Built in 2000 and locally constructed, MV Colona VI provides you with all the comforts you will need for your live aboard diving trip. She has been sailing smoothly for 8 seasons and is one of our most popular boats, with many customers returning to sail with her time and time again.

MV Colona is a wooden hull live aboard vessel. Neat and tidy, there is plenty of space for diving safely in the dive deck, where 14 divers and 2 guides are easily and comfortably accommodated. The diving deck is in fact organised to provide individual tank holders for each diver with ample space for storing your other equipment. All the tanks are filled on the spot by experienced and certified crew. Nitrox is also available on this vessel and there are tables beside the tank storage area for storing your computers, including a fresh water tank, for rinsing computers and cameras in particular.

She has 6 twin cabins and 1 double cabin all fitted with air condition, electric sockets (no need for pin adapters as these are international, working at 220 a.c.) fridge, cupboard space for your personal items and a large panoramic window to gaze at the stars at night and the turquoise waters in the morning just as you open your eyes to a new day.

Meals in MV Colona VI include both Thai and European cuisine, with a variety of delicacies to please all pallets. Colona VI runs a buffet, which effectively means that you can eat to your stomach’s content.

Tired from a hard day’s diving you can relax in the upper deck with free coffee, tea and water or you can order a beer, wine or soft drinks at a small charge. Cushions all around offer a sense of home in Colona VI, while you watch a DVD or listen to your favourite CD tunes. There is also an on-board library should you feel inclined to expand your horizons in-between dives.

Itinerary

NORTHERN CRUISE
4 Days at The Similan and Surin Islands
14 Dives -4 Days & 4 Nights

Sunday
Leaving from Phuket at 9 pm. Overnight traveling to the stunning Similan Islands.

Monday
Diving for 3 days around the Similan Islands. In the late afternoon there you have a chance to visit island number 4 for one or two hours. The fourth dive is a night dive, in Donald Duck bay at island number 4. Overnight stay is in a cozy secluded bay. The best time to relax and enjoy a DVD or read your favourite book.

Tuesday
The fifth dive is at the Similan Islands, followed by onward travel to Koh Bon for Dives 6 and 7. The eighth dive may be either at late afternoon under the sunset sky or in the night at Koh Tachai. Stay on board overnight at Koh Tachai.

Wednesday
Dive number 9 is again at Koh Tachai, followed by a trip to the spectacular dive site of Richelieu Rock where dives 10 and 11 take place. Dive number 12 will again be at Koh Tachai in the sunset or at night time in Koh Bon. Following this, Colona VI travels back to the Similans with an on board overnight stay in one of the Similan islands.

Thursday
Dives number 13 and 14 take place at the Similan islands.Return to Patong Bay. Liveaboard trip ends with disembarkation at 6 pm.

SOUTHERN CRUISE
2 Days at Hin Daeng, Hin Muang and Phi Phi
7 Dives – 2 Days & 2 Nights

Friday
Leaving from Phuket at 9 pm. Overnight traveling to the most stunning dive sites of the South, famously known as Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.

Saturday
Hin Daeng and Hin Muang exploration over 3 dives. Dive number 4 will either be a sunset dive at Hin Daeng & Hin Muang or a memorable night dive in the famous islands of Phi Phi followed by relaxation on the boat.

Sunday
Dive number 5 is an early morning dive at Koh Bida Nok, followed by dive number 6 at Shark Point dive site. Finally, dive number 7 is at a beautiful macro island called Koh Doc Mai. Liveaboard trip ends with disembarkation in Phuket at 6 pm.

SOUTHERN & NORTHERN CRUISE COMBINED
6 Days at The Similans, Surin Islands, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang and Phi Phi
21 Dives – 6 Days & 6 Nights
For this cruise simply combine the two itineraries above.

NORTHERN CRUISE
6 Days at The Similan and Surin Islands
22 Dives – 6 Days & 6 Nights

Friday
Leaving from Phuket at 9 pm. Traveling overnight to the amazing Similan Islands.

Saturday
Dives 1, 2 and 3 are all around the Similan Islands, with the opportunity to visit island number four in the late afternoon. Here takes place dive number 4, which is a night dive in Donald Duck bay. On-board overnight stay in a secluded bay where you can enjoy your evening under the stars, breathing the fresh sea air and smiling at the moon with a cold drink.

Sunday
Dive number 5 is still at the Similan Islands, then traveling on to Koh Bon for dives 6 and 7. The next dive will be in Koh Tachai either at sunset or in the night. Overnight stay at Koh Tachai with a small book and big smile.

