Destinations
The Similan Islands reputation has been established and it’s maintained year after year. Indeed, most divers will say it’s one of the best diving destination worldwide. Plus, it’s inexpensive to diver there, compared to some other places. A budget liveaboard makes it even more of a great deal!
See the Best Thailand Liveaboard Reviews of 2016 for more informations.
Budget ain’t for you? See our list of Luxury Liveaboard Similan Islands.
Deep Andaman Queen
Built in 2012, MV Deep Andaman Queen is a 28-meter long steel hull motor boat running on a top speed of 12 knots. The DAQ has itineraries on the Similan and also in Burma with the Mergui Archipelago. This liveaboard would also match the category of the Luxury Liveaboards considering it’s large range of options. That being said, even luxury is at budget rate on the Deep Andaman Queen Budget Liveaboard!
This brand-new vessel is suitable for every budget, it can be either a very cheap, budget friendly adventure or you can add-on some luxury to your trip as you wish. The Deep Andaman Queen welcomes a maximum of 21 guests. Indeed, with 9 spacious air-conditioned cabins, it has it all from quad cabins to ocean view master cabin. Every cabin has it’s own ensuite bathroom. There is 1 twin, 1 triple and 1 quad cabin. Plus, 5 Deluxe cabins as well as the one and only Master cabin. See below for pricing.
The boat was custom built for one purpose and it sure doesn’t disappoint when it comes to scuba diving. Indeed, the boat has one of the most spacious dive platform a budget liveaboard – or any liveaboard! – can have! There are separate entry and exit platforms, two fresh water showers, camera rinse tanks and ample space to gear-up and store your belongings. Moreover, the Deep Andaman Queen is, in fact, a floating dive center offering a full range of services such as dive certification training.
Dive the stunning Similan Islands on-board the Deep Andaman Queen!
Price Starts at:
862$US for 4 nights in Quadruple Occupancy
1155$US for 4 nights in Deluxe Room
1330$US for 4 nights in the Master Panoramic View Room
⇒Read more about the facilities and specs of Deep Andaman Queen ⇐
Similan Explorer
The 25 meters SImilan Explorer was built in 2001 and has been upgraded every year since then. Indeed, yearly touch-ups ensure that the boat remains up to date and has the most recent technologies and features.
The Similan Explorer goes to the Similan Islands but also to Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock and even offers some itineraries to the Surin Islands. In fact, the vessel is owned by a renowned PADI dive center in Khao Lak; the Similan Dive Safari. There are 8 cabins on-board, for a maximum capacity of 18 divers. The cabins are all featuring A/C, shared bathroom and a sea view window. On the main deck, you can find the 4 twin shared cabins plus, the 2 quadruple occupancy cabin. Finally, on the upper deck are located 2 double cabins.
The food is prepared by a cook, all served buffet style. There will be a mix of western dishes and thai dishes. Most important, they can cater to dietary requirements, let them know yours. The dining area is outdoor, covered but with the sides open, so you can enjoy the view! There is a spacious sundeck on top of the vessel, it is partially shaded and is a great dolphin spotting point of view! Ultimately, at the stern on the main deck, the dive platform and 40 tanks all filled are waiting for you, divers! The crew will always be around to help and there is plenty of space to gear up. The Similan Explorer is a great budget liveaboard to venture on and offers a competitive value for money ratio!
Dive the stunning Similan Islands on-board the Similan Explorer!
Price Starts at 704$US for 5 nights
⇒Read more about the facilities and specs of SImilan Explorer ⇐
Thai Sea
The Thai Sea has itineraries on both the Similan Islands of Thailand and the Banks & Mergui Archipelago of Burma.
As the picture above shows it, diving with the MV Thai Sea comes with lots of great opportunity! Indeed, this 20 meters long vessel is catering to smaller groups. So, for a more private experience and definitely peaceful diving, the Thai Sea would make a great choice.
Each trip on the MV Thai Sea ends up feeling like a chartered trip as there are only 12 guests on-board. Cabins are mostly bunk-style twin shared, except for one double cabin. There are 2 complete bathrooms with hot showers available on the boats. In addition, 3 toilets are located at the aft as well as 2 sun-heated showers.
The boat is fitted with a spacious dive deck and a large dive platform. The dining area has plenty of room for everybody and comprises a salon with entertainment system. If you want to relax and/or work on your tan, there’s a beautiful sundeck from which you can admire the view!
