The 8 Best Liveaboard Dive Trips in Thailand [From Budget to Luxury Boat]
The Kingdom of Thailand, one of the most visited tourist destinations in Southeast Asia doesn’t only offer cultural and historical sights like the temples but also of its biodiversity and crystal clear waters. Diving is a popular activity that you shouldn’t miss. Discover the marine creatures living in the seas of Thailand, the wrecks that are under the sea and if you book right, dive also in Myanmar.
Go all out and don’t just island hop in Phuket for a day, go on a liveaboard dive trips in Thailand. What is a liveaboard? It’s a ship where you can sleep, eat and relax for days (at least 3 nights) and you will cruise towards popular diving spots. Every day you will get to encounter sea creatures in their natural habitat. You will also get to bask under the sun or stars and eat delicious local cuisine while off to the next stop.
We have summarized the best liveaboard dive trips in Thailand, where you can enjoy to the fullest. You will surely not regret this wonderful getaway; seeing magnificent creatures up close is amazing, but swimming with them, now that’s a dream come true! Get on a liveaboard and enjoy the time of your life!
Best Budget Liveaboard Dive Trips in Thailand
The Junk
Price: From USD 233 per day
Anchors at Khao Lak
Speed: 10 knots
Max Guests: 18
Cabins: 6
Rooms: double, twin, triple and quad cabins
Itinerary: 5D4N (12 dives) or 7D6N (19 dives)
Inclusive of: Airport Transfer, Meals and Snacks, Diving Package, Land Excursions, Towels and VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees, Port Fees (USD 35-65 per trip)
Optional Fees: Local Flights, Alcohol, Nitrox or Scuba Diving Course, Snorkel or Rental Gear, Gratuities
Don’t get scared by its name, the Junk although built in 1962, is not a piece of trash but a treasure. Aside from being a merchant fleet before, this has been used in 2 James Bond movies. On this liveaboard dive trip in Thailand, get to dive 3 times a day and a night or a sunset dive in popular destinations like the Similan & Surin Islands. Now, it is a place to unwind across the Andaman Sea. Never go hungry, as the meal is absolutely a favorite of guests pair with an amazing view; perfect vacation!
Manta Queen 2
Price: From USD 96 per day
Anchors at Khao Lak
Speed: 9 knots
Max Guests: 20
Cabins: 9
Rooms: Twin, double or quad cabin
Itinerary: 4D3N (11 Dives)
Inclusive of: Meals and Snacks, Diving Package, Snorkel Gears, Towels, WiFi
Required Fees: National Park Fees (THB 1,712 per trip), 7% VAT, Visas, and Fees
Optional Fees: Dive Insurance, Airport Transfer, Alcohol and Soft drinks, Private Dive Guide ad Extra Dives, Nitrox or Scuba Diving Courses, Gratuities
For those who don’t have enough time to spend on their getaway as Thailand really has many things to offer but don’t want to miss the opportunity to dive, then Manta Queen 2 is right for you. See corals, rays, sharks and turtles on this adventure. The bathroom is shared, but this is priced for only less than USD 100 per day, this would be great for those on a budget.
Dolphin Queen
Price: From USD 139 per day
Anchors at Khao Lak
Speed: 11 knots
Max Guests: 22
Cabins:8
Rooms: twin, double and quad cabins
Itinerary: 5D4N (14 dives)
Inclusive of: Meals and Snacks, Diving Package, Snorkel Gear, VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees, Visas and Fees (USD 230)
Optional Fees: Airport Transfer, Alcohol and Soft drinks, Nitrox or Scuba Diving Courses, Rental Gear, Gratuities
Enjoy liveaboard dive trips in Thailand and the newly opened Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar. On this budget-friendly ship, there are 8 cabins with 3 shared bathrooms and sun decks with a great view of the sea. After seeing spotting dolphins or whales and other sea creatures fill your stomachs with Thai and western dishes.
Best Mid-Range Liveaboard Dive Trips in Thailand
The Phinisi
Price: From USD 171 per day
Anchors at Khao Lak or Phuket
Speed: 8 knots
Max Guests: 18
Cabins: 7
Rooms: Twin, double or quad cabins
Itinerary: 5D4N (14 dives) or 11D10N (36 dives)
Inclusive of: Airport, Meals, and Snacks with soft drinks, Land excursions, Diving Package, VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees, Port Feet (USD 50-350 per trip)
Optional Fees: Local Flights, Alcohol, Nitrox, Nitrox or Scuba Diving Courses, Snorkel or Rental Gear, Gratuities
The Phinisi is a liveaboard that offers dive trips in Thailand and Myanmar. As both are popular dive destinations, the crew will guide you to where crowds are less and where you can enjoy the corals and fish to yourselves. The ship also has a shaded diving deck and set-up area sundecks, and a social room. With different itineraries, choose one that calls to you to have a memorable getaway.
