MV Explorer Is a Great Choice For Your Similan Island Adventure
MV Explorer is getting a complete makeover in 2023. The 26m long vessel has three spacious decks but only has a capacity of 16 guests!
Most of the guests will stay in the 6 x 2 berth cabins on the lower deck where you will also find the dive deck. The middle deck has 2 x double cabins with windows for a sea view. The main common area and dining area also on the middle deck is open sided to take advantage of the cool sea breeze.
The upper or sun deck has both shaded and full sun options. A very popular place for guests to hang out between dives, you can crash out on a bean bag, mattress or gently sway in one of the hammocks.
Don’t worry if you’re not a sun lover, ample shaded space is readily available. Hammocks, bean bags, sun mattresses or just simple cushioned benches around tables let you relax the way you want.
The experienced team of 6 boat crew and 4 guides will ensure the best possible cruise. They will for sure show you the best that the Similan and Surin Islands have to offer
The food is fantastic! A western style breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, potatoes, mushrooms and tomatoes served with fresh bread, jams and fruit will be served after the first dive of the day.
After the second and fourth dives, the lunch and dinner comprising of delicious Thai curries, soups, fresh veg and usually fresh fish will make sure you get enough fuel for the fantastic dives.
MV Explorer cabins are all air-conditioned and come in two configurations. Six ensuite double/twin cabins and two standard double cabins. All have windows so everyone has a view.
Safety Features
MV Explorer has very high safety standards so everything you might require incase of emergency is provided. Life Rafts, GPS, VHF radio, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, 100% oxygen, first aid kit, lifejackets, and a dinghy. All dive staff are emergency first aid trained so there’s plenty of help readily available.
All Itineraries
3 Day/3 Night
The 3-day/3-night trip visits the more adventurous dive sites in the north:
Koh Tachai – There are several dive sites on this island. From gentle reefs to rock walls, plus one of the most impressive dive sites in Thailand. Between January and May, manta rays or whale sharks sometimes visit to feed on the rich currents.
Surin Islands – picturesque and quiet, close to the border with Myanmar. Five islands with a variety of granite boulder sites and superb coral reefs. Plus stunning beaches and great snorkeling in the shallows.
Richelieu Rock – a submerged pinnacle in the middle of nowhere. This dive site is legendary for first-class diving and the diversity of fish life. With the possibility of a whale shark or seahorses, if you’re lucky!
9 dives incl night dive
1 x beach visit
5 day/5 Night
The 5-day/5-night trip visits all the top dive sites in the area:
Similan Islands – 9 islands spread over 22km. Divers & snorkelers all love the coral reefs, granite boulders & white sand beaches.
Koh Bon – pretty soft corals & hard coral reef at this limestone island. Manta rays may visit between January and May. One of Thailand’s top dive sites.
Koh Tachai – colorful corals, huge sea fans, and lots of fish. Sometimes visited by manta rays or whale sharks (Jan-May, unpredictable). A fantastic dive site.
Surin Islands – quiet, beautiful, with coral reefs, granite boulder sites & stunning beaches. Great snorkeling and diving
Richelieu Rock – world-famous and truly spectacular. Always packed with marine life. Plus occasional ‘big’ visitors
16 dives incl 2 night dives
2-3 beach visits
8 Day/8 Night
This extended trip covers the whole region:
South – Similan Islands
Middle – Koh Bon & Koh Tachai
North – Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock With extra dives at the best of the best: Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock
You will have time to explore the beautiful beaches in both the Similans and the Surins. There are many birds, monkeys, and reptiles to be found on the islands.
Between dives, you can jump in with your mask and snorkel to look for turtles in the shallow water or just relax in a hammock
25 dives incl 3x night dives
3-4 beach visits
13 Day/13 Night
A 11-day/11-night trip for the real scuba addicts! This is a combination of three trips taken back-to-back:
4-day/4-night South to North – starting in the Similan Islands and traveling north via Koh Bon, Koh Tachai the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock
3-day/3-night trip – visiting Koh Tachai, the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock
4-day/4-night North to South – traveling in reverse from the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock, then heading south to Koh Tachai, Koh Bon and finishing with the Similan Islands.
41 dives incl
5 x night dive
3 – 5 island visits
Included
Full set of diving equipment including a dive computer, SMB, and torch for night dives and sunset dives. 10% discount if you have your own equipment.
Air-conditioned accommodation on board in the cabin of your choice. All cabins have
windows & sea view
All meals. Western-style breakfast, Thai-style lunch, and dinner, plus afternoon snacks
BBQ and a cocktail on the sundeck on your final evening
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, soft drinks, and drinking water
Fruit, cornflakes, and cookies are available at all times throughout the trip
Towel
12-liter aluminum tanks and all the weights you need
Services of a medically trained PADI certified dive guide and attentive service from our
six boat crew
Taxi to your hotel in the Khao Lak/Bang Niang area after your trip returns
Great diving, new friendships, plenty of food, and loads of fun!
