Thailand Master

Purpose-built by divers in 2007, the Thailand Master, is a traditional Indonesian style sailing yacht. Her official name is ‘Cheng I Sao’ and she is fully equipped to provide a stylish and comfortable liveaboard experience. At 34 metres long and constructed from Asian teak and ironwood, she can accommodate up top 18 divers. Cheng I Sao was a legendary female Chinese pirate who roamed the Andaman Sea. Now you can join her there on 7 and 10 night cruises of the Burma Archipelago and the northern Thai Andaman Sea.

Apart from the wonderful charm of cruising on a traditional sail boat, the Thailand Master takes great pride in striving to provide the best cuisine on the sea! With double breakfasts, authentic style Asian lunches, Thai and western dinners, plenty of snacks (sweet and savoury), most guests rate this aspect of the cruise as 5 star. Meals are served in a covered open-air area when weather permits, or in the air-conditioned saloon.

Diving activities are co-ordinated from a dedicated and shaded dive deck area on the main deck. Each diver has a personal kit-up area and storage crate, and are allocated a personal diving towel. Not only will you arrive in style at the dive sites, you will then be escorted to and from the drop off points by one of the dinghies - no need for any surface swims! All guests are allocated SMBs to assist in this purpose. The dive guides are among the most experienced in the region and will provide extensive insights in to the local marine life that you can expect to see. The dinghies are also used to shuttle guests on island visits, which are an integral part of the cruises.

Guests are accommodated in cabins with ensuite private bathrooms. There is a choice of twin share or quad share (for those on tighter budgets). There is an indoor saloon with a flat screen TV and movie selection, fish books and games, and for those that enjoy doses of natural vitamin D, there is a sun deck with beds. Also onboard is a yacht boutique that sells merchandise and various scuba equipment.

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Dive experience: The Thailand Master Phinisi welcomes all divers, from seasoned 'old pros' to newly qualifieds. All trips are suitable for all levels, however there will be some dives that are not suitable for beginners. Some of the dive sites in Burma especially are for intermediate and advanced divers only, and there are also some deep sites around the Similan Islands.

Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water, hot drinks, soft drinks, return transfers from local airport/hotels (as detailed in the 'How to get there' sectiom below, except Ranong-Phuket transfers on 7 night Thailand cruises), dives (as detailed in the trips above), 4 experienced English-speaking divemasters per full charter, tanks, weights and weightbelts\, all taxes.

Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment (US$ 150 per week), dive computer (US$ 48 per week), dive insurance, port and park fees -(Burma 7n US$ 280, Burma 10n US$ 350, Thailand 4n US$ 50, Thailand 6n US$ 65, Thailand 10n US$ 115). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash or by credit card).

Optional extras: Alcoholic drinks, nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers (US$ 150 per week), torch (US$ 21 per week), 15 litre tank (US$ 60 per week). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash or by credit card). Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.

How to get there: The Thailand Master offers a wide variety of cruise itineraries. Embarkation and disembarkation times are stated in the 'more trip info' for each trip. The yacht uses 3 different ports for its cruises:
BC Badin Resort, Ranong - transfers are provided to and from the resort from hotels in Phuket (at 6 am), Khao Lak (at 8 am), and Ranong (11 am), and the airports in Ranong (11 am) and Phuket (7 am).
Tap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak - transfers are provided to and from the pier from hotels in Phuket (takes 2-3 hours) and Khao Lak (20 minutes), and the airport in Phuket (1 hour).
Chalong Pier, Phuket - transfers are provided to and from the pier from all hotels and the airport in Phuket. They usually take less than 1 hour.
Please allow 18 hours before flying after diving.
For more details, including airlines, see our Thailand travel information section.

Non-diver rate: 10% off the published price.

Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - solo travellers may choose to share a cabin and pay the standard rate, or pay a supplement of 80% of the published price of the second bed for their own cabin

Dive clubs and group discounts: Pay for 8 guests and 1 additional person can join the cruise free of charge (9+ guests).

