Similan Liveaboard in March 2011-suggestions?

[outpost31]

Hi Guys,

I need some help narrowing down all the liveaboard options to just a handful, can anyone help please?

Here's what I'm looking for:

I'm single AOW Non-nitrox diver looking for a decent boat for at least 6 days or more around the Similans and maybe further including at least 2 dives at Richelieu Rock for a budget of £800-£1000 for march 2011.

I don't require a luxury vessel just something with good food, safe facilities, photography friendly and one that goes to the best sites. I want to see big pelagics like leopard shark, mantas, whale sharks but also the small stuff like nudis too.

I've read some similar posts here and checked out a few sites regarding early specials but I'd like to hear some personal recommendations for any boats that may suit my needs.

many thanks
Chris

[funrecdiver]

Hey Chris,

I buy a lot of dive gear from Khun Poosak in Bangkok (Dumnam). His team also organizes trips at discount prices. I checked for you, and they have a March trip (http://www.dumnam.com/trip.php?p=similan) that might work for you for around 20,000 Baht:


3 S.Andaman 2 Mar - 7 Mar MV/Tapana 4 Day Dives, THB.20,500

You can visit his web site and contact him directly. He and his team are fluent in English and they love to dive. His philosophy is to pass savings along to other divers. In addition, as mentioned, many of us expats here buy a lot of gear from them because they give all customers at 20% discount on all dive gear.

I've not gone out on a trip with them yet, but plan to when my schedule matches their schedule. I've been too busy diving the wrecks in Pattaya and making some trips to Vietnam, so I missed their recent Koh Tao trips (unfortunately, because I wanted to go with them!)

[outpost31]

Cheers for taking the time to check for me Funrecdiver, I'll add it to my list of possibles.
thanks.

[Quero]

Six days at least.... that narrows things down a bit since the standard trip length is 4d/4n. There are a couple of boats doing only the Similans for longer trips--it's important to note that most boats offering longer trips go up into Burma, which increases the price of the cruise significantly. With sterling coming in at about THB 50/£, your maximum budget is approximately THB 50K, and to stay within your budget you will not want to be going into Burma. For longer trips, there are basically two options: 1) a longer stay in the Similans or 2) a combination trip that includes the southern islands as a 2-day extension of the standard 4-day trip. Are you thinking Similans/Surins only or are you open to the north + south combo trips? Keep in mind that in addition to the cost of the trip itself there is also a National Park fee that is payable in cash on board the boat. A number of the longer trips on the few boats that offer them are already full--when in March are you hoping to go?

[outpost31]

Hi Quero, Thanks for all the info.

If the Similans and Surin islands are covered together in a 4 day trip then I'm happy to to do a longer trip to the Similans/Surin OR add more days in the south or north. Basically, I want to make the most of the best sites for my budget....don't we all!

I've read about Hin Nok, Shark point & Ko Bida Nok as sites to see in the south, are there any other must-see sites in this area of Thailand that i shouldn't miss?

In answer to your IM i'd prefer a mixed boat as I don't speak french I'm afriad. I'm not sure of the exact date in march yet as I'm planning on flying on to another destination afterwards and I have to work those dates out first.

if you need more info/have more advice just let me know
Cheers

[OnTheSpot]

HI Chris,

My recommendation would be a medium budget boat like MV Black Manta (http://www.divetheworldliveaboards.com/liveaboard-thailand-black-manta-main.php) for a four night Similan Safari and then a trip south on MV Mermaid II (http://www.divetheworldliveaboards.com/liveaboard-thailand-mermaid-ii-main.php).

This southern trip will take you diving at Hin Daeng/Hin Muang, Koh Haa and Phi Phi - more not to be missed dive sites in the Phuket region.

I just wanted to give you a starting point - let us know what you think.

[stevenl]

At the moment there are a few boats having attractive options: discounts if bo0oked and paid quickly. Examples are Nautica (http://www.thailand-scuba.com/sim_D7.htm), 4 days and 6 days Similans etc., excellent value for money at the moment, Black Manta (http://www.thailand-scuba.com/sim_C8.htm), 4 days trips Similans etc. and Colona (http://www.thailand-scuba.com/sim_D7.htm), 4 days and 6 days Similans etc., pluis 2 days Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Bida Islands and Shark Point area.

