Thailand Liveaboards
Thailand Liveaboards
4.5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Liveaboards and day trips to the best dive sites in Thailand including Similan and Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock, Phi Phi Islands, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang and Koh Haa. Plus longer trips to the Mergui Archipelago, dive certification courses and snorkeling only trips. Based in Phuket since 2000. Count on us for knowledgeable, up to date information and personal service.
Talat Yai, Thailand
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
48 reviews
Excellent
37
Very good
9
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Spage1
14 contributions
Jan 2020
Paul was really helpful to assist us with finding the right liveAboard for our needs. We explained what we were looking for and he quickly came back with the options and their pros and cons. Paul answered all our questions quickly and helpfully. I would recommend Paul’s services.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne S
Cape Town, South Africa4 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
A crew that takes such pride in their work is a rarity these days! Ricardo and his team on the Giamani are brilliant. The diving in the Similans isn't bad either.... thousands of fish, incredible variety, and great visibility. This was a special trip and one trip that won't be easily topped. Paul, the agent, was fantastic to deal with-- very informative and timely with his communication. I feel like I am still floating...
Written January 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
seawindmill
Skerries, Ireland184 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
My wife and I shared a standard cabin on this 4 night trip to the Similan Islands. We were picked up from our hotel in Khao Lak at 7pm and arrived on board just before 8pm. The trip was full with about 24 guests with a real mix of different nationalities and we soon became friends with many of them in the relaxed informal atmosphere. We were given a buffet meal, a tour of the vessel and a safety briefing. I was impressed with Mike, the chief dive guide from the start and he always did his best to make the briefings as easy, but informative as possible. We did 4 dives a day starting around 6.30 in the morning. The first 4 dives were on the Similan islands and Ko Bon. It also included a trip ashore to one of the Similan islands for about 90 minutes. My wife who is a non diver really appreciated this. She also enjoyed a massage during the trip. The next day we moved on to Ko Tackai, where we were hoping to find some Manta, but unfortunately none showed up. We then decided to move up to the southernmost Surin Island (a departure from the scheduled itinerary) for the last 2 dives and try our luck up there. Again however no luck with the Mantas, but the evening night dive in Lettuce bay was fantastic. After our morning dive on Ko Chi (Surin) we moved on to Richelieu Rock for our next 3 dives. These 3 dives on Richelieu are billed as the highlight of the trip. There were about 5 other liveaboards or dayboats there that day and the currents were strong with only 15-20 meter visibility. We tried to time the dive so as not to clash with other boats, but it was impossible to totally avoid that feeling of too many divers in too small area at the same time. Overall I enjoyed my trip even though I had to skip the last days diving due to a medical problem. I saw many fantastic undersea creatures for the first time even though I have done nearly 1000 dives over 40 years. Highlights were Sea Krait, Mantis Shrimp, Decorator Crab, Freckled Sea Hare, Ghost Pipe fish, Seahorses, Frogfish, Ribbon Eel, Crown of Thorns Starfish, many different types of Shrimp, Nudibranch and Clown fish. There were 6 Divemasters on "White Manta" so each one only took 4 guests each which meant you had great individual attention during your dive. All the Divemasters were more than happy to help with the identification guide books at end of each dive and this really made the dives so much more interesting. The food on White Manta was varied and interesting and a great way to sample Thai food with the local crew. The only criticism I would have was the lack of ensuite toilets in some cabins and the realativly high price for Nitrox. Having said this you do not really need Nitrox on any of the dive profiles and there was always a free toilet/shower to be found somewhere on board. What really made the trip was professionalism show by the Divemasters in all aspects of our time on board. A special note of thanks to Mike and Kim for help with my medical problem. The local crew were also fantastic in helping you kit up and get organised for each dive. Help in getting back into the inflatables after the dive was also exemplary. White Manta run a very efficient, friendly and safe operation. I would love to go back and try my luck for a 2nd time. Richard, Divemaster and Master Mariner.
Written March 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GBhavingfun
Kihei, HI18 contributions
Mar 2016
Paul is quick to reply and give his opinion if he perceives that you are a potential customer and there is money to be made. When you have a concern or a problem after booking and paying, his response is "what do you expect me to do about it????"
I booked two live aboard dive boats thru Thailand liveaboards, but will never do business with this outfit again. Next time I will call the boats directly, cut out the middleman, save Paul's commission, and have a better experience.
We had serious concerns about the boat and dive safety aboard our first dive boat the oktavia (recommended by and booked thru Paul). After our trip I informed Paul of the numerous safety concerns we encountered aboard the oktavia. His response was "What do you expect me to do about it??" He then told me that he "hoped our next trip would be better".
Paul requested (in writting)and we provided digital passport photos for our second dive boat recommended by and booked thru Paul. These passport photos are required by Myanmar immigration/customs for your visa. We sent said digital passport photos to Paul as he requested a full month in advance of arriving in Thailand. On the way to the boat we were informed that we would need to provide 4 hard copy pictures ( not digital as requested by and provided to Paul. I called Paul and asked that he forward our photos that we sent him a month prior to the boat so the boat could print them out. Paul informed me that this was "not possible" and that we would have to stop at a photo place and pay to have pics taken and printed. "What do you expect me to do about it" was Paul's response
Paul told me that the boat would have "shot weights" on board. They don't and paul's response was "What do you expect me to do about it"??
