Compare Thailand Liveaboards: Bavaria, Giamani, The Junk & Smiling Seahorse
If you are looking to explore Thailand’s spectacular dive sites in comfort and style, a liveaboard cruise is the ultimate way to experience the Andaman Sea. Thailand liveaboards provide access to world-famous locations like the Similan and Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon, and Koh Tachai, offering incredible encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, and vibrant reef life. Choosing the right liveaboard can make the difference between a great diving trip and a truly unforgettable underwater adventure.
In this guide, we compare 4 of Thailand’s standout liveaboards: Bavaria, Giamani, The Junk, and Smiling Seahorse. Each offers its own combination of comfort, dive access, and unique onboard experiences. From small, intimate vessels to larger boats designed for socializing and photography, there is a liveaboard to match different diving preferences and trip priorities.
We will break down each liveaboard in terms of accommodations, dive itineraries, onboard amenities, and operational style. By the end of this guide, you will have the information you need to make a confident decision and plan a dive adventure in Thailand.
Bavaria Liveaboard
The Bavaria liveaboard is a 92-ft steel-hulled vessel that balances practical comfort with reliable dive operations. It carries up to 24 divers, giving plenty of space while keeping the group sizes manageable. Most cabins feature ensuite bathrooms and large windows, creating a bright and restful environment after long days of diving. With cabins spread across 3 decks, there are options for double or twin beds depending on your preference, though upper deck cabins share bathrooms.
Air-conditioned cabins include reading lights, bedding, storage cabinets, and mains outlets. Fresh towels and shower gel are provided, and housekeeping is available on request. The vessel is designed for divers, so you can move easily between your cabin, the dive deck, and social areas. The partially shaded sundeck and open-air dining areas make relaxing between dives simple, whether you prefer lounging in the sun or enjoying panoramic views with a cold drink.
The interior spaces emphasize practical comfort over luxury. The main saloon has an entertainment system for movie nights, while the upper deck is ideal for communal meals and socializing. Whether you choose to unwind in solitude or mingle with fellow divers, the Bavaria strikes a good balance between shared and private spaces, making it a versatile choice for group diving trips.
Diving Itineraries and Experiences
Bavaria cruises cover the Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock, offering rich marine biodiversity and dramatic underwater topography. Trips range from 3 to 6 nights, with multiple dives each day that showcase coral gardens, swim-throughs, and the chance to encounter manta rays, whale sharks, and turtles. Currents can vary, allowing for both leisurely drift dives and more challenging excursions.
The dive deck is spacious and designed with diver convenience in mind. Dedicated kit-up areas, rinse tanks, and freshwater showers make preparing for dives straightforward. Nitrox is supported for those looking to extend bottom times, and 15-liter tanks are available for more serious divers. The experienced Thai crew ensures that logistics run smoothly, letting you focus entirely on the underwater experience.
Each dive site has its own personality. Elephant Head Rock is famous for its swim-throughs and resident turtles, while West of Eden at Island 7 offers colorful coral gardens and schools of unicornfish. Island 8 provides dramatic boulder formations filled with reef fish and macro life. The Bavaria itinerary combines big animal encounters with diverse reef environments, making it a comprehensive exploration of Thailand’s Andaman Sea.
Onboard Amenities and Service
Bavaria offers large open-air dining and lounge areas for socializing, with buffet-style meals that cater to a range of tastes. The sundeck has loungers for soaking up the views, while indoor areas provide shade and entertainment. The crew’s focus on service ensures smooth operations, including dive planning, safety briefings, and housekeeping.
The vessel also emphasizes stability and functionality. The steel hull provides a secure platform for diving in varying sea conditions. With a moderate group size, divers receive personalized attention, and the experienced guides are well-acquainted with each dive site. Bavaria’s combination of comfort, practicality, and reliable operations makes it a solid choice for divers looking to maximize their time underwater.
Giamani Liveaboard
The Giamani liveaboard is a 92-ft steel-hulled vessel with a capacity of only 10 divers, creating a much more intimate diving experience. All cabins are ensuite and offer comfortable bedding, air conditioning, small windows, and mini-fridges. The upper deck master cabin features a sofa bed that allows twin occupancy, while 4 deluxe cabins on the middle deck can be configured as double or twin beds.
This small guest count allows more space to relax and less crowded social areas. The air-conditioned lounge provides entertainment and reading options, and the open-air dining area lets divers enjoy meals with panoramic ocean views. Every detail, from the camera rinse stations to the dedicated workspace, supports underwater photographers and enthusiasts looking for a smooth dive operation.
