For divers whose compass points to Thailand’s Andaman Sea, the 2025-built MV DiveRACE Class X liveaboard represents a significant evolution in seaborne exploration. This purpose-designed, 35-metre steel motor yacht is engineered for the long-range passages between the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock, and the remote pinnacles of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Its monohull design promises a stable, confident ride, translating sea miles into more energy for what lies beneath the surface. Onboard the DiveRACE Class X liveaboard, the 4- to 6-night diving cruises are shaped to seek out optimal conditions, offering a structured yet adaptable route through these protected marine parks.
Accommodating a maximum of 20 guests, the vessel expands away from cramped quarters in favour of considered space and privacy. Each of the 10 cabins features an ensuite bathroom, while the inclusion of 2 dedicated single cabins acknowledges the independent traveller. The interior styling offers an environment of understated relaxation where scuba divers can decompress after the day’s final safety stop. This focus on comfort is a signature of the operation, evident in the multiple social areas, from the air-conditioned lounge to the convivial upper deck.
The practicalities of diving are handled with a clear, efficient focus. The aft dive deck is arranged for straightforward gear preparation and entry, with dedicated storage, camera tables, and nitrox fills supporting extended bottom times. Post-dive, the routine includes warm towels and refreshments, small gestures that underscore the service ethos. Meanwhile, the sun deck includes a Jacuzzi and loungers offering a vantage point for scanning the horizon between dives.
Beyond the essentials, the DiveRACE Class X liveaboard incorporates amenities that enrich the surface intervals. The availability of Thai massage, a well-stocked bar, and laundry facilities address the nuances of living at sea for several days. These are practical comforts that allow guests to fully immerse in the daily cycle of a liveaboard expedition, where the focus can remain on the environment and sharing adventure.
Since 2009, DiveRACE has cultivated a reputation for reliable, professionally run cruises across Southeast Asia’s premier sites, gaining strong regional experience. Their commitment is reflected in a high crew-to-guest ratio, ensuring attentive service and a smoothly run schedule. Choosing DiveRACE means placing your trust in a class team with a proven understanding from navigating these waters and local marine ecosystems.
The MV DiveRACE Class X liveaboard is a great choice for those who prioritise a robust, well-appointed vessel and seasoned operational know-how. It provides a solid, comfortable home from which to discover the Andaman Sea’s renowned biodiversity - from the granite boulders of the Similans to the prolific marine life at Richelieu Rock. It’s for scuba divers who value a tour defined by capable execution, where every detail is calibrated to support a sustained encounter with one of the world’s great diving regions.
There are 7 double / twin configurable bed cabins, 2 on the lower deck, 5 on the upper deck. There are a further 2 double bed Premium cabins on the upper deck, and 2 single bed cabins for solo travellers on the lower deck for the liveaboard. All cabins have en-suite bathrooms.
All the cabins have:
- Individually controlled air-conditioning units
- Private bathroom with toilet and hot water shower
- Hand basin, towels, toiletries
- Sea-view windows (portholes on lower deck)
- Reading lights
- Personal safe
- Daily housekeeping
- Hotel quality linen and comfortable 10 inch mattresses
- Cabinet, shelves and mirror
- Mains outlet 220 Volts - 24 hours per day, universal sockets
- Bedding and towels (Indoor and outdoor towels provided)
- Space for luggage
- Life jackets
No. of bathrooms / showers - 11 / 11 - hot water
Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock
Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock and Bunsoong Wreck
Day 1
The MV DiveRACE Class X crew will greet you onboard at Thap Lamu pier. While enjoying a welcome drink, your tour leader will introduce the liveaboard and review the dive itinerary. After settling into your cabin and unpacking your gear, you’ll have time to relax and meet your fellow guests. Dinner is served shortly after. The vessel then sets off on a 4 to 5-hour overnight cruise to the Similan Islands.
Cora Days
Up to 4 dives per day, including one evening with a night dive, await in the Similan Islands. The islands are renowned for their crystal-clear waters, which are home to more than 200 species of hard coral and boast the highest reef fish diversity in all of Thailand. You will explore a stunning variety of underwater landscapes, from dramatic sea fans and giant barrel sponges to mysterious caves, exciting swim-throughs, and shallow coral gardens that are also perfect for snorkelling between dives.
