blur--vzno92xrOVXf-AdobeStock_8861498 (2).jpeg

thumbnails--vzno92xrOVXf-AdobeStock_8861498 (2).jpeg

vzno92xrOVXf-AdobeStock_8861498 (2).jpeg

Step-by-step Similan liveaboard guide by a local diver with 500+ dives. Plan your trip, choose the right boat, and dive like a pro!

Step-by-Step: A Local’s Guide to Similan Liveaboards

Diver climbing boat after finishing dive.

blur--CU8oo3OfYu9J-thailand-16-august-2018-scuba-diver-header.jpg

thumbnails--CU8oo3OfYu9J-thailand-16-august-2018-scuba-diver-header.jpg

CU8oo3OfYu9J-thailand-16-august-2018-scuba-diver-header.jpg

<div><img src="https://s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/giant-stride-media-staging/6f321M38PzaB-thailand-16-august-2018-scuba-diver.webp" alt="Diver climbing boat after finishing dive."></div><div><br></div><div>Every experienced scuba diver has a bucket list of their most desired scuba trips. For scuba divers whose next diving destination is Thailand, this bucket list always includes a multi-day trip out to the Similan Islands on a luxury liveaboard.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><h2><strong>One of Asia’s Best Dive Destinations</strong></h2><div>The Similan Islands are one of the best dive sites in Asia. Easily reached by speedboat within two hours from Phuket, they are a favorite destination for divers and adventurous snorkelers.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Part of the attraction of the islands comes from their unique location. The islands are part of an archipelago surrounded by relatively deep water. This deep water allows visits from primarily pelagic fish that are seldom seen closer to the coast of Thailand. This is the place to see huge manta rays and whale sharks.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>However, even the relatively short trip to and from the islands can eat up a significant part of the day. For divers who want to spend as much time in the water as possible, the idea of a multi-day trip on a luxury Andaman liveaboard cruising the Similan Islands is almost irresistible.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><h2><strong>What is a Liveaboard?</strong></h2><div>For those new to the exciting world of scuba diving, a liveaboard offers both accommodation and a way to easily access favorite dive sites without all the additional hassles of hauling dive equipment and food and getting resupplied with air.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Luxury liveaboards provide you with an air-conditioned cabin, hot showers, and gourmet meals and beverages. They also offer experienced, certified dive masters with valuable knowledge about your dive site and onboard compressors that can quickly resupply your tanks with air. The well-equipped liveaboard also has plenty of spare tanks, nitrox refills, wetsuits, BCs, regulators, masks, and fins in case you run into a problem with your own equipment while far from shore.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Taking a trip aboard a liveaboard guarantees you’ll be able to spend the maximum amount of time in the water at your favorite dive site instead of traveling back and forth to the site.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><h2><strong>6 Luxury Liveaboards</strong></h2><div>The luxury liveaboard is the ultimate solution for diving in well-equipped comfort. Here are six of the most popular and highly rated Andaman liveaboards offering dive trips to the Similan Islands.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><h3>1. Vanora Liveaboard</h3><div>The Vanora is a luxury 52-meter-long liveaboard that offers everything required for an exciting and memorable dive to the Similan Islands, plus plenty of extras. It has ten cabins with en-suite bathrooms and minibars, a jet-ski, stand-up paddleboard, kayaks, and a jacuzzi. There is also a celebrity chef onboard!