Monday
Dive number 9 is again at Koh Tachai, then traveling on to the world famous Richelieu Rock dive site for another 2 dives. Dive number 12 will either be a late afternoon dive at Koh Tachai or a night dive at Koh Bon.

Tuesday
Koh Tachai for dive number 13, Koh Bon for dive number 14 and then back to the Similan Islands. Dives number 15 and 16 at the Similan Islands with the latte possibly being a night dive.

Wednesday
Similan Islands excursions provide further excitement for dives 17, 18, 19 and 20, followed by an afternoon journey to island number eight. If you find you want more adventures on land you can follow our tour guide, hiking to the viewpoint, where you can capture some spectacular shots of the Andaman Sea and islands around.

Thursday
Visit dive sites Shark Fin Reef and Boulder City for dives 21 and 22. Return to Patong Bay, with disembarkation at Phuket around 6 pm.

Located southeast of island number 3, Shark Fin Reef gets its name from the three pointy tops of the reef, looking like a shark’s fins, which protrude from the water, when the tide is low.

This reef boasts granite boulders as long as 1 kilometer. It has steep walls shaped so perfectly that one would think they were the result of someone’s artwork.

At the edge the reef stretches downward to a sandy 35 meter deep bottom. In the north one finds massive boulders surrounded by small rocks and the waters are a bit shallower. The areas all around these boulders are covered in soft and hard corals and gorgeous sea fans.
This is a well known for its strong currents divesite, particularly at the top of the boulders, where it’s difficult to find shelter. Across the length of the deeper waters of the site however, one can more easily hide from the currents.

Many of our liveaboards will sail you to Shark Fin Reef where you can continue your exciting scuba dive trips, testing your skills and physique against these strong currents, while catching awesome views of vibrant marine life to be found in the site.

Shark Fin Reef Dive Site Details

Recommended live aboard diver certification: Advanced or higher

Maximum depth: 35-40 meters

Visibility: 20+ meters

Temperature: 27+ degrees

Divesite marine life: Boxfish, Humphead Parrot Fish and Napoleon Wrasse, a wealth of fusiliers and Cleaner Wrasse, Giant Moray Eels, Kuhls Stingrays as well as Leopard Sharks

More Similan Island Dive Sites

• Boulder City
• Deep Six
• Breakfast Bend
• East of Eden
• Elephant Head Rock

MV Discovery is an original Thai Motor Vessel, built in 1996 and refitted in 2004 with all the necessary facilities and comfort features to make it a pleasurable dive boat. She can comfortably accommodate up to 16 guests. MV Discovery sails out to the Andaman Sea´s richest dive sites, where you can live out your liveaboard diving dreams to your heart’s content. She also visits the Similan Islands, the outer Similan dive sites such as Richelieu Rock, the Southern Islands, Burma banks and Myanmar´s Mergui Archipelago.

MV Discovery has 8 twin bed cabins. Each cabin comes with air condition, reading lights, pillows, bed sheets, blankets and towels.

The crew on board includes experienced Dive Masters and Instructors who are eager to guide you through the best dive sites showing you all the wonders of the underwater world, both big and small, from nudibranches to whale sharks. A well organised briefing will inform you of each dive’s details and divers are usually organised into teams of 4 for safe underwater exploration, guided by people who know the sites well. Towards your safety, weather conditions and strength of currents are always taken into account. MV Discovery is run by diving enthusiasts, who are committed to giving you the best liveaboard diving experience you can possibly find in Thailand. Toward this end, there are no time restrictions of 45 minutes per dive on this vessel; dive times start with a lower limit of 60 minutes. In addition to the standard 12lit tanks, for those enthusiastic about staying underwater longer, there are also 15lt tanks on board.

Dive to your heart’s content in the most stunning and rich dive sites of the globe when booking for the best liveaboard offers with Island Cruises in Thailand.

Itinerary

Island Cruises offers scuba diving liveaboard adventures with MV Discovery in Thailand, Burma Banks and the Mergui Archipelago.

3 DAY & 4 NIGHT CRUISE
MV Discovery sails to the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock.

3 DAY & 3 NIGHT CRUISE
The Southern Islands of Hin Daeng, Hin Muang and Koh Ha.

4 DAY & 5 NIGHT CRUISE
Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock

7 DAY & 7 NIGHT CRUISE
This cruise combines the “3/3″ & “4/5″ day/night cruises above and may, depending on your choice, include Sea Canoing in the time between the 2 cruises. That is, in the time when the boat returns to Patong Bay to pick up more guests, once the 3/3 cruise is finished.

7 DAY & 8 NIGHT CRUISE
This is a liveaboard diving trip to all the destinations above, including Burma Banks and the Mergui Archipelago (as well as Black Rock).

