Liveaboards · Thailand
Dive Liveaboards Thailand
A liveaboard in Thailand takes you across the Andaman Sea, with departures from Phuket and Khao Lak. Most trips last three or four nights and include three or four dives a day, often with a night dive. Choose the north for the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock and manta rays, or the south for Koh Haa, Hin Daeng and wreck diving. There are 35 liveaboards, with trips from £440$588€525.
Thailand liveaboard routes
The table shows departures on sale over the next twelve months, route by route, named from their itinerary. Prices are the lowest available at the most common length, and the figures are refreshed every night.
| Route | Departure ports | Most common length | From | Departures | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Andaman | Phuket or Pak Ba Ra | 4 nights | £440$588€525 | 199 | Open Water or Advanced Open Water, depending on boat; 30 or 50 dives may apply |
| North Andaman | Thap Lamu or Khao Lak | 4 nights | £489$654€584 | 2111 | Open Water or Advanced Open Water, depending on boat; 30 or 50 dives may apply |
Prices are per person, excluding flights and costs on board.
South Andaman liveaboard diving
South Andaman departures leave from Phuket for Koh Haa, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, with some itineraries continuing towards Koh Lipe. Other trips include the King Cruiser wreck and Shark Point. You can expect three or four dives a day, often including a night dive, with a briefing before each dive. Check the boat's page for the certification requirement and whether your experience fits the itinerary.
North Andaman liveaboard diving
The north has most departures, leaving from Thap Lamu near Khao Lak or Andaman Pier. Itineraries visit the Similan Islands, Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, where manta rays pass, as well as the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock, where whale sharks are sometimes seen. Expect three or four dives a day, often with a night dive, and a briefing before every dive. The Similan Islands national park closes from mid-May to mid-October, so most north Andaman liveaboards run from about October to May.
Thailand liveaboard special offers
−£652−$872−€779Thailand Aggressor
Thailand
Asia★ 9.1/10 (54 reviews)
Departs 4 Dec 20277 nights
−25%per person
£1,956 £2,608$2,615 $3,487€2,336 €3,115
−£527−$704−€629Thailand Master
Thailand
Asia★ 9.2/10 (90 reviews)
Departs 4 Dec8 nights
−24%per person
£1,626 £2,153$2,174 $2,878€1,942 €2,571
and 2 more departures on offer
−£510−$681−€609Marco Polo
Thailand
Asia★ 9.1/10 (43 reviews)
Departs 5 Nov4 nights
−50%per person
£509 £1,019$681 $1,362€608 €1,217
and 1 more departure on offer
The boats
Manta Queen 2
Departing from Thap Lamu
★ 9.2/10 (137 reviews)
from £100$133€119/day
Discover this boat →
Thailand liveaboard questions
When is the best time for a Thailand liveaboard?
The main season runs from about October to May, particularly for the north Andaman route. The Similan Islands national park is closed from mid-May to mid-October, and there are very few departures in the summer months.
Which Thailand liveaboard route should I choose?
Choose North Andaman for the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. South Andaman suits you if you want Koh Haa, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, the King Cruiser wreck, Shark Point or itineraries towards Koh Lipe.
Where do Thailand liveaboards leave from?
North Andaman boats leave from Thap Lamu near Khao Lak or Andaman Pier. South Andaman departures use Phuket, while some boats also list Panwa Pier or Pak Ba Ra, so check the departure port and transfer arrangements on the boat's page.
What is included in a Thailand liveaboard?
Every boat sets its own terms. Marine park fees, nitrox, rental equipment, crew tips and transfers are often extra, so check the inclusions carefully before booking.
How long are Thailand liveaboard trips?
Three or four nights is the rule, although the table shows the lengths available on each departure. The most common length is shown with the route's lowest price.
Can I fly home straight after a Thailand liveaboard?
No diving is planned on the last day, and you need at least 24 hours between your last dive and take-off. Allow for that when arranging your onward travel and check any transfer timing with the boat.
Thailand liveaboard FAQs
How much does a Thailand liveaboard cost?
Trips are available from £440$588€525 per person for the most common length. The price excludes flights and costs on board.
What is the best season for a Thailand liveaboard?
The main season is about October to May. The Similan Islands national park closes from mid-May to mid-October, with very few summer departures.
What certification do I need for a Thailand liveaboard?
Depending on the route and boat, you may need Open Water or Advanced Open Water, with a minimum of 30 or 50 dives. The boat's page states the exact requirement.
Where do liveaboards depart in Thailand?
Departures use Phuket, Thap Lamu near Khao Lak, Andaman Pier, Panwa Pier or Pak Ba Ra, depending on the itinerary. Check the listed port and transfer arrangements.
How many dives a day do you do on a Thailand liveaboard?
Most days include three or four dives, often with one at night. A briefing takes place before each dive.
What can I see on a Thailand liveaboard?
The north includes the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock and the Surin Islands. The south includes Koh Haa, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, the King Cruiser wreck and Shark Point.
How long should I wait before flying after diving?
Leave at least 24 hours between your last dive and take-off. There is no diving on the last day.
Do I need dive insurance for a Thailand liveaboard?
Dive insurance is strongly recommended and is often requested at boarding. Make sure it covers diving accidents and the recompression chamber.
Are nitrox and marine park fees included?
They are often not included, along with rental equipment, crew tips and transfers. Each boat has its own terms, so check before booking.
What should I check before boarding a Thailand liveaboard?
Check the departure port, transfer arrangements, certification and dive requirements, inclusions and insurance terms. The boat's page also confirms the itinerary and length.