Besides these trips there are also cheaper options that are worth consideration, excellent value for money offer IMO Manta Queen (http://www.thailand-scuba.com/sim_A7.htm) and Manta Queen II (http://www.thailand-scuba.com/sim_A8.htm), Oktavia (http://www.thailand-scuba.com/sim_A1.htm) e.g. is also excellent value and offers 5 days trips to Similans and could be combined with another boat going to Hin Daeng etc.
And there are many more options.

[Quero]

Chris, since you're happy to do a combo trip, you should consider one of the boats that do back-to-back 4-day and 2-day trips north and south. I personally think it's more convenient to leave your dive gear on just one boat rather than switching from boat to boat between trips. In March Mermaid has several back-to-back trips only a little above your budget if you book the cheapest cabin (this is a relatively expensive boat), or there is a mid-price boat run by Colona with a mid-March trip within your budget. Nautica has a 6d/5n northern-only option the last week of March, also in your budget range.

[Batfish]

Colona 6 comes out at just over 1000 GBP for 6 days/6 nights. There are trips in March for 6 days to the Similan Islands/Surin Islands/Richelieu Rock, or 6 days including Similan islands, Richelieu Rock and Hin Daeng/Hin Muang. 10% discount if booked and paid before end August.

Nautica has a couple of 6 day trips, and a 20% discount for booking and paying before end August, price would be around 800 GBP with that discount.

Whatever you choose, enjoy your trip :)

[similandiver]

Outpost...

March is definitely a great time to visit...calm seas and great marine life!

The shop I work for is introducing a 5 day/5 night liveaboard for the upcoming season. This will not only do 2 dives at Richelieu, but will also spend beach time on the Similan and Surin Islands...giving you time to experience the islands above the water, as well as below :)

Currently updating our website with all the details...but pictures and some information here (http://blog.wickeddiving.com/2010/07/similan-islands-liveaboard-wicked.html)

[outpost31]

Many thanks Quero, OTS, Stevenl, Batfish & SDiver for your time and very good suggestions for my needs. Cheers!

atm I'm considering combining Manta 6day Similans/Surin with Mermaid 4days in the South..
...or Oktavia 5day Similans/Surin with the Mermaid 4days in the South...

Both of those give me about 10days with 24 dives for just under £1000 (minus fees and such).
What do you guys think? Am I missing any better deals for price/No.ofDives?

Thanks again for your help guys!

[stevenl]

Black manta is offering 4 day trips, not 6 days. Mermaid's soutgern trips are 2 days. For 6 days similans etc, check Colona and Nautica. Discovery has 3 day southern trips, but is more basic than the other mentioned boats, offering 2 day trips.

[outpost31]

Hi Steve,

According to "Dive the World" website there is a 6day/18dives/Similan/Surin on the Manta and 4days on the Mermaid for just the south:

Thailand Liveaboards - MV Black Manta Trips, Prices, Scheduled Departure Dates and Itineraries (http://www.divetheworldliveaboards.com/tp/liveaboard-thailand-black-manta-prices.php)

Dive Safari Thailand - MV Mermaid II Trips, Prices, Scheduled Departure Dates and Itineraries (http://www.divetheworldliveaboards.com/tp/liveaboard-thailand-mermaid-ii-prices.php)

I hope all this info is correct, i haven't contacted them yet.

[stevenl]

I am at home at the moment so don't have access to the schedules. The trips you mention are not the standard, but could be exceptions, but by heart I don't think so.

[Quero]

Chris, I am looking at the actual operator-published schedules now (which they send to their agents for our reference), and Black Manta's March trips are all what we normally call 4d/4n. In other words, there are four diving days and four sleeping nights aboard the boat. What DTW seems to be doing is counting the boarding day (usually actually at night) as a "day" and calling it 5 days/4 nights. A bit of marketing voodoo. Black Manta itself markets the trip as a 14 dive, 4d/4n trip.

Mermaid is actually 3 days and 3 nights according to the operator itself, but in fact there are only two dive days of four dives each. Again it looks like DTW is counting both the "day" of the late evening boarding as one day and the "day" of the morning disembarkation after breakfast as another day.

If you combine these two trips, you will have a total of 22 dives, a total of 6 dive days, and a total of 7 nights aboard a boat.

[outpost31]

Hi Marcia,

many thanks for the clarification. I was looking at the Similan Safari 5N (6days/5night-18dives) but on closer inspection that trip is only available in December, so my bad.

Well, I think I may do the Oktavia Similan/Surin 19 dives trip & the Mermaid South 8 dives Trip.

