Of all the best liveaboard trips around the world, a dive cruise along with the Similan Islands in Thailand, a Marine National Park, is one of the most affordable options. Most tours take you to the best scuba diving sites in the Andaman sea in less than a week at very budget-friendly prices.
Most of the Similan Island liveaboard boats depart from Khao Lak or the larger city Phuket, which lies about 62 miles further south. From there, the guide will take you to the Similan Islands which are numbered 1 – 9 for easy identification, with the more famous dive sites being Elephant Head, Christmas Point, and East of Eden.
Longer liveaboard schedules for the Thailand Similan Islands tour will take you to the Surin Islands where the popular Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon and Koh Tachai are – good dive sites for beginners and snorkeling. In comparison to the Surin Islands, the Similan Island hot spots are more appropriate for the more advanced scuba divers because there are stronger currents and deeper locations.
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10 Best Similan Liveaboard Trips
The Similan west coast and southern tip are especially exciting for divers because of the varied landscape with large rock formations, different species of corals, and swim-throughs, with the diving conditions of the Similan Islands being good with 80 – 100 feet visibility and warm water temperatures.
The best time for diving at Similan Islands, Thailands most popular scuba diving destination is November through April, with the peak season running from December to April when it is the dry season as the Marine National Park is closed from May until October so it is not possible to visit this area outside of high season.
Though the coral reefs of the Similan islands are mostly deep water staghorn, a hard coral type, the corals consist of over 500 species and the Andaman Sea has an abundance of marine life of the Similan Islands with the possibility of encounters with reef sharks, the whale shark, and turtles along with an endless list of colorful fish making it brilliant for diving in Similan Islands.
Ready to experience Similan Island diving? Here are 10 of the best Thailand liveaboards sailing through the Similan Islands and Surin Islands.
1. Most Unique Liveaboard: The Junk
The Junk is the nickname given to June Hong Chian Lee, an antique trading vessel that sailed between Myanmar and Malaysia. It also has a past life as a Hollywood movie prop! Perfect for Thailand liveaboards for Similan Islands diving.
Just before the turn of the century, the current owners completely renovated the ship and transformed it into the beautiful liveaboard it is today. With 6 air-conditioned en-suite cabins of varying sizes, both double bed and quad with bunk beds, twin bed, and triple, making it one of the options that are suitable for everyone and any group.
The schedule runs in the diving peak season between November and May. Onboard you find a cozy interior with references to its Hong Kongese junk boat style. Dining is family-style but the food is far from simple as the Chef loves to surprise you with many different dishes as possible.
Other activities included are kayaking and trips to the Islands. This diving adventure will offer you the comfort and great value that you would expect from your Similan Islands liveaboards.
What We Liked
- Liveaboard with historic charm
- Variety of cabin types
- Breakfast served twice a day
- Diving courses available (extra)
2. Most Modern Dive Ship: Deep Andaman Queen
If you prefer luxury liveaboard trips on a yacht then the Deep Andaman Queen is the one for you and is one of the best modern liveaboards Thailand has to offer. A complete re-build was carried out in 2019 and it now offers cabins for up to 25 divers in 11 rooms that consist of 2 master cabins and 5 Deluxe that are located on the main deck, with the twin, triple or quad cabins located on the lower deck.
All cabins are en-suite and have individually controlled air conditioning. This liveaboard Similan Islands diving ship has been specifically designed with divers in mind, there is a large dive deck with space to gear up on two separate levels, separate platforms for entry and exit, freshwater showers and freshwater rinsing basins for cleaning all your equipment after each dive.
With an air-conditioned salon and large sun deck that has a shaded lounge for relaxation between dives and a professional and attentive crew to offer you a service that leaves you wanting for nothing.
They also carefully pick the dive locations to avoid large crowds, for the photographer, this is great for getting those shots of sharks, turtles, fish, and corals that have their habitat in the Andaman Sea and that you will get to see while diving Similan Island.
