About liveaboard diving from Phuket

• Where do liveaboard boats go?

Most of our liveaboards visit the Similan Islands National Marine Park and the Surin Islands National Marine Park. There are a few operators running trips to Burma, and several that do trips to Hin Daeng.

• How much diving experience do I need to go on a liveaboard trip?

We recommend that divers going on Similans liveaboards have Advanced Open Water certification, or have significant experience in deep diving, night diving and drift diving. If you are not yet certified as an Advanced Open Water diver,  come a few days early to do the course with us before your trip! Or we can get you certified on board during the trip--it’s actually a wonderful way to do your Advanced Open Water course (though you do have to spend some of your time studying)! Just let us know!

• How many days does a liveaboard take?

Most liveaboards to the Similans/Surins offer 4 day/4 night trips. But there are a few boats offering longer and shorter trips as well. Trips to Burma are usually significantly longer. Trips to the islands south of Phuket are usually 2 day/2 night excursions.

• How many dives will I do every day?

You will usually do three daytime dives plus one sunset or night dive. Dive schedules change according to the dive sites available on the dive day.

• What if I’ve never done a night dive?

Make sure to let the tour leader know if you are experiencing your first night dive. You may want to consider completing a short Adventure Dive module to prepare for your first night dive.

• Do divemasters lead the dives?

Yes, all dives here are guided. If you and your dive buddy would like to dive without a guide, you should ask the tour leader of the boat you are on for their policy. If you would like to do solo diving, please give us a heads-up so that we can inquire about the possibility ahead of time.

• How many divers does each guide take care of?

Typically between four and six divers are grouped together and led by a Divemaster or Instructor.

• Are the dive sites deep?

There is a great deal of variation, but in general sites along the eastern sides of the islands are sloping reefs between 5 and 30 meters deep, so if you need to stay above 18 meters, it’s not only possible, but the dive will be very pleasant. Other sites, such as those on the western sides of islands and at submerged pinnacles and seamounts may be deeper.

• Are there strong currents?

Our currents are related to the flow of the tides, with the currents running from south to north during rising tides and in the opposite direction during falling tides. Dive sites on the eastern sides of the islands are generally dived as drift dives, following the flow of the current. You will learn to enjoy the magic carpet ride over these beautiful reefs. Dive sites on the western sides of the islands and at the north and south tips may be subject to stronger currents and surge. The boat captain and dive tour leader will do their best to select appropriate dives and dive times suited to the conditions of the current.

• Will I see a manta ray? A whale shark?

We wish we could promise that you will, but these are wild animals and the ocean is not a zoo. Of course we always hope to see these magnificent creatures, and we are thrilled when we do! Your best chance of seeing whale sharks and manta rays is in the months of March and April, when the plankton is abundant.

• What kind of food will I get on the boat?

Boats serve a combination of Thai and Western food. Before your first dive of the day, there will be a light breakfast available (cereal, bread, fruit, coffee, tea, juice), and after the first dive, a full breakfast with eggs, meats, and other items will be served. Lunch and dinner are buffet-style offerings of several main dishes, rice and/or noodles, and a salad. Fruit is served throughout the day as well as after meals. Water is available at all times, while soft drinks and beer and sometimes wine (only after your the last dive each day) are sold at reasonable prices. If you are vegetarian or have other dietary restrictions, tell us and we will make a special request for you!

• What can I do to prevent sea sickness?

Sea sickness is a very individual affliction, and if you know you are a sufferer, make sure not to eat heavy, greasy foods when you’re on the trip. If you feel ill, find a place to sit as close to the water line as you can (usually in the center of the boat on the main deck), as the rocking of the boat is less pronounced. There are always seasickness prevention tablets in the first aid kit, so if you think you may become seasick, make use of them. For most people, seasickness goes away after the first day or so as your body adapts to the movement of the boat (we call this “getting your sea legs”). It is also said that ginger helps to prevent seasickness, so you may want to bring along candied ginger to munch on through the day.

• Where do liveaboards leave from?

Liveaboards depart either from Tap Lamu near Khao Lak on the mainland north of Phuket, or from Phuket itself.

• How do I get from the hotel/airport to the boat?

Most dive ops pick divers up from the all over Phuket island, including the airport and take them to the pier to board the boat. For boats departing from Tap Lamu/Khao Lak, you will be taken by mini-bus from Phuket. The ride to Khao Lak takes about an hour and a half.

• How should I pack for a liveaboard trip?

You will want to take as little baggage aboard as possible. Most cabins are not large, and storage space is very limited. You will want to take your dive gear, if you’ve brought it, and a few pieces of clothing, plus your toiletries and medications. That’s about it! We’ve prepared a packing tip sheet that you can download here.

• Will I be able to recharge batteries on board?

Yes, there are usually power points in the guest cabins as well as in the dry areas of the boat. Be aware that the current is usually 220-240 volts, so check to make sure that your chargers are designed for that voltage. There may not be enough outlets to go around, however, so it’s a good idea to bring along a power strip if you have several items that need to be charged simultaneously.

• Is tipping customary?

Tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated! There is always a tip box on board the boat, and any money you contribute to it is divided among the entire boat crew—captain, cooks, deckhands. The dive staff do not share these tips, so if you are happy with the attention your guide/instructor has provided, giving him/her a tip is an appropriate and welcome gesture.

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