Whole boat charter rate (per night): Pay for 16 guests and 2 additional persons can join the cruise free of charge in a quad bed cabin.

Burma South (8 Days / 7 Nights - 22 Dives)

Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: High Rock, Shark Cave, Black Rock, South Twin, North Twin, Western Rocky, Rocky Peaks, Horseshoe Island

Day 1
Join the Phinisi on a safari to explore the very best of the Burma Mergui Archipelago. The trip departs from BC Badin Resort in Ranong after embarkation at mid day, and after all guests have boarded. The tour leader will welcome you onboard, assign a cabin to you and explain in detail the boat features and the plans for the coming days. But first the immigration formalities, which are all done onboard, both on the Thai side (Ranong) and in Myanmar (Kawthaung). Now settle in, enjoy the snacks, relax, and get to know your fellow guests as the yacht sails out to the first site.

Days 2-7
There will be 4 dives per day - dive 1 after a light breakfast, dive 2 after a full breakfast, dive 3 after lunch, then there will be a sunset or night dive. The first dive is usually at High Rock, with plenty of macro life and also some bamboo sharks and rays to surprise you. Here we can find all the special things like pipefish, ghost pipefish, pineapplefish, frogfish, seahorses and many different species of nudibranch.

Black Rock is a large rock in the open sea. Here we are looking for big stuff like sharks and rays and whatever is passing. When you see mantas here, they come by the dozen. If they are not around, you'll get more of a chance to look in the coral covering the rock and will find many wonders. This is probably the best dive site in the Andaman Sea but so far from civilisation that very few divers have been here. At Shark Cave there are 3 dive sites to explore. You can expect to see nurse sharks and big blotched sting rays, mantis shrimps and crustaceans of all types.
At North Twin and its pinnacle there is another good chance to cross manta rays and sometimes eagle rays or even mobulas. Leopard sharks are often found here too. At Western Rocky, beautiful scenery and coral life is the setting for some fantastic dives. Here you can encounter every Indian Ocean creature, big and small, from the nonchalant whale shark to the pretty harlequin shrimp.
There will be 2 dives on the penultimate day before the boat makes its way back to port to comply with the immigration procedures. The last dive is around 12 noon.
Although The Phinisi can't control the quality of your underwater experiences, it can ensure you of a first class dining. First is a light breakfast, which for some is just means a cup of fresh coffee and a slice of toast with marmalade or cheese. Then the kitchen serves up the Full Monty - eggs (different style every day), bacon, ham, fried beans, fruit yoghurt, choice of bread, pancakes, warm croissants, fresh tomatoes and cucumber, or rice soup for guests who want to have an Asian breakfast. Lunch is an Asian affair - 3 or 4 accompanying dishes built around seafood, meat and some vegetarian dishes. Often there will different kinds of rice, maybe some noodles, and plenty of vegetables and fresh salad. Dinner is normally taken around 6 pm and consists of a full complement of Asian dishes and some western food which could be pasta, pork steak and fries, Mexican food, or goulash and potatoes. In between meals there is always fresh fruit available, cookies in a jar, and after the night dive there will be something sweet waiting for you. This could be doughnuts, banana cake, cheese cake, custard, fruit in syrup, or nuts.

Day 8
All good things must come to an end. After breakfast and saying your farewells you will disembark and be transferred back to your hotel in Ranong, Phuket or Khao Lak, or the airports in Ranong and Phuket.

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Burma Mergui Archipelago (11 Days / 10 Nights - 34 Dives)

Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: High Rock, Shark Cave, Black Rock, Tower Rock, Little Torres Island, Burma Banks, South Twin, North Twin, Western Rocky, Rocky Peaks, Horseshoe Island

Day 1
Join the Phinisi on a safari to explore the very best of the Burma Mergui Archipelago. The trip departs from BC Badin Resort in Ranong after embarkation at mid day, and after all guests have boarded. The tour leader will welcome you onboard, assign a cabin to you and explain in detail the boat features and the plans for the coming days. But first the immigration formalities, which are all done onboard, both on the Thai side (Ranong) and in Myanmar (Kawthaung). Now settle in, enjoy the snacks, relax, and get to know your fellow guests as the yacht sails out to the first site.

