MV Bavaria

MV Bavaria is a 28 metre steel-hulled liveaboard cruising the best sites of Thailand and Myanmar. A maximum of 24 divers are accommodated in a range of cabins across 3 decks.

There are a number of places for guests to socialise in or find a quiet spot. There is an air conditioned saloon where you can enjoy the entertainment system: TV, music and DVD player. The most popular chill-out spot is the large open-air dining area and lounge on the upper deck. This is where buffet-style meals are served against the backdrop of the ever-changing views of the Andaman Sea. Here you will also find the bar for some apres-dive beers or a sunset cocktail. There is also a large partially shaded sundeck with sun loungers and mats where you can stretch out and work on your tan.

Air-conditioned cabins are situated on 3 decks with 10 of the 12 cabins having ensuite bathrooms.

On the main deck there is a large kit-up area where you can put on your gear before stepping down to the generous dive platform. You either step onto the dive tender, or where appropriate, giant stride directly off the platform. There is even space on the platform for some sets of gear for those with physical limitations. Nitrox and 15 litre tanks are available for those who wish to prolong their bottom times, and there are 2 toilets and 2 showers beside the dive deck for your post-diving comfort.

Dive experience: Thailand trips are open to all certified divers, with no minimum experience requirement. Myanmar trips are not suitable for beginner divers and snorkellers, but for those with some experience of currents and depths. If your last dive was more than 1 year ago there may be a short refresher course required.

Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water, hot drinks, bottled soft drinks, Khao Lak hotel transfers, dives (as detailed in the trips above), experienced English-speaking divemaster(s) (max. 6 divers per DM), tanks, weights and weightbelts, towel.

Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Similan and Surin park fees at approximately US$ 6 per day, with an entry fee of US$ 16 per park, Myanmar (Burma) entry fees (US$ 230 for 7 nights (in crisp USD dollar notes)), scuba equipment (full set US$ 26 per item, per day), dive insurance. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash or credit card).

Optional extras: Phuket transfers to/from the boat (approx. US$ 48 per person (each way), canned soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers (US$ 6 per tank), dive computer (US$ 8 per day), torch (US$ 6 per day) Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.

How to get there: MV Bavaria's Thailand liveaboard cruises depart from Khao Lak. 3 night cruises to Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Surin depart at 9 am, all other Thailand cruises depart at 8:30 pm. Guests check in at the Loma Diving Centre in Khao Lak (before 4 pm), either on the day before departure (4D/3N Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Surin) or the day of departure (all other cruises). This is to pay for equipment, national park fees and extras such as nitrox. A minibus will transfer you from the dive centre to the port of Tab Lamu before the boat departs.
The last dive of the trip will be at around 11:00 hrs. The boat returns to the pier at 3:30 pm (except 3 night Similan Islands trips return at 6 pm). Please wait at least 18 hours before flying after diving. For more information see our Thailand travel information section.
Bavaria departs for Burma liveaboard cruises from Ranong in the afternoon. Guests check in at the Loma Diving Centre in Khao Lak the day before the safari (before 6 pm) to organise equipment, pay Myanmar fees, collect photos, sign Thai immigration cards, and pay for extras such as nitrox. You will be picked up from your Khao Lak hotel around 9:15 am for transfer to Ranong where the boat will depart at around 2:30 pm. For the Myanmar immigration crossing, you need to come prepared with:

• USD 230 in crisp, new US dollar notes for the Myanmar entry fee and national park fee
• 3 passport size photographs each

The authorities may refuse to accept the equivalent amount in Thai Baht and any US dollar notes they deem to be too old and/or thin! It is advisable to bring only large denomination notes like 50s or 100s. For more information see our travel information section. We will help you apply for an entry permit beforehand. Read more details on Burma entry requirements.
The last dive of all trips will be before 11 am on the last day of the trip and you will be back at port around 4 pm. You can expect to be back in Khao Lak at 8 pm. Please wait at least 18 hours before flying after diving.

Non-diver rate: 25% off the published price.

Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - single travellers may choose to share a cabin or pay a supplement of 25% of the published price of a Comfort double bed cabin or 50% of the published price of a Comfort twin bed cabin.

Dive clubs and group discounts: Half charter (12 paying guests) offers are available. Please check with us.

Whole boat charter rate (per night): Full charter (max. 24 guests) offers are available. Please check with us.

There are 12 cabins in total. The lower deck has 2 Comfort double bed cabins. The main deck has 6 Comfort twin bed cabins. Also on the main deck are 2 Deluxe double bed cabins, and on the upper deck are 2 Standard twin bed cabins. All cabins have ensuite bathrooms except the lower deck cabins which share a bathroom.

All the cabins have: No. of bathrooms / showers - 14 / 14 - cold water