The liveaboard adventure extends to iconic sites just beyond the main archipelago. Koh Bon, located northwest of the Similans, is a premier location offering excellent chances of encountering majestic manta rays, alongside reef sharks and nurse sharks hiding beneath coral overhangs. Richelieu Rock, arguably Thailand's most famous dive site, is a magnet for marine life. Here, massive schools of barracuda, snapper, and trevally create a spectacle, while the vibrant corals hide fascinating macro life like frogfish, harlequin shrimp, and seahorses. This site is also a renowned cleaning station, making it a prime spot for sightings of passing whale sharks and manta rays.
For those seeking pelagic action, Koh Tachai’s pinnacle delivers with strong currents that attract large marine visitors. The reef itself is carpeted in stunning fire and staghorn corals.
Day 5
2 final dives near Khao Lak wrap up your DiveRACE Class X trip, offering a chance to explore one of 3 wrecks: the Bunsoong Wreck, MV Sea Chart, or Premchai Wreck. After working up an appetite, you'll enjoy breakfast and a final lunch on board as the liveaboard makes its way back to Thap Lamu pier for disembarkation.
Similan, Richelieu Rock & Hin Daeng (7 Days / 6 Nights - 22 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, caverns, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Similan Islands, Boonsung Wreck, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Surin Islands, Koh Ha, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang
Day 1
Your adventure begins at Panwa Pier in Phuket, where you will board the MV DiveRACE Class X and be welcomed by the crew. After a welcome drink and trip briefing, you can settle into your cabin and prepare your gear. Dinner is served before the liveaboard sets sail on its overnight journey to Koh Ha.
Core Days
Your diving safari with the DiveRACE Class X is engineered to fully explore the world-renowned seascapes of the Similan Islands and the legendary sites of the Andaman Sea's Big Blue circuit. Each day presents a new underwater frontier. You will begin amidst the Similans' iconic formations, navigating through massive granite boulders adorned with gorgonian sea fans, exploring light-dappled caverns, and gliding through thrilling swim-throughs that burst with colour from clouds of anthias. These sites cater to all levels, offering gentle coral gardens for beginners and exhilarating drifts for the advanced.
The liveaboard adventure escalates as you journey to the premier offshore pinnacles. At Koh Bon, you'll hover on the precipice of its deep-water wall, eagerly scanning the blue vastness for the silhouette of a manta ray or the colossal, polka-dotted form of a gentle whale shark. Further north, the submerged plateau of Koh Tachai delivers an adrenaline-fuelled dive where powerful currents concentrate immense schools of barracuda, trevally, and patrolling sharks. The crown jewel, Richelieu Rock, is a submerged pinnacle entirely encrusted in soft corals and anemones, creating a magnet for breathtaking macro life like ghost pipefish and seahorses, while also attracting the same giant pelagics.
Your safari will also venture to the southern realms of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, where sheer walls plummet into the abyss, blanketed in a stunning tapestry of red and purple soft corals. Alternatively, the Koh Ha archipelago offers ethereal dives through its limestone caverns, where light beams pierce the darkness, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere.
From your first morning dive to potential night dives under the stars, every descent with the MV DiveRACE Class X promises a unique encounter with turtles, hunting predators, and the sheer, immense marine diversity that makes this region a true bucket-list destination for divers worldwide.
Day 7
On the final day, you will enjoy 2 dives at the fascinating Boonsung Wreck near Khao Lak. Following your underwater exploration, breakfast and lunch will be served onboard. The liveaboard will then return to Thap Lamu Pier, where you will disembark for your transfer back to the hotel.
Please be aware that this itinerary may sometimes operate in reverse order, so it is important to verify your specific departure and return port details prior to travel.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
Every trip starts in the evening with dinner, after all guests have arrived. There will be chef-prepared meals each day, crafted from fresh local ingredients and aromatic spices. Enjoy buffet-style dining that blends Asian and Western cuisine, served in the main deck dining room. Throughout your liveaboard cruise with DiveRACE Class X, help yourself to tea, hot chocolate, juices, and milk, along with fresh snacks throughout the day. Or have a freshly ground coffee on the house before you get ready for the next dive.
Each day begins with an early wake-up call and a light breakfast, followed by a well-paced schedule with up to 4 dives, interspersed with full meals and afternoon tea. The day winds down with dinner after a dusk dive, offering the perfect close to a day of exploration. Some example dishes: Sukiyaki steamboat, Phad Thai, BBQ chicken and seafood. Beer, wine and soft drinks are also available onboard. A barbecue night is also normally scheduled during the dive trip.
The liveaboard is also happy to accommodate most dietary needs with advance notice, ensuring every guest enjoys delicious food, fine drinks, and great company after a thrilling day underwater.