What We Liked
- Free onboard Wifi
- Very modern spacious cabins
- Exceptional dive deck and facilities
- Naturalist and snorkel guide onboard
3. Most Splurge-Worthy: Diva Andaman
Another of the luxury Similan Islands liveaboard trips, but this one is on a classic sailing ship, you cannot go wrong with the Diva Andaman. With 7 luxury air-conditioned, en-suite cabins allowing for the maximum of 14 guests ensuring that you will have that extra personal attention.
Besides diving, you get to spoil yourself with Thai massages, delicious wines straight from the onboard wine cellar, protecting the bottles from the tropical weather, and the onboard chef will provide you with fine cuisine with a three-course meal served under the stars, along with a buffet lunch and continental breakfast.
The luxuries are not reserved to your onboard time since the crew takes care of all your gear cleaning, as soon as you are back on board. The guides only take groups of up to 4 divers on the dives and with the availability of 2 dive tenders for better reach of the best dive sites.
Another great feature is that the rental equipment is already included in the dive package so it comes at no extra cost. Enriched air nitrox is available but is not included in the package. What better way is there to have the adventure of Similan Islands diving and discovering the sharks and fish that habitat the open water of the Andaman Sea.
What We Liked
- Free equipment rental
- The crew handles de-kitting and gear maintenance
- Onboard wine cellar
- Thai massage available
4. Best Budget Choice: Dolphin Queen
If hostels are backpacker style accommodations, then the Dolphin Queen is its seafaring equivalent with 4-bed and twin bed dorms, but also economy size double bed cabins. The eight cabins are spread over three decks, with a window giving you a wonderful view of your surroundings
They could, maybe, be the more spacious, but there is plenty of storage room and the bright color really livens up the area. If meeting new people is one of your reasons for traveling than the Dolphin Queen is a great place for meeting fellow dive enthusiasts.
The top deck is a sun deck with lounge chairs and there is also plenty of space for soaking up the sun on the main deck. This is also a snorkel-friendly cruise so you can bring along your non-diver friends, too.
Offering trips to the Similan Islands Koh Bon, famous for its manta rays and Koh Tachai Richelieu Rock, Surin Island visiting the best dive sites and taking in all of the marine life the islands have to offer.
What We Liked
- Affordable cruise
- Social experience
5. Best for Large Groups: Sawasdee Fasai
This luxury yacht is great for larger groups because it has a whopping 15 rooms with different setups and suiting different budgets. There are 2 en-suite master cabins and 5 deluxe en-suite cabins with sea views, there are also budget cabins on the lower decks 4 with en-suite bathrooms and 4 with shared.
The shared lounge areas are large, allowing plenty of space for each person, with the option between both sundecks and a shaded area, including an alfresco bar for drinks, a place where you can kick back and relax.
The indoor space is homey and comfortable with large sofas to come together and rest with the other divers after the adventure of diving Similan Islands.
The Sawasdee Fasai limits the number to 26 divers so that the dive facilities are not overcrowded. This Similan liveaboard is also more suitable for the experienced divers because there are no dive courses available during the trip.
What We Liked
- Lots of indoor and outdoor lounge areas
- Wide variety of cabins for every budget
- Dive tenders available
- Nitrox included
6. Best for Mixed Groups: Oktavia Liveaboard
Open to both divers and non-divers, this is a liveaboard Simalin cruise that anyone will enjoy. Although there is space for 33 people, the Oktavia limits the number of bookings to approximately 20 divers so that the dive facilities don’t feel overcrowded and the dives are a pleasant experience.
This is yet another Similan Islands diving liveaboard that offers deals for different budgets. The deluxe double en-suite cabins have their TV entertainment station while the cabins with bunk beds have shared bathrooms and air-conditioning. The upper deck is where you will find the comfortable lounges on the sundeck, buffet-style dining area, and shaded outdoor space.
You can also have a private dive guide or snorkel guide and nitrox or nitrox dive course are available but not included in the package. Dive or snorkel liveaboard diving trips are the best way to see all the marine life that have this open water as their habitat, and these boats can take you to some of the best dive sites in the world.
The Oktavia Liveaboard offers a variety of itineraries that vary from 2 – 5 nights. These offer liveaboard diving to the world-famous dive sites such as Koh Tachai Richelieu Rock and, Similan Islands Koh Bon and depart from and return to Khao Lak. Itineraries run from October to May each year.