Dive the stunning Similan Islands on-board the MV Thai Sea!
Price Starts at 632$US for 3 nights
⇒Read more about the facilities and specs of MV Thai Sea ⇐
MV Marco Polo
Another stunning budget liveaboard will be added soon! Stay tuned!
Dive the stunning Similan Islands on-board the MV Marco Polo!
Price Starts at 1130$US for 6 nights
MV Pawara
The 35 meters MV Pawara is a sturdy boat taking on the waters of the Andaman Sea between October and May. In addition to the Similan Islands, it cruises to amazing sites such as Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock.
The MV Pawara is a great option to go discover the Similan Islands. Indeed, this sturdy liveaboard boasts a large dive platform and a well-organized dive-deck. There is plenty of room for everybody to gear-up and comfortably get in the water. Plus, for divers who are certified, FREE Nitrox is available! Between the dives, you can enjoy the succulent snacks and meals prepared by the chef and take it easy. You can enjoy the view on the sundeck while resting on a cozy lounger. There is also a salon fully equipped with TV, DVD, sound system and even a karaoke!
Recently refitted, the Pawara is a clean and comfortable vessel. There are 10 cabins with ensuite bathroom and also 2 budget cabins with shared facilities. Furthermore, each cabins is air-conditioned and includes soap & shampoo, 1 beach towel and 1 smaller towel, water bottles and linens. Plus, each room is equipped with a life jackts for evey occupant and 1 safety box.
Dive the stunning Similan Islands on-board the MV Pawara!
Price Starts at 665$US for 4 nights
⇒Read more about the facilities and specs of MV Pawara ⇐
The Junk
Also known as the SY June Hong Chian Lee, the Junk, is a stunning sailing yacht offering a unique experience in Thailand. Indeed, this 33 meters was originally built in 1962 and completely rebuilt by it’s actual owner in 1997. Ever since, it has been upgraded to new technologies of course, but always with keeping it as authentic as possible in mind.
With a capacity of 18 passengers and a crew of 10, the Junk is all set for the greatest adventures. On-board, you will find two private double bed en-suite cabins, 2 triple occupancy cabins as well as 2 quadruple occupancy cabins. Please note that the 3 and 4 berths cabins can be turned into double/twin shared and twin shared respectively. Every cabin is air-conditioned and has hot water shower and en-suite toilet facility.
Furthermore, The Junk is proudly boasting to be a boat for the foodies! The chef will cater to dietary requirements and allergies by making extra dishes. The choice of meal is always varied and snacks are available all day. When it comes to eating and also relaxing, the Junk has got your back. There is a cozy air-conditioned salon with full entertainment system as well as a partially shaded sundeck. Eat, Dive & Chill!
Most importantly, let’s talk about diving on-board the Junk! The dive team is among the most qualified of Asia, with many years under their belts. The guides and dive masters will brief and debrief the divers with thorough information and relevant knowledge. The diving is done from a tender; you will be dropped where the action is and picked up from wherever you surface.
Dive the stunning Similan Islands on-board The Junk!
Price Starts at 1006$US for 6 nights
⇒Read more about the facilities and specs of The Junk ⇐
MV Hallelujah
MV Hallelujah is a 35 meters vessel and is said as being “the pride of the Big Blue Fleet” and is sure an appreciable choice in the budget liveaboard category. Departing from Khao Lak, the Hallelujah sails to the Similan Islands and nearby sites such as Richelieu Rock.
The cabins of the MV Hallelujah offer sea view, a comfortable layout with climate control and each has an attached bathroom. An interesting feature is that the cabins have a patio door that can open to the side of the boat and thus, bring a nice sea breeze inside! The lavish interior design of the boat reflects and outstanding service. Moreover, the shared areas include a salon, adjacent to the dining room, which has A/C and a complete sound and entertainment system. Guests can also decide to enjoy the sun and the stunning panoramic view on the top deck, which makes the full length of the vessel. Meals are served buffet-style and can be enjoyed either inside or outside, in the generous seating area.
Furthermore, the dive deck is well-fitted with lots of storage and everything you need prior and after your dives, There is more than enough space for everyone to get their gear on and get their material ready. Plus, the dive platform is huge, making the diving operation
Dive the stunning Similan Islands on-board the MV Hallelujah!