Days 2-10
There will be 4 dives per day - dive 1 after a light breakfast, dive 2 after a full breakfast, dive 3 after lunch, then there will be a sunset or night dive. The first dive is usually at High Rock, with plenty of macro life and also some bamboo sharks and rays to surprise you. Here we can find all the special things like pipefish, ghost pipefish, pineapplefish, frogfish, seahorses and many different species of nudibranch. At Shark Cave there are 3 dive sites to explore. You can expect to see nurse sharks and big blotched sting rays, mantis shrimps and crustaceans of all types.

Black Rock is a large rock in the open sea. Here we are looking for big stuff like sharks and rays and whatever is passing. When you see mantas here, they come by the dozen. If they are not around, you'll get more of a chance to look in the coral covering the rock and will find many wonders. This is probably the best dive site in the Andaman Sea but so far from civilisation that very few divers have been here.
Little Torres Islands is a kaleidoscope of colour, with huge boulder and many types of coral. Stingrays, leopard sharks, sea snakes, even cowries are commonly sighted. The Burma Banks are the furthest sites offshore and a great chance to see silvertips, grey reef and nurse sharks. Tower Rock is the furthest north that the yacht will travel. Here you will descend down its towering walls on to boulders that were once part of the walls above. At North Twin and its pinnacle there is another good chance to cross manta rays and sometimes eagle rays or even mobulas. At Western Rocky, beautiful scenery and coral life is the setting for some fantastic dives. Here you can encounter every Indian Ocean creature, big and small, from the nonchalant whale shark to the pretty harlequin shrimp.
There will be 2 dives on the penultimate day before the boat makes its way back to port to comply with the immigration procedures. The last dive is around 12 noon.
Although The Phinisi can't control the quality of your underwater experiences, it can ensure you of a first class dining. First is a light breakfast, which for some is just means a cup of fresh coffee and a slice of toast with marmalade or cheese. Then the kitchen serves up the Full Monty - eggs (different style every day), bacon, ham, fried beans, fruit yoghurt, choice of bread, pancakes, warm croissants, fresh tomatoes and cucumber, or rice soup for guests who want to have an Asian breakfast. Lunch is an Asian affair - 3 or 4 accompanying dishes built around seafood, meat and some vegetarian dishes. Often there will different kinds of rice, maybe some noodles, and plenty of vegetables and fresh salad. Dinner is normally taken around 6 pm and consists of a full complement of Asian dishes and some western food which could be pasta, pork steak and fries, Mexican food, or goulash and potatoes. In between meals there is always fresh fruit available, cookies in a jar, and after the night dive there will be something sweet waiting for you. This could be doughnuts, banana cake, cheese cake, custard, fruit in syrup, or nuts.

Day 11
All good things must come to an end. After breakfast and saying your farewells you will disembark and be transferred back to your hotel in Ranong, Phuket or Khao Lak, or the airports in Ranong and Phuket.

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Phi Phi islands, Hin Daeng & Hin Muang (5 Days / 4 Nights - 14 Dives)

Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Ha, Phi Phi Islands, Shark Point, King Cruiser Wreck, Anemone Reef, Koh Dok Mai, Racha Noi, Racha Yai

Day 1
Join the Phinisi on a safari to explore the very best of southern Thailand. The trip departs from Chalong Pier in Phuket after embarkation at 6 pm, and after all guests have been collected from their hotels around the island. The tour leader will welcome you onboard, assign a cabin to you and explain in detail the boat features and the plans for the coming days. There will be 4 dives per day - the first dive after a light breakfast, dive 2 after a full breakfast, dive 3 after lunch, then there will be a sunset or night dive.
Settle in, enjoy the snacks, relax, and get to know your fellow guests. Dinner is normally taken around 6 pm and consists of a full complement of Asian dishes and some western food which could be pasta, pork steak and fries, Mexican food, or goulash and potatoes.