What We Liked
- Different itineraries available
- Cabins for different budgets
- Deluxe cabins have television
- Snorkel gear included
7. Best for Dive Courses: Bavaria Liveaboard
Booking a Similan liveaboard diving cruise is a great idea for getting your scuba diving license because it gives you the time to focus and there is more choice in the type of dive site for you to practice your skills, but please note dive courses are not included in the price.
With 2 deluxe cabins with double beds and 6 twin bed cabins on the upper deck with 6 on the main deck and 2 below deck, plenty of options on these trips. All are air-conditioned and en-suite except the 2 on the lower deck where you will have a shared bathroom. The dive platform is spacious so you have ample room for getting your gear together, even with other divers around.
The crew is knowledgeable, friendly, and there to make sure that you have all your needs met and dives are kept at 4 – 6 divers. You can choose from 3-night trips in the Similan Island s or 3 to 6-nights exploring the Similans, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai Richelieu Rock & Surin, or 6-nights in the widely unexplored Mergui Archipelago.
In between dives you get to relax on the large sun deck or lounge with the fellow guests in the spacious shaded area with lots of seats and tables. After a long day of diving, treat yourself to a Thai massage or sit down in front of the indoor entertainment center.
What We Liked
- Designed by divers for divers
- Good dive courses available
- Side mount diving available
- Free onboard Wi-Fi
8. Most Popular Company: Manta Queen 8
The Manta Queen is a large fleet of Similan Island liveaboard boats and their number alone proves how popular this company is. Because they are one of the larger Thailand liveaboard companies, they can offer great value for money with the Manta Queen 8 being a good example.
Onboard the Manta Queen 8 you get free internet, up to 4 dives per day including 1-night dive, a crew that speaks many languages and well-designed comfortable cabins.
All the cabins have their own individually controlled air-conditioning, en-suite double cabins, en-suite twin cabins and bunk bed cabins with a shared bathroom.
The dive groups are capped at a maximum of 5 divers per dive guide so you don’t feel crowded in the water. This is also better for safety reasons.
What We Liked
- Free onboard Wi-Fi
- Great cabin design
- Night dive included
- Nitrox available
9. Cabins with Private Balconies: DiveRACE Class E
Luxury does not have to break the bank, as proven by this Similan live aboard yacht, the DiveRACE Class E. Though the design is simple, you are provided with all the creature comforts.
Some of these creature comforts include; a 3-D television room, massage room, spacious charging stations for editing your underwater photos, and lounge areas.
The cabins are equally simple but comfortable with Asian style low beds, lots of storage space, en-suite bathrooms, and individually controlled air-conditioning.
There are also deluxe cabins available with private balconies so you can enjoy the ocean breeze and sea view with your partner on this liveaboard Similan vacation.
What We Liked
- Cabins with private balconies available
- Spacious charging station
- Onboard massage room
10. Available for Charter: Similan Explorer
If you would prefer Similans trips with a smaller group of only people that you know, booking charter boats for the liveaboards Similan Islands will be an unforgettable experience.
The Similan Explorer liveaboard diving is great for families with kids since it has double and twin bed cabins, 2-bed bunk beds, and quad cabins with bunk beds.
The itinerary comprises of diving, snorkeling, and visiting some of the pristine beaches but these can be adjusted when making your booking. What better way to dive with the manta rays at Koh Bon, whale sharks at Tachai Richelieu Rock and beautiful reefs at the Surin Islands
The dive platform is spacious so you can get your gear together comfortably. The Similan Explorer also offers shared itineraries for solo Similan Islands liveaboard trips.
What We Liked
- Available for charter
- Variety of cabins
- Vegetarian meals available upon request
- Snorkel gear included
For a recap of the article, Here are our top 3 Liveboards:
- Free Equipment Rental
- Onboard Wine Cellar
- Thai Massage
- 7 Air-conditioner
- Variety of Cabin
- Breakfast Twice a Day
- Diving Courses
- 6 Air-conditioner
- Affordable Cruise
- Social Experience
- Three Decks
- 24 Meters