Built in 1998, MV Giamani offers a wide range of live aboard scuba diving adventures. This cozy liveaboard vessel will sail you all across the Similan Islands, the Surin Islands and around the Andaman Sea islands all the way to India and take you to the most spectacular and stunning dive sites in the world.

Crewed by friendly, smiley and helpful staff of both European and Thai origin, you will find your self feeling taken care of and satisfied throughout your liveaboard trip, both by welcoming and interesting diving and non diving related conversation and by your needs being met for comfort and food.

More specifically, MV Giamani has 2 standard cabins and 4 deluxe cabins all neat, tidy and clean, most of them with en suite bathrooms and hot shower. All the cabins are air conditioned and a fan is also provided for further cooling, if indeed you need it. She has a spacious air conditioned salon with a home computer where you can sit and enjoy your diving photos and videos of the day, while sharing a few laughs with your fellow divers talking about the beautiful manta you had just been swimming with. DVDs are also available if you and your friends wish to relax while watching a film and you can also play your favourite cds. A library with a wealth of information about the fish you made friends with on the day is also freely available.

If on the other hand it’s the fresh Similan air you prefer to breathe, then just step outside on the deck and lounge in the shade, or in the evening, on the most comfortable cushioned deck sofa, while sipping on a glass of cold white wine, dreaming of the leopard shark you will meet the following day on dive one. For moments where you wish to be in your own space, calmly reading your book, there is ample room on the boat, either on the boat’s bow, where you will also find comfortable cushioned sun beds and at the front of the boat.

Mv Giamani’s dive deck is quite spacious with storage room for your equipment just below your tank and BCD, providing safety and security. You will find a special rinse tank for your computer and camera, as well as a camera table space where you can safely keep it from harm. This is the ideal boat if you enjoy underwater photography. Crew are always eager to help you with gearing up and when your dive is finished just surface and wait for the captain to come and pick you up. Don’t be alarmed if you see him steering his boat straight at you, he’s quite capable and used to pulling the handle break before he reaches you. That way you can then easily step up the ladder at the back of the boat, without having to swim that extra few metres. This is a captain who knows his boat well; you will feel safe in MV Giamani.

Dive guides and instructors on Giamani understand that diving is not the only factor that will make this a memorable liveaboard experience. They appreciate that making you feel welcome and safe can be even more important than the actual diving itself and for this reason they are happy to approach you and talk with you, answering all your questions and sharing years of valuable knowledge and experience.

Food on board is aplenty, of both Thai and Western tasty cuisine and served with respect and pleasure by the boat’s hostess. As it is buffet, you can eat all you want, though it might be a good idea to rethink the amount of weights on your weight belt just before your next dive!

Discover the underwater world in some of the earth’s richest in aquatic life dive sites, while liveaboard diving with MV Giamani. Your diving cruise is sure to leave you with a similar feeling to when you’ve tasted a fine old wine: satisfied, warm inside, calm and eager for more.

Itinerary

THAILAND – NORTHERN CRUISE
4 Days at the Similan and Surin Islands
14 Dives – 4 Days & 4 Nights

Embarkation Day
MV Giamani leaves from Phuket at 9 pm and travels through the night to the stunning Similan Islands.

Day 1
3 dives during the day in the Similan Islands. In the late afternoon you have the opportunity to visit island number 4 for a few hours. Dive 4 is a night dive in Donald Duck bay at island number 4. Overnight stay will be in a peaceful secluded bay. Time for relaxation and a dive into your favourite book.

Day 2
Dive 5 is once again in the Similan Islands. Giamani then sails to Koh Bon for dives 6 and 7. Dive 8 will be in Koh Tachai either at sunset or at night time. Here the boat will rest overnight.

Day 3
Dive 9 will be at Koh Tachai, followed by traveling to Richelieu Rock dive site for dives 10 and 11. Dive 12 will either be a sunset dive at Ko Tachai dive site or a night dive at Koh Bon dive site, depending on time of arrival. Overnight stay is again around one of the Similan Islands.

Day 4
Dives 13 and 14 take place at the Similan islands, followed by return to Phuket with disembarkation at Patong Bay at 6 pm.

*Please note that the four day cruises that precede and follow our Thailand and Burma cruise, will depart and return to Thap Lamu port, instead of Phuket. In this case, we will naturally transfer you to Phuket if you so wish.

THAILAND – NORTHERN CRUISE
5 Days at the Similan and Surin Islands
18 Dives – 5 Days & 5 Nights

Embarkation Day
MV Giamani leaves from Phuket at 9 pm and travels overnight to the Similan Islands.