Crew members are attentive and experienced, providing guidance on dive safety, site selection, and logistics. With fewer divers on board, operations feel personal, and there is often more flexibility in adjusting dive plans to suit group interests or conditions at the sites.
Diving Itineraries and Experiences
Giamani’s trips focus on the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock, with opportunities for dives on Khao Lak wrecks. Divers can expect to see manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks, turtles, and large schools of pelagic fish. The eastern Similan dive sites have gentle slopes and coral gardens, while western sites feature granite boulders, caverns, and stronger currents that attract large pelagic species.
Koh Bon Ridge is a manta ray hotspot, while Koh Tachai Pinnacle hosts schools of trevally and barracuda. Richelieu Rock offers both macro life and encounters with whale sharks. The liveaboard schedule typically includes multiple dives per day, balancing exploration with necessary surface intervals. The small group size also allows the crew to focus on guiding divers to maximize sightings and dive enjoyment.
Giamani provides a refined yet practical diving experience. Currents and topography vary across sites, giving divers opportunities for both relaxed reef exploration and adrenaline-filled drift dives. The cruises offer a mix of photographic opportunities, pelagic encounters, and vibrant coral ecosystems, making it a well-rounded choice for those seeking quality and comfort.
Onboard Amenities and Service
Giamani emphasizes space, privacy, and convenience. The dive deck has gear stations and rinse tanks, and the vessel supports nitrox. Communal areas are comfortable but never overcrowded, giving divers the chance to unwind or socialize as desired. Meals are served in a relaxed atmosphere on the upper deck, offering both local and international options.
The crew’s experience of the Thai Andaman Sea is extensive. They manage dive logistics efficiently and prioritize diver safety, allowing guests to focus on enjoying the underwater world. With fewer divers on board, the service is more personal, and attention to individual needs is a key part of the experience.
The Junk Liveaboard
The Junk is a 98-ft teak-hulled vessel with a fascinating history, having appeared in a James Bond film. The liveaboard carries 18 divers across six cabins on the lower deck, including double, triple, and quad occupancy options. All cabins are ensuite and air-conditioned, with reading lights, bedding, towels, and storage space.
The classic wooden design creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with communal dining and social areas that encourage interaction. A shaded dive deck provides personal setup stations, and dinghies are used to ferry divers to dive sites efficiently. The onboard crew emphasizes safety, and guests receive personal safety marker buoys for all dives.
With its blend of history, style, and functionality, the Junk offers a diving experience rich in character. The ship’s design keeps divers connected to the sea, whether lounging on the sun deck, enjoying a meal, or preparing for a dive.
Diving Itineraries and Experiences
The Junk covers the Similan and Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, and Khao Lak wrecks. Trips are available from 4 to 7 nights, offering opportunities to encounter whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and diverse macro life. The Similan Islands provide swim-throughs, coral gardens, and boulder formations, while Richelieu Rock is a prime location for pelagics and macro photography.
The Surin Islands feature healthy reefs with hard corals, Napoleon wrasse, and large schools of bumphead parrotfish. Koh Bon and Koh Tachai are known for manta rays and barracuda. Night dives are occasionally offered, adding an extra layer of adventure. Currents vary, with some sites providing exhilarating drift dives for those who enjoy more dynamic conditions.
The trips balance exploration with relaxation, giving divers ample time to enjoy each site without feeling rushed. Multiple dives per day, guided by experienced staff, maximize chances of sightings and provide a well-paced, immersive experience in Thailand’s iconic dive locations.
Onboard Amenities and Service
Meals on the Junk are served in a communal dining area on the main deck and include hearty breakfasts, Thai-inspired lunches, and diverse dinners. Snacks and beverages are available throughout the day, with options for dietary requirements accommodated on request. The crew focuses on hospitality, safety, and dive guidance, creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
The shaded dive deck and efficient dinghy transfers make gearing up and entering the water simple and comfortable. A focus on nitrox diving and PADI courses adds options for skill development, while the overall atmosphere encourages both relaxation and camaraderie among divers.
Smiling Seahorse Liveaboard
The Smiling Seahorse is a 82-ft steel-hulled vessel that specializes in southern Thailand and Myanmar expeditions. It carries 16 divers across 8 cabins on the main and upper decks. Master cabins on the main deck have double beds and panoramic windows, while deluxe and standard cabins can be configured as twins or doubles. Some upper deck cabins share bathrooms, but all offer air-conditioning, reading lights, and storage.
