Liveaboard Diving - Guide for beginner's

Our first liveaboard - a real diving liveaboard experience

Laying at the bottom of a reef off the coast of Similan Island Koh Ha lays a Chinese fishing boat. As I float in these turquise waters I think about it's story...

The whole trip is one of exploration and excitement - a liveaboard through the most famous dive sites in Thailand. We are headed off in in Wicked Diving's Similan liveaboard Parinee to get a taste of real diving.

A liveaboard is exactly what it says it is – a boat that you live in and dive from. For many years they were the preserve of hardened divers looking for challenges in very remote locations, but a few years ago liveaboards started catering to divers who were more interested in the serenity of the reefs and observing the marine life without the hassle of returning to shore each day.

We are are guided by Tuk, a Thai diving instructor who has been working the Similan's for a few years. He is very into his fish (as are all the staff), but his passion lies in the smaller critters that we had never even noticed before.

These stunning Islands are barely accessible to the day boats serving Khao Lak and Phuket. To experience the highlights of the area, and escape congestion on some of the sites - a growing number of recreational divers are choosing to do their diving from a liveaboard.

Dive operators were quick to spot the potential of these divers who were short on experience but eager to taste a new experience. There are now some boats that are super-luxurious, some are very budget and - in the case of our trip - even an ecologically friendly boat.

Many liveaboard virgins are worried about boredom when not diving but with up to four dives a day available, most divers are happy to relax on the sundeck between dives and catch some rays.

In my time aboard the Pairnee, I struggled to read one book, write in my journal or even fill out my dive log. I did manage to log some great dives, sleep a lot, make some great new friends and eat some incredible Thai food, though.

At 80 feet, the boat was big enough to give divers the chance to spread out and it felt very stable, even in choppy seas.

A dive guide can make or break any liveaboard trip. The team on the boat was made up of Tuk (Thai), Ricky (Irish), Therese (Swedish) and Filip (Belgian). They more than made the trip - giving in-depth and entertaining briefings, organizing card games and charades after dinner and giving insight into the whole region and dynamic ecosystems.

While no one expected 5 star luxury - there was plenty to make the trip all the more comfortable. Cabins were air-conditioned, the showers were hot and the food was amazing. There were only 11 guests on the trip (maximum 12) and no dive group was bigger than 4 per guide. They supplied towels and sheets (organic cotton!) as well as the shampoo, soap and conditioner (all biodegradeable). I even won a shirt during charades!

On this trip we also had a videographer - Steff (English) - who did a small lecture on fish and marine life in the area. Using the video footage from each day he helped us recognize and understand a lot more about what we were seeing.

“We find that many of our guests are joining us for the first liveaboard experience.” said Wicked Diving's Operations manager Marcel Bruijs.

“The all-inclusive trips, the convenience to Khao Lak and Phuket and our ecologically friendly operation have opened up diving and liveaboards to a whole new class of divers”

That Chinese fishing boat? It turns out that it was illegally fishing in Thai waters and the government confiscated it. After some cajoling from local dive shops, the dangerous and damaging parts (fluids, lead based paint) were removed and she was sunk 3 years ago. Looking up from the depths as the schools of fish swimming past - I can't help but thank the park rangers for sinking this boat!

Included:
Meals, coffee, tea, tanks, weights, guide service, transfers in the area, linens and even secure luggage storage

Life on board
When not diving guests can lounge about on the sun deck, watch videos on the large flat-screen TV or kick back in one of the hammocks

Sleep tight?
The cabins are not huge - but comfy. Air-conditioned, with comfy sheets and blankets. Each cabin has two bunk-style beds.

Food and drink
All meals, snacks, coffee and tea are included. Beers and wine are on sale at a reasonable charge. The food was excellent throughout the trip and special dietary requirements are well catered for.

Service?
Attentive and friendly Thai crew and a superb dive guide.

Last Minute Special - Khao Lak Scuab Adventure to Similan Islands

Today we were given the opportunity to share this great value trip!

Trip Departs: Tuesday 20^th October 2009

Trip Returns: Saturday 24^th October 2009

Duration: 4 days & 4 nights

Destination: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Surin Islands and Bonsoong Wreck

Dives: 14

Standard Quad share cabin: Normal Price = 29,000 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 23,200 Baht per diver. (4 spaces available)

Standard Triple share cabin: Normal Price = 30,500 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 24,400 Baht per diver. (3 spaces available)

Standard Twin share cabin: Normal Price = 32,000 baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 25,600 Baht per diver (1 space sharing with male diver)

VIP Twin share cabin: Normal Price = 37,000 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 29,600 Baht per diver. (2 cabins/4 spaces available)

VIP Double bed cabin: Normal Price = 37,000 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 29,600 Baht per diver (1 cabin available).