Days 2-4
Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are submerged boulder pinnacles covered with healthy soft corals in various shades of red and purple. A lot of fish action takes place here, especially when there is a current, including manta rays and even whale sharks. Koh Ha is famous for its cavern systems. With its mini-walls and shallow coral gardens predominating, there are a host of dive sites to choose from around the Koh Phi Phi National Park. Wildlife is varied with blacktip reef sharks common, tigertail seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, cornetfish, octopus, scorpionfish, bluefin trevally, barracuda and more.
Shark Point and Anemone Reef are covered with colourful soft corals and anemones with a variety of fish, from barracuda to seahorses, and maybe the eponymous leopard shark! The King Cruiser is ferry wreck that is covered with soft corals and hides some wonderful gems, such as huge lionfish and turtles, as well as schools of snapper. Koh Dok Mai is a small rock islet which houses frogfish, ornate ghostpipefish and even bamboo sharks.
The granite boulder topography of Racha Noi is unique compared to other areas and it often has the best visibility in the area.. It offers hard coral reefs, large swim throughs, and a beautiful pinnacle at the south point of this island. Strong currents can make the point challenging, however with a year round chance to see manta rays, it is worth the effort to dive here.
Along the route there are some incredible views from the boat, including Phi Phi Island’s famous beaches and limestone karsts climbing vertically from the sea. There will be opportunities to leave the yacht and take a sight-seeing trip with the dinghy.
Although The Phinisi can't control the quality of your underwater experiences, it can ensure you of a first class dining. First is a light breakfast, which for some is just means a cup of fresh coffee and a slice of toast with marmalade or cheese. Then the kitchen serves up the Full Monty - eggs (different style every day), bacon, ham, fried beans, fruit yoghurt, choice of bread, pancakes, warm croissants, fresh tomatoes and cucumber, or rice soup for guests who want to have an Asian breakfast. Lunch is an Asian affair - 3 or 4 accompanying dishes built around seafood, meat and some vegetarian dishes. Often there will different kinds of rice, maybe some noodles, and plenty of vegetables and fresh salad. In between meals there is always fresh fruit available, cookies in a jar, and after the night dive there will be something sweet waiting for you. This could be doughnuts, banana cake, cheese cake, custard, fruit in syrup, or nuts.

Day 5
The agenda for the final day includes breakfast, 2 morning dives, and then lunch. The boat then returns to Chalong for disembarkation at 2 pm.

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Similan, Surin, Richelieu Rock & Khao Lak (7 Days / 6 Nights - 19 Dives)

Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands and Khao Lak

Day 1
Join the Phinisi on a safari to explore the very best of the northern Thai Andaman Sea. The trip departs from Tap Lamu Pier in Khao Lak after embarkation early evening, and after all guests have boarded. The tour leader will welcome you onboard, assign a cabin to you and explain in detail the boat features and the plans for the coming days. There will be 4 dives per day - the first dive after a light breakfast, dive 2 after a full breakfast, dive 3 after lunch, then there will be a sunset or night dive.
Settle in, enjoy the snacks, relax, and get to know your fellow guests. Dinner is normally taken around 6 pm and consists of a full complement of Asian dishes and some western food which could be pasta, pork steak and fries, Mexican food, or goulash and potatoes.