Has anyone been on these boats? Were you happy with them?

Does anyone have any alternative trips/better offers that they can recommend?
Cheers

[funrecdiver]

Hi Outpost,

Do you want recommendations from dive center operators who are also selling liveaboard trips or from customers who are like you?

I think you should be clear when seeking opinions who you want opinions from. You will get very different opinions from people selling trips than people who have actually paid for the trip and been on the boat as a customer.

[outpost31]

Hi FunRecDiver,

Well, i mostly want opinions from customers as any offers from operators will obviously be taken with a pinch of salt but if they do have any info on special deals i will look into them if they suit my requirements.

So far I've got some very helpful comments from both types which i really appreciate
Cheers

[funrecdiver]

Great! Sometimes it is confusing, since the folks who reply in forums like this often don't take the time to fully disclose why they are replying (a dive center, a customer, etc.) and what their position and interest might be.

[stevenl]

I think that would ne nice trips you mention, although personally i would prefer colona over mermaid. Better value for money imo, especially right now with 10% discount option.

[outpost31]

Has anyone been diving on the Oktavia or the Discovery?
I'm looking at these vessels and I'd like to hear about people's experiences on them.

Cheers!

[stevenl]

If you like I can ask guests who have been diving on these boats to contact you and let you know their experiences.

[outpost31]

Cheers Steven, I'd appreciate that mate.

[Batfish]

You will get very different opinions from people selling trips than people who have actually paid for the trip and been on the boat as a customer

and


folks who reply in forums like this often don't take the time to fully disclose why they are replying (a dive center, a customer, etc.) and what their position and interest might be

1. I take issue with this personally ... the reply from someone like myself or stevenl who have been here for many years with (in my case) over 1000 logged dives in the area and I reckon steven has more!... replies from people like us who DO declare who we are - see signature, clear.... a reply from us, people who know the boats, the staff, the dive sites better that any customer who has been on one boat one time... surely that reply is valuable? Also... since we are both liveaboard agents and not just trying to sell one boat, there is no need to say "My boat is the best", we can offer a balanced view. If someone requests luxury, I do not recommend the backpacker boats.. if someone is on a budget I do not recommend the Master cabin on Queen Scuba, and also... as an agent or operator you want people to come back happy, so I do not recommend/sell boats that I know to be **** - There are good boats that we don't have on our website, but putting all boats on there would just be confusing, too many options.

Thanks for listening, I hate to see people posting about "beware replies from dive operators"... I mean, if you are not going to trust what a dive operator says, well, who are you going to book with!

[bkkchris]

Hi All,

I can highly recommend MV Dive Race (diverace.com - formerly MV White Manta). They are a great "lower" cost boat and have a great team. The mostly do 4night/5day trips with 14 dives in and around the best spots in the Similans. I went out with them this past Feb. and will probably go out with them again early in 2011.

[aquamarin]

I'd also recommend checking out the guest book on our website - as you can see we've just scanned in the handwritten comments of our guests......

Cheers
Karin

[amaliast]

Hi guys,
i m looking for about the same things as Chris does above, but for november.
would that be a good period?
thanks
amy

[Quero]

Hi guys,
i m looking for about the same things as Chris does above, but for november.
would that be a good period?
thanks
amy
Hi Amy. November is fine. The park is open and the boats will be running trips. The weather may still be a little changeable, depending on the time of the month (it varies from year to year).

[stevenl]

Yes, November is an excellent period. In general the seas will be a bit more choppy and you have a bigger chance of a bit of rain, but visibility will normally be excellent.
And with the shelter the islands offer a bit more choppy than the mirrorlike seas in March is no problem at all.

[funrecdiver]

Well, if you are "liveaboard agents", then why not begin your reply:

"We are liveaboard agents"...... ?

Just as some take issue with our customer preference for recommendations from other customer (one time trip or not) we customers take issue with replies from agents and dive center who do not clearly identify themselves!

You might not believe it, but highly successful businesses have the model that the customer is right and not someone to argue with.

[Quero]

FRD, I don't think there are huge numbers of agents or operator employees here who fail to make known in some way that we are engaged in the industry. Many of us include identifying information in our signatures, for example, and our location is a dead giveaway! I honestly don't see any subterfuge.

