Similan islands liveaboard diving trip reviews and cost

Imagine waking up on a gently swaying boat, the sunrise painting the Andaman Sea in shades of gold and rose. You roll out of bed, grab a coffee, and before the day-trippers have even finished breakfast, you’re descending into crystal-clear water to explore pristine reefs, dramatic granite boulders, and the chance encounter with a majestic manta ray or whale shark. This is the magic of a liveaboard trip to Thailand’s Similan Islands.

For scuba diving enthusiasts, a liveaboard isn’t just a trip; it’s the ultimate way to experience one of the world’s top dive destinations. But with so many boats, itineraries, and price points, planning the perfect adventure can feel overwhelming. This guide is your comprehensive resource for 2026, breaking down real diver reviews, detailed costs, and everything you need to know to choose the best Similan Islands liveaboard for your dream dive holiday.

What is a Similan Islands Liveaboard?

First things first, if you’re new to the concept, a liveaboard is a boat designed specifically for divers . It’s your floating hotel, restaurant, and dive base all rolled into one. Unlike day trips that rush you back to shore, a liveaboard takes you further into the Similan and Surin Islands, allowing you to reach remote, uncrowded, and pristine dive sites . You’ll spend your days diving, eating delicious food, relaxing on deck, and sleeping under the stars—all while your crew sails you to the next incredible location. The daily rhythm is simple and addictive: Eat, Sleep, Dive, Repeat .

The 2026 Liveaboard Season: When to Go

The Similan Islands Marine National Park is not open year-round. To allow the ecosystem to recover, the islands and dive sites are closed during the monsoon season.

• Season Dates: The park is generally open from mid-October to mid-May each year . For 2026, the season is currently scheduled to remain open until May 15th, 2026 .
• Best Time to Visit: The prime months for diving are typically from December to April, when the seas are calmest and visibility is at its peak. This is also the best window for spotting larger pelagics like manta rays and whale sharks at famous sites like Richelieu Rock .
• Booking Window: Because the season is limited, spaces fill up fast. For the best selection of boats and cabins, it’s highly recommended to book your liveaboard 6 to 12 months in advance .

Top Similan Liveaboard Reviews for 2026

The best way to choose a liveaboard is to hear from divers who have recently been there. Here are some of the top-rated and most talked-about vessels for the 2026 season, based on real reviews and new launches.

1. MV DiveRACE Class X: The Brand-New Luxury Option

If you’re looking for the latest and greatest in comfort and design, the MV DiveRACE Class X is the boat to watch. Launched in January 2026, this purpose-built 35-meter steel vessel represents the next generation of Similan liveaboards .

• Vessel & Vibe: A sleek, modern ship designed for stability and luxury. It features spacious open decks, an elegant indoor lounge, and the crowning glory—a rooftop bar with a jacuzzi . Imagine soaking in a hot tub under a canopy of stars after a day of diving.
• Accommodation: It accommodates just 20 guests in 11 en-suite, air-conditioned cabins, ensuring an intimate atmosphere. A rare and welcome feature is the inclusion of dedicated single cabins for solo travelers, along with standard twin/double cabins on the lower and upper decks . Upper deck cabins are particularly prized for their large bathrooms, some even featuring a bathtub .
• Diver Reviews: As a brand-new vessel, the Class X is already receiving glowing feedback. One guest on a January 2026 trip described the experience as a “fantastic crew, fantastic boat, fantastic food, fantastic experience” . Another diver praised the “professional knowledgeable passionate dive guides” and “spotlessly clean boat” . The consensus is that it delivers a 5-star experience from start to finish.
• Diving & Amenities: The dive deck is well-organized for efficiency, with dedicated spaces for camera preparation and charging, a must for underwater photographers . Nitrox is available for certified divers, and the experienced dive guides know the Similan and Surin Islands inside out .

2. Blue Dolphin Liveaboard with Big Blue Khao Lak: The Certified Comfort Champion

The Blue Dolphin has earned a stellar reputation for blending hotel-style comfort with a friendly, professional atmosphere. A detailed review from a 2025 trip highlights why this boat is a consistent favorite .