We were told (in writting) by Paul that we would need $200 US for Myanmar immigration fees to be paid on board the Giamani. When we boarded the boat we were informed that the actual amount was $220 US each. Ricardo (the tour leader aboard the Giamani) told me that the last 3 trips booked thru Paul we also misinformed by Paul as to the correct fees. When I showed Ricardo my email from Paul he (Ricardo) did not charge us the additional $20/ea.Ricardo absorbed this cost himself!
I am inclined to believe Ricardo and not Paul about what the real immigration fees are.
Another example..I had a problem with my spare air (an emergency air tank for scuba diving). Paul recommended Aquamaster in Chalong. He told me that they were "the best". I had my spare air repaired there the day before we left on a dive boat to Myanmar. When we boarded the Giamani (dive boat) I noticed that my spare air had leaked and was empty. (the problem that was supposed to be repaired at Paul's recommended store Aquamaster) Ricardo, the dive leader on board the Giamani inspected my spare air and discovered that the recent "repair" was a hatchet job. Rather than replace the defective valve, they had glued the valve shut and also glued the regulator to the tank. This rendered my spare permanently inoperable (ruined). You have to be able to disassemble it in order to get thru airport security. Using it in an emergency would have been fatal.
Only because the Giamani crew was excellent and the dives were fun do I give Thailand liveaboards a 2
Thanks (for nothing ) Paul.
I booked two live aboard dive boats thru Thailand liveaboards, but will never do business with this outfit again. Next time I will call the boats directly, cut out the middleman, save Paul's commission, and have a better experience.
We had serious concerns about the boat and dive safety aboard our first dive boat the oktavia (recommended by and booked thru Paul). After our trip I informed Paul of the numerous safety concerns we encountered aboard the oktavia. His response was "What do you expect me to do about it??" He then told me that he "hoped our next trip would be better".
Paul requested (in writting)and we provided digital passport photos for our second dive boat recommended by and booked thru Paul. These passport photos are required by Myanmar immigration/customs for your visa. We sent said digital passport photos to Paul as he requested a full month in advance of arriving in Thailand. On the way to the boat we were informed that we would need to provide 4 hard copy pictures ( not digital as requested by and provided to Paul. I called Paul and asked that he forward our photos that we sent him a month prior to the boat so the boat could print them out. Paul informed me that this was "not possible" and that we would have to stop at a photo place and pay to have pics taken and printed. "What do you expect me to do about it" was Paul's response
Paul told me that the boat would have "shot weights" on board. They don't and paul's response was "What do you expect me to do about it"??
We were told (in writting) by Paul that we would need $200 US for Myanmar immigration fees to be paid on board the Giamani. When we boarded the boat we were informed that the actual amount was $220 US each. Ricardo (the tour leader aboard the Giamani) told me that the last 3 trips booked thru Paul we also misinformed by Paul as to the correct fees. When I showed Ricardo my email from Paul he (Ricardo) did not charge us the additional $20/ea.Ricardo absorbed this cost himself!
I am inclined to believe Ricardo and not Paul about what the real immigration fees are.
Another example..I had a problem with my spare air (an emergency air tank for scuba diving). Paul recommended Aquamaster in Chalong. He told me that they were "the best". I had my spare air repaired there the day before we left on a dive boat to Myanmar. When we boarded the Giamani (dive boat) I noticed that my spare air had leaked and was empty. (the problem that was supposed to be repaired at Paul's recommended store Aquamaster) Ricardo, the dive leader on board the Giamani inspected my spare air and discovered that the recent "repair" was a hatchet job. Rather than replace the defective valve, they had glued the valve shut and also glued the regulator to the tank. This rendered my spare permanently inoperable (ruined). You have to be able to disassemble it in order to get thru airport security. Using it in an emergency would have been fatal.
Only because the Giamani crew was excellent and the dives were fun do I give Thailand liveaboards a 2
Thanks (for nothing ) Paul.
Written March 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan777_777
Bruges, Belgium9 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
Great service and excellent and fast response from Paul for booking the trip. I had plenty of additional questions and got a fast and complete response on all of them. Hell, he even told me it was ok to call his mobile on a Sunday beach afternoon!
About the boat Giamani and the crew i can only be ravingly positive. Extremely well organised, super personal service (almost embarrassing sometimes), great crew and super dive guides.
Ricardo is the face of the team, but the whole crew deserves a big thumbs up.
Food is great and plenty, there's always a snack ready, boat is in excellent shape, Martina and Martino (ladies first) are great dive guides and wild life spotters and form a great team with Ricardo.
Safety first on everything and flexible enough to adapt plans if needed.
i can keep going on however the most important thing is the relaxed way everything is done. Just get into your suit (with help), into your bcd (with help) and into the water. Done!
When seeing some of the other big boats on the way i couldn't be happier to have chosen the Giamani.