If you would like to know more - contact us

The MV Queen Scuba is a 28m (92ft) vessel completed in 2003. She was built to be one of the more comfortable boats plying the Andaman Sea, and she has succeeded in that goal. One of the best things about this boat is the fact that she can take up to 21 guests--so those of you who like to travel in a fairly large group have other options now.

The boat is undergoing a slight redesign at this time, after one-year of operating in the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock. She has one master cabin and five "VIP" or deluxe cabins. These cabins offer double-bed accommodation for you traveling couples out there. She also has three cabins with single beds down below; two of them are for two people, and one is a triple. The cabins are priced according to comfort level-lower for the below deck cabins, slightly higher for the VIP cabins, and highest for the master. The highest comfort comes with a price as on most boats.

The Master cabin is the nicest room on the boat, of course, and the owner's claim the nicest in all of Southeast Asia. That's pretty tall claim, but the fact of the matter is that you can't get much better as far as comfort goes. First come, first served! This cabin has a large king-sized bed, a large well-appointed ensuite bathroom with hot water, a DVD entertainment system with movies, a complimentary fruit basket, air conditioning, and panoramic ocean views.

The five VIP cabins all have a large double bed, a large ensuite bathroom with hot water, air conditioning, a complimentary fruit basket, and ocean views.

For you single gentlemen or ladies, the standard cabins are located below deck, but are still light and airy. They also feature ensuite facilities with hot water and air conditioning. One of the cabins take two persons, one of them takes three guests, and one of them takes four guests (perfect for a family). She takes a total of 21 persons on board.

If you would like to know more - contact us

The interior saloon is large enough to seat everyone on the boat, including crew, and features a DVD entertainment system and comfortable benches and low tables to sit and enjoy a drink. Most meals are served in the covered deck area just to the rear of the saloon. She has wooden tables and comfortable chairs where you'll enjoy your meal with three other guests. Meals are served buffet style, with fresh breads, fruit, and wonderful Thai and Western dishes served up by the fabulous chef.

Dive deck and gear area

Going down the stairs from the top deck you'll be on the cabin deck and this is where most of your time will be spent--gearing up for diving, the reason we're here. The dive deck is spacious and well designed. No moving tanks around, all tanks are filled at their stations or the crew will handle the lifting. Put your gear together and forget about it. Two dinghies will transfer you to the dive sites, or we'll jump off the mother ship. All pick-ups are done from the dinghies for your convenience. Since many of the dives are drift dives, this system is pretty common practice around here.

Divemaster or instructor staff on the boat do dive briefings. They are thorough and interesting, and will help you to have more fun underwater and to help you understand what you're seeing. All dives are guided if you choose; there is always a divemaster available for you if you want one. If you don't, that's OK too, just dive with a buddy. If you are traveling alone, we'll hook you up with a buddy.

If you would like to know more - contact us

The Queen Scuba realizes that Nitrox is the future of diving, here today, so full Enriched Air or Nitrox services are offered on board. And, for those of you not yet Nitrox certified, we offer these courses for your convenience. There are many options from a two-dive full certification in Nitrox to introductory dives for those not sure if they will like it or not. Of course there is plenty of normal air available as well.

If you would like to know more - contact us

The boat is outfitted with the latest in electronic marine equipment including GPS and radar for safety and ease of navigation. We have VHF radios, and mobile telephone communications equipment.

The Queen Scuba will be doing the standard four-day/ four-night trips, visiting all the best sites in Thailand's Andaman Sea. She will dive in the nine fabulous Similan Islands, as well as Ko Bon, Ko Tachai, and Richelieu Rock.

Itinerary

4-days/ 4-nights: Similan and Richelieu
Departure	19:00 from Khao Lak 19:30 Arrive Thap Lamu 21:00: Depart for Similan Islands / Late supper	No diving
Day 1	Diving in Similan Islands National Park	~4 dives
Day 2	Diving at Koh Bon and Koh Tachai	~4 dives
Day 3	Diving at Richelieu Rock and Surin Islands	~4 dives
Day 4	Diving at Koh Bon, Bonsoon Wreck, depart for Thap Lamu, arrive Phuket approximately 18:00.	~2 dives
Note: For people departing the boat on the final day, transfers are provided to your hotel free of charge. You may not fly this evening due to flying after diving rules. Please note that itineraries are approximate and are subject to change due to conditions, tides, wind, current, and divemaster's discretion.		~14 dives

The Queen Scuba does 4-day and 4-night trips from October - May every year. These trips visit Similan, Koh Bon, Tachai and Richelieu Rock. These trips will depart from, and return to Thap Lamu pier, 10kms south of Khao Lak.