Price Starts at 982$US for 4 nights on the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock itinerary
⇒Read more about the facilities and specs of MV Hallelujah ⇐
MV Peterpan
The MV Peterpan is a neat and cozy budget liveaboard, offering 4 nights itineraries to the Similan Islands. The boat can host up to 22 guests in 11 comfortable air-conditioned cabins. There are cabins of different range and proposing different budget options. Indeed, everything is there from the master cabin, which honeymooners would love, to the single cabin, which would suit a solo traveler’s budget. Besides, there is a roomy salon with all the entertainment you need such as TV and DVD plus an extensive collection of movies and music. Furthermore, the vessel boasts a sundeck where you can just soak in the sun on cozy mattresses. There are also a few shaded social areas on the boat where you can eat and have a cocktail. The food is cooked fresh everyday and served buffet style.
A true must on this vessel is that you can have a price including the park fees plus the equipment rental fee. Finally, the Peterpan has it’s own diving center and offers PADI certification courses. Also, certified divers have access to nitrox for additional small fee.
Dive the stunning Similan Islands on-board the MV Peterpan!
Price Starts at 690$US for 4 nights including equipment and park fee
⇒Read more about the facilities and specs of MV Peterpan ⇐
Dolphin Queen
Of the Similan Diving Safari company, this mono-hulled wooden vessel offers a great quality for money option. The Dolphin Queen offers routes on the Andaman Sea but also in the Burmese Andaman (Mergui Archipelago).
The MV Dolphin Queen cruises the Andaman sea with a maximum of 22 divers on board. There are 8 cabins total on-board. Six of those are located on the main deck while 2 are on the upper deck. Great for the budget conscious diver, there are 3 four-berths cabins plus 1 twin shared cabin. The four remaining cabins are all double-occupancy and, the 2 located on the upper level offer a panoramic sea view at the door step! All cabins are air-conditioned, have a window as well as electrical outlets for your convenience.
The captain’s quarters are found in front of the vessel, at the bow while the dining area is located at the stern. Coffee, tea, various drinks, water as well as toasts and fruits are available all day. Meals are dealt with carefully on the Dolphin Queen as they consider food very important. Indeed, the breakfast choices are various and cooked to order. Lunch and dinner are prepared fresh daily and served buffet-style. The cooks will cater to specific dietary requirements as you let them know.
Finally, rested and fed, you should be ready to hit the water! Located at the stern on the main deck is the dive center. There is plenty of space to gear-up, plus an attentive crew to help at anytime. The dive platform has two showers as well as everything you need in term of rinse tanks and space for your stuff.
Dive the stunning Similan Islands on-board the MV Dolphin Queen!
Price Starts at 572$US for 4 nights in quadruple occupancy
⇒Read more about the facilities and specs of MV Dolphin Queen ⇐
Giamani
The 24 meters motor vessel runs itineraries in both the Thai and Burmese Andaman waters. The Giamani was built in 1998 and fully updated in 2013, it now caters to small charter or individually booked groups.
The Giamani comfortably hosts a maximum of 10 guests on-board. Indeed, this allows a customer-oriented service and more privacy for each guest. The 5 cabins available are all with en-suite bathroom, toiletries, towels, air-conditioning and a mini-fridge. There is a double bed in every cabin and in most cabin it has a single bunk on top of it, allowing for double occupancy or twin share. Furthermore, the air conditioned salon is cozy and has a complete entertainment system. Plus, you can use the big television to view your best shots and videos of the day! Meals are served buffet style and include a mix of Thai and international fares.
Finally, fitted to please divers and photographers, the Giamani has a spacious dive deck. Indeed, it’s well organized and there is ample space to gear-up. Plus, there’s a camera table and separate rinse tanks for your toys.
Dive the stunning waters of Burma on-board the Giamani!
Price Starts at 2077$US for 6 nights – Dive Burma Itinerary
⇒Read more about the facilities and specs of Giamani ⇐
Miss Moon
Built in 2009 and renovated in 2014, the 18 meters Miss Moon runs itineraries in both the Thai and Burmese Andaman waters.
The Miss Moon caters for smaller groups, either individually booked or chartered. Indeed, with personal service in mind, the boat welcomes a maximum of 10 guests on-board. There are 5 comfortable cabins as well as 2 bathrooms, on the cabin deck. Specifically, 3 cabins have two bunk-beds and 2 cabins have double debs, one the is the spacious Master Stateroom.
Furthermore, the Miss Moon features a garden sundeck where you can enjoy the views and take it easy between dives. There is also and indoor salon with television as well as a roomy dining area where meals and snacks are served. Finally, the dive deck sure boasts everything a diver would need and the professional crew is always there to help!