• Vessel & Vibe: This 25-meter steel-hull boat was built in 2017 and refitted in 2021, accommodating 16 guests. It’s clear that every detail has been thoughtfully considered, from the memory foam mattresses in cabins to the fresh daily towels .
• The Experience: The service is a standout feature. A crew member named P. Boua is legendary for greeting divers after every single dive with hot towels and cold drinks—a touch of luxury that one reviewer claimed “Diving will never be the same again” without . The chef, P. Ann, receives rave reviews for preparing phenomenal Thai and Western food, including showstoppers like blueberry cheesecake, Khao Soi, and extensive vegetarian options .
• Amenities: The boat is incredibly well-stocked with complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks, electrolytes, fruit, and cookies . They even have a proper coffee machine—no instant coffee here. A unique perk for readers of the review blog is that mentioning the blogger’s name (JUSTYNJEN) when booking gets you free nitrox for your trip .
• Pricing: For up-to-date pricing, it’s best to check their website, but they are known for offering excellent value with no hidden fees, including park fees in their quoted price .

3. Sea Bees Diving (MV Marco Polo): The Masterclass in Hospitality

A glowing feature from a dive masterclass highlights the 3-day, 2-night trip with Sea Bees Diving aboard the MV Marco Polo as an exercise in refined comfort and professional expertise .

• Vessel & Vibe: The MV Marco Polo is a custom-built vessel that feels more like a floating boutique hotel. It hosts a maximum of just 12 guests, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience .
• Service & Guides: The crew’s professionalism is exceptional, with multilingual dive instructors (fluent in English, Thai, German, French, and Dutch) who possess encyclopedic knowledge of the dive sites. Their meticulous attention to safety and diver proficiency creates an environment where adventure and security coexist harmoniously .
• The Diving: The itinerary is perfectly paced to include the highlights. A sample trip included dives at Koh Bon, Tachai Reef, and a full day at the legendary Richelieu Rock, where divers experienced vast schools of barracudas and vibrant soft coral gardens . The trip culminated with a spectacular manta ray encounter at Koh Bon west ridge.
• Cost: This 3D/2N luxury adventure is priced at 34,250 THB, including all equipment, transfers from Phuket, and full-board meals .

4. MV Bavaria: The Solid, Reliable Workhorse

The MV Bavaria is a modern, 28-meter steel-hull liveaboard built in 2016, reflecting over 15 years of dive safari expertise . It’s a great choice for divers looking for a reliable and comfortable trip with a proven track record.

• Vessel & Vibe: With a capacity for up to 24 guests, the Bavaria offers a range of cabin options from bunk-bed standards to deluxe main-deck cabins with king-size beds. It’s a functional and comfortable vessel with thoughtfully designed communal areas .
• Itinerary & Pricing: They offer a variety of 4-day/3-night trips, with two main routes: “Trip A” focusing on the Similan Islands and “Trip B” heading to Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, and the Surin Islands. Prices for 2026 start from around 545 GBP (approx. 24,000 THB) for a standard cabin on a Similan-only itinerary, varying based on the specific trip and cabin choice .

5. MV Sawasdee Fasai: The All-Inclusive Value Pick

For divers seeking excellent value and a comprehensive package, the MV Sawasdee Fasai is a strong contender .

• Vessel & Vibe: This steel-hulled vessel can accommodate 30 guests in 15 air-conditioned cabins, decorated in a traditional Thai style. It’s a larger boat, offering stability and plenty of communal space.
• The Deal: The standout feature is its all-inclusive pricing. The cabin rate includes not just accommodation and meals, but also free Nitrox for certified divers—a significant saving, as Nitrox is usually a daily surcharge on most other boats . They also include transfers, all non-alcoholic drinks, towels, and toiletries.
• Cost: Prices for a 4-day/4-night safari range from 30,700 THB for a budget lower-deck cabin to 45,700 THB for a master cabin. You’ll need to add the marine park fees (2,300 THB) and equipment rental (600 THB/day for a full set), but the included Nitrox is a huge plus .

Similan Liveaboard Costs: A Detailed Breakdown for 2026

Understanding the true cost of a liveaboard is crucial. Prices can vary dramatically based on the boat’s luxury level, trip duration, and cabin type. Remember that the listed “cabin price” is often just the starting point.