Excluded
National Park fees (3 day/3 night THB 1,800, 4 day/4 night THB 2,000, 7 day/7 night
THB 3,800, 11 day/11 night THB 5,600
Beer and wine. You can buy alcohol on board and pay at the end of the trip
Tips for the boat crew and dive staff
15L tank (THB 300 per day)
Torch for day dives (THB 150 per day)
Price Per Person
| 3 Days/3 Nights | 5 Days/5 Nights | 8 Days/8 Nights | 13 Days/13 Nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Deck Twin/Double Ensuite THB 23,600 Upper Deck Standard Double THB 22,600 | Lower Deck Twin/Double Ensuite THB 35,500 Upper Deck Standard Double THB 34,500 | Lower Deck Twin/Double Ensuite THB 53,200 Upper Deck Standard Double THB 51,400 | Lower Deck Twin/Double Ensuite THB 79,800 Upper Deck Standard Double THB 77,300 |
*Including equipment – 10% discount if you have own equipment
*Not Including National Park Fees
Schedule 2023 – 2024
October
| Trip No. | Depart | Return | Destination | Dives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVE01 | 17th Oct 23 | 22nd Oct 23 | South – North | 16 |
| MVE02 | 17th Oct 23 | 25th Oct 23 | North – South | 25 |
| MVE03 | 17th Oct 23 | 30th Oct 23 | South – North | 41 |
| MVE04 | 22nd Oct 23 | 25th Oct 23 | North – South | 9 |
| MVE05 | 22nd Oct 23 | 30th Oct 23 | South – North | 25 |
| MVE06 | 25th Oct 23 | 30th Oct 23 | North – South | 16 |
November
| Trip No. | Depart | Return | Destination | Dives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVE07 | 02nd Nov 23 | 07th Nov 23 | South – North | 16 |
| MVE08 | 02nd Nov 23 | 10th Nov 23 | South – North | 25 |
| MVE09 | 02nd Nov 23 | 15th Nov 23 | All Islands | 41 |
| MVE10 | 07th Nov 23 | 10th Nov 23 | North Only | 9 |
| MVE11 | 07th Nov 23 | 15th Nov 23 | North – South | 25 |
| MVE12 | 10th Nov 23 | 15th Nov 23 | North – South | 16 |
| MVE13 | 17th Nov 23 | 22nd Nov 23 | South – North | 16 |
| MVE14 | 17th Nov 23 | 25th Nov 23 | South – North | 26 |
| MVE15 | 17th Nov 23 | 30th Nov 23 | All Islands | 41 |
| MVE16 | 22nd Nov 23 | 25th Nov 23 | North Only | 9 |
| MVE17 | 22nd Nov 23 | 30th Nov 23 | North – South | 26 |
| MVE18 | 25th Nov 23 | 30th Nov 23 | North – South | 16 |
December
| Trip No. | Depart | Return | Destination | Dives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVE19 | 02nd Dec 23 | 07th Dec 23 | North – South | 16 |
| MVE20 | 02nd Dec 23 | 10th Dec 23 | South – North | 25 |
| MVE21 | 02nd Dec 23 | 15th Dec 23 | South – North | 41 |
| MVE22 | 07th Dec 23 | 10th Dec 23 | All Islands | 9 |
| MVE23 | 07th Dec 23 | 15th Dec 23 | North Only | 25 |
| MVE24 | 10th Dec 23 | 15th Dec 23 | North Only | 16 |
| MVE25 | 17th Dec 23 | 22nd Dec 23 | North – South | 16 |
| MVE26 | 17th Dec 23 | 25th Dec 23 | North – South | 25 |
| MVE27 | 17th Dec 23 | 30th Dec 23 | South – North | 41 |
| MVE28 | 22nd Dec 23 | 25th Dec 23 | South – North | 9 |
| MVE29 | 22nd Dec 23 | 30th Dec 23 | All Islands | 25 |
| MVE30 | 25th Dec 23 | 30th Dec 23 | North Only | 16 |
January
| Trip No. | Depart | Return | Destination | Dives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVE31 | 02nd Jan 24 | 07th Jan 24 | North – South | 16 |
| MVE32 | 02nd Jan 24 | 10th Jan 24 | South – North | 25 |
| MVE33 | 02nd Jan 24 | 15th Jan 24 | South – North | 41 |
| MVE34 | 07th Jan 24 | 10th Jan 24 | All Islands | 9 |
