Tapana Liveaboard: Planning an Epic 2025 Diving Season in Thailand

By Sorrasek Phiboonthammasak Date 17 Jun 2025

Thailand’s pristine waters, from the Andaman Sea’s vibrant reefs to the Gulf of Thailand’s hidden gems, make it a diver’s paradise. At the heart of this underwater adventure is the Tapana Catamaran, renowned for delivering world-class diving experiences. On May 16, 2025, Giant Stride Travel’s owners, Benz (Sorrasek), met with the Tapana Catamaran’s owner and her team to chart the course for the upcoming diving season. This meeting wasn’t just about logistics—it was a shared vision to elevate the diving experience for adventurers worldwide. From new itineraries to enhanced customer service and a focus on safety, the Tapana Liveaboard is gearing up for an unforgettable 2025. Join us as we dive into the exciting plans and why booking with Giant Stride Travel is your ticket to Thailand’s best dive trips!

Hope for a New Season

The May 16 meeting buzzed with excitement as Giant Stride and Tapana’s teams discussed the 2025 diving season’s itinerary and schedule. The Tapana Catamaran, a PADI-recognized dive boat, is set to explore both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, offering diverse dive experiences. In the Andaman Sea, itineraries will cover North Andaman (Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Richelieu Rock) and South Andaman (Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Lipe), where divers can encounter whale sharks, manta rays, and vibrant coral gardens. From June to September, the Gulf of Thailand takes center stage, with stops at Koh Tao, Sail Rock, Chumphon National Park, and the remote Losin pinnacle, known for its untouched reefs and pelagics.

The teams also reflected on last season’s customer feedback to enhance the experience. Common pain points. The goal? A seamless, comfortable journey that lets divers focus on the underwater magic. With luxurious amenities like en-suite bathrooms, a rooftop Jacuzzi, and a hydraulic lift platform, the Tapana Catamaran is poised to set a new standard for liveaboard comfort.

General Situation of the Diving Market

The diving market in Thailand is thriving, fueled by its world-class dive sites and accessibility for all experience levels. The Andaman Sea, home to protected marine parks like the Similan Islands, remains a magnet for international divers, while the Gulf of Thailand attracts those seeking quieter, less-traveled sites. During the meeting, the teams analyzed trends in the foreign diving market, particularly Europe and Asia. European divers, drawn to Thailand’s warm waters and biodiversity, often prioritize longer liveaboard trips to remote sites like Richelieu Rock, where encounters with whale sharks and manta rays are common. The Tapana Catamaran, with its year-round itineraries, is well-positioned to cater to this demand.

The Asian market, especially China, is a growing force in Thailand’s diving scene. Tapana’s Chinese dive lead, fluent in Mandarin and trained to PADI standards, ensures a welcoming experience for Chinese divers. This is a game-changer, as language barriers can deter some travelers. The team discussed tailored marketing strategies to attract Chinese divers, emphasizing Tapana’s luxurious accommodations, safety protocols, and access to iconic dive sites. With Asia’s diving community expanding, Tapana and Giant Stride are ready to capture this market by offering personalized service and culturally sensitive dive experiences.

Getting Ready for Next Season

Safety is the cornerstone of any great dive trip, and the Tapana Catamaran is doubling down for 2025. The May 16 meeting highlighted a new initiative: all divers booking through Giant Stride Travel will receive complimentary DAN (Divers Alert Network) dive insurance. This coverage, which includes rescue, medical, and transportation expenses in case of emergencies like decompression sickness, goes beyond standard scuba diving safety measures. It’s a testament to Tapana’s commitment to diver well-being, complementing onboard safety features like oxygen tanks, first aid kits, life rafts, and CCTV.

The Tapana Catamaran is also undergoing preparations to ensure peak performance. The hydraulic lift platform, a signature feature, will be serviced to guarantee smooth descents into the water. The crew, led by an experienced captain with over a decade at the helm, is training to enhance guest interactions, from dive briefings to post-dive tank refills. With a spacious saloon featuring a Bose sound system, air-conditioned cabins, and a 56-inch TV with 200+ movies, the boat promises comfort as well as adventure. These upgrades, combined with DAN insurance, make Tapana a top choice for safety-conscious divers.

Conclusion

The Tapana Catamaran is ready to make 2025 a landmark year for diving in Thailand. The May 16 meeting between Giant Stride Travel’s Benz (Sorrasek) and the Tapana team laid the groundwork for an exciting season, with new itineraries spanning the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, improved customer experiences, and a focus on the growing European and Chinese markets. With complimentary DAN dive insurance and a commitment to safety, Tapana ensures divers can explore sites like Koh Lipe, Losin, and Richelieu Rock with peace of mind. Booking with Giant Stride Travel guarantees the best deals and unparalleled support, thanks to our strong partnership with Tapana and deep roots in the Thai diving market. Dive into Thailand’s underwater wonders with confidence—reserve your spot on the Tapana Catamaran today and let Giant Stride Travel make your 2025 adventure unforgettable!

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