</div><div><br></div><h3>2. Tapana Catamaran</h3><div>For active families or groups of dive friends, why not consider an intimate luxury liveaboard to take you on a diving adventure to the Similan Islands? The Tapana is a catamaran, which means extra stability in rough water. It also has an elevator-like platform that makes it easy to get in and out of the water in dive gear. The boat has eleven cabins with en-suite bathrooms and a jacuzzi on the top deck. The Tapana also offers a range of international gourmet meals to ensure your comfort between dives.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><h3>3. Aruna Voyager</h3><div>At 36 meters long and 23 meters wide, the Aruna Voyager offers plenty of onboard space for you to relax and enjoy your trip. The boat has 13 air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms and in-room TVs. You'll be well looked after, with snacks available all day and a wide variety of Thai and Western food. Evenings can be spent in the bar or jacuzzi while gazing out at the Similan Islands.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><h3>4. MV Giamani</h3><div>Enjoy a VIP liveaboard experience for friends or family aboard the MV Giamani. This 24-meter-long vessel has five double air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathrooms and mini-fridges. Gather in the air-conditioned saloon each evening and toast the sunset over the Similan Islands while you talk about the day's diving adventures.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><h3>5. DiveRACE</h3><div>DiveRACE is a modern and spacious 34.5-meter steel-hulled vessel that has introduced thousands of guests to scuba diving in the Similan Islands. The boat offers accommodations for 20 guests in 10 air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathrooms. The spacious common areas of the boat include a sun deck, BBQ area, and indoor air-conditioned saloon.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><h3>6. The Phisini</h3><div>The Phisini offers a different sort of liveaboard experience. The boat is a 37-meter wooden sailing vessel that can accommodate up to 18 guests in seven air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathrooms. The boat offers spacious indoor and shaded outdoor saloons, dining areas, audio and video entertainment, and a library. The Phisini also provides gourmet Thai and Western food as well as vegetarian options. Enjoy a serene sailing adventure and dive trip aboard the Phisini.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><h2><strong>Best Time to Dive in The Similan Islands</strong></h2><div><img src="https://s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/giant-stride-media-staging/GB4GjvXwccKF-juvenile-whale-shark-swims-observe-divers.webp" alt="A whale shark swims with a diver."></div><div><br></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The islands are closed to visitors between 16 May and 15 October to enable environmental recovery. This is during the rainy season when the water offers limited visibility. The best times to dive at the Similan Islands are in the calmer and drier high-season months of November to April. This is when the water warms up, the winds die down, and the visibility improves. A dive trip to the Similan Islands during this period can provide sightings of large and impressive pelagic species of fish and marine animals.&nbsp;</span></div><div><br></div><h2><strong>Choose the Right Luxury Liveaboard with Giant Stride</strong></h2><div>Check out our website for a range of excellent luxury liveaboards serving the Similan Islands. We have an entire page of <a href="https://giantstridetravel.com/service/liveaboard" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">liveaboards in Thailand</a> that serve the Similan Islands. Our listings will help you decide on the right boat and plan a liveaboard dive trip for yourself or a group of friends and family. The listings have each boat’s sailing schedule so you can plan the length and timing of your trip.&nbsp;</div><div>Find the right liveaboard through Giant Stride and book your dream dive trip before the high season begins.&nbsp;</div>

