect decide for price range vacationers. It has an indoor air-conditioned saloon with a flat-screen TV in addition to a solar deck (with mattresses!) on the highest deck.

In between dives, the boat additionally stops at a number of the white sand seashores that the Similan Islands are identified for. Full diving tools could be rented for 400THB per day whereas snorkel gear is included within the package deal.

What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Services, All Meals, Towels Provided, Transfers/pickups from Hotel

Click the button beneath to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the Manta Queen 1

Similan Explorer

Max. Divers: 18 visitors

Rooms: 8 cabins / AC

Bathrooms: 3

Joining the 25m Similan Explorer is an effective way to discover the very best of the Similan Islands. Offering something from three to five-night expeditions, journey with their skilled dive guides as you discover the colourful underwater world.

The boat has eight cabins with 4 twin bunks and two quad cabins. The higher deck has two double cabins with sea views and air situation.

When you’re not diving, you may spend time of their leisure eating space or up on the solar deck the place you may preserve your eyes peeled for manta rays and dolphins.

What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Complimentary Toiletries, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Services, All Meals, Towels Provided

Click the button beneath to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the Similan Explorer

Dolphin Queen

Max. Divers: 18 visitors

Rooms: 6 cabins / AC

Bathrooms: 3

Offering dive and snorkel journeys to the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, in addition to expeditions to the recently-opened Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar, the Dolphin Queen is a good alternative for these on a price range.

This 24m boat has three decks, providing loads of room for visitors to roam and lounge. There are double, twin, and quad-sharing cabins, all with air con and sea views.

Aboard the Dolphin Queen, you’ll journey to a number of the most pristine dive spots within the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, and the Surin Islands, with the boat’s very skilled dive masters as your guides.

For those who want to do one thing extra off-the-beaten-path, contemplate becoming a member of the Dolphin Queen for certainly one of their six-night expeditions to expertise the nearly untouched diving websites in Myanmar.

What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Complimentary Toiletries, Tanks, Weights, Belts, All Meals, Towels Provided, Transfers/pickups from Hotel

Click the button beneath to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the Dolphin Queen

Best Mid-Range Liveaboard Diving within the Similan Islands

Pawara

Max. Divers: 24 visitors

Rooms: 12 cabins / AC

Bathrooms: 13

If you’re on the lookout for just a little little bit of consolation and luxurious when you’re in your diving expedition, the Pawara is the best way to go. Divers who’ve taken this liveaboard have raved in regards to the stage of professionalism of the dive guides and crew.

In addition to the stellar service, this 35m steel-hulled boat affords four-night journeys displaying you the very best of the Similan Islands in addition to Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.

The dive platform is spacious, leaving loads of room for gear storage. The Parawa affords two price range cabins and 10 different cabins with en-suite loos. When you’re not diving, you may calm down within the leisure room or solar deck the place you may catch glimpses of probably the most stunning sunsets.

What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Transfers/pickups from Airport, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Services, All Meals, Free Nitrox, Towels

Click the button beneath to study extra and verify the costs and availability for Pawara

Sawasdee Fasai

Max. Divers: 30 visitors

Rooms: 15 cabins / AC

Bathrooms: 11

The Sawasdee Fasai was renovated in 2016, making it an opulent however nonetheless wallet-friendly choice when exploring the beautiful Andaman seas.

Sister ship to the favored MV Pawara, this boat can simply match a most of 30 divers, with 15 air-conditioned cabins, starting from price range to grasp cabins. The boat has an enormous solar deck, in addition to an outside and indoor lounge space.

The Sawasdee Fasai runs four-night journeys to the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. With round 4 dives scheduled on a regular basis (evening dives included), be ready to see the very best of what Thailand’s diving can provide.

What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Complimentary Toiletries, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Services, All Meals, Free Nitrox, Towels, Transfers/pickups from Hotel

Click the button beneath to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the Sawasdee Fasai

The Junk

Max. Divers: 18 visitors

Rooms: 6 cabins / AC

Bathrooms: 7

Running excursions from November to May, The Junk liveaboard is an ideal decide to discover the beautiful waters of the Andaman Sea in addition to the unchartered pristine waters of Myanmar.

This boat was a part of a small service provider fleet that sailed from Burma to Malaysia. After being renovated, this 33m ship has been become a full-time liveaboard dive ship. With six air-conditioned cabins and en-suite loos, visitors can get a full evening’s relaxation after a fun-filled day of diving.

Previous visitors have raved about how well-organized the journey is, in addition to the meals which is freshly ready for each meal. All dives are accomplished through dinghy so attending to and from the dive spots can be simple.

Apart from the stellar diving that you’re sure to expertise, bask within the grandiose feeling of crusing in an enormous ship which, the truth is, has been featured in a number of movies (James Bond, Swiss Family Robinson) How’s that for cool?

What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Services, All Meals, Towels

Click the button beneath to study extra and verify the costs and availability for The Junk

Deep Andaman Queen

Max. Divers: 21 visitors

Rooms: 9 cabins / AC

Bathrooms: 10

This custom-built boat is ideal for lengthy dive expeditions as all the things was constructed with diving in thoughts.

Equipped with 9 en-suite AC cabins, the boat boasts of an enormous dive platform the place you may get equipped on your dive. There is ample room for dive computer systems, tools, and different gear, making the entire means of gearing up hassle-free.

The boat affords scrumptious worldwide, Thai, and Asian fusion meals, ensuring you by no means go hungry — an essential factor once you’re out exploring the underwater world. The workers on the Deep Andaman Queen are exceptional at ensuring you’re snug and having enjoyable.

What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Transfers/pickups from Airport, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Services, All Meals, Towels

Click the button beneath to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the Deep Andaman Queen

Best Luxury Liveaboard Diving within the Similan Islands

Diva Andaman

Max. Divers: 14 visitors

Rooms: 7 cabins / AC

Bathrooms: 7

Although pricier than many of the different Similan liveaboards, the extent of luxurious on this 35m crusing yacht makes it price it. The crew provides 100% of their consideration to you, ensuring you’re having fun with and making probably the most out of your liveaboard expertise.

This boat has all the things from conventional Thai massages, refreshing cocktails, and a few mouthwatering dishes by the manager chef. There are seven luxurious cabins in addition to a wine cellar, guaranteeing that you’ve got a snug and stress-free keep.

Their boat journeys, that are largely six-night expeditions, run from October to May.

What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Complimentary Toiletries, Transfers/pickups from Airport, Personal Diving Gear, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Services, All Meals

Click the button beneath to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the Diva Andaman

Giamani

Max. Divers: 10 visitors

Rooms: 5 cabins / AC

Bathrooms: 5

You comprehend it’s an important liveaboard journey when earlier prospects have constantly raved about the complete expertise. The 24m MV Giamani is a Phuket-based boat which affords journeys from two to 6 nights.

This unique boat has 5 air-conditioned cabins, guaranteeing that every one the visitors get a lot of private area. The boat has an air-conditioned salon and a big dive deck with areas for rinsing your cameras. Additionally, the crew prides itself on offering top-notch service to visitors.

The meals is famous to be plentiful, scrumptious, and an excellent mixture of Thai and worldwide flavors. If you’re on the lookout for a snug and splendid expertise whereas exploring the very best of what the Thai islands can provide, the Giamani is a good alternative.

What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Complimentary Toiletries, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Services, All Meals, Towels

Click the button beneath to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the Giamani

Thailand Aggressor

Max. Divers: 18 visitors

Rooms: 8 cabins / AC

Bathrooms: 9

There isn’t any higher solution to finish your diving day than soaking in a jacuzzi with a chilly beer in hand. On the 35m Thailand Aggressor, you are able to do exactly that.

Offering eight lavishly-designed rooms with non-public loos, the boat additionally has an air-conditioned lounge and a solar deck outfitted with a jacuzzi, loungers and bar service. You’ll additionally expertise nice service onboard because the crew goes all out to assist make your journey as snug as they will.

On prime of the scrumptious American and native delicacies served, complimentary drinks (together with beer and wine) are additionally served to visitors.

On the diving aspect of issues, you’ll get to discover the very best of Thailand’s diving as you go on as much as 5 action-packed dives day by day, together with magical evening dives the place you may probability upon uncommon sea creatures.