Price includes accommodation on board, all meals, most drinks, divemaster services, tanks, weights, and belts. Price does not include personal diving equipment or national park fees. National park fees are 400 baht per person per entry (Similan and Surin), plus 200 baht per day. This is payable in Thai baht on the boat and is an additional charge imposed by the Thai Government as of November 15, 2001. A four-day trip is 1,600 THB. We never know what exactly the government will be doing from year to year, but this is the situation as it currently stands.

If you would like to know more - contact us

Similan Diving

Surin Islands

Best time to visit thailand for festivals?

Thailand boasts some of the world's best festivals at times that don't line up with the Commonwealth of Nations' school holidays.

Try to set your trip for Loy Krathong, held on the full moon in November, and make your way to Chang Mai. There you will witness the waterways filled with floating Krathong (banana leaf rafts lit with candles) and the night-sky speckled with flying lanterns. It's truly a stunning sight.

If you're visiting in the spring shoot for Songkran, one of the world's most unusual, fascinating and brilliantly chaotic festivals. Songkran marks the Thai New Year and spans from April 13th-15h. During the celebration businesses throughout the country shut down (particularly in Bangkok and Chang Mai) and citizens partake in a national water fight. The streets are filled with revelers signing, spreading mud paste on each other's faces and dumping water on each other. It challenges Spain's famous Tomatina Festival for both messiness and enjoyment. Both Loy Krathong and Songkran offer excellent opportunities to connect with locals.

The Songkran festival in Khao Lak is much more low key - meant for families and great fun. It also coincides with some seriously incredible diving to! One of the best times to Dive Khao Lak

At the end of the day, finding a way off the Banana Pancake Trail is simple-all it takes is a spirit for adventure, a thirst for something new and a willingness to split from the pack. The only downside is you might have to try a new dish for breakfast. I'd say it's certainly worth the trade-off.

Best time to visit thailand for festivals?

Thailand boasts some of the world's best festivals at times that don't line up with the Commonwealth of Nations' school holidays.

Try to set your trip for Loy Krathong, held on the full moon in November, and make your way to Chang Mai. There you will witness the waterways filled with floating Krathong (banana leaf rafts lit with candles) and the night-sky speckled with flying lanterns. It's truly a stunning sight.

If you're visiting in the spring shoot for Songkran, one of the world's most unusual, fascinating and brilliantly chaotic festivals. Songkran marks the Thai New Year and spans from April 13th-15h. During the celebration businesses throughout the country shut down (particularly in Bangkok and Chang Mai) and citizens partake in a national water fight. The streets are filled with revelers signing, spreading mud paste on each other's faces and dumping water on each other. It challenges Spain's famous Tomatina Festival for both messiness and enjoyment. Both Loy Krathong and Songkran offer excellent opportunities to connect with locals.

The Songkran festival in Khao Lak is much more low key - meant for families and great fun. It also coincides with some seriously incredible diving to! One of the best times to Dive Khao Lak

At the end of the day, finding a way off the Banana Pancake Trail is simple-all it takes is a spirit for adventure, a thirst for something new and a willingness to split from the pack. The only downside is you might have to try a new dish for breakfast. I'd say it's certainly worth the trade-off.

Enjoy your time in Thailand even more! 10 tips

Thailand is Amazing, but These Tips Can Help You Enjoy it Even More
Thailand is a fascinating country, full of amazing things to do and see. But, if you want to have the best vacation possible, there are things you can do to make sure that happens. I’ve been living in Thailand for 4 years and have come up with a list of, what I think are the Top 10 things
to do to make sure your holiday is perfect.The Surin Islands are a great chain of islands

1.Get a tourist visa at your local Thai embassy or consulate. Until last year, it was easy to come to Thailand as a tourist and, by doing visa runs every month (going over the border into Cambodia or Laos then coming right back to Thailand again), you could stay here as long as you wanted.The Thai government have now clamped down on too many visa runs, so it’s best to get a 60-day tourist visa at a Thai embassy in your own country. This can then be extended for an additional 30 days at an Immigration office in Thailand, giving you 90 days before you have to leave the country.

2. Learn a little Thai before you get here. Thai is a language that really nobody else speaks except the Thais, and there are only 60 million of them. So if you come to Thailand and can speak some Thai, you will find your experience is even more enjoyable, as the locals love anyone who even attempts to speak their language. “Sawatdee kha” Hello and Goodbye, (or Sawatdee krap, if you’re a man), “Kop Khun kha/krap” Thank you, “Tow rai kha/krap?” How much is that? – all will get you a smile and a nod and usually a cheaper price!