Sawasdee Fasai
Price: From USD 189 per day
Anchors at Tablamu Pier
Speed: 8 knots
Max Guests: 30
Cabins: 15
Rooms: Budget, Standard, Deluxe, Master cabins
Itinerary: 5D4N (14 dives)
Inclusive of: Hotel Transfer, Meals and Snacks, Diving Package, Nitrox, Towels, VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees (THB 1,000-1,800), Visas, and Fees
Optional Fees: Airport Transfer, Alcohol and Softdrinks, Rental Gear, Gratuities
In this liveaboard dive trip experience in Thailand, enjoy seeing schools if fishes especially barracudas, also see sharks, turtles and dolphins. Guests are divided into groups, each with a divemaster to give you the best experience. After your dives, lounge in the sundeck or bar. You will definitely go home with stories and the sizes of the marine lfe you have seen.
Merdeka 3
Price: From USD 204 per day
Anchors at Chalong Pier, Phuket
Max Guests: 15
Cabins: 6
Rooms: Triple or Double cabins
Itinerary: 5D4N (8 dives)
Inclusive of: Meals and Snacks with alcohol, soft drinks, and welcome cocktails, Diving Package, Rental Gear, Land Excursions, Toiletries and Towel, Massage, VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees (THB 1,600 per trip), Visas and Fees
Optional Fees: Airport and Hotel Transfer, Extra Dives, Nitrox, and Scuba Diving Courses, Private Dove Guide, Gratuities
Not your ordinary liveaboard since this also serves as a spa boat. You can definitely “relax and chill” as you snorkel in blue waters, kayak around the islands, watch the sunset while enjoying your drinks and get massages every day. As the ship only caters a few guests, enjoy this Indonesian ship in an intimate setting in this liveaboard dive trip in Thailand.
Best Luxury Liveaboard Dive Trips in Thailand
Thailand Aggressor
Price: From USD 301 per day
Anchors at Tap Lamu Pier
Speed: 9 knots
Max Guests: 18
Cabins: 8
Rooms: Deluxe or Master Staterooms
Itinerary: 8D7N (30 dives)
Inclusive of: Airport Transfer, Meals, and Snacks with alcohol, soft drinks, and wine, Diving Package, Toiletries, and Towel, VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees (USD 95 per trip), Visas and Fees
Optional Fees: Dive and Travel Insurance, Local Flights, Nitrox or Scuba Diving Course, Snorkel Gear, WiFi
Be guided by expert divemasters as you discover the hidden beauty of the underwater world in Thailand. Enjoy your liveaboard dive trip in Thailand with a very accommodating and friendly crew. You will encounter sharks, mantas, reefs during your dive on mornings and nights. The food is Local Thai Cuisine and American as well. Enjoy your free time in the sun deck with Jacuzzi, the bar or the loungers. It will be an amazing experience.
Diva Andaman
Price: From USD 445 per day
Anchors at Ranong
Speed: 7 knots
Max Guests: 14
Cabins: 7
Rooms: Double or Twin Cabins
Itinerary: 7D6N (19 dives)
Inclusive of: Airport Transfer, Meals and Snacks with soft drinks and welcome cocktails, Diving Package, Snorkel Gear and Guide, Kayak and Paddleboard, Land Excursions, Toiletries and Towel, Laundry, WiFi
Required Fees: National Park Fees (USD 170-350 per trip), Port Fees
Optional Fees: Alcohol , Nitrox, Private Dive Guide, Rental Gear, Scuba Diving Courses, Massage, Gratuities
Aboard this stunning sailing yacht, you can dive and try finding Nemo under the sea. As there are many fishes, sharks, manta, and other sea creatures you encounter then it will be something fun to do. Diva Andaman offers luxury as you will experience traditional Thai massages and cuisine too. Fall in love with the view of the sunrise, sunset and the stars up at night. As there are only a few of you, expect great service in your liveaboard dive trip in Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I don’t know how to dive, is that okay?
Yes, everybody is welcome. You may choose to snorkel near the ocean’s surface. However, if you want to dive there are Diving Courses available for an additional fee.
2. I want to dive, however, I have no experience, can I do it?
Some (open water) can let you dive without experience. However, some advanced ones will need a minimum of logged dives. You can also get a Diving Course on the vessel.
A dive log, btw, is a record of the number of times you have been diving underwater
3. I don’t know how to swim, is that okay?
Yes, there is swimming equipment (like life jackets) that could help you float.
4. Is Insurance included?
Some liveaboards provide travel and dive insurance, however, some don’t. To be safe, you have to purchase travel insurance every time you travel.
5. I’m vegetarian or allergic to some food, can I have special requests?
Liveaboards can cater to those who have different food preferences, just make sure to state it on your reservation.
6. Can we spend time at the beach?
Only a few liveaboards have Land Excursions, you will spend most of your time in the ship on the sea. Please check the itinerary of you
7. Why do you need to pay National Park fees?
The fee is for the everyday maintenance and protection of the sites.
8. How to get here?
The nearest international airport is the Phuket International Airport. It has direct flights to Asian countries; Including East Asia and the Middle East, Europe and Australia. Experience a liveaboard dive trip in Thailand and you will definitely experience and unforgettable getaway. Get close encounters with amazing marine creatures such as sharks, mantas, whales, and fish (Find Nemo!). Stuff yourself with local Thai Cuisine, which is absolutely a favorite. Relax under the sun or stars as you cruise your way through your next generation. This is truly a dream getaway you shouldn’t miss!
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