Discover six luxury liveaboard vessels offering multi-day dive trips to the incredible Similan Islands off the coast of Thailand.

Explore Luxury Liveaboards in The Similan Islands

Explore Andaman Luxury Liveaboards

A liveaboard boat off the coast of Phuket, Thailand

blur--P4ME7RUjqwfp-liveaboard-boat-phuket-thailand.jpg

thumbnails--P4ME7RUjqwfp-liveaboard-boat-phuket-thailand.jpg

P4ME7RUjqwfp-liveaboard-boat-phuket-thailand.jpg

<div>If you’re a scuba diving enthusiast who wants to take your underwater experiences to the next level, liveaboard diving might be the perfect adventure for you. This guide will help you understand what <a href="https://www.giantstridetravel.com/service/liveaboard" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">liveaboard diving</a> is, how it works, and how to make the most of your experience.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><h2>What is a Liveaboard?</h2><div><br></div><div>A liveaboard is a type of dive trip where you live aboard a vessel for the duration of your diving adventure. Instead of returning to shore after each dive, you stay on the boat, which travels to various dive sites. This gives you a more immersive and convenient diving experience.</div><div><br></div><div>Liveaboard diving trips typically last 3 to 10 nights, depending on your itinerary and chosen package. During the trip, you’ll travel to different dive sites, with all meals and accommodations provided on board.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><img src="https://s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/giant-stride-media-staging/XExBrm8Fk1fX-liveaboard-boat-phuket-thailand.webp" alt="A liveaboard boat off the coast of Phuket, Thailand"></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><h2>Advantages of a Liveaboard Trip</h2><div><br></div><div>Liveaboard diving trips come with numerous benefits for beginners and experienced divers alike:</div><div><br></div><ul><li><strong>Multiple destinations</strong>: You can visit several dive sites without having to worry about the logistics of traveling to each one.</li><li><strong>Exotic &amp; remote locations</strong>: The liveaboard can reach remote dive sites that are more pristine and less crowded and may not be accessible to day trip divers and snorkelers.</li><li><strong>More dive time</strong>: The convenience of living on a boat gives you more diving opportunities, allowing you to gain more experience in a shorter time.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Convenience</strong>: On a liveaboard, divers experience less hassle as they don’t need to travel from the shore to the dive site and back or embark and disembark from the boat every day. Divers can rest straight away after their dive.</li><li><strong>Cost-effective</strong>: It can also be more cost-effective as all-inclusive trips can be more economical than booking separate dives and accommodations.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Community</strong>: Aboard a diving boat, you get to be a part of a community of diving enthusiasts and make new friends.</li></ul><div><br></div><div><br></div><h2>Choosing the Right Liveaboard</h2><div><br></div><div>Here are some factors to consider when choosing a liveaboard:</div><div><br></div><h3>Type of Vessel</h3><ul><li><strong>Sailing yachts</strong>: Ideal for a more traditional and serene experience.</li><li><strong>Catamarans</strong>: Known for stability and spaciousness, they’re great for those prone to seasickness.</li><li><strong>Steel-hull boats</strong>: Offer durability and often have more amenities.</li><li><strong>Phinisi</strong>: Traditional wooden boats that provide a unique cultural touch.</li></ul><div><br></div><h3>Amenities</h3><ul><li><strong>Cabin comfort:</strong> Look for cabins with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and sufficient storage space.</li><li><strong>Dining:</strong> Consider your diet and food preferences and whether the liveaboard will serve local, international, vegan, or halal options.</li><li><strong>Onboard facilities: </strong>Consider the availability of dining areas, lounges, sun decks, and entertainment options.</li><li><strong>Diving facilities:</strong> Ensure the boat is equipped with proper diving facilities such as gear storage, rinse tanks, and dive decks.</li></ul><div><br></div><h3>Itinerary</h3><ul><li><strong>Dive sites: </strong>Research the dive sites in the itinerary to ensure they match your interests and skill level.</li><li><strong>Trip duration:</strong> Choose a trip length that fits your schedule and diving goals.</li><li><strong>Additional activities:</strong> Some liveaboards offer extra activities like snorkeling, island excursions, or photography workshops.</li></ul><div><br></div><h3>Group Size</h3><ul><li><strong>Diver-to-guide ratio: </strong>Smaller groups often mean more personalized attention from dive guides.</li><li><strong>Social environment:</strong> Consider whether you prefer a more social environment with larger groups or a quieter experience with fewer divers.</li></ul><div><br></div><div><br></div><h2>Requirements for Liveaboards</h2><div><br></div><div>Before embarking on a liveaboard trip, you’ll need to have undergone some training in scuba diving and have a minimum number of logged dives. Most liveaboards require their passengers to have an Open Water certification. You may also be required to provide a medical certificate showing that you’re fit to dive, as well as proof of travel and diving insurance.