For those of you who are even more adventurous, sign up for a Thai language class at a local Thai temple in your country before you come, or check out Learning Thai for more in-depth Thai language lessons online for free! Khao Lak Liveaboards are a great way to enjoy diving

3.Don’t bring much cash with you. Not only is it safer to not carry around huge wads of cash (although I’ve never had a problem with pickpockets in Thailand), you will also find you’ll get a better exchange rate if you pull money through to Thailand from your bank account with your ATM card. All the money changers and the banks charge a fee and give you a lower exchange rate. Most banks in the US and Europe have low fees or no fees for withdrawing money via an ATM.

4. Bring lightweight clothing. Thailand is one of the hottest countries in the world. It is hot all year-round. Light-weight pants, long shorts, skirts, t shirts and cotton tops are preferable in this climate. Bring one dressier outfit for if you go to a more expensive restaurant or nightclub, but any other clothing you might need can be purchased here for as little as $2. The quality is great too.

5. If you’re coming to Bangkok, don’t stay on Khao San Road. Khao San Road is the backpacker area of Bangkok. It’s full of flea-ridden guest houses and dodgy Westerners. The Thais look down on people who stay on Khao San Road and, honestly, with good reason sometimes. Pay a few extra dollars and stay at a guest house off Sukhumvit or in northern Bangkok near the sky train. They’ll be cleaner, better taken care of, and you won’t have to experience the 24-hour noise of Khao San Road or the disdain of the Thais. Better yet, pay a bit more and stay in a nice hotel. Still cheap by Western standards and with very good accommodation and customer service.

6. Take advantage of all modes of transportation in Thailand. In Bangkok, we have the sky train, the underground train, taxis, tuk-tuks, a great bus system, boats going up and down the Chao Praya river, and even motorcycle taxis. Try to experience all of them while you’re here, as they’re all part of Thai life. They’re all also reliable and inexpensive.

My favorite is the boat system on the canals and on the Chao Praya River. You really get to experience the local culture when you’re crammed on a boat with 200 other people, and you see parts of Bangkok you would never see otherwise.

7. Speak to the Thais. Thais love to talk to foreigners, yet I see many foreign tourists here who make little or no effort to speak to them. Most people will know a few words of English and, even if they don’t, they will smile and try to speak to you with sign language. Funnily enough, it’s easily understandable and will really make your holiday. I’ve never understood those people who go back home saying “We had a great holiday in Thailand”, yet they barely interacted with any Thai people while they were here.

8.Eat local food at the food stalls. Some of the best food in Thailand is at the food stalls. It’s cooked fresh while you watch, the variety of food is endless, and it’s cheap. You will also experience the ‘real Thai culture’ as you sit at the side of the road and watch the traffic and people walk by. In certain areas of Thailand, you’ll also even see the elephants walking by!

If you’re not sure what to eat, check out my article on Street Stall Food in Thailand. I guarantee, if you try the food you will love it.

9. Get out of Bangkok and hit the beaches, the mountains or the jungle. Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world. Cities like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya also have mountains, jungle, historical temples, traditional Thai cultural events, night markets and more.

The best way to travel to most of Thailand is by bus or train. Public transportation here is very reliable and very cheap. A bus ride to Hua Hin, 3 hours outside Bangkok, is around $5. Taking the train to Kanchanaburi, an hour away and home of the Bridge over the River Kwai, is just over $1. Most of them are air-conditioned, and many of the buses will also come with a bottle of water, a snack and a movie for the price of the bus ticket!

10. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Thailand has things you will never experience at home. Fried bugs, beautiful golden temples, saffron robed monks, tuk-tuks, elephants and monkeys. It also has some of the nicest people in the world, the vast majority of whom would never do you harm.

I have lived here for more than 4 years. I have never had my wallet stolen, I have never felt threatened, I have never been in danger. I’m a single woman who often walks home alone at night without any problems. A feat I wouldn’t consider attempting in my old hometown of Los Angeles.

Try anything and everything that is offered to you. From weird food and drink and strangers suddenly holding your hand to help you cross the street, to a quick ride on a motorcycle taxi zipping through traffic on a Bangkok street – it’s all exotic and interesting. You’ll discover that Thais are wonderful, that eating a fried bamboo worm isn’t going to kill you, you won’t die from 10 minutes in a tuk-tuk on a polluted Bangkok street, and you’ll go home having had the best holiday of your life.

Follow the tips I’ve laid out for you and, I’ll guarantee, when you get home, you’ll already be thinking about booking your next trip to Thailand.

-Khao Lak Diving

Learn to Dive on a Similan Islands Liveaboard!

