Similian live-aboard recommendations

On all trips of 4 days or longer all highlights/must see spots will be included. That means Similans, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. On shorter trips the latter 2 will often not be on the itinerary, or the trip will be really rushed.

The standard liveaboard trip here takes 4 days/4 nights. If you would like to make a longer trip, like you mentioned 5-7, IMO best value for money at the moment offers Oktavia . But there are more boats worthwhile considering.

Hi xiaoyu... you seem familiar to me. Weren't you asking about diving the Similans in May? Glad to see that you have managed to find some time in Jan/Feb instead.

I also seem to remember that you have dived Sipadan with Scuba Junkies and that you prefer budget-priced travel and operators. Is that correct?

Most of the budget-priced boats going to the Similans offer four-day-four-night trips, but there are boats that allow you to combine 3d/2n and 3d/3n trips (different dive sites) to add up to 6 days, or you can get a boat offering a 5d/4n trip or a 5d/5n trip. Other boats with longer trips are in a somewhat higher price bracket, but if that's okay, you open up a few more options, including doing a trip that goes both north to the Similans/Surins for 4 days and also south to Hin Daeng for two days to make a 6-day trip.

You can look into a 6 day / 6 night trip including Similan/Koh Bon/Koh Tachai/Koh Surin and Richelieu Rock.
Just (18-21 Dec) dived the Northern part of this trip and it was very good diving indeed. If you're interested please send a pm for more details.

I just came back from a 7-day, 22-dive liveaboard on the MV Nautica. Nice boat and good crew with an efficient German divemaster. Jan-Feb is an excellent time to go and you can book though Dive-the-Wold (very efficient, quick response) or Sunrise Divers (Good, but slower to respond). Not all trips are 7-day but I suggest an itinerary that includes Richelieu Rock. There was a bit too much dead coral in The Similans for my liking and other divers mentioned that Phi Phi was the same. The Rock was fantastic though.

On the other (land based) side, Racha Noi, Racha Yai and Kingcruiser Wreck are worth visiting.

BTW, where are you based? If you are flying from UK or Europe, use Malaysian Airlines and do an overnight Transit in their Airside Transit Hotel. The airline allows 10kg extra free baggage allowance for bona fide divers.

thanks for the feedback guys! There seems to be a massive amount of information on the internet about live-aboards - kind of overwhelming trying to sift through it and make some decisions so your feedback is very helpful!

Hintermann, we'll be looking in to the MV Nautica - thanks for the tips on booking. We're coming from Shanghai but might well fly with Malaysian airlines so the tip is useful.

Limbo, just sent you a PM for more info

Quero, yes we did look back in May and yes we did do Sipandan with Scuba Junkies (highly recommended) but we're not limiting ourselves to budget operators this time as it'll be max 6-7day trip so we can afford a little more luxury on a short trip...especially as we'l be on the boat a good portion of the time. Any suggestions on companies to cover the routes you mentioned?

Steven, we'll also be looking at Oktavia - can you let me know the names of the other boats you think might be worthwhile?

I can personally recommend 'Queen Scuba' as a great boat for the Similans. I've used Queen Scuba twice and really enjoyed it. Some friends used Mermaid 2 and were happy with the experience. I can also recommend Sunrise Divers as a reputable and helpful booking agent, I booked both my trips with them.

you could also consider liveaboard trips around Komodo; in my opinion the diving there is better than the Similans.

Mermaid II nor Queen Scuba are sailing the Similans this season.

The last I heard from the Queen Scuba team indicates that she has returned to Thailand for the remainder of this season and is currently offering trips to the Similans.