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><h2>Liveaboard Logistics</h2><div><br></div><div>Liveaboards typically depart from larger port towns with easy airport access. Here’s a typical process:</div><div><br></div><h3>Getting Onboard</h3><ul><li><strong>Arrival:</strong> Meet the team at the airport, who will shuttle you to the harbor.</li><li><strong>Boarding:</strong> Once at the harbor, you’ll board the vessel and settle in. The crew will give you a tour of the boat and explain the schedule.</li><li><strong>Safety briefing:</strong> Attend a mandatory safety briefing to learn about the boat’s safety features and emergency procedures.</li></ul><div><br></div><h3>Departing</h3><ul><li><strong>Final dive:</strong> Depending on your itinerary, you will go on a last dive to end your trip.</li><li><strong>Packing up:</strong> After your last dive, you'll have time to rinse and pack your gear.</li><li><strong>Disembarkation:</strong> The crew will assist you in returning to the harbor. From there, you’ll be shuttled to the airport or your next destination.</li></ul><div><br></div><div><br></div><h2>Tips for First-Timers</h2><div><br></div><div>If you’re new to liveaboard diving, here are some tips to ensure a smooth experience for beginners:</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Pack the essentials:</strong> Bring only the necessary gear, clothing, and personal items. Include sunscreen, motion sickness medication, a hat, and a light jacket for cooler evenings.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Bring your own dive gear:</strong> Familiar equipment can enhance your comfort and safety. If you don’t have your own gear, ensure that the liveaboard provides quality rental equipment.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Do a check-out dive:</strong> Before the trip, make sure all your gear is functioning properly. Most liveaboards have the check-out dive as the first dive. Doing a pre-trip check helps you get comfortable with your equipment and ease any pre-dive jitters.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Stay hydrated and well-rested: </strong>Liveaboard trips can be physically demanding, so take care of your health. Drink plenty of water and get sufficient sleep before your trip.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Plan for limited connectivity:</strong> Liveaboards often have limited or no internet access. Inform your family and friends about your itinerary and enjoy a digital detox.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Respect marine life: </strong>Follow guidelines for interacting with marine life to ensure your safety and the preservation of the delicate underwater ecosystem.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Be social: </strong>Take the opportunity to socialize with fellow divers. You can learn a lot from more experienced divers and make lasting friendships.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Stay organized:</strong> Update your diving logbook and store your gear properly after each dive to prevent damage or loss.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><h2>Plan Your Liveaboard Diving Trip with Giant Stride</h2><div><br></div><div><img src="https://s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/giant-stride-media-staging/NVzLFQvLO4SH-aerial-liveaboard-boat-similan-islands-thailand.webp" alt="Aerial shot of a liveaboard boat near The Similan Islands in Thailand"></div><div><br></div><div>Planning your first liveaboard diving trip can seem daunting, but Giant Stride is here to help. We offer liveaboard trips to top diving destinations, providing a seamless and stress-free booking experience. We have a wide selection of trips from service providers in Thailand, with the same prices as booking directly with them. As a one-stop booking service, we provide excellent customer support.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Explore our liveaboard diving trips and discover what the experience is all about. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, our <a href="https://www.giantstridetravel.com/service/liveaboard" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">liveaboard diving trips in Thailand</a> promise memorable underwater experiences. Plan your trip with Giant Stride today.</div>

Discover liveaboard diving for beginners in Thailand with Giant Stride. Learn what it is, how it works, and why you should book with us.

Liveaboard Diving for Beginners

If you’re a scuba diving enthusiast who wants to take your underwater experiences to the next level, liveaboard diving might be the perfect adventure for you. This guide will help you understand what liveaboard diving is, how it works, and how to make the most of your experience. A liveaboard is a type of dive trip where you live aboard a vessel for the duration of your diving adventure. Instead of returning to shore after each dive, you stay on the boat, which travels to various dive sites. This gives you a more immersive and convenient diving experience. Liveaboard diving trips typically last 3 to 10 nights, depending on your itinerary and chosen package. During the trip, you’ll travel to different dive sites, with all meals and accommodations provided on board.