There are many different ways to learn to scuba dive. AN instructor teaches someone in a pool. Others jump off a speedboat and some are lucky enough to do their course on a liveaboard. In Thailand the best bang for you Baht is on a liveaboard - more dives and more experience while cruising through paradise.

The Similan Islands are home to Thailand's most famous dive sites and are often listed as among the 10 best dive sites in the world. Conveniently located to Khao Lak and the nearby Phuket airport - the diving is very accessible. With the option of Speedboats or liveaboards - many beginning divers chose to do their Similan Liveaboard Open Water course on a 3 day journey through the uninhabited islands. These trips offer the guests their own cabins, meals and many different dive sites.

The calm clear waters, the relaxed atmosphere and the skilled instructors will all contribute to the success of the experience. This is important as SCUBA diving is a lifetime passion - not just a whim.

The courses are easy to take and only require a bit of your time. Much of the academic work can now be completed online (and for free) before you even arrive in Thailand. You can spend your vacation time in the water or on the beaches - no the classroom.

The first day is spent in the pool or on the beach simply getting used to the new equipment and incredible sensation of floating weightless! It's fun and thrilling to realize that gravity no longer exists - it also takes a bit of practice. Diving also requires a few new skills that you are unlikely to have learned before. Your Instructor will go through all the basic skills that will be demonstrated and practiced in the pool. Then you have the opportunity to practice them too!

In the pool or off the beach - the instructor will settle down in front of the student so that they can see all that she is demonstrating. After some breathing exercises and regulator recovery at the surface the instructor will get all the divers to kneel on the bottom of the pool breathing and getting used to being underwater. The instructor, followed by the student will complete each of the skills. The students need to complete mask clearing, regulator recovery and some basic buoyancy control skills. These basic skills are required to ensure the safety of the divers, as well as giving them confidence to truly enjoy the open water. The instructor and student will then swim around at the bottom of the pool getting comfortable with the equipment and used to the feeling of weightlessness and breathing underwater.

Once these basic skills are done and everyone feels comfortable - it's time to head off on an amazing journey through the Similan Islands. The student has the opportunity to do 9 dives with their instructor - gaining more confidence and feeling more and more at ease under the sea.

After the first couple of dives the underwater world will really open up. Passing turtles make the reefs an incredible opportunity to slow down and enjoy the marine life. That shadow over the students head? A Manta Ray - something that brings chills to even the most experienced diver. The chance to glide over the rainbow colored corals and the hundreds of species of reef fish make this a memory of a lifetime.

After the student has completed their first open water scuba dive - they surface with big smiles on their faces. The instructor will debrief them and explain how they may improve their diving knowledge and skills by doing a full certification open water scuba diver course. Only 8 more dives to go!

This is by far the best way to learn to scuba dive.

If you would like to make this story come true...simply join our Similan Liveaboard Open Water course

Diving the Similan Islands - When is the best time?

When is The best Time to Dive the Similan Islands in Thailand?

The Similan Islands are renowned as home to the best diving in Thailand. Great dive sites with sloping reefs, deep boulder sites and virtually untouched pinnacles abound. However the weather plays a much bigger factor in the diving there than almost anywhere else in Thailand.

The factors that make the Similan Islands such a pleasure to dive also make them off-limits for 5 months of the year. The deep ocean currents in the Indian Ocean can bring in nutrient rich waters – as well as the monsoons! While the Similan Islands have great diving almost year-round, the monsoons make them unsafe to visit from May to October of each eyar.

The Government of Thailand takes this into account by making all visits to the islands off-limits – and illegal – from May 15th to November 1st. There are some nefarious operators who will offer trips during this time frame – but they are not only breaking the law – but also risking YOUR life. It is unwise to take them up on these offers.

From November to May the Similan Islands are open to diving. As the whole Similan Islands National Park lies just shy of the continental Shelf, the coral is well-fed from the nutrient waters. In addition the Islands are far enough off-shore to avoid the pollution and damage from the mass tourism of Phuket.

The very best time to dive the Similan Islands is in February and March. There are virtually no winds, the seas can be like a mirror and many of the large pelagics (Manta Rays, Whale Sharks and others) are playing in the local waters.

If you do plan on visiting – please book early. The Similan Liveaboards, for which the region is famous are often sold out (or at least the popular and safe ones – be very wary of “Last Minute Specials”). Daytrips to the Similan Islands, Koh Bon and also Richelieu Rock depart from Khao Lak each day. Leaving by speedboat, the Similan National Park is only 1 hour away. However, Phuket is still 120 km south, so one day trips are not feasible or sensible.

-Similan Diving