15 Best Liveaboards in Thailand | Epic Scuba-Diving Trips
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Looking for the coolest and best liveaboards in Thailand in 2023? Well, you’ve come to the right place, as we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to Thailand liveaboard scuba diving trips that are guaranteed to impress.
Thailand is a top destination for lovers of the sea, the sun – and for scuba divers. It’s a magical country blessed with white sand beaches, crystal clear oceans and a relaxed, friendly vibe that makes it ideal for travelers looking for some serious R&R – and serious adventure too! Thailand’s liveaboard scuba diving offerings are, as expected, just as unique and memorable as you’d expect.
Let’s DIVE into it!
Also, be sure to read my guides for a 10-Day Thailand Itinerary & Beach Resorts in Thailand
1) The Phinisi
Credit: The Phinisi – Thailand Liveaboard
When: October-June
Where: Various locations across Southern Thailand
Price: $180+ USD per night
https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/thailand/the-phinisi
https://www.facebook.com/The.Junk.Thailand
A trip on The Phinisi is an experience that can’t be missed. One of the most highly-rated and raved-about Thailand liveaboard experiences on offer, sailing on the seven-cabin, 37m Phinisi is a dream. Offering trips for groups of up to 18 across premier dive sites like Koh Phi Phi, Hin Muang, and Hin Daeng, the air-conditioned vessel offers indoor and outdoor activities, and a buffet-style menu for guests.
Divers can rent all of their required gear on board, Nitrox refills and the sailing ship is staffed by experts in all things diving. The Phinsi Liveaboard Thailand has all of the details and will give you a glimpse at what to expect. If splashing around in some of the most beautiful turquoise waters in Asia sounds right in your alley, The Phinisi is for you.
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2) Merdeka 3 Spaboat
Credit: Merdeka 3 Spaboat – Thailand Liveaboard
When: Year-round
Where: Krabi province
Price: $220+ USD per night
https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/thailand/merdeka-3
https://www.facebook.com/SpaboatPhuket
Cruising around the Krabi province of Thailand is on many people’s travel bucket lists, and rightfully so. This region of Thailand is unparalleled in its beauty, and a liveaboard experience on the Merdeka 3 should be high on your travel checklist. The majestic sailing phinisi has six cabins and space for up to 15, and is ideal for divers and non-divers alike. They offer air-conditioned four-night adventures sailing the seas of this region.
Expect to stop off at key locations like Phi Phi, Koh Ha, Hin Daeng & Hin Muang. The trips are also fully catered, have on-board masseuses and even include kayak rental. The Merdeka 3 is a self-professed “spaboat” that offers the best of Thailand – beautiful beaches, fantastic service and memories that will last you a lifetime.
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3) Blue Dolphin
Credit: Blue Dolphin Liveaboard Thailand
When: October-April
Where: The Similan Islands
Price: $180+ USD per night
https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/thailand/blue-dolphin
https://m.facebook.com/BigBlueDivingKhaoLak
Blue Dolphin is the newest addition to the fleet at Blue Diving Khao Lak and the brand new 90-foot vessel is guaranteed to impress even the most discerning diver. The ship offers a range of cabin sizes, including cabins with ensuites, and four-day itineraries that cruise their way around the beautiful Similan Islands, a world-class destination for divers, snorkelers, swimmers and sun worshippers.
Dive at famous sites like Shark Fin Reef, Elephant Head Rock, Turtle Rock, Koh Bon, Richelieu Rock, and Boonsung Wreck, enjoy buffet-style onboard catering and laze on deck loungers in the sun. Nitrox and scuba rental is available onboard, and there is ship-wide wifi.
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4) The Junk
Credit: The Junk Liveaboard Thailand
When: Year-round
Where: Various locations across Thailand
Price: $200+ USD per night
https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/thailand/the-junk
https://www.facebook.com/The.Junk.Thailand?mibextid=LQQJ4d
With over 100 rave reviews on Liveaboard.com alone, The Junk is the Thailand liveaboard experience to beat! A sister ship of The Phinisi from the same company – The Junk is a gorgeous, historic wooden ship with space for up to 18 guests across six air-conditioned cabins – all with ensuites. Onboard, enjoy decks with loungers and chef-prepared meals in the saloon.
The Junk offers year-round live-aboard experiences that take you to locations in the north and south of Thailand. Dive at various spots across the Andaman Sea, like in the Similan Islands or at picturesque Phi Phi. Nitrox is available onboard. Don’t miss out on this amazing Thailand liveaboard experience!
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5) Marco Polo
Credit: Marco Polo Liveabooard Thailand
When: November-April
Where: Similan & Surin Islands
Price: $200+ USD per night
https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/thailand/marco-polo
https://www.facebook.com/seabeesdiving?mibextid=LQQJ4d
With its sunny yellow exterior, The Marco Polo is bound to put a smile on your face the minute you arrive for your Thailand liveaboard trip – and so much more awaits! The 23m ship offers six cabins with space for up to 12 guests (all with deck access and ocean views), and a range of trip styles from three to six nights.
The seasonal liveaboard cruises to hotspots like The Similans, Surin, and Richelieu Rock, and guests are divided up into small diving groups, guaranteeing a more one-on-one experience. Onboard, there’s entertainment, a party deck, a sundeck and freshly-prepared meals. See Bees Similan Liveaboard are the experts in providing a fantastic Thailand liveaboard experience. Don’t miss out!
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6) Sawasdee Fasai
Credit: Sawasdee Fasai – Thailand Liveaboard
When: October-May
Where: Andaman Sea
Price: $180+ USD per night
https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/thailand/sawasdee-fasai
https://www.facebook.com/westcoastdiversliveaboards
The Sawasdee Fasai is where adventure meets luxury, all with the glorious backdrop of the Andaman Sea. West Coast Divers is the team behind this spacious new custom-built liveaboard, with 15 air-conditioned cabins and space for 30 guests. Providing trips to key diving sites of the Andaman Sea from October to May each year, the Sawasdee Fasai has onboard diving gear rental, multiple sundecks, lounges, and bars.
You’ll sail to idyllic diving sites of the Similan Islands, such as Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon, and Elephant Head Rock, and the friendly and expert staff will be there to answer all of your questions. New friendships, the best Instagram snaps, serene sunsets and turquoise Thai waters await you.
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7) Giamani
Credit: Giamani – Thailand Liveaboard
When: Year-round
Where: Andaman Sea
Price: $300+ USD per night
https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/thailand/giamani
https://www.facebook.com/MVGiamani
Splash out on a Thailand liveaboard trip on The MV Giamani and splash into fun and adventure! This exclusive and luxurious experience promises a one-on-one guest experience, with five air-conditioned cabins and space for up to 10 guests. The team at MT Giamani offers a range of trip lengths, from express two-night getaways to six-day jaunts.
Book your spot on one of their flexible cruises that run from October to May, which sail to sites across the Andaman Sea, such as Koh Phi Phi and the Similan Islands. From May to October, the crew offer shorter trips to Phi Phi and the Racha Islands. Choose from a range of cabin styles, chill out in the salon, unwind in various relaxation spaces and enjoy buffet meals served up on the main deck with a view to die for.
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8) Deep Andaman Queen
Credit: Deep Andaman Queen Thailand Liveaboard
When: October-May
Where: Various locations across the South Andaman Sea and Myanmar
Price: $250+ USD per night
https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/thailand/deep-andaman-queen
https://www.facebook.com/Deepandamanqueen
With decades of experience offering the best of Thailand to divers and sun lovers, the Deep Andaman Queen is a newly-refurbished boat that seamlessly blends style and comfort. Departing from Khao Lak, their range of trip lengths and styles sail to such locations as the Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock, South Andaman Sea, Koh Lipe, and even top Myanmar dive spots.
This luxury yacht spans 30m, with space for up to 25 divers over 11 air-conditioned cabins of varying sizes and style. There are onboard salons, outdoor dining spaces, a huge sun deck with a lounge and all of your Thai and Western meals are served up fresh and buffet-style. No matter what itinerary you opt for, you can be sure that you’re in expert hands!
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9) Camic
Credit: Camic, Thailand Liveaboard
When: November-April
Where: Similan and Surin Islands
Price: $200+ USD per night
https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/thailand/camic
https://www.facebook.com/similansevenseaclub
Wildly popular and offering a superior Thailand liveaboard experience, the MV Camic cruises around the idyllic Similan and Surin Islands from November to April each year. The crew offers four or five-night trips that will take you to some of the most beautiful diving sites of Southeast Asia, and leave you with memories to last a lifetime. The Camic has space for 14 guests across seven air-conditioned cabins, all with an ensuite bathroom.
There are spacious decks and you’ll enjoy your three freshly made meals per day served al fresco in the outdoor dining area. The boat is also equipped with a large back diving deck. Nitrox is available onboard. The team at Similan Seven Sea Club is committed to providing the best liveaboard experience in Thailand – book your place today!
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10) DiveRACE Class E
When: Year-round
Where: Andaman Sea
Price: $200+ USD per night
https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/thailand/diverace-class-e
https://www.facebook.com/DiveRACE
The team at DiveRACE describe their liveaboards as “for divers, by divers”, and you can expect nothing less on the custom-built DiveRACE Class E, their 34m steel hull ship that is all about style, comfort and peak experiences. The Liveaboard offers space for 20 guests across its 10 spacious cabins, and its guests are organised into small dive groups to ensure the best possible experience.
Choose from a range of multi-day trips that head to premier locations across the north and south portions of the Andaman Sea, such as the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, Hin Deang and Hin Muang. You’ll get up close and personal with the unique marine life that calls the pristine waters of this part of the world home. Onboard you’ll enjoy comfortable cabins with quality linen, private bathrooms, chef-curated meals and modern and spacious interior and decks.
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11) Smiling Seahorse
Credit: Smiling Seahorse Liveaboard Thailand
When: Year-round
Where: Andaman Sea and Myanmar
Price: $200+ USD per night
https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/thailand/smiling-seahorse
https://www.facebook.com/the.smiling.seahorse
With a happy name and a happy crew, you’re guaranteed the happiest memories onboard the Smiling Seahorse, one of Thailand’s best liveaboard experiences offering trips around the Andaman Sea and up to Myanmar. The expert dive operators at The Smiling Sea Horse are proud of their new vessel, which boasts four decks and enough cabins for up to 16 guests.
Opt for cabins with shared bathrooms or more luxury alternatives with ensuites. There are large sun and dining decks and even a camera station for photographers! The standout trip with the Smiling Seahorse is their three-night “Best of Thailand” itinerary, which will take you to highlights across the Andaman Sea, including the Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock, Koh Tahcai, and Koh Bon. They also travel as far as into Thailand-Myanmar border waters, for a unique diving experience.
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12) Bavaria Liveaboard
Credit: Bavaria Liveaboard Thailand
When: Year-round
Where: Similan Islands & Myanmar
Price: $180+ USD per night
https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/thailand/bavaria
https://www.facebook.com/divingthailandandmyanmar
It may have a German name, but an experience onboard the MV Bavaria is very much a uniquely Thai experience. Launched in 2016, the luxury sailing vessel sets sail from Khao Lak, and offers trips from three to six nights in Thailand, or six-night itineraries to Myanmar (depending on seasonality).
The large ship has a capacity for up to 24 guests, modern interiors and exteriors, and lots of space to laze in the sun, feast on catered meals and simply enjoy this once in lifetime experience. There’s a large dive deck, and certified divers can rent Nitrox here.
When you do dive, groups are small and tight-knit, which ensures more space to enjoy the waters of this incredible part of the world. Sunrise Divers have been doing this for years, and are experts in providing a memorable Thailand liveaboard experience.
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13) Manta Queen 7
Credit: Bavaria Liveaboard, Thailand
When: Year-round
Where: Similan Islands
Price: $150+ USD per night
https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/thailand/manta-queen-7
https://www.facebook.com/DivingSimilanThailand/
With endless rave reviews, the Manta Queen 7 is a leading Thailand liveaboard provider, staffed by friendly, expert crew who can’t wait to show you the trip of a lifetime! Setting sail for the tranquil Similan Islands, This Thailand liveaboard is a four or five-night experience you can’t pass up. There’s space onboard the wifi-enabled vessel for up to 24 guests over 10 cabins of varying size and style – all with air conditioning – and you’ll enjoy lots of lounge spaces to relax between dives, dine on your freshly prepared meals, take in those famous Thailand sunsets and make new friends.
You’ll have time to dive at many of the key dive sites around the Similan Islands, including Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Koh Surin, Richelieu Rock and Boon Sung Wreck. You can expect to get up close and personal with the whale sharks and manta rays that live in these waters. Nitrox is available onboard.
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14) Peterpan
Credit: Peterpan Liveaboard Thailand
When: October-May
Where: Andaman Sea
Price: $150+ USD per night
https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/thailand/peterpan
Peter Pan didn’t grow up, and you don’t have to either on the MV PeterPan, staffed by some of Thailand’s most experienced diving instructors who have offered trips for decades around the Andaman Sea. The 26m MP Peterpan is a custom-built dream, with an array of comfortable cabins of varying sizes – all air-conditioned – comfortable salons, spacious decks and serving up buffet meals for guests.
You’ll sail your way around the best diving locations of the Andaman Sea, enjoying up to four dives per day and even a special night dive! Explore the reefs and marine life of the picture-perfect waters of this part of Thailand’s coast, soak up the experience, and make memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Embrace your inner Peter Pan onboard the PeterPan!
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15) G Adventures
Credit: G Adventures Thailand
When: October-May
Where: From Phuket
Price: $200+ USD per night
https://www.liveaboard.com/cruise/thailand/g-adventures-thailand
https://www.facebook.com/gadventures
Leading tour provider G Adventures now offers marine tours of Thailand, setting sail from the Phuket region on their 25m catamaran with space for up to 16 guests over seven standard and deluxe cabins.
The dual-deck vessel has air-conditioned interiors, an outdoor dining area for enjoying your catered meals, upper sundeck and an observation deck. Dive, swim and kayak around some of Southern Thailand’s most beautiful locations, including Phang Nga Bay, Railay Beach, Ko Racha Noi, or Ko Phi Phi. There’s a range of itineraries to choose from, meaning that you can choose the Thailand liveaboard experience of your dreams.
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Did I Miss Any Amazing Thailand Liveaboard Scuba Diving Trips?
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in the world for scuba diving, and there are tons of options out there! If you think there is something that should be included here – please end through the details and I’ll check it out to see if it has the goods to be added to the list!
Planning a trip to Thailand?
Check out a few of these other articles to help plan your best itinerary for Thailand and the region. As you can probably tell already, Thailand really is one of my top destinations in the world, and my travel blog is filled with helpful guides and tips to help you plan your ideal holiday package.
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