Here is a summary of sample costs for the 2026 season to help you budget:

The Fine Print: What’s Included vs. Not Included

Always read the inclusions carefully to compare like-for-like.

Typically Included in the Cabin Price:

• Accommodation in an air-conditioned, en-suite cabin
• All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks (tea, coffee, water)
• Tanks, weights, and weight belts
• Services of professional dive guides
• Transfers from hotels in the Khao Lak/Phuket area to the pier

Typically Not Included (Budget Extra For):

• National Park Fees: A mandatory fee paid on board, around 2,300 – 3,100 THB depending on trip length .
• Equipment Rental: If you don’t bring your own gear. Expect to pay ~600-800 THB per day for a full set (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins) .
• Nitrox: If you’re Nitrox-certified, it’s an extra fee on most boats, often ~800 THB per day . Boats like Sawasdee Fasai are a notable exception .
• Alcoholic Drinks: Beer, wine, and cocktails are for purchase from the bar .
• Crew Tips & Gratuities: Not mandatory, but customary for good service .

The Classic Liveaboard Itinerary: What to Expect

While routes can vary due to weather and captain’s discretion, most liveaboards follow a logical northward progression .

• Day 1 (Evening): Boarding at Tab Lamu Pier near Khao Lak in the late afternoon/early evening. After a safety briefing and dinner, you’ll sail overnight to the southern Similan Islands, arriving at the dive sites by morning .
• Day 2-3: The Similan Islands: You’ll wake up at pristine sites like Island #9 (Koh Bangru) , Elephant Head Rock (Hin Pousar) , and Christmas Point. Expect 4 dives per day, with opportunities to see turtles, leopard sharks, and vibrant coral gardens .
• Day 3-4: Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock: The trip moves north. Koh Bon is a famous cleaning station for manta rays . Koh Tachai Pinnacle is another hotspot for pelagics. The highlight is a full day at the legendary Richelieu Rock, a horseshoe-shaped reef in the middle of the sea, renowned for its biodiversity and as a top spot for whale sharks .
• Final Day: The Return: Your last dives might be back at Koh Bon or a site like the Boonsung Wreck, a sunken dredger teeming with fish . You’ll then head back to the pier, with transfers taking you to your hotel by late afternoon .

Expert Tips for a Perfect Liveaboard Trip

• Book Early: Prime season dates (Dec-Feb) and sought-after boats like the new DiveRACE Class X sell out months in advance .
• Choose Your Boat Wisely: Match the boat to your priorities. Luxury and a jacuzzi? Go for DiveRACE Class X. A friendly, detail-oriented vibe? Blue Dolphin is your boat. Solo traveler? Look for boats with dedicated single cabins .
• Pack Light, Pack Smart:
  • Essentials: Reef-safe sunscreen, dive logbook, two sets of swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket for windy evenings .
  • Leave Behind: Large suitcases. Most operators will store your main luggage at their office, so you only bring a small bag for the boat .
  • Tech: A good underwater camera and a power bank are great to have. Remember all chargers .
• Get Nitrox Certified: Diving with Nitrox (enriched air) allows for longer bottom times and shorter surface intervals. If you’re not already certified, consider doing the course before your trip or even onboard .
• Prepare for Seasickness: Even seasoned sailors can feel queasy, especially on the first night’s crossing. The boats are well-stocked with motion sickness medicine, but it’s wise to bring your preferred remedy just in case .

Conclusion: Your Underwater Adventure Awaits

A liveaboard trip to the Similan Islands is more than just a diving holiday; it’s an immersion into one of the world’s most vibrant marine ecosystems. With the launch of stunning new vessels like the MV DiveRACE Class X for the 2026 season, and the continued excellence of beloved boats like the Blue Dolphin, there’s never been a better time to plan your adventure.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver chasing the thrill of a whale shark at Richelieu Rock or a newer diver looking to explore world-class reefs in comfort, the Similans have a liveaboard with your name on it. Use this guide to navigate your options, book early, and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the deep blue.

Ready to take the plunge? Your floating sanctuary and the adventure of a lifetime are waiting on the Andaman Sea.