Day 1
3 daytime dives are completed around the Similan Islands followed by the opportunity to visit island 4 later in the afternoon for some time. Dive 4 will be a night dive in Donald Duck bay at island 4. Rest on the boat for the night in a secluded bay, where you can enjoy the leisure time facilities that MV Giamani offers.

Day 2
Dive 5 is at the Similan Islands, followed by travel to Koh Bon for dives 6 and 7. Dive 8 would either be a sunset or a night dive at Ko Tachai. Overnight stay around this dive site.

Day 3
You will be making 3 dives around the Surin Islands. In the afternoon you have a chance to visit the local Sea Gypsy village. Dive 12 with overnight stay at the Surin Islands.

Day 4
In the morning MV Giamani travels to the famous Richelieu Rock dive site for Dives 13 and 14. Dive 15 will either be a dive in the afternoon at Ko Tachai and/or a night dive at Koh Bon for dive 16. Rest in the night on board at one of the Similan Islands.

Day 5
Dives 17 and 18 will then be at the Similan islands. Return to Patong Bay with disembarkation at Phuket at 6 pm.

THAILAND – NORTHERN CRUISE
5 Days at the Similan and Surin Islands
22 Dives – 6 Days & 6 Nights

Embarkation Day
MV Giamani will be leaving from Phuket at 9 pm followed by overnight travel to the beautiful Similan Islands.

Day 1
Three daytime dives within the Similan Islands. In the late afternoon you have a chance to visit island 4 for some time. Dive 4 will be in island number 4 in Donald Duck bay, followed by onboard overnight stay in a secluded bay. Check out your pictures on our boat computer.

Day 2
Dive 5 at the Similan Islands, then travel onward to Koh Bon for dives 6 and 7. Dive 8 will either be a sunset or a nigt dive at Ko Tachai, followed by overnight on board stay at Koh Tachai.

Day 3
Dive 9 at Koh Tachai, then travel to the infamous Richelieu Rock dive site for dives 10 and 11. Dive 12 will either be a sunset dive at Ko Tachai or a night dive at Koh Bon.

Day 4
Dives 13 will be at Koh Tachai, Dive 14 at Koh Bon and then MV Giamani continues south returning to the Similan Islands for dives 15 and 16. Dive 16 will either be a sunset or a night dive, depending on time of arrival.

Day 5
Dives 17 up to 20 take place in The Similan Islands. Enjoy an afternoon journey to island number 8. If you find you have lots of energy you have the opportunity to join our tour leader for a hike to the picturesque viewpoint, the best place to get spectacular photos of the Similan Islands and the Andaman Sea.

Day 6
Dive 21 and 22 will be to the south of the Similan chain, at dive sites Boulder City and Shark Fin Reef. These are perfect sites for your final dives as they offer the chance to see all kinds and sizes of aquatic life. MV Giamani then heads back to Phuket with disembarkation at 6 pm.

*Please note that the four day cruises that precede and follow our Thailand and Burma cruise, will depart and return to Thap Lamu port, instead of Phuket. In this case, we will naturally transfer you to Phuket if you so wish.

THAILAND & BURMA CRUISE
9 Days in Burma & Thailand
30 Dives – 9 Days & 9 Nights
(19 dives in Burma and 12 dives in Thailand)

Embarkation Day
MV Giamani leaves from Thap Lamu at 9 pm and travels through the night to Koh Bon, one of the richest dive sites just outside of the Similan Islands.

Day 1
Begin your first 2 dives at Koh Bon, getting to know the local Manta Rays. Following this you do two dives at Koh Tachai, home to all kinds of marine life.

Day 2
Dive 5 is at Richelieu Rock, followed by a cruise to Kawthung in Myanmar. Complete border formalities and then cruise out toward the islands of Myanmar.

Day 3
Dive 6 is at Rocky Island followed by two day dives and a night dive at Shark Cave.

Day 4
Dive 10 and 11 are at South Twin with a further two fulfilling dives at North Twin.

Day 5
Dives 14 up to 17 are completed in Black Rock dive site, is the most northern point of this cruise.

Day 6
Dives 18 up to 21 will be, weather permitting, at the exhilarating dive sites at Burma Banks. As Burma Banks is a long way out in open sea water, the weather may not allow for this visit. If weather does not permit, there many other rich and beautiful dive sites around that we can visit.

Day 7
The first dive of the day is at Far Away Banks, followed by Western Rocky and Cupola Island dive sites. You can complete 3 dives in these areas, before returning to Kawthung to check out of Myanmar and head back to Thailand.

Day 8
This day offers a chance to dive at one of the most spectacular and most sought out dive sites, Richelieu Rock. 2 dives in this site will satisfy your diving spirit and leave asking for more. Just so, we then cruise further south to Koh Tachai for another 2 exhilarating dives.