Days 2-6
9 granite islands covered in tropical jungle and surrounded by sparkling clear blue waters, the Similan Islands are by far the most spectacular dive destination in Thailand. The underwater scenery features some hard and soft coral gardens, as well as huge granite boulders and dramatic rock formations that form swim-throughs and canyons. Drift diving is common here as the currents run over reefs teeming with marine life. Healthy reefs await your arrival at the Surin islands, home to the greatest variety of hard coral in Thailand. Napoleon wrasse, yellow-masked angelfish, bumphead parrotfish, barramundi, as well as lots of turtles that still come ashore here to lay their eggs.
Richelieu Rock is your best chance to encounter a whale shark. Eagle and manta rays are also common visitors here during the diving season. Your guides will probably plan more than one dive at this unforgettable site. Huge schools of trevally and barracuda cruise in the currents, and many tiny species such as frogfish, ghost pipefish and seahorses hide in the cracks and crevices. Koh Bon and Koh Tachai will provide extra opportunities of catching glimpses of the ‘big stuff’. Close to Khao Lak there are a series of wrecks which are a treat for any underwater photographer.
There will be 3 dives on the penultimate day before The Phinisi makes its way back to port. The last dive is around 2 pm.
Although The Phinisi can't control the quality of your underwater experiences, it can ensure you of a first class dining. First is a light breakfast, which for some is just means a cup of fresh coffee and a slice of toast with marmalade or cheese. Then the kitchen serves up the Full Monty - eggs (different style every day), bacon, ham, fried beans, fruit yoghurt, choice of bread, pancakes, warm croissants, fresh tomatoes and cucumber, or rice soup for guests who want to have an Asian breakfast. Lunch is an Asian affair - 3 or 4 accompanying dishes built around seafood, meat and some vegetarian dishes. Often there will different kinds of rice, maybe some noodles, and plenty of vegetables and fresh salad. In between meals there is always fresh fruit available, cookies in a jar, and after the night dive there will be something sweet waiting for you. This could be doughnuts, banana cake, cheese cake, custard, fruit in syrup, or nuts.

Day 7
All good things must come to an end. After breakfast and saying your farewells you will disembark and be transferred back to your local hotel or Phuket airport. Note: this trip sometimes runs in reverse so please double check the ports of departure and return.

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Similan, Richelieu Rock & Hin Daeng (11 Days / 10 Nights - 33 Dives)

Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Island, Khao Lak, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Ha, Phi Phi Islands, Shark Point, King Cruiser Wreck, Anemone Reef, Koh Dok Mai

Day 1
Join the Phinisi on a safari to explore the very best of the Thai Andaman Sea. The trip departs from Tap Lamu Pier in Khao Lak after embarkation early evening, and after all guests have boarded. The tour leader will welcome you onboard, assign a cabin to you and explain in detail the boat features and the plans for the coming days. There will be 4 dives per day - the first dive after a light breakfast, dive 2 after a full breakfast, dive 3 after lunch, then there will be a sunset or night dive. Settle in, enjoy the snacks, relax, and get to know your fellow guests.

Days 2-10
9 granite islands surrounded by sparkling clear blue waters, the Similan Islands are the most spectacular dive destination in Thailand. The underwater scenery features some hard coral gardens, as well as huge granite boulders and dramatic rock formations that form swim-throughs and canyons. Drift diving is common here as the currents run over reefs teeming with marine life. Healthy reefs await your arrival at the Surin islands, home to the greatest variety of hard coral in Thailand. Napoleon wrasse, yellow-masked angelfish, bumphead parrotfish, barramundi, as well as lots of turtles that still come ashore here to lay their eggs.
Richelieu Rock is your best chance to encounter a whale shark. Eagle and manta rays are also common visitors here during the diving season. Your guides will probably plan more than one dive at this unforgettable site. Huge schools of trevally and barracuda cruise in the currents, and many tiny species such as frogfish, ghost pipefish and seahorses hide in the cracks and crevices. Koh Bon and Koh Tachai will provide extra opportunities of catching glimpses of the ‘big stuff’.

