I will be in Thailand for work and I’m planning to stay additional week (+/- day) to dive. The dates I planning to spend on diving are between October 26 and November 3 (flying back to US on Nov 4). I spent some time looking through this forum and doing some research online and I decided to go with a liveaboard (never done one). However, it looks like I can either pick Northern or Southern route as no ships sail to both locations on the same trip.
I am considering SY Diva Andaman for two reasons: while most expensive, it appears to have the best reviews and it’s only ship I was able to find that sails for 7 days that leaves as close to my “arrival” date. I want to do 7 days so that I can maximize my stay / amount of dives. Another option (not sure how doable mainly due to cost), is to go on MV Giamani (Oct 26-28) that does Hin Deang/Muang and then do SY Diva which goes to Similans/Richelieu (Oct 28 – Nov 3).
Couple of questions for those of you that have been to Thailand:
1. Have you used either SY Diva or Giamani? Thoughts?
2. What company did you chose to book the trip? Did you book directly with the dive operator?*
3. Did you buy trip insurance? Where? Does it cover full cost if you cancel your trip?
4. Is North “better” than South (i.e, am I really missing out by not visiting Hin Deang/Muang)?
5. What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
*I’m quite curious to know only because I found prices are different depending where you book. I also read reviews that some people had a nightmare when it came to actually going on a boat (wasn’t booked correctly, hard to deal with the company, etc.)
I really appreciate your input!
I am considering SY Diva Andaman for two reasons: while most expensive, it appears to have the best reviews and it’s only ship I was able to find that sails for 7 days that leaves as close to my “arrival” date. I want to do 7 days so that I can maximize my stay / amount of dives. Another option (not sure how doable mainly due to cost), is to go on MV Giamani (Oct 26-28) that does Hin Deang/Muang and then do SY Diva which goes to Similans/Richelieu (Oct 28 – Nov 3).
Couple of questions for those of you that have been to Thailand:
1. Have you used either SY Diva or Giamani? Thoughts?
2. What company did you chose to book the trip? Did you book directly with the dive operator?*
3. Did you buy trip insurance? Where? Does it cover full cost if you cancel your trip?
4. Is North “better” than South (i.e, am I really missing out by not visiting Hin Deang/Muang)?
5. What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
*I’m quite curious to know only because I found prices are different depending where you book. I also read reviews that some people had a nightmare when it came to actually going on a boat (wasn’t booked correctly, hard to deal with the company, etc.)
I really appreciate your input!