Day 9
An early morning dive at Koh Bon is followed by the final cruise dive at Boonsoong Wreck, a total of 9 amazing diving days on board the MV Giamani in Thailand and Burma.

Located in between islands 7 and 8, Elephant Head Rock is distinguishable from afar due to three enormous boulders, which rise above the surface. With a bit of imagination, one can see the image of an elephant head forming out of those boulders.

These boulders sitting on more rocks, give an indication of what awaits below the surface. Masses of caverns, caves and tunnels to swim through at 24 meters depth await, all literally covered in tons of different kinds of fish; all the fish you can ever hope to see in a single dive. At the edge of the rocks you can swim down to 40 meters. Sail with our luxury liveaboard vessels to this amazing divesite, covered with thick layers of corals and massive sea fans. Then, just when you think you’ve seen enough, more swims your way!

Currents in this dive site tend to vary, flowing from the northeast to the southwest and vice versa, depending on the tide. As you approach the rocks the currents will drift you to different directions, making this a rather unpredictable and exciting dive, particularly if you are an experienced diver. If you need to, you can always hide between the boulders, to find shelter from the currents.

Sail with our liveaboard yacht charter to a divesite that will forever remain sketched in your memory for all the good reasons!

Elephant Head Rock Dive Site Details

Recommended live aboard diver certification: Advanced Diver or higher

Maximum depth: 40 meters

Visibility: 20+ meters

Temperature: 27+ degrees

Divesite marine life: You can find everything here; within the boulder cracks you can see small creatures like Boxer and Clearing Shrimps, Flabellinas and Nudibranches, as well as larger ones, such as Turtles, Oriental and Harlequin Sweetlips, Giant Groupers and Octopus. Great Barracudas, Fussiliers, Giant Travellies, Big Snappers and White and Black-Tip Reef Sharks can be seen all around the rocks.

More Similan Island Dive Sites

• Boulder City
• Deep Six
• Breakfast Bend
• Shark Fin Reef
• East of Eden

MV Scuba Adventure is an original vessel, comfortable and spacious enough for you to feel at home fining your own space when you need to.

MV Scuba Adventure liveaboard has 5 twin cabins and 2 double cabins, all air conditioned, thereby accommodating up to 12 people.

The covered deck offers a pleasant and refreshing space away from your diving expeditions, where you can relax and enjoy your drinks with your fellow divers, while exchanging experiences of your day’s extraordinary dives.

The dive platform, built with your safety and comfort in mind is spacious and well organised.

The dive crew on board the Scuba Adventure are experienced and have a curiosity that perhaps even exceeds your own, despite the fact that they have been diving in these waters for years. John, from England, always manages to find something new on each dive and knowing the dive sites very well he will always show you the sights around so you don’t miss anything during your dive. Isabelle, from Belgium, a fluent English, Dutch and French speaker is our number one little-creature spotter so if it’s nudibranches you want to find, along with the manta rays and sharks of course, she is the person to show you. Isabelle and John work very well together and create an atmosphere on board that will give you a sense of safety, good humour and fun.

Dive with Island Cruises into your underwater dreams from our fully equipped liveaboard and experience the wonders of the colourful creatures and rich underwater vegetation of the Andaman Sea.

Itinerary

SIMILAN ISLANDS CRUISE (KOH BON, KOH TACHAI, RICHELIEU ROCK)
Departure: 5pm – Return: 5pm
4 Days & 4 nights (14 Dives)
5 Days & 5 Nights (18 Dives)

HIN DAENG & HIN MUANG CRUISE
Departure: 5pm – Return: 5pm
3 Days/ 3 Nights (10 Dives)

SAMPLE ITINERARY – 4 DAYS & 4 NIGHTS

Departure Day
Arrive before 5 pm on departure day at Scuba Cat Diving in Patong Beach, with pick up from your hotel. Transfer to MV Scuba Adventure by 7 pm for a full safety and boat briefing. You will be assigned a cabin and then set up your dive equipment. Dinner is served on board as you head off for a peaceful overnight journey to the Similan Islands.

Day 1
Wake up at 7 am to the world of the Similan paradise! Early breakfast followed by dive 1 around 8 am. This may be the beautiful coral of East of Eden on Island 7. After this dive full western breakfast is served, with plenty of conversation with your new liveaboard friends as you slowly settle into the liveaboard diving schedule of eat, sleep, drink and dive. Dive 2 is at the world famous Elephant Head Rock dive site, between islands 7 & 8, followed by a cruise north towards Koh Bon West Ridge, the land of Mantas. Dinner is served after the night dive, after which you can just relax over a cold beer chatting about the day’s sightings and fun on the party deck.

