
MY Genesis I dive boat review
Thailand · Historical boat profile · Updated 9 November 2026






Vessel photographs from the Genesis I listing on LiveAboard.com; photographs are undated and do not establish the boat’s current condition.
2026–2027 availability
Genesis I has no departures available online on LiveAboard.com as of 9 November 2026. Divehappy reports that the boat is not operating during the 2026–2027 Similan season. This page preserves its historical profile; it is not a current sailing offer. Permanent retirement has not been confirmed.
Genesis I’s appeal was easy to understand: a small group, sea-view cabins and a few days devoted to the Andaman Sea. With room for just 12 guests, this was an intimate introduction to liveaboard life, especially for divers who preferred a short escape to a full week offshore. The two single cabins were an unusual bonus for solo travellers.
The boat and its cabins
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length and construction | 24 metres; steel monohull |
| Capacity | 12 guests in 7 cabins |
| Cabin choices | 5 twin-bunk cabins and 2 single cabins |
| Comfort | Air-conditioning and sea-view windows; shared bathroom facilities |
| Build year / recent refit | Not confirmed |
The single rooms offered a private sleeping space without needing to share a twin cabin. They did not provide a private bathroom: shared facilities were part of the boat’s simple layout. That distinction matters more than the label “single” when comparing comfort with another vessel.
Life between dives
Meals were served in the outdoor dining area, with Thailand’s island scenery providing a rather good backdrop. The forward and upper sundecks offered room to relax, while the indoor lounge had a music and movie library. The social spaces, rather than large cabins, were the heart of this boat.
Archived descriptions list Thai and international cooking, with vegetarian choices. The shaded dive deck, two stern ladders and dinghy support were practical features of the diving setup; photographers also had a dedicated charging area. These are historical facilities, not confirmation of present-day equipment or staffing.
Where Genesis I used to sail
Genesis I offered short northern Andaman trips, normally between November and April. The best-documented programme alternated two three-day, two-night trips, which could be combined into six days and five nights with a night back in harbour between them.
Similan Islands: 2 nights
A separate Similan-focused trip, with sites listed by the booking partner including West of Eden, Elephant Head Rock, Christmas Point and Boonsung Wreck. This is an area description, not a fixed dive order.
North Tour: 2 nights
The historical sequence ran from the Thap Lamu departure area to Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock, returning to Thap Lamu. The northern programme was focused on diving and did not include beach visits.
The combined trip’s harbour night is an easy detail to miss: five nights aboard did not mean five uninterrupted nights offshore. Older PADI material also mentions southern trips to Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, but no current departure or complete southern schedule is confirmed.
Diving, transfers and costs
The historical package included nitrox for certified users. Open Water divers were accepted on the short trips, while the northern programme was described as more rewarding for experienced divers. Those old entry conditions are not a substitute for the requirements of any future departure.
The published joining arrangements used Thap Lamu near Khao Lak, with local hotel transfers. Phuket transfers were arranged separately. There is no current Genesis I fare to quote, so the former US$608 starting price has been withdrawn. Any resumed service would need a dated quotation covering the cabin, park fees, transfers, equipment, insurance and cancellation terms.
What past guests enjoyed — and what to weigh up
The strengths
Older guest accounts repeatedly praised the food and helpful dive team. Amanda C’s LiveAboard.com review dated 2 March 2020 highlighted organisation and service. Nathanael S, writing on 29 January 2020, particularly appreciated the small group.
The compromises
Cabin space was a real trade-off. On No Troubles Just Bubbles, scubaD (20 April 2019) described compact rooms; JH (21 March 2019) preferred the idea of a larger boat for a longer trip. Shared bathrooms also make this a different proposition from an ensuite liveaboard.
These are historical experiences, not evidence of a current crew or current condition. For a trip this season, a boat with confirmed departures is the more practical starting point.
Non-diving companions
The archived listing describes Genesis I as snorkeller-friendly. That does not establish a current non-diver fare or excursion programme. The old North Tour had no beach visits, so it would not have suited someone expecting daily island time. A confirmed alternative with a specific snorkelling programme will be more useful for a mixed group planning now.
Planning your trip?
The Thailand travel guide covers the land-based side of your holiday. The Thailand liveaboard guide introduces other boats, including Sawasdee Fasai and Bavaria.
Genesis I questions, answered
Is Genesis I available for 2026–2027?
No online departure was available when checked on 9 November 2026, and Divehappy reports no operation for that season. A retained booking page alone does not confirm a sailing.
Has Genesis I permanently retired?
Permanent retirement has not been confirmed. The present evidence concerns unavailable departures and the 2026–2027 season.
Were the single cabins ensuite?
No. Genesis I had two single cabins, but guests used shared bathroom facilities.
Was the five-night trip entirely offshore?
No. The historical combined programme linked the Similan and northern trips with a night in harbour.
Can I use the old price for budgeting?
No. The old starting fare is not a current offer. A future trip would require a new quotation and confirmed inclusions.
Sources and historical context
Checked 9 November 2026: Genesis I listing and dated guest reviews; 2026–2027 status notice; historical programme and guest feedback; PADI vessel profile. Historical descriptions have been retained where useful and clearly separated from current availability.
Affiliate link: Divezone may earn a commission if you book.
Where does this liveaboard dive boat go?
Check out the fabulous places where this dive boat travels to.
Note: some destinations may not be listed below, please enquire for more details.
Khao Lak
Starting point of many liveaboards to dive the Similan and Surin Islands. Khao Lak has also good local diving sites.
Surin Islands
Large Pelagics, Manta rays and Whale Shark if you are lucky all in a superb remote area!
Similan Islands
Great Biodiversity and fauna. Excellent chances to spot the giants Manta rays and Whale Sharks. Superb Scenery of tropical islands! Good spot for underwater photography.
Phuket
Access to the best diving areas of the Andaman Sea and starting point of many liveaboards to Similans and Surin Islands! Good place for cheap diving courses.
Koh Phi Phi
Amazing Marine life in a very scenic surrounding. Perfect starting point to explore the world class dive sites of the Andaman Sea!
Koh Lanta
Excellent Marine life with good chances to spot Leopard sharks, Manta Rays and even a Whale Shark!
Koh Tao
Diving hub of Thailand to learn how to dive. Cheap and easy diving on a beautiful island.
Thailand
Thailand is renowned for its beautiful beaches and amazing dive sites. The country offers some of the best diving in the world with the famous Similan Islands and many other amazing spots like Koh Phi Phi and Ko Lanta islands in the Andaman sea.
- If you have been diving on board this liveaboard dive boat in Similan Islands & Thailand, please share your review and let us know what you thought. Please post your comments in the review section below, by doing so you will help fellow divers to plan their next diving trip
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