The MV South Siam III liveaboard offers a distinctive approach to diving at Thailand's Similan Islands. This 30-meter vessel operates as a dive platform permanently stationed within the national park, serving as your dedicated basecamp. This model provides exceptional schedule flexibility, allowing guests to join or depart via speedboat transfer on a daily basis.
Life on board the South Siam III centres around its role as a functional dive hub. Accommodation is provided in air-conditioned cabins with sea views, designed for rest after full days of adventure. The vessel's layout accommodates a larger number of divers, with a focus on communal areas. A spacious shaded upper deck is ideal for relaxing and dining, while an air-conditioned saloon offers a cool retreat. The expansive sundeck provides space to unwind, making the boat a social and practical home base.
By remaining on-site, the South Siam III liveaboard eliminates long overnight cruising. Your daily schedule begins directly at the dive sites, with multiple departures possible from its anchored position. This setup is particularly effective for intensive diving within the Similan Islands themselves, offering a rhythm of dive, return, refuel, and dive again without transit delays.
While primarily stationed in the Similans, the South Siam's itinerary flexibility is a key asset. Through a fixed weekly schedule, guests can opt for a tailored experience to access a wider range of the Andaman Sea's diving highlights. This can include the world-renowned Richelieu Rock, the submerged pinnacles of Koh Tachai, and the manta ray cleaning stations at Koh Bon. This allows that combines the convenience of a fixed base with access to the region's premier sites. If you're a snorkeller or non-diver, the liveaboard accommodates you equally as well as the scuba divers, and excursions onto the islands' white sand beaches are provided for beachcombing.
The South Siam operation is managed by a company with extensive regional experience. Their understanding of local conditions and site logistics supports the complex coordination of daily speedboat transfers and multi-destination day trips. This expertise ensures that despite the unconventional format, dives are conducted with attention to planning, briefings, and safety protocols.
The South Siam III is ideal for scuba divers who value schedule adaptability over a traditional cruising voyage. It represents a pragmatic solution for those with limited days or who prefer not to spend nights at sea in transit. For certified divers looking to concentrate their efforts on the Similan Islands while retaining the option to visit iconic sites like Richelieu Rock, this South Siam III liveaboard provides a unique, focused, and flexible diving plan.
There are 2 double bed cabins and 6 twin bed cabins on the main deck, and 6 more twin bed cabins on the lower deck of the liveaboard.
All the cabins have:
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
- Seaview windows
- Shared bathrooms and showers
- Reading lights
- Mains outlet
- Dressing table
- Bedding
No. of bathrooms / showers - 6 / 6 - hot water
Similan Islands (2 Days / 1 Nights - 7 Dives)
Trip highlights: turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Similan Islands
Day 1
Your liveaboard adventure begins with a speedboat transfer from Thap Lamu pier to the MV South Siam III. After a warm welcome from the crew, a comprehensive safety briefing, and cabin assignment, you will have time to set up your gear. The action starts immediately as you embark on 4 spectacular dives, exploring the iconic sites of the Similan Islands.
Day 2
Immerse yourself in an environment where you can observe the graceful silhouettes of guitar sharks, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks cruising along the coral edges, encounter a magnificent leopard shark lying motionless on the seabed, and find yourself encircled by vast groups of batfish, snapper, and goatfish. The seascape presents a dramatic setting of massive granite rock formations shaped by nature into an aquatic adventure park of caves, crevices, and swim-through channels. These intricate structures sustain ecosystems supporting creatures of all sizes, from larger oceanic travellers to miniature marine organisms, including a dazzling array of colourful nudibranchs, clown triggerfish, palette surgeonfish, and masterfully hidden scorpionfish. This nonstop marine spectacle, framed by an awe-inspiring underwater scenery, creates an extraordinary display that confirms the Similan Islands' reputation as a globally-recognised liveaboard diving haven.
The day onboard the South Siam III concludes with a speedboat transfer back to Thap Lamu, followed by your onward journey to your hotel in Phuket or Khao Lak. Breakfast and lunch are provided on this day.