Day 2
Journey for 2 hours to the north, to the most spectacular dive site, Richelieu Rock, for a minimum of 2 dives. Conditions allowing this will be followed by a further sunset dive at Richelieu Rock or else we’re off to Koh Tachai for an amazing night dive, where we find overnight shelter in a secluded bay in the area.

Day 3
Early morning dive once again at Koh Tachai dive site and then we head on back to Koh Bon for more manta rays and sharks off the West Ridge. Alternatively, for the advanced divers, you can do a deep dive on the Koh Bon Pinnacle! We then Journey back to the Similans Islands where we hop on the island to explore the white sandy beaches and the awsome granite boulder formations in the area. Dive 3 is in the crystal waters of Anita’s Reef Island number 5 – bring your cameras for this one – followed by a night dive at Honeymoon Bay or the Hideaway.

Day 4
On this last day we do 2 morning dives in the area of the southern Similan Islands usually at dive sites Boulder City and Shark Fin Reef, depending on weather conditions and the wishes of the our guest divers. Your Similan/Richelieu cruise ends as we journey back to Patong in Phuket, arriving approximately at 4:30 pm, with lunch served on board. Back at Phuket you will be transferred to your hotel, or our department in Phuket for assistance in returning to your final destination.

SY Nakamal is a charter yacht and as such does not have particular schedules.

You can charter this beautiful yacht between the months of October to May.

To book a liveaboard diving trip contact us at Island Cruises, for the best liveaboard offers in Thailand.

MV Nautica, a steel mono-hull vessel, was custom built in 2004 to International Maritime Organisation (IMO) specifications. This assures you that the vessel lives up to standards of safety and security that not many liveaboard vessels in Thailand can boast. It is built with the intention of providing you with a safe, pleasurable and exhilarating cruising experience.

A comfortable and luxurious liveaboard boat, Nautica accommodates up to 12 guests. She has 1 double bed master cabin and another 4 twin double bed cabins, including a bunk bed cabin. All cabins have been designed to give you a sense of luxury, furnished with teak wood and equipped with individually controlled air condition, en suite bathrooms (except the bunk bed cabin on main deck) with hot shower and towels provided, large sea view windows to let in the morning sunlight, reading lights, wardrobes for your personal belongings and a mini bar.

She boasts a spacious open air lounge on the upper deck with comfortable cushions for relaxing in your post-dive times. In fact there is a general laid back atmosphere to this vessel accomplished with the help of a sociable and friendly crew which makes for an easy, fun and enjoyable live aboard experience. You can also listen to your favourite cds and watch movies or explore our extensive marine library.

Food on board the MV Nautica is served by buffet, providing you with the option of many different dishes and the opportunity to eat as much as you want. Food is carefully prepared with Thai, European and American dishes served across the day by our caring hostess and coffees and teas, including water and small snacks are free. If you have special dietary requirements please let us know.

Diving with MV Nautica will provide you with the opportunity to visit Koh Tarutao, one of the least visited dive sites by other boats and the on board instructors will be happy to teach you new skills and train you all the way to higher levels of PADI certification.

Itinerary

THAILAND – SIMILAN & SURIN ISLANDS
4 days & 4 nights or 6 days & 6 nights
Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon West Ridge, Koh Tachai

Sample Itinerary
Departure at 6 – 7 pm. Guests are picked up from within Phuket. Board MV Nautica at the pier and depart with destination Similan Islands,Thailand. Dinner is served on board followed by a briefing regarding the schedule of the following days.

THAILAND & MYANMAR
8 days & 8 nights
Similans, Koh Tachai, Koh Bon, Richelieu Rock, and the Mergui Archipelago, Rocky Island, Black Rock

Travel through the night to the spectacular Similan Islands in Thailand.

Day 1
Similans, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai dive sites

Day 2
Richelieu Rock, then cruise to Myanmar and Thailand border
Day 3
Mergui Archipelago (Myanmar – Burma)

Day 4
Mergui Archipelago (Myanmar – Burma)

Day 5
Mergui Archipelago (Myanmar – Burma)

Day 6
Mergui Archipelago (Myanmar – Burma), cruise to Myanmar and Thailand border

Day 7
Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon

Day 8
Arrival Day: visit Koh Tachai, departure from Tablamu after lunch, followed by minibus transfer back to your hotel in Phuket.

*N.B.: The MV Nautica route will widely depend on current weather conditions and the current political situation in Burma; decisions are taken by Captain and Cruise Director, always with consideration to the wishes of the guests.