No doubt about it i would return.
a big thanks to the whole team on board and to Paul for the booking!
About the boat Giamani and the crew i can only be ravingly positive. Extremely well organised, super personal service (almost embarrassing sometimes), great crew and super dive guides.
Ricardo is the face of the team, but the whole crew deserves a big thumbs up.
Food is great and plenty, there's always a snack ready, boat is in excellent shape, Martina and Martino (ladies first) are great dive guides and wild life spotters and form a great team with Ricardo.
Safety first on everything and flexible enough to adapt plans if needed.
i can keep going on however the most important thing is the relaxed way everything is done. Just get into your suit (with help), into your bcd (with help) and into the water. Done!
When seeing some of the other big boats on the way i couldn't be happier to have chosen the Giamani.
No doubt about it i would return.
a big thanks to the whole team on board and to Paul for the booking!
Written March 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lesli W
Boston, MA111 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
It was my first liveaboard experience and really very pleasant. Went on a 4 day/4 night trip on The Junk, a restored old Chinese trade ship. The rooms were small but comfortable (bed a little hard, but I'll let it slide), showers were hot. But we came to dive...
The trip was smooth sailing - first night was all on motor, so it was loud and didn't sleep much. But the morning on the first full day it was nice to wake up at the dive site.
Also my first time diving this part of the world, the status of the reefs (bleached, dead corals, clearly human- and storm-ravaged reefs) is really sad, but the fish were plentiful. The dive briefings were comprehensive, and I really liked how they had pictures of the local fish on each site. The divemasters had their hands full with varying skill levels of the divers, and the sheer numbers of divers in the water from other boats. I'm glad The Junk was limited to 16 divers, which was split into 3 groups.
Richelieu Rock was by far my favorite dive site, and I was glad we spent the entire day there (4 dives).
The food was excellent. Staff always around with a glass of juice or water (after every dive), snacks always available and there was never a time I felt like I needed anything I didn't have.
I was a bit disappointed that they didn't put up the sails, but apparently that is a half-day major undertaking.
The last day felt a little rushed and the (local wreck) dive site was a bit disappointing, tho we had a lovely trip all around. It was nice to dive with folks from all over the world, and we met some really nice people in our group.
The trip was smooth sailing - first night was all on motor, so it was loud and didn't sleep much. But the morning on the first full day it was nice to wake up at the dive site.
Also my first time diving this part of the world, the status of the reefs (bleached, dead corals, clearly human- and storm-ravaged reefs) is really sad, but the fish were plentiful. The dive briefings were comprehensive, and I really liked how they had pictures of the local fish on each site. The divemasters had their hands full with varying skill levels of the divers, and the sheer numbers of divers in the water from other boats. I'm glad The Junk was limited to 16 divers, which was split into 3 groups.
Richelieu Rock was by far my favorite dive site, and I was glad we spent the entire day there (4 dives).
The food was excellent. Staff always around with a glass of juice or water (after every dive), snacks always available and there was never a time I felt like I needed anything I didn't have.
I was a bit disappointed that they didn't put up the sails, but apparently that is a half-day major undertaking.
The last day felt a little rushed and the (local wreck) dive site was a bit disappointing, tho we had a lovely trip all around. It was nice to dive with folks from all over the world, and we met some really nice people in our group.
Written April 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CDNTRAVELLERS2
Lisbon, Portugal379 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
Thailand Liveaboards arranged our live aboard dive trip on the Diva Andaman. The arrangements were easily made and all of our questions were answered in a timely manner. They helped us arrange 6 nights on board the Diva Andaman live aboard diving in the Mergui archipelago in South Myanmar. The diving in Southern Myanmar was average – compared to some other places we have dived in SE Asia but the Diva Andaman was the best live aboard we have ever been on. The staff were exceptional, the boat was beautiful and the food was divine. The good thing about diving in Southern Myanmar is that there are very few boats that go out there and this is the only boat that goes out to the Burma Banks. There was lots of small stuff but we never really saw anything large probably due to bad environmental practices in that part of the world. Would seriously consider coming back to join the Diva Andaman live aboard on other dive sites.
Written January 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
00Jenny00
3 contributions
We spent 6 days on the junk. Amazing crew, great food and brilliant diving! What more can you ask for? Well, it was really good value for money and I would definitely recommend the junk. Before booking the trip, Paul was very helpful and replied to my many questions as quickly as possible. Great customer service from start to finish.
Written January 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isabella C
Stockholm, Sweden3 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
I found the Dolphin Queen trip to the Similans, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock through Thailand liveaboards' website, and Paul was very quick in replying to my inquiry and follow-up questions. The boat itself and the staff onboard was amazing, and I would definitely go on the same boat again, hopefully soon on one of their trips to Burma.
Written November 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KhalidA697
Edmonton, Canada179 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
Wonderful experience - our first liveaboard. Friendly and helpful staff. Great diving (including nitrox). Fernando was a fine dive leader and fun to dive with. 4 dives per day. Good and plentiful food. Comfortable rooms. Need to be fit for the experience, whether snorkeling or diving. We have caught the liveaboard bug and would go again.
Written April 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience