MV Pawara is a 35-metre steel-hulled vessel, refitted in 2023, engineered for comfort at sea with large stabilisers and an improved keel. A diving tour on the Pawara liveaboard follows a classic 4-night itinerary, visiting the granite boulders and sloping reefs of the Similans with the pelagic-rich pinnacles of sites like Richelieu Rock. It is a route designed to deliver a comprehensive experience of the Andaman Sea's underwater highlights.
Life onboard the Pawara liveaboard balances practical comfort with a sense of space. The vessel accommodates up to 26 guests across a range of 10 cabin options, from Master cabins on the main deck to value-focused Budget cabins. Nearly all feature private ensuite bathrooms. Social areas are designed for relaxation between dives, blending air-conditioned comfort with traditional Thai décor. Pawara's living area provides entertainment with a flat-screen TV and DVD library, and a Play Station, while free WiFi in selected areas helps you stay connected.
Complimentary scheduled transfers from Phuket and Khao Lak to Tablamu Pier streamlining the start of your trip. Once diving begins, the vessel’s facilities support your time underwater. Free enriched air nitrox is available for certified divers, a feature that enhances safety margins and extends bottom time on repetitive dives. The Pawara crew’s attention to service allows you to concentrate on the diving itself.
The dive tour route with the Pawara liveaboard is a proven circuit through some of Thailand’s most iconic seascapes. Days are structured around multiple dives, progressing from the Similan Islands' accessible reefs northward to the dynamic currents of Richelieu Rock. This schedule offers a balanced introduction to the region’s marine biodiversity, from vibrant coral gardens to the chance of encountering larger pelagic species, all framed within the protected waters of a national park. The experience is backed by an operator with nearly 3 decades of history in Phuket. Their long-standing presence in the region translates into operational reliability and crew familiarity with the local dive sites. This expertise informs daily planning and safety briefings, providing a secure foundation for your underwater adventure.
Overall, the MV Pawara combines modern stability with a traditional liveaboard experience. It is suited for scuba divers seeking a comfortable, service-oriented trip that covers the essential sites of the Similan and Surin islands. 'Pawara' is an ancient Thai word meaning Treasure of the Corals, and the boat is certainly a gem if you are looking for an affordable, high quality option to explore the best of Thailand's dive sites.
There are 2 Master double bed cabins at the front of the main deck, 4 Deluxe twin bunk bed cabins on the main deck, 4 Standard twin/double cabins and 2 Budget cabins on the lower deck. The Master cabins are larger and have windows aplenty. The Deluxe cabins have large windows, whereas most of the Standard cabins have portholes. All cabins have en suite bathrooms, except the Budget cabins (shared bathroom).
All the Pawara liveaboard cabins have:
Individual control air conditioning
Large seaview windows (portholes only lower deck)
Toilet & hot water shower with toiletries
Welcome wine (mini bottle)
Bedding, towels & blankets
Wardrobe & storage space
Built in safe
Hair dryer
No. of bathrooms / showers - 10 / 10 - hot water
[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].
Aboard the MV Pawara, all your meals are served buffet-style in the comfortable indoor dining area on the main deck of the liveaboard, which also serves as a social lounge.
You will quickly settle into the daily routine, which starts with a light pre-breakfast snack before your first dive, followed by a full American-style breakfast after you surface.
Lunch is served after the second morning dive, and different snacks are provided each day after the third dive to energise you for the optional night dive, which is scheduled before the evening meal.
The Pawara chefs prepare an exciting mix of Western and local Thai cuisine for lunch and dinner, with plenty of fresh seafood and vegetables. A typical dinner buffet offers a choice of 4 main dishes to cater to all tastes.
For breakfast, you can expect a continental and American spread.
Complimentary snacks available throughout the day include fresh fruits and refreshing fruit yogurt shakes.
For your comfort, fresh coffee, a selection of teas, soft drinks, and purified drinking water are available free of charge 24 hours a day.
Local beers are also available for purchase.
The dining service begins with dinner on your first night.
Please note that the staff can cater to vegetarian and other dietary requirements with prior notice.
DEPARTURE SCHEDULE & PRICES
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MORE TRIP DETAILS
Dive experience: Standard open water certification only required.
Standard open water certification only required.
Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, fruit juice, hot drinks, nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers (it must be ordered in advance), return transfers to/from the boat from Phuket or Khao Lak areas, dives (as detailed in the trips above), experienced English-speaking divemaster(s) (4-5 divers per DM), tanks, weights and weightbelts, travel accident insurance, sales tax.
Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, fruit juice, hot drinks, nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers (it must be ordered in advance), return transfers to/from the boat from Phuket or Khao Lak areas, dives (as detailed in the trips above), experienced English-speaking divemaster(s) (4-5 divers per DM), tanks, weights and weightbelts, travel accident insurance, sales tax.
Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment (USD15 per day), Similan and Surin park fees at USD6 per day, with an entry fee of USD15 per park. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash or credit card).
Scuba equipment (USD15 per day), Similan and Surin park fees at USD6 per day, with an entry fee of USD15 per park. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash or credit card).
Optional extras: Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks other than fruit juice, torches, dive computer, 15 ltr tanks available for rent (USD9 per day), dive insurance. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.
Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks other than fruit juice, torches, dive computer, 15 ltr tanks available for rent (USD9 per day), dive insurance. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.
How to get there: The Pawara liveaboard departs in the evening from Khao Lak at 20:30 hrs, after boarding at 19:30 hrs. There is a transfer service to the boat - Phuket: from 16:30-18:30 hrs / Khao Lak: from 19-19:30 hrs. The last dive of the trip will be at around 10:00 hrs, and Pawara arrives back in Khao Lak at 14 hrs. The minibus transfer arrives back in Phuket around 16:00 hrs. Please wait at least 18 hours before flying after diving. For details, including airlines, on how to get to Phuket, see our Thailand travel information section.
Non-diver rate: approx. USD90 off the published price.
approx. USD90 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 the non diver price.
This is optional - single travellers may choose to share a cabin or pay a supplement of the non diver price.
Dive clubs and group discounts: See whole boat charter rate below.
See whole boat charter rate below.
Whole boat charter rate (per night): USD6 538.
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