1 – Toilet / Shower Room
2 – Guest Berths
3 – Galley
4 – Salon
5 – Cockpit
6 – Charts / Navigation Table
7 – Spare Berth
8 – Captain´s Berth
9 – Wardrobe
10 – Anchor Locker
11 – Dive Deck
12 – Sun Deck

MV Sai Mai was originally built in 1993. Way back then, this vessel was specialized in Burma Trips. By 2006, her loving owner had rebuilt and re-designed the MV Sai Mai transforming it into one of the most comfortable and spacious liveaboard vessels you can find in Thailand.

If what you long for is spectacular diving in some of the best dive sites in the world, while receiving special personal attention on board from our caring and experienced staff, then this is the boat for you. MV Sai Mai travels to all areas in and around Thailand including the Merghui Archipelago in Myanmar and a brand new diving cruise to Langkawi.

All cabins come complete with individually controlled air condition and en suite bathrooms and are cared for by 3 on board cabin staff. MV Sai Mai boasts a limit of 8 guests per dive cruise, thus allowing for more space on board per guest, so you can easily find your own relaxing space on board.

On this note you will find a shaded relaxation area on the upper deck, ideal for reading your book in between dives and chatting about the day’s Manta Ray and Whale Shark sightings with a fresh drink in your hand. This is also where meals are served.

MV Sai Mai is run under personal management, by Magnus the owner of the boat, making for a more flexible and personal atmosphere on board. Together with Waldi the Dive Master, they will guide you through the most satisfying diving expeditions of a maximum of 4 divers per group, showing you all that their years of experience in these waters has shown them.

The dive deck comes with a separate storage area for all your equipment, including your cameras and computers. With plenty of space you will never find this area overcrowded. NITROX is free on the MV Sai Mai and if you wish to advance your diving skills, a number of PADI courses are available on board taught by experienced instructors dedicated to your safety and, last but never least, to having ample quality fun!

Itinerary

MV Sai Mai journeys to the Similan & Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock, the Phi Phi Islands and Hin Daeng, including the Merqui Archipelago in Myanmar before Burma. She also makes a special journey from Phuket to Langkawi.

The following are Sample Itineraries:

PHI PHI, HIN DAENG CRUISE
4 Days & 4 Nights

Tuesday
Departure at 3.00 pm from Phuket. Onward travel to the Phi Phi islands.

Wednesday
4 Dives at Phi Phi Islands & Koh Rock.

Thursday
4 Dives at Hin Daeng &  Hin Muang.

Friday
4 Dives at Koh Ha & Phi Phi Islands

Saturday
2 Dives at King Cruiser Wreck & Koh Doc Mai, followed by arrival in Chalong Phuket at 4.00 pm.

MYANMAR CRUISE
8 days & 9 Nights

Departure Day
6 pm pick up from your hotel. Overnight travel to the Similan Islands with dinner on board.

Day 1
Dive 1 at the Similans. Dive 2 at Koh Bon. Dive 3 at Koh Tachai or Richelieu Rock. Overnight travel to the Myanmar border.

Day 2
Once border formalities are completed, you travel towards our 1st Myanmar dive site. Diving is at High Rock, Stewart Island, or Rocky Island.

Day 3
Shark Cave dive site, one of the best sites in Myanmar, where we make 3 day-time dives and 1 night-time dive.

Day 4
3 day-time dives and 1 night-time dive in Black Rock.

Day 5
3 day-time dives and 1 night-time dive in North Twin – South Twin.

Day 6
3 day-time dives in Burma Banks at Heckford Bank and Silvertip Bank.

Day 7
2 dives at North and Western Rockies followed by a cruise to Kaw Thaung for border clearance. Overnight cruise to the Similan Islands.

Day 8
3 day-time dives and 1 night-time dive in the Similan Islands.

Night 9
Journey back to Phuket. You have your last breakfast around 8 am. Transfer back to the hotel.

PHUKET TO LANGKAWI CRUISE
8 days & 9 nights

Departure day:
2 pm pick up from your hotel, followed by overnight journey to the Phi Phi Islands with dinner on board.

Day 1
3 day-time dives and 1 night-time dive in Phi Phi Islands.

Day 2
3 day-time dives and 1 night-time dive in Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Ha, Koh Rok.

Day 3
3 day-time dives and 1 night-time dive in Tarutao National Park: Ko Lipe.

Day 4
3 day-time dives and 1 night-time dive in Tarutao National Park: Ko Rawee, Ko Adang.

Day 5
Sightseeing and shopping in Langkawi.

Day 6
3 day-time dives and 1 night-time dive in Tarutao National Park: Ko Lipe, Ko Rawee, Ko Adang.

Day 7
3 day-time dives and 1 night-time dive in Ko Ha, Hin Muang, Hin Daeng, Ko Rok.