| MVE35 | 07th Jan 24 | 15th Jan 24 | North Only | 25 |
| MVE36 | 10th Jan 24 | 15th Jan 24 | North Only | 16 |
| MVE37 | 17th Jan 24 | 22nd Jan 24 | North – South | 16 |
| MVE38 | 17th Jan 24 | 25th Jan 24 | North – South | 25 |
| MVE39 | 17th Jan 24 | 30th Jan 24 | South – North | 41 |
| MVE40 | 22nd Jan 24 | 25th Jan 24 | South – North | 9 |
| MVE41 | 22nd Jan 24 | 30th Jan 24 | All Islands | 25 |
| MVE42 | 25th Jan 24 | 30th Jan 24 | North Only | 16 |
February
| Trip No. | Depart | Return | Destination | Dives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVE43 | 02nd Feb 24 | 07th Feb 24 | North – South | 16 |
| MVE44 | 02nd Feb 24 | 10th Feb 24 | South – North | 25 |
| MVE45 | 02nd Feb 24 | 15th Feb 24 | South – North | 41 |
| MVE46 | 07th Feb 24 | 10th Feb 24 | All Islands | 9 |
| MVE47 | 07th Feb 24 | 15th Feb 24 | North Only | 25 |
| MVE48 | 10th Feb 24 | 15th Feb 24 | North Only | 16 |
| MVE49 | 17th Feb 24 | 22nd Feb 24 | North – South | 16 |
| MVE50 | 17th Feb 24 | 25th Feb 24 | North – South | 25 |
| MVE51 | 17th Feb 24 | 01st Mar 24 | South – North | 41 |
| MVE52 | 22nd Feb 24 | 25th Feb 24 | South – North | 9 |
| MVE53 | 22nd Feb 24 | 01st Mar 24 | All Islands | 25 |
| MVE54 | 25th Feb 24 | 01st Mar 24 | North Only | 16 |
March
| Trip No. | Depart | Return | Destination | Dives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVE55 | 03rd Mar 24 | 08th Mar 24 | North – South | 16 |
| MVE56 | 03rd Mar 24 | 11th Mar 24 | South – North | 25 |
| MVE57 | 03rd Mar 24 | 16th Mar 24 | South – North | 41 |
| MVE58 | 08th Mar 24 | 11th Mar 24 | All Islands | 9 |
| MVE59 | 07th Mar 24 | 15th Mar 24 | North Only | 25 |
| MVE60 | 11th Mar 24 | 16th Mar 24 | North Only | 16 |
| MVE61 | 18th Mar 24 | 23rd Mar 24 | North – South | 16 |
| MVE62 | 18th Mar 24 | 26th Mar 24 | North – South | 25 |
| MVE63 | 18th Mar 24 | 31st Mar 24 | South – North | 41 |
| MVE64 | 23rd Mar 24 | 26th Mar 24 | South – North | 9 |
| MVE65 | 23rd Mar 24 | 31st Mar 24 | All Islands | 25 |
| MVE66 | 26th Mar 24 | 31st Mar 24 | North Only | 16 |
April
| Trip No. | Depart | Return | Destination | Dives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVE67 | 02nd Apr 24 | 07th Apr 24 | North – South | 16 |
| MVE68 | 02nd Apr 24 | 10th Apr 24 | South – North | 25 |
| MVE69 | 02nd Apr 24 | 15th Apr 24 | South – North | 41 |
| MVE70 | 07th Apr 24 | 10th Apr 24 | All Islands | 9 |
| MVE71 | 07th Apr 24 | 15th Apr 24 | North Only | 25 |
| MVE72 | 10th Apr 24 | 15th Apr 24 | North Only | 16 |
| MVE73 | 17th Apr 24 | 22nd Apr 24 | North – South | 16 |
| MVE74 | 17th Apr 24 | 25th Apr 24 | North – South | 25 |
| MVE75 | 17th Apr 24 | 30th Apr 24 | South – North | 41 |
| MVE76 | 22nd Apr 24 | 25th Apr 24 | South – North | 9 |
| MVE77 | 22nd Apr 24 | 30th Apr 24 | All Islands | 25 |
| MVE78 | 25th Apr 24 | 30th Apr 24 | North Only | 16 |
May
| Trip No. | Depart | Return | Destination | Dives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVE79 | 02nd May 24 | 07th May 24 | North – South | 16 |
| MVE80 | 02nd May 24 | 10th May 24 | South – North | 25 |
| MVE81 | 02nd May 24 | 15th May 24 | South – North | 41 |
| MVE82 | 07th May 24 | 10th May 24 | All Islands | 9 |
| MVE83 | 07th May 24 | 15th May 24 | North Only | 25 |
| MVE84 | 10th May 24 | 15th May 24 | North Only | 16 |
