Liveaboard Diving in the Similan Islands and Burma
Liveaboard Diving - The best way to dive Thailand
Phuket is the start point for liveaboards to the world class dive sites of the Similan Islands. Over the last few years, liveaboards have become much more popular in this region, as the dive sites are only just within reach of a day trip. A liveaboard allows you more diving and more relaxing while you dive the best that Thailand has to offer. Destinations include the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, Hin Daeng and the Mergui Archipelago in Burma. There are boats to suit all budgets from backpacker to luxury, and you should be able to find a trip to suit your schedule. The peak season is guaranteed to be full, and advance booking is advisable as far ahead as possible. Trips run from November - April.
Liveaboard Options
There are so many different liveaboard boats that making a suitable choice can be difficult. There are many factors to consider - comfort level, number of guests, trip dates, price, itinerary... let us help! Sunrise Divers is one of Thailand's top liveaboard agents. We know the boats, we know the operators, we know the dive sites. Below you can find a summary of liveaboard options - higher budget, mid price and lower budget. Click on the links for full boat information and schedules. Need any help finding a trip? Contact us by email or call 08 4626 4646.
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Higher Budget Liveaboards |
Mermaid 1
Luxury liveaboard for maximum 15 guests, offering 9 day cruises into Burma from December - April. All cabins with aircon, en suite bathrooms. This is one of those "warm towel after every dive" boats. Top quality service.
• Mermaid 1 - Full Boat Information
• Schedule & Prices 2010 - 2011 |
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Mid Price Liveaboards |
Queen Scuba
Top quality liveaboard, upper mid price - maximum 21 guests in variety of cabins to suit different budgets, couples, groups. All cabins aircon, en suite. Lots of space on board with 4 decks. 4 -5 day trips to the Similan islands & Richelieu Rock.
• Queen Scuba - Full Boat Information
• Schedule & Prices 2010 - 2011 |
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Giamani
Cruises to Similan islands and Burma from 4 - 9 days, max 16 guests, but cabins can be triple or twin - normal maximum is 12 - 14 guests. All cabins en suite with aircon. Very good value trips. New - Andaman Islands cruises available!
• Giamani - Full Boat Information
• Schedule & Prices 2010 - 2011 |
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South Siam 4
Based in the Similan Islands, you can join SS4 on Tuesdays and Saturdays for 3 day/2 night trips including Similan and Richelieu Rock. Cabins, double or twin, shared bathrooms, max 28 divers.
• South Siam 4 - Boat Information & Prices |
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South Siam 3
Low budget and ultimate flexibility, you can start any day for any length of time on SS3. Boat stays in the Similans, there are daily speedboat transfers. Maximum 28 guests plus day trippers, low budget but can be crowded.
• South Siam 3 - Boat Information & Prices |
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Liveaboard Dive Sites in Thailand
The most popular destination for liveaboard cruises is the Similan Islands. These islands are located about 90km from Phuket. Boats depart either direct from Phuket or from the port of Thap Lamu about 80km north. Most trips start in the evening, with the boats cruising overnight to reach the Similan National Marine Park. Many boats go further north during a cruise, as far as the world famous Richelieu Rock, well known for whaleshark sightings (March - May is the best time for these giants). Some boats include dive sites to the south such as Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Some may even stop at Phi Phi for a night "on the town".
 
If you stay in Phi Phi before your Liveaboard
Liveaboards depart from Phuket or Khao Lak, normally in the evening. If you're staying in Phi Phi and have booked a liveaboard, you will have to travel to Phuket by ferry and meet at our dive centre in Karon Beach, Phuket (see travel information). Normally you can catch a ferry the same day as departure; there are 2 ferries per day from Phi Phi to Phuket. Some boats do depart in the morning so you would need to travel to Phuket one day before the liveaboard departure date. Be sure to ask us about this to avoid trouble later :)
More Information and Liveaboard Booking
You can contact Sunrise Divers any time for liveaboard information, travel information, anything you like! Or follow the boat links above for more information on each boat and further links to schedules and booking requests. You can find more liveaboard information on our Thailand Liveaboards website. Need something? Just ask! We are always here to help.
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