Dive the stunning waters of Burma on-board the Miss Moon!
Price Starts at 952$US for 5 nights / 1327$US for 7 nights
⇒Read more about the facilities and specs of Miss Moon ⇐
More great Budget Liveaboards : The Manta Queen Fleet
This fleet has 6 vessels, all going to the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock and more. Long story short, the boat’s itineraries vary slightly as does their priorities, but among the fleet there are lots of similarities. Furthermore, this fleet is showcasing great boats and amazing itineraries for the time & budget conscious diver.
Most importantly, the fleet proudly boasts that all dives done on their liveaboards and day trips are supervised by highly experienced PADI instructors and dive masters. Also, every boat and every cabins are air-conditioned.
Furthermore, all meals on-board are freshly cooked and served buffet-style. Also, snacks, fruits and refreshments are available all day / between dives.
PADI certification courses are available on every boat at an extra, yet discounted, rate. Plus Nitrox is available on every boat at an extra charge as well!
Included in every Manta Queen boat’s liveaboard package price:
- Marine Park entry and dive fees for Similan & Surin Islands
- Full set of high quality dive equipment
- Transfers from Khao Lak on departure and arrival days of the boat
- All meals, fruits and snacks
- Drinking water, tea and coffee
- Experienced dive guide
- Small dive groups of 5 or less
- Torch for night dives
- Towel
Manta Queen 1
“Returning Guest’s Choice”
The Manta Queen 1 schedule goes as 4 days / 4 nights and allows around 15 dives total. The itinerary includes the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. The boat can cater to 22 guest and offer 3 distinct ranges of accommodation. Indeed, four-berths cabins, twin shared cabins or double cabins are available.
PRICE STARTS AT : 674$US / 4 nights
⇒ COMING SOON! 
Read more about the facilities and specs of Manta Queen 1 ⇐
Manta Queen 2
“Richelieu Rock at it’s finest”
The Manta Queen 2 has the same itinerary, on the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock, but offers shorter cruises. Indeed, it’s schedule goes for 3 days / 3 nights. A maximum of 20 guests are welcome on-board and cabins are available in quadruple, twin double and double occupancy.
PRICE STARTS AT : 582$US / 3 nights
⇒ COMING SOON! Read more about the facilities and specs of Manta Queen 2 ⇐
Manta Queen 3
“Most comfortable”
The Manta Queen 3 is the biggest boat of the fleet and goes on a 4 nights trip to Koh Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. Hence, the MQ3 can host up to 31 divers in six different types of cabins. Indeed, there are twin-bed and double-bed en-suite cabins as well as a master ensuite for 2 plus a family master ensuite for up to 4 people. Furthermore, the other cabins do not have en-suite bathroom and can accommodate 2, 3 or 4 people.
PRICE STARTS AT : 674$US / 4 nights
⇒ COMING SOON! Read more about the facilities and specs of Manta Queen 3 ⇐
Manta Queen 5
“Top North Tour”
The MQ5’s itinerary lasts for 3 days / 3 nights and take you to the Similan Islands and Koh Bon exclusively. The boat can have 20 guests, which are welcome to stay in the cozy twin bunk-style cabins. Plus, the vessel features plenty of space to relax and mingle with you fellow divers.
PRICE STARTS AT : 510$US / 3 nights
⇒ COMING SOON! Read more about the facilities and specs of Manta Queen 5 ⇐
Manta Queen 6
“Private atmosphere”
The Manta Queen 6 includes all the best of the Similan Islands on it’s 4 nights itinerary, so Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. Furthermore, welcoming only 16 guests, it’s the most private of the fleet. All cabins are en-suite with bunk-style double occupancy.
PRICE STARTS AT : 732$US / 4 nights
⇒ COMING SOON! Read more about the facilities and specs of Manta Queen 6 ⇐
Manta Queen 7
“5 days of freedom!”
With the longest itinerary of it’s fleet, the MQ7 goes for 5 days / 5 nights to the Similan and Surin Islands with Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock and Boon Sung Wreck included. Moreover, cabins are fitted with either 2 bunk-beds or 4 bunk-beds and can welcome up to 24 guests total.
PRICE STARTS AT : 739$US / 5 nights in 4 bunks cabin
⇒ COMING SOON! Read more about the facilities and specs of Manta Queen 7 ⇐