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are submerged boulder pinnacles covered with healthy soft corals in various shades of red and purple. A lot of fish action takes place here, especially when there is a current, including manta rays and even whale sharks. Koh Ha is famous for its cavern systems. With its mini-walls and shallow coral gardens predominating, there are a host of sites to choose from around the Koh Phi Phi National Park. Wildlife is varied with blacktip reef sharks common, tigertail seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, cornetfish, octopus and more. Shark Point and Anemone Reef are covered with colourful soft corals and anemones with a variety of fish, from barracuda to seahorses, even the eponymous leopard shark!
Along the route there are some incredible views from the boat, including forests, beaches and limestone karsts. There will be several opportunities to leave the yacht and take a sight-seeing trips with the dinghy.
There will be 3 dives on the penultimate day before The Phinisi makes its way back to port. The last dive is around 2 pm.
Although The Phinisi can't control the quality of your underwater experiences, it can ensure you of a first class dining. First is a light breakfast, which for some is just means a cup of fresh coffee and a slice of toast with marmalade or cheese. Then the kitchen serves up the Full Monty - eggs (different style every day), bacon, ham, fried beans, fruit yoghurt, choice of bread, pancakes, warm croissants, fresh tomatoes and cucumber, or rice soup for guests who want to have an Asian breakfast. Lunch is an Asian affair - 3 or 4 accompanying dishes built around seafood, meat and some vegetarian dishes. Often there will different kinds of rice, maybe some noodles, and plenty of vegetables and fresh salad. Dinner is normally taken around 6 pm and consists of a full complement of Asian dishes and some western food which could be pasta, pork steak and fries, Mexican food, or goulash and potatoes. In between meals there is always fresh fruit available, cookies in a jar, and after the night dive there will be something sweet waiting for you. This could be doughnuts, banana cake, cheese cake, custard, fruit in syrup, or nuts.

Day 11
All good things must come to an end. After breakfast and saying your farewells you will disembark and be transferred back to your local hotel or Phuket airport.
Note: this trip sometimes runs in reverse so please double check the ports of departure and return.

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Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock (5 Days / 4 Nights - 14 Dives)

Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Khao Lak

Day 1
Join the Phinisi on a safari to explore the very best of the northern Thai Andaman Sea. The trip departs from Tap Lamu Pier in Khao Lak after embarkation early evening, and after all guests have boarded. The tour leader will welcome you onboard, assign a cabin to you and explain in detail the boat features and the plans for the coming days. There will be 4 dives per day - the first dive after a light breakfast, dive 2 after a full breakfast, dive 3 after lunch, then there will be a sunset or night dive.
Settle in, enjoy the snacks, relax, and get to know your fellow guests. Dinner is normally taken around 6 pm and consists of a full complement of Asian dishes and some western food which could be pasta, pork steak and fries, Mexican food, or goulash and potatoes.

Days 2-4
The Similan Islands are by far the most spectacular dive destination in Thailand, consisting of 9 granite islands covered in tropical jungle and surrounded by sparkling clear blue waters. The underwater scenery features beautiful hard and soft coral gardens, as well as huge granite boulders and dramatic rock formations that form swim-throughs and canyons. Drift diving is common here as the currents run over rich reefs teeming with marine life.
Just breaking the surface at low tide, Richelieu Rock is your best chance to encounter a whale shark. Eagle and manta rays are also common visitors here during the diving season. Your guides will probably plan more than one dive at this unforgettable site. Huge schools of trevally and barracuda cruise in the currents, and many tiny species such as frogfish, ghost pipefish and seahorses hide in the cracks and crevices. Koh Bon and Koh Tachai will provide extra opportunities of catching glimpses of ‘big stuff’. Close to Khao Lak, there are a series of wrecks which are a treat for any underwater photographer.
Although The Phinisi can't control the quality of your underwater experiences, it can ensure you of a first class dining. First is a light breakfast, which for some is just means a cup of fresh coffee and a slice of toast with marmalade or cheese. Then the kitchen serves up the Full Monty - eggs (different style every day), bacon, ham, fried beans, fruit yoghurt, choice of bread, pancakes, warm croissants, fresh tomatoes and cucumber, or rice soup for guests who want to have an Asian breakfast. Lunch is an Asian affair - 3 or 4 accompanying dishes built around seafood, meat and some vegetarian dishes. Often there will different kinds of rice, maybe some noodles, and plenty of vegetables and fresh salad. In between meals there is always fresh fruit available, cookies in a jar, and after the night dive there will be something sweet waiting for you. This could be doughnuts, banana cake, cheese cake, custard, fruit in syrup, or nuts.