Similan, Surin Islands & 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 every day, except for Koh Bon and Koh Tachai on Wednesdays and Sundays, Surin and Richelieu Rock on Mondays and Thursdays
Day 1
A quick speedboat ride from Thap Lamu pier takes you to the MV South Siam 3. Meet the crew, get settled with a briefing and assign your cabin. Then, set up your gear and dive right into the action, with your first day dedicated to the spectacular sites of Koh Bon and Koh Tachai. You will complete 4 thrilling dives at these renowned pinnacles and reefs, known for their pelagic action and majestic manta ray sightings, culminating in a magical night dive after dinner. On this first day of the liveaboard tour, lunch, dinner, and snacks are all included on board.
Core Days
Embark on the pinnacle day of your liveaboard adventure - exploring Thailand's premier marine national park. Today's adventure takes you to the legendary Richelieu Rock, a world-class site that offers your best chance to encounter the majestic whale shark. This submerged pinnacle, often graced by the presence of eagle and manta rays, is a magnet for huge pelagics. Your guides will schedule multiple dives here to maximise encounter opportunities amidst the dramatic density of life, where huge schools of trevally and rainbow runners cruise the currents. The day is complemented by a dive in the rich waters of the Surin Islands, creating an unforgettable day of big animal encounters.
Final Day
Your final day features up to 3 dives exploring the iconic Similan Islands. Diving from the South Siam III liveaboard allows you to explore at your leisure the breathtaking underwater topography these parks are famous for, including huge granite boulders, caverns, and swim-throughs that form a natural playground. This vibrant environment supports a great variety of marine life, from leopard sharks resting on the sand and whitetip reef sharks patrolling the reefs, to massive schools of batfish and barracuda, offering a stunning finale to your trip.
A speedboat transfer back to Thap Lamu pier concludes the tour, after you have enjoyed breakfast and lunch on board.
[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].
Your liveaboard adventure includes full board, with all meals served as a buffet on the upper deck of South Siam III, offering a social atmosphere with great views. The daily schedule typically revolves around 4 dives, with meals structured around these activities: a continental and Thai breakfast is served after the first morning dive, a substantial lunch is provided after the second dive, and dinner follows the final dive of the evening.
For breakfast, you can expect a mix of continental and Thai options, such as toast, eggs, fruit, and alongside traditional dishes like rice soup.
Lunch and dinner are a highlight, with a buffet-style service where you can choose from 2 or 3 main dishes-featuring classic Thai curries, stir-fries, and other local specialties, all served with steamed rice and a fresh salad. There is no fixed menu.
Coffee, tea, soft drinks, hot chocolate, water, fresh fruit, and biscuits are available free of charge throughout the day. For an additional cost, beer is available for purchase.
South Siam are also happy to cater to most dietary requirements; please be sure to advise us of your needs in advance.
"
Well organized, not too many aboard, cabin was basic but comfortable. The crew aboard and the general chilled atmosphere were the trip's strengths." -
Paul Rogerson, Italy, 20 February 2025 ...
"
The South Siam 3 was perfect! They have Chinese-speaking staff and really authentic Tom Yum soup. The dive guides were patient and even helped us take lots of great photos. The boat was clean and tidy, great value for money. I'll bring my parents next time!" -
Ching C., China, 18 January 2025 ...
"
South Siam III was comfortable and the crew was friendly. Food was decent, with some Malaysian-friendly options. Dive sites were amazing. We saw manta rays and lots of macro life. Only small issue was the cabin AC was a bit noisy. Otherwise, a great trip. Would go again with the same operator.
Booked this through Dive The World. They made a smooth process and good recommendations."" -
Cormac T., Malaysia, 9 December 2024 ...
"
Staff was very accommodating. They took pictures of the trip at no charge. The dive staff was excellent with their briefings and the plans were always clear. " -
Shannon Masel, USA, 27 November 2019 ...
"
The crew was absolutely fantastic. Everyone from the boat staff to the dive staff was courteous, kind, and extremely professional, with a bit of fun mixed in too :). We felt very safe and well taken care of the whole trip." -
Chris Dyer, USA, 02 December 2018 ...
"
I was on South Siam 3 for a 2 day / 1 night trip to the similan islands. The boat and trip were well organised with good catering staff. The boat was well maintained. The group dive briefings were ok. The transfers were well organised." -
Richard Chere, UK, 21 November 2018 ...
"
We got a pick-up from hotel when we arrive and a drop-off to hotel after we're done with diving. The service on board is excellent. You don't need to worry about your equipment and luggage throughout the dive. It's all taken care of." -
Jacky B.O.C, Canada, 28 November 2016 ...
