Khao Lak Scuba Adventures

Located in Phang Nga, Khao Lak Scuba Adventures has been a fixture of the Andaman Sea diving scene since 2003. They have completed over 4,000 liveaboard cruises, establishing themselves as a specialist in the waters surrounding the Similan and Surin Islands.

The centre operates the Manta Queen fleet, a dedicated group of seven vessels designed to take you directly to the most remote and vibrant reefs in the region. Whether you are looking for a short trip or an extended multi-day safari, the focus remains on reaching the best sites with professional efficiency.

As a 5 Star affiliated operator, the centre maintains a high standard of professionalism across its multilingual staff. The team is well-presented and experienced in managing the logistics of multi-day liveaboard expeditions.

Instruction is geared towards both recreational and professional progression. They maintain a strict diver-to-guide ratio of five divers per guide, ensuring safe and attentive supervision during dives, particularly when navigating the stronger currents common to the Similan pinnacles.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of SSI and PADI courses, catering to every stage of a diver's development. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, with progression through to Advanced Open Water Diver.

Specialised training is a core part of their programme, including Nitrox, Wreck diving, and Night Diving and Limited Visibility. They also offer specific skill-building courses such as Perfect Buoyancy and Deep Diver. For those looking to move into professional ranks, the Divemaster programme is available.

The Manta Queen fleet consists of seven dedicated liveaboard vessels. These boats are equipped with spacious diving platforms to facilitate easy entries and exits, and air-conditioned lounges for relaxing between dives.

On board, you will find freshly prepared meals, snacks, and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee, and fresh fruit. The cabins offer various configurations, including double cabins with en-suite bathrooms, twin cabins with en-suite bathrooms, twin cabins without en-suite, and shared four-berth cabins. The vessels also provide Wi-Fi, though signal strength can be limited while at sea.

The centre's shore base is an expansive 2,000 m² facility that includes a dedicated indoor training pool for skills practice and course work. This makes it an ideal location for those looking to refine their buoyancy or prepare for new certifications before heading out to sea.

For those travelling without their own kit, full equipment hire is available. This includes 3mm long wetsuits, with different options depending on the specific vessel being used for your trip. Divers can also hire dive computers and prescription masks on-site.

The Andaman Sea is home to a vast array of large pelagics. You can expect to encounter manta rays, whale sharks, and various species of sharks including leopard sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and hammerhead sharks. Large schools of barracuda, tuna, and various rays, such as marble rays and eagle rays, are also frequent visitors to the pinnacles.

The reef architecture is defined by incredible hard and soft coral growth. You will see extensive gardens of staghorn coral, brain coral, and gorgonians, alongside colourful anemones and various species of sponges. The topography of the Similan sites, with their massive granite boulders and canyons, provides a complex habitat for reef fish like snappers, groupers, and butterflyfish.

For macro enthusiasts, the sites offer significant rewards. Look closely for seahorses, ghost pipefish, and various species of nudibranchs. The crevices and sandy patches are also excellent places to find octopus, frogfish, harlequin shrimp, and various species of pipefish and shrimp.

Diving in this region is subject to varying conditions depending on the specific site. Many of the most famous pinnacles, such as Hin Luang and Elephant Head Rock, are known for strong currents, and some areas can experience 'washing machine' type water movement.

While many sites offer more manageable conditions, divers should be prepared for drift diving and the potential for moderate to strong currents when visiting the outer reefs and deep pinnacles.