What’s Included: VAT, Accommodation, Complimentary Toiletries, Transfers/pickups from Airport, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Services, All Meals, Alcoholic Beverages

Click the button beneath to study extra and verify the costs and availability for the Thailand Aggressor

Similan Islands Liveaboard Diving Highlights

World-class diving, white sandy seashores on uninhabited islands, and crystal clear waters that stretch so far as your eyes can see. If you suppose that the Similan Islands are stunning, wait till you begin exploring underwater.

Similan National Park is made up of 9 islands, all of that are referred to by their quantity fairly than their identify. Together with these 9 islands, different close by dive websites are those in Surin Island which embody the islands of Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and the well-known Richelieu Rock.

In complete, there are over 25 totally different dive websites to select from.

As you may think about, a spot like that is wealthy in marine life. During your dives right here, count on to see a lot of sharks (reef and leopard), turtles, manta rays, big groupers, and barracudas.

Elephant Head or (Hin Pusar) is understood to be top-of-the-line dive spots inside this space attributable to its intricate maze-like rocks composed of swim-throughs, channels, and gorges reaching depths of over 40 meters. It is actually one thing else and is fairly out of this world!

Other notable websites throughout the space are Christmas Point and Fantasea Reef.

Similan Islands Diving: What You Need to Know

Best Time to Go Diving within the Similan Islands

Although diving in Thailand occurs all yr spherical, the liveaboard season in Thailand runs from November to May.

The greatest time of the yr to dive is in March because the Andaman Sea is at its calmest, with tremendous clear visibility starting from 25 to 40 meters.

Towards the tip of February, the currents get stronger which will increase your possibilities of seeing massive marine creatures like manta rays and sharks. If you’re eager on seeing whale sharks, the very best time to go is between February to May.

Similan Islands Diving Safety

Generally talking, the Similan Islands are tide-dependent — should you time your journey throughout that of a full or new moon, you’ll most probably face sturdy currents.

You can discover all kinds of dives from sloping coral reefs to rocky gorges. Some dives are classed as difficult as a result of depths and currents.

One key piece of recommendation is to belief your divemasters and hearken to their recommendation. They have been navigating these seas and are all skilled in studying the modifications within the water patterns.

A very good apply is to make sure that you at all times have a neon dive flag or collapsible pole stowed in your BC pocket in case of the present sweeps you astray. Reef hooks and gloves are additionally advisable as a result of sturdy currents.

For peace of thoughts throughout your diving adventures, we suggest having dive insurance coverage in case of any medical emergencies.

Best Dive Sites Around the Similan Islands

1. Elephant Head Rock

Elephant Head is unquestionably top-of-the-line dive websites within the Similan Islands.

It is actually a maze made out of big boulders. It’s known as Elephant Head as a result of certainly one of these big boulders seems like an elephant’s head. Original, proper?

Navigate by totally different swim-throughs, caves and arches whereas trying to find the magical creatures that reside right here. Be certain to be careful for the sturdy currents!

Located south of Island No. 8, you may count on to run into totally different species of sharks like blacktips, whitetips and leopard sharks. Swim round with barracuda and big trevallies whereas discovering all that Elephant Head has to supply.

2. Christmas Point

Christmas Point is one other website made up of underwater boulders which can be surrounded by wealthy corals and spectacular marine life. It’s simply northwest of Island No. 9, and gives divers with tons of little swim-throughs and small crevices to discover.

If you’re on the lookout for leopard sharks, that is the place to dive as they make frequent appearances. You might spot the occasional black and white tip reef sharks, should you’re fortunate. At Christmas Point, you’ll additionally discover tons of enormous fish like barracuda, tunas and Napoleon wrasse.

Visibility is nice at this website, nevertheless it’s fairly deep and currents could be sturdy so it’s greatest suited to extra skilled divers.

3. East of Eden

East of Eden will get its identify for a meals motive. This website gives divers with wonderful reefs and probably the most number of marine lifetime of any dive website within the space.

There is a lot to see at this website that it’s thought-about to be an aquarium dive as you’ll be swimming amongst numerous totally different species, with one thing new at each flip.

The present at this website is mild, and gives divers with a sluggish drift dive. Turtles are generally noticed within the shallow reef prime and sharks even swim across the space!

If you’re diving in Similan, East of Eden shouldn’t be missed.

4. Beacon Point / Reef

This website is a good mixture of reef and wreck, giving divers the very best of each worlds.