Day 5
2 more morning dives and breakfast before disembarkation in Khao Lak. Transfers back to local hotels or Phuket Airport are also provided.

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Similan, Surin, Richelieu Rock & Khao Lak (8 Days / 7 Nights - 23 Dives)

Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands and Khao Lak

Day 1
Join the Phinisi on a safari to explore the very best of the northern Thai Andaman Sea. The trip departs from Tap Lamu Pier in Khao Lak after early evening, after all guests have boarded. The tour leader will welcome you onboard, assign a cabin to you and explain in detail the boat features and the plans for the coming days. There will be 4 dives per day - the first dive after a light breakfast, dive 2 after a full breakfast, dive 3 after lunch, then there will be a sunset or night dive.
Settle in, enjoy the snacks, relax, and get to know your fellow guests. Dinner is normally taken around 6 pm and consists of a full complement of Asian dishes and some western food which could be pasta, pork steak and fries, Mexican food, or goulash and potatoes.

Days 2-7
9 granite islands covered in tropical jungle and surrounded by sparkling clear blue waters, the Similan Islands are by far the most spectacular dive destination in Thailand. The underwater scenery features some hard and soft coral gardens, as well as huge granite boulders and dramatic rock formations that form swim-throughs and canyons. Drift diving is common here as the currents run over reefs teeming with marine life. Healthy reefs await your arrival at the Surin islands, home to the greatest variety of hard coral in Thailand. Napoleon wrasse, yellow-masked angelfish, bumphead parrotfish, barramundi, as well as lots of turtles that still come ashore here to lay their eggs.
Richelieu Rock is your best chance to encounter a whale shark. Eagle and manta rays are also common visitors here during the diving season. Your guides will probably plan more than one dive at this unforgettable site. Huge schools of trevally and barracuda cruise in the currents, and many tiny species such as frogfish, ghost pipefish and seahorses hide in the cracks and crevices. Koh Bon and Koh Tachai will provide extra opportunities of catching glimpses of the ‘big stuff’. Close to Khao Lak there are a series of wrecks which are a treat for any underwater photographer.
There will be 3 dives on the penultimate day before The Phinisi makes its way back to port. The last dive is around 2 pm.
Although The Phinisi can't control the quality of your underwater experiences, it can ensure you of a first class dining. First is a light breakfast, which for some is just means a cup of fresh coffee and a slice of toast with marmalade or cheese. Then the kitchen serves up the Full Monty - eggs (different style every day), bacon, ham, fried beans, fruit yoghurt, choice of bread, pancakes, warm croissants, fresh tomatoes and cucumber, or rice soup for guests who want to have an Asian breakfast. Lunch is an Asian affair - 3 or 4 accompanying dishes built around seafood, meat and some vegetarian dishes. Often there will different kinds of rice, maybe some noodles, and plenty of vegetables and fresh salad. In between meals there is always fresh fruit available, cookies in a jar, and after the night dive there will be something sweet waiting for you. This could be doughnuts, banana cake, cheese cake, custard, fruit in syrup, or nuts.

Day 8
All good things must come to an end. After breakfast and saying your farewells you will disembark and be transferred back to your local hotel or Ranong airport. Note: this trip sometimes runs in reverse so please double check the ports of departure and return.

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[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].

There are 5 double/twin bed cabins and 2 quad bed cabins on the lower deck. All have en-suite private bathrooms.

All the cabins have: No. of bathrooms / showers - 8 / 8 - hot water