Similan, Richelieu Rock & Surin Trips
The Similans are a collection of islands that promise great diving with varied topography and plentiful fish life. The area is a protected national park and is generally considered to be Thailand's premier dive destination. Similan liveaboards usually also visit Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, where encounters with larger creatures such as sharks, manta rays and whale sharks are more frequent. Some boats may also visit the more remote Surin Islands, which are a welcome escape from the busier mainstream sites. [More details on these dive sites: Richelieu Rock/Koh Tachai/Koh Bon, Similan Islands, Surin Islands].
The Similans route is covered by a variety of Thailand liveaboards catering to all budget levels, from deluxe to backpacker standard. The more expensive boats provide high levels of comfort and service and these are recommended for divers with international liveaboard experience. The low priced options attract younger and less-experienced divers. At this end of the market you can also find boats that are permanently stationed at the Similans and guests are transferred on and off the boat by speedboat shuttle on a daily basis.
Divers are expected to have a moderate experience level as some of the sites are deep and strong current may be present.
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Similan, Richelieu Rock & Surin Trips]
Thailand & Myanmar Liveaboard Trips
This is a classic route and the one most divers seeking adventure come for. Departing from Khao Lak or Ranong between November and April, these Thailand liveaboards head north to the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock and the Surin Islands. Then they push further across the border into Myanmar's Mergui Archipelago, where sites like Black Rock, North Twin and Western Rocky see very few visitors. [More details on these dive sites: Myanmar].
Cruises run from 7 to 10 nights. Currents range from gentle to strong, suitable for intermediate to advanced divers.
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Thailand & Myanmar Liveaboard Trips]
Hin Daeng-Hin Muang & Koh Ha Trips
These liveaboard trips to the south of Phuket feature beautiful topside scenery and dive sites considered the best in Thailand outside of the Similans. Breath-taking caves, submerged pinnacles, healthy reefs, macro life, sharks and manta rays are all elements of diving in this region. [More details on these dive sites: Hin Daeng-Hin Muang, Koh Ha].
If you are short of time, the tour route provides a great short alternative to the Similan Islands. But if you want to see all the best scuba diving that Thailand has to offer, you should add on a liveaboard safari to Hin Daeng-Hin Muang to your Similan charter. Divers should have a moderate level of experience to visit this destination due to depth and occasional strong currents.
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Hin Daeng-Hin Muang & Koh Ha Trips]
Koh Lipeh / Tarutao Trips
This southern route offers something different: fewer boats, quieter sites, and a genuine sense of discovery. Departing from Pak Bara, these Thailand liveaboards explore the Tarutao National Marine Park and the waters around Koh Lipeh. The area sees a fraction of the traffic found in the Similans.
Diving here centres on limestone pinnacles, sloping reefs and volcanic rock formations. Sites like 8 Mile Rock and Stonehenge attract bigger fish. Schools of barracuda, trevally and fusiliers work the current. Reef sharks appear on most dives. Manta rays pass through. Whale sharks are less common than at Richelieu Rock but still show up during plankton blooms. The macro life is excellent. Ghost pipefish, seahorses and a wide range of nudibranchs hide in the coral bommies around Koh Lipeh. Tarutao's inner sites offer shallow, protected reefs perfect for beginners or relaxed dives. The outer pinnacles demand more respect. Currents run harder. Depth increases. But the reward is cleaner reefs and fewer divers. [More details on these dive sites: Koh Tarutao].
Most cruises run for 3 to 5 nights, making this a good option for those short on time or looking to add a liveaboard experience onto a land-based holiday. Suitable for all diver levels.
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Koh Lipeh / Tarutao Trips]
Phuket & Phi Phi Islands Trips
Pinnacles and walls carpeted in colourful anemones and soft corals, a passenger ferry wreck, docile leopard sharks, stingrays, octopus, triggerfish, blacktip reef sharks, angelfish and clownfish are just some of the liveaboard diving attractions at the picturesque islands of Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. [More details on these dive sites: Phuket, Phi Phi Islands].
These cruises are for those visiting Thailand in the green/low season. They run for either 1 or 4 nights and are suitable for scuba divers of any experience level.
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Phuket & Phi Phi Islands Trips]