Social life centers around a spacious open-air saloon and half-shaded sundeck with loungers and hammocks. A dedicated camera room supports underwater photography workshops, and nitrox and 15-liter tanks are available for extended bottom time. The Smiling Seahorse emphasizes communal experiences and shared discovery in a functional, relaxed environment.
The crew is experienced in remote diving regions and can tailor tours to conditions and diver interests. Their knowledge of Myanmar’s reefs and Thailand’s advanced dive sites ensures safe and productive dives. Eco-friendly initiatives, such as reusable bottles and reef-safe toiletries, reflect the vessel’s responsible approach to tourism.
Diving Itineraries and Experiences
Trips focus on the Similan and Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, and Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago. Specialty cruises include blackwater diving, whale shark-focused expeditions, and longer expeditions that explore Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, and Koh Ha. Currents range from calm reef dives to strong pelagic currents, offering variety for all divers.
Diving highlights include encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks, green turtles, and Napoleon wrasse. The Mergui Archipelago offers largely untouched reefs with abundant fish life and striking underwater landscapes. Drift dives and swim-throughs are common, giving divers a sense of adventure while exploring diverse topography.
The dive safaris provide ample opportunities for both big animal sightings and macro photography. Multiple dives per day, combined with experienced guides, ensure that divers maximize their time underwater while exploring Thailand’s and Myanmar’s premier dive locations.
Onboard Amenities and Service
The Smiling Seahorse focuses on functional comfort, with cabins designed for rest and convenience. Meals are served in the saloon or on deck, and the crew provides attentive service for both diving logistics and guest comfort. Photography workshops and blackwater diving sessions add unique experiences not found on more conventional liveaboards.
By maintaining small group sizes and emphasizing exploration, the Smiling Seahorse fosters camaraderie among guests while supporting environmental responsibility. Divers benefit from expert guidance, well-maintained gear stations, and flexible itineraries designed to maximize both sightings and safety.
Best Scuba Travel Agencies For New Divers Near Me
Finding the right scuba travel agency can make all the difference when planning a dive trip to Thailand. At Dive The World, we specialize in helping divers select liveaboard trips and diving safaris that match their experience, interests, and comfort level. We guide you through options for cabins, itineraries, and dive sites, ensuring that your trip is tailored to your preferences and to your dive experience/certification. From the Similan Islands to Richelieu Rock, our knowledge of Thailand’s best dive locations helps you maximize your underwater experiences while minimizing stress during planning.
Our team also provides practical advice and support for travel logistics, equipment rental, and dive certifications. By partnering with reputable liveaboard operators, we ensure a safe and seamless experience, whether you are looking for photography-focused trips, pelagic encounters, or multi-day expeditions. We handle the details, so you can focus on enjoying your diving adventure from start to finish.
Key services we provide include:
Personalized recommendations for liveaboard vessels and dive cruises
Assistance with booking cabins, dive packages, and travel logistics
Expert guidance on diving conditions, top sites, and marine life encounters
Nitrox and equipment rental options, including 15-liter tanks for extended dives
Specialty trips such as underwater photography workshops and conservation-focused cruises
Support for dietary preferences and onboard needs
By working with Dive The World, divers benefit from our expertise, hands-on support, and deep knowledge of Thailand’s waters. We ensure that your trip is not only well-planned but also optimized for adventure, discovery, and enjoyment. Whether it’s your first extended liveaboard experience or you’re returning to explore new sites, we make sure your diving safari is safe, enriching, and unforgettable.
Plan Your Perfect Thailand Dive Adventure
Choosing a Thailand liveaboard is about more than just the vessel. Bavaria, Giamani, The Junk, and Smiling Seahorse each provide unique experiences, from large social decks to intimate cabins, from classic teak designs to modern steel hulls. Your choice should align with the type of diving you want, the marine life you hope to see, and the onboard experience that suits your comfort level.
All 4 vessels offer access to Thailand’s premier dive sites, including the Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock. Each provides expert guidance, multiple dives per day, and opportunities to encounter iconic species like whale sharks, manta rays, and green turtles. Amenities vary from vessel to vessel, but all ensure a safe and efficient diving operation.
If you are ready to plan your next underwater adventure, get in touch with us at Dive The World. We can help you select the perfect liveaboard, tailor your itinerary, and ensure that your trip to Thailand is unforgettable. Let’s make your dream dive safari a reality.
