MV DiveRACE Class E

MV DiveRACE Class E is a fantastic Similan and Myanmar liveaboard with an unusual name. Arriving on the scene in 2015, this steel mono-hulled motor yacht is 35m in length can accommodate up to 20 divers on scuba diving cruises around the Mergui Archipelago and the Thai Andaman Sea.

Motoring at up to 15 knots and with features like ensuite cabins, a private massage room, and a BBQ pit on the sun deck, DiveRACE Class E seeks to be a liveaboard class apart. 14 crew are on hand to look after you on board and they will even serve you hot chocolate, juice, and a towel after each dive. The sun deck is a popular spot with sun loungers to soak up the sunshine at the Similan Islands, and built-in sofa chairs in the shade. Guests can also socialise in the air-conditioned saloon with circular sofa seating, or the open-air dining area, both on the upper deck.

The cabins are located on the lower deck and the main deck, where the large dive deck features 2 ladders, 4 fresh water showers and 2 toilets. Photographers will appreciate other features like rinse cameras on the dive deck, enriched air nitrox and multimedia stations throughout the boat.

Special offers: Early bird discount available on this liveaboard on selected trips from November 2019 - April 2020. Offer expires: 31 Jul 2019

Notes: Please note that for Myanmar trips the bookings will be closed 2 weeks before the trip departure date to allow time for immigration procedures.

Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water, hot drinks, return transfers to the boat from Phuket airport and hotels in tourist areas (Kata, Karon, Rawai, Chalong, Patong) and Khao Lak area, dives (as detailed in the trips above), experienced English-speaking divemaster(s) (4-5 divers per DM), tanks, weights and weightbelts.

Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment (US$ 26 per day), Similan and Surin park fees at approximately US$ 6 per day, with an entry fee of US$ 16 per park, dive insurance. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash only).

Optional extras: Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, dive computer, nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers (US$ 11 per fill). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.

How to get there: DiveRACE Class E's Similan liveaboard trips depart in the evening from Tap Lamu, near Khao Lak. Trips to Hin Daeng & Hin Muang depart in the evening from Chalong Bay. A minibus service from all hotels in Phuket or Phuket Airport to and from the boat is provided with pick-ups usually between 15:30 and 20:00, depending on itinerary. For more information see our Thailand travel information section. The last dive of the trip will be at around 12 noon on the last day of the trip. Please allow at least 18 hours before flying after diving.

Non-diver rate: 20% off the published prices.

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 80% of the published price.

Dive clubs and group discounts: No published group deal. Please check with us. See whole boat charter rate.

Whole boat charter rate (per night): 10% off the published price of a full boat: US$ 6 875, Christmas and New Year: US$ 6 939. Half charter (3 Deluxe cabins + 2 Standard cabins) US$ 3 224.

There are 6 Deluxe twin/double bed cabins with windows on the middle deck. 2 of these cabins have private balconies. There are a further 4 Standard ensuite twin bed cabins with portholes on the lower deck. All cabins are air-conditioned and have en-suite bathrooms.

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

The crew of 14 comprises: Enriched air nitrox - 2 motorised dive tenders - dive deck with 4 freshwater showers and 2 toilets - air-conditioned saloon with DVD video, music and games - open-air dining area - sundecks with mattresses and in-built sofa seating - private massage room - multimedia stations - drinking water dispenser

Divers must be certified to Advanced diver level or take Advanced or Adventure Deep Diver on the trip.

Meals on DiveRACE Class E are enjoyed in the open-air dining area on the main deck. Meals are served at the table and get underway with dinner served on the evening of embarkation. A barbeque is normally scheduled during the trip. Breakfast and lunch are served on the final day.

• Thai, Asian and international main meal dishes. 4 to 5 dishes per sitting.
• Waitress served dining in the open air dining area on the upper deck.
• Dinner is the first meal of the liveaboard cruise.
• Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fruit, water, snacks and biscuits are provided free of charge.
• Soft drinks, beer and wine are also available for purchase.

Sample dishes - Sukiyaki Steamboat, Pad Thai, BBQ Chicken and seafood ...