Beacon Point is situated close to the jap aspect of Island No. 8, which is a rocky space crammed with boulders buried deep underwater. “Atlantis-X,” a ship that sunk in 2002, is a landmark for Beacon Point and gives nice shipwreck exploring for divers.

Besides the wreck, you’ll discover lush corals and tons of various reef fish which have made this space house. During your dive, you’ll see angelfish, butterflyfish, pufferfish, triggerfish and moray eels.

5. Richelieu Rock

From floor stage, Richelieu Rock seems to be a lone pinnacle, however as soon as underwater it turns right into a horseshoe form grouping of rocks, overhangs, small caves.

Although it’s situated northeast of the Similan Islands, it’s nonetheless thought-about to be one of the fashionable dive websites in Thailand, in addition to in all of Asia!

As this space is the one place of shelter between Surin Islands and the mainland, marine life is plentiful and also you’re certain to run into all varieties of creatures and delicate corals whereas exploring.

If you’re fortunate, you could catch sight of a mating octopus among the many seahorses, pelagic fish, and massive faculties of fish. You may additionally spot a whale shark and the occasional manta ray! Don’t neglect your digital camera as a result of this is without doubt one of the greatest locations for macro pictures.

Richelieu Rock is a big space that’s unimaginable to discover in just one dive. Many liveaboards frequent this website, and provides divers a minimum of two dives to have the ability to see as a lot as doable earlier than shifting on to the following location.

How to Get to the Similan Islands

To get to the Similan Islands, you’ll should fly into Thailand.

Generally talking, most Similan Islands liveaboards depart from both Chalong Pier in Phuket, Phang-Nga Province, or Thap Lamu Pier in Khao Lak. Some airways fly instantly into Phuket whereas others might require you to take a connecting flight from Bangkok.

We usually use Liveaboard.com or Divebooker to verify costs or discover last-minute offers. Most Similan Island liveaboards depart from Phuket or close by Khao Lak.

They have a most cost-effective value assure which is fairly superior! If you’re on the lookout for the place to remain in Phuket, you may try our information for a couple of of our private suggestions.

Best Diving Itineraries within the Similan Islands

Short Similan Islands Liveaboard Trips

No matter what sort of diving expertise you’re on the lookout for, you’re certain to search out it within the Similan Islands. With so many websites to select from, with various difficulties, it’s no marvel that is thought-about the very best place to scuba dive in Thailand.

Most liveaboards within the Similan Islands provide itineraries starting from two to 5 nights.

On journeys which can be 4 to 5 nights, divers usually spend the primary two days diving across the Similan Islands, and adopted by diving round Richelieu Rock and Surin Island within the remaining days. This method, divers are in a position to expertise the very best of the area with out having to select and select the place to go.

On a typical brief liveaboard journey within the Similan Islands, you may count on to dive 3 times a day, with a doable evening dive as effectively.

Short journeys to the Similan Islands are nice for a fast diving getaway, or if you wish to beef up your diving expertise earlier than occurring an extended liveaboard journey. Short journeys additionally are usually moderately priced (relying on the boat you select), making them an important price range choice once you wish to take a diving trip.

Extended Similan Islands Liveaboard Trips

There are choose boats that supply longer journeys across the Similan Islands lasting every week, give or take. These journeys take you to the very best of the Similan Islands but additionally give divers the chance to discover the waters of Myanmar.

Although Myanmar isn’t part of the Similan Islands, taking an extended journey will can help you kill two birds with one stone and primarily take two journeys in a single. This is particular as a result of liveaboards usually stick to at least one vacation spot, fairly than two.

On a week-long journey, you’ll have a hefty mixture of reef and wreck dives, with as much as 4 dives every single day. Extended journeys are usually greatest for extra superior divers as you’ll go to deeper websites with stronger currents.

Plan your dream Similan Islands liveaboard now!

Choosing which liveaboard to go together with could be a daunting activity particularly since there are such a lot of choices to select from. There are liveaboards that do 1-night excursions whereas others lengthen them as much as 6 nights. It will all boil right down to your price range and what sort of expertise you’re after.

One very last thing: make sure that to learn the advantageous print as many of the liveaboards have exterior charges comparable to National Park tariffs and tools rental. Make certain you contemplate these when budgeting and deciding which a liveaboard to go together with.

Happy diving!

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