Your point that individual customer feedback and satisfaction (or not) with a particular operator or a boat is important here in these threads is well taken. In fact, we all use past customer feedback that we gather in making our recommendations to our new customers, and we pass suggestions for improvement (especially) and expressions of praise (delightedly) on to the operators. For example, I've recently had a number of complaints from my customers that the DMs on a couple of the daytrip boats have been too busy during dives taking pictures which they burn onto CDs and sell to the customers. I think operators need to know that some people are complaining, and if they don't take heed, we can stop giving props to these operators here on this forum as well as stop recommending them to our customers. I've also just had some very positive feedback in regard to a particular tour leader on one of the dayboats, so I know that I can continue to confidently recommend that operator to my customers. If a recent visitor posts something of the sort here on SB as well, it's welcome information! So I have no quarrel with that aspect of your point of view.

However, you do come across as seeming to think that we dive industry members are a nuisance in the forum, here only to rope in business and nothing more. I respectfully beg to differ with this aspect of your viewpoint, if indeed I am reading you correctly. Yes, we are interested in promoting the destination, but there's no hard sell here. There are no sock puppets (like you find on TA and TT for example) here in SBs Thailand forum making repeated identical spam posts in favor of a particular agency/operator or marketing trips and events. Everybody who replies to a post actually addresses the question asked! (See my own and stevenl's responses to amaliast's request for information above, for example.)

I am of the opinion that our contributions to the forum are very valuable. As Batfish correctly points out, agents have a general overview of the industry here that nobody else does have. Boat operators have only one major product to sell and former visitors have seen just a small slice of the industry. Agents see it all. The only thing we really promote here in the forum is the destination because we have such a large variety of options to offer our customers that the main objective here in the forum is to give people the information they need in order to decide when to come in order to do the kind of diving they are hoping for! With a bit of luck, they will find our advice useful enough to encourage them to click on that signature at the bottom of the post. And if they do, they have come to us voluntarily, giving us the opportunity to work with them as clients rather than simply as board members seeking and offering information.

[HRScuba]

Quero -- i always enjoy seeing your posts. they are very generous and informative.

Harvey

[Krazyklaws]

Hi there.

We did the Similans (and R-Rock) on the Marco Polo last November. It's run by Sea Bees. We did 7 nights liveaboard and then 7 nights in their 'sister' hotel Palm Garden in Chalong. Did a couple of day drips with them in the second week, including Phi Phi.

The boat is quite basic, but excellent value for money. Crew, guides and food were all brilliant, we had a blast. There isn't much in Chalong, but you are close to the harbour. The hotel was lovely - but the place itself doesn't have a lot going for it.

Hope that helps :-)

[Krazyklaws]

Quero - I'll second Harvey's comments, your posts are always very helpful. :-)

[outpost31]

Right, I've decided to go on the Oktavia 6days to Similan & Surin followed by the Discovery to the South. For my decomp day I'm going to go on the Kok Chang Elephant Trek and spend the day snorkeling on an island, probably Raya Yai.

Thank you very much SB'ers for all your help, Quero, Aquamarin, Batfish & especially Stevenl (who I decided to go with) for all your suggestions, help and quick responses. Much appreciated guys!

[Phuket diver]

Hi,

try scuba cat diving on Phuket, they operates two liveaboards for more then 15 years, the boats captains are very knowledgeable and the dive crews are very experience.

[apadko]

Hi guys,
i m looking for about the same things as Chris does above, but for november.
would that be a good period?
thanks
amy

I'll be there in late November and just started looking through all the options. If you've decided, can you share how and why? Thanks for any and help in trying to figure out it.

Al

[Phuket diver]

Hi,

try Scuba Cat Diving on Phuket, they operates two liveaboards for more then 15 years, the boats captains are very knowledgeable and the dive crews are very experience. Check on their website, they have an offer if you book mid-october

[stevenl]

Somehow it looks strange to me, saying 'they' with the very same signature at the bottom of your post.

[Phuket diver]

Hi Steven, I work for Scuba Cat Diving running IDC, liveaboards are Sarah.....

[Zippsy]

I'd still say "we" there, but no big deal. With that signature, there was no question of trying to deceive. I wish everyone with a dog in the fight was as honest.

[stevenl]

I'd still say "we" there, but no big deal. With that signature, there was no question of trying to deceive. I wish everyone with a dog in the fight was as honest.Agree with you, the signature makes things clear.

On my mobile version though I can't see a signature.

[Phuket diver]

I am going to write "we" to make you happy, and wasting how time for not much