"
The SSD is operated in a very professional way, very efficient. The staff are friendly, helpful and attentive. The food is good." -
William Wan, Canada, 23 January 2014 ...
"
I was pleased with the operation. There were only a few issues but they were isolated incidents that didn't diminish the fact that the whole Similan dive trip was fantastic. One of the dive guides was great. One of the Thai national guides was ignorant of his divers at best. The food on the boat was excellent. The mates on the boat were excellent and the accommodations were a great value. The boat was nice and I will be taking more live-aboard trips in the future due to this positive experience (it was my first liveaboard)." -
Dave Brown, USA, 14 June 2011 ...
"
Clean, comfortable air conditioned cabins, hot water showers, great food, excellent dive master and friendly staff. Even though we expected it to be crowded having 28 people on the boat diving, the crew did an excellent job of staggering the dive times slightly, so we felt like we were diving by ourselves!" -
Joy Kwek, Hong Kong, 18 February 2010 ...
"
Staff was excellent, responsible and helpful. Equipment was very good (most likely are from Dive-The-World). Food was good and arrangement was very good, detail briefing before starting each dive." -
Gilbert Lai, Hong Kong, 31 March 2009 ...
"
Food was good, dive instructors were very good, their boat organisation and staff were excellent, facilities on board both boats I went on were very good in general." -
John Doyle, Ireland, 2 January 2009 ...
"
Excellent value for money, well organised, friendly, safety conscious and divemasters with excellent knowledge of the Similans." -
Peter Chan, New Zealand, 17 March 2008 ...
"
The service aboard the liveaboard boat was fantastic, the crew on board couldn't do enough for us. The dive master we had was awesome, he knew all the spots and things to see." -
Peter Owens, Australia, 8 February 2008 ...
"
They were on time for pick-up, were well organized in assigning different groups. Dive boat was comfortable, had shower facilities, good quality food/refreshments, etc. Ratio of DM to divers was good (in my case 1:3, but in all cases I saw, not more than 1:4). DM was energetic and enthusiastic and took time to look for interesting things and point them out." -
Cynthia Dickins, HK, 31 July 2007 ...
"
Obviously it was my first time to take organised trips by you and dive in Phuket. I did not understand the system initially, but I just followed as I was told. All went so smoothly. I did not feel that I had left out or anything. (I joined by myself). Quite interesting to have met people from all over the world in a way. My divemasters were very helpful. They understood my diving skills and sort of observed me well. As I am just a resort diver, I had ended up showing my buddies my uncontrolled moments (too light weights etc). Thanks to my buddies as well!" -
Meiko Mazda, Japan, 10 April 2007 ...
"
I had a truly wonderful experience. Everything was taken care of, and everything was great! I am so glad that I ended up going with them because it really was a fantastic experience - I didn't want to leave!! Good equipment, excellent liveaboard/room/bathrooms, and perfect weather on top of it all." -
Carrie Soults, USA, 3 January 2007 ...
"
Transfers were timely and efficient, the live-aboard exceeded expectation in cleanliness and facilities, the crew were truly excellent and the divemasters patient and seemingly very professional." -
Ben Davies, Singapore, 6 December 2006 ...
"
Transport was efficient and the service on board was excellent, and the food was great. I was extremely satisfied and have recommended the same package to several friends." -
Dustin Bouwhuis, USA, 16 June 2006 ...
"
Boat in good condition, good crew, place to relax both inside and outside. Great lunch, enough to drink, good help to get out of the water." -
Alex Strom, Norway, 12 April 2006 ...
"
I was very impressed with the 3 days on the South Siam boats. The staff were all friendly and helpful and the dive sites excellent." -
Melissa Thurston, Australia, 5 April 2006 ...
"
Our divemaster, 'Jos' was excellent. He took great pictures and was a classy guide under the water. The food was great and the overall experience was very memorable." -
Bruce Gershenhorn, USA, 2 April 2006 ...
"
The staff were very professional, especially the guide; very patient and responsible. I'll ask for the same operator and the same guide next time I book with you." -
Wu Honglei, Singapore, 21 November 2005 ...
"
I thought that South Siam Divers ran a first-rate operation. Andrae and Yos were very accommodating. The food was excellent and the boat crew was very attentive to our needs. Actually, I would say that they pampered us, helping us quickly into and out of our gear." -
Reginald Kearney, United Kingdom, 19 October 2005 ...