Day 8
3 day-time dives and 1 night-time dive in Phi Phi Islands

Day 9
Return to Phuket. You have your last breakfast.around 8 am. Transfer back the hotel.

1. Salon
2. Galley
3. Cockpit and outside lounge area
4. Double ensuite cabin with total 3: 2x king size and 1x queen size)
5. Double aft-cabin
6. Shower and bathroom
7. Netting
8. Single cabin (crew cabin, total 2)

Newly refurbished in 2008, the MV Scuba Cat operates in the Similan waters and is the largest diving liveaboard catamaran in the country. Those divers suffering from sea sickness will find this vessel most comfortable and stable owing to its construction and location.

MV Scuba Cat Liveaboard is a unique diving platform in that it is moored in the calm waters of the Similan Islands and only travels from dive site to dive site within the National Marine Park. Our MV Scuba Sport speed boat transfers divers to the MV Scuba Cat almost daily, depending on the season. Once transfered onto the vessel you have a choice of staying as many days as you like, doing up to 5 dives a day. You also have the opportunity to rent an ocean kayak or we can take you to the beautiful surrounding beaches where you can sunbathe to your heart’s content or, if you are looking for a different kind of sport alongside diving, you can take part in our famous sunset volleyball matches on the beach. Life on board this vessel is easy going. There is also ample space to relax on top of its 80 square meter sun deck, where you can chat about all of your day’s adventures. The MV Scuba Cat live aboard is a fine place to make new diving friends exploring the spectacular underwater world of the Similans.

She boasts a low level dive platform with ample space, making equipment preparation and access to the water very easy for everyone on board. If you are a beginner diver, and unsure of your diving skills, this should be the ideal boat for you to start your liveaboard career, since you will be diving in the safety of the protected waters of the Similan National Marine Park, with plenty of shallower water dives sites around. MV Scuba Cat will take you to dive sites such as Honeymoon Bay, Boulder City, Hideaway Reef, Deep Six, Breakfast Bend and Elephant Head Rock among others.

MV Scuba Cat accommodates up to 20 divers in its twin share cabins. All cabins are spacious and have upper and lower berths, reading lights, fans, lockable boxes and a view of the ocean through your window, first thing in the morning when you wake up.

The crew on board are always friendly and willing to answer any questions, help you with anything you need and teach you about the underwater world, always with your safety and that of the environment in mind.

In the low season MV Scuba Cat liveaboard journeys to the protection of Racha Yai and Racha Noi islands, where transfers to the vessel take place daily. Racha Yai is the best place to learn scuba diving, since the underwater currents are mild. The dives sites in this area are rich with aquatic life and hard corals reefs. Racha Noi on the other hand, fit for more experienced divers due to the strong currents, offers dive sites full of soft corals, home to larger fish and manta rays.

Book with Island Cruises all year round, for a journey into the stunning underwater world of the Similans with the choice of as many diving days as you wish and the added bonus of maintaining your independence by not having to follow a particular Cruise schedule as with all other vessels.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary – 5 days and 4 Nights
Day 1
We pick you up from your accommodation in Phuket at 6:30 to 7 am and transfer you to the MV Scuba Cat Liveaboard in the Similans. Upon arrival at 12:30 pm you have a filling buffet lunch, after which you are assigned a cabin and given a health and safety on board briefing. Your first dive takes place soon after, followed by a fresh fruit and cookies snack and another two dives, a total of 3 dives on your first day. Since on board the MV Scuba Cat you can make up to five dives a day, there is always ample time for you to spend some time on the beach while catching the later dive. We can take you to the beach or your can rent one of our ocean kayaks, exploring your more primitive explorer instincts, away from engines of any kind. Return back on board for dinner is at 6 pm.

Days 2, 3 & 4
We usually wake you up at 6:30 am. A light self service breakfast with toast, fruit cereal, juice and coffee is followed by your first dive of the day, at 7:30 am. There is nothing like diving early in the morning before the fishes go to school and the sun starts the hard work! Your first dive is then followed by a full western breakfast. The second dive is at 10:10 am, followed by lunch at 12 pm and another two dives at 2 pm and 4 pm. Dinner is served at 6 pm and you can dive in the night if you wish, at approximately 7:30 pm. Once again, you can always break your schedule a little by relaxing on the sun deck or taking a trip to the surrounding beaches for a few hours.

Departure Day
Your final day on board includes another 3 dives, again at 7:30 am, 10 am and 12 pm. having satiated your diving hunger and full with experience you will indeed be hungry for some food! Lunch is served at 1 pm and at 2:15 you will be transfered back to Patong Bay. The way back is a good time to complete your log book.