Buddy trip – Liveaboard Similan Islands – extended
Go to Thailand together with diving association Diving Zaventem! During this buddy trip you will dive at the Similan & Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock and make up to 41 dives.
Travel period
Features
Starting at
Buddy trip : 15-day Liveaboard on the Similan Islands with 41 dives
The 15-day liveaboard Buddy trip to the Similan Islands is perfect for single divers (by single we mean people who do not have a regular travel partner/dive buddy) or those who like to have their own cabin want during a diving adventure.
With a trip that totals 41 dives offers, it is a great opportunity to enjoy Thailand’s beautiful dive sites without a regular buddy.
This liveaboard is designed for divers of Advanced Open Water level or above, which means everyone on the ship has similar diving experience, making it easy to find new buddies and explore the fascinating underwater world together.
The trip will take you to iconic dive sites such as the Similan and Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and the world-famous Richelieu Rock, where you’ll have a chance to meet manta rays, whale sharks and colorful reef fish, among others.
Several cabins are available, including ensuite double cabins on the lower deck and standard double cabins on the upper deck.
This allows for a private space, perfect for solo divers who value privacy after a day of adventure.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to the Similan Islands / Thailand
The season for diving in Thailand and on the well-known Similan Islands is between November and April. We always recommend going in February or March for the best conditions.
Who are going along so far?
Currently, 7 of the 16 spots on the liveaboard have been given away by members of the Flemish diving club Diving Zaventem.
This group consists of experienced divers, including three couples and one single man.
The age of the participants varies, with two divers around 40 and two around 50-60.
The diving club from Zaventem brings a diverse and friendly group, sharing both experience and enthusiasm.
This makes the trip particularly suitable for divers who enjoy meeting new people and sharing diving experiences together in a relaxed atmosphere.
Lower Deck
Cabin 1 – Double ensuite (Free)
Cabin 2 – Double ensuite (Free)
Cabin 3 – Twin/ double ensuite (1 spot occupied by a gentleman)
Cabin 4 – Twin/ double ensuite (Occupied)
Cabin 5 – Twin/ double ensuite (Occupied)
Cabin 6 – Twin/ double ensuite (Occupied)
Middle Deck
Cabin 7 – Standard double (Free)
Cabin 8 – Standard double (Free)
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for the Similan Islands
Since the water in Thailand is very pleasant, a shorty or 3mm is more than enough.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 - Flights to Phuket (15-02-2025/16-02-2025)
Today you will fly to Phuket, Thailand.
Depending on where you fly, this can sometimes be direct, but usually with a stopover in Dubai or Singapore. Count on a plane ride here, including layover between 17 and 19 hours. After arrival, you will head to the liveaboard to check in.
The transfer from the airport to Khao Lak takes about 1 hour.
Check-in should be done no later than 4:00 pm on the day of departure.
However, it is recommended that you check in as early as possible to allow enough time for any final preparations.
During check-in, dive certification and logbook information such as the date of the last dive and the total number of dives made are requested.
A copy of the passport is also required.
At check-in, the balance of the trip must be paid, as well as the national park fee and any insurance.
For those who bring their own regulator and trim vest, they are asked to test them on a tank to make sure everything is working properly.
DIN regulator users will need an adapter, which will be provided free of charge.
After the check, get on board!
Day 3 to 14 - Diving! (17-02-2025/01-03-2025)
17-2-2025 3 dives similan + beach visit
18-2-2025 4 dives Similan + Koh Bon
19-2-2025 4 dives at Koh Bon & Tachai
20-2-2025 3 dives at Surin islands
21-2-2025 2 dives at Richileu Rock
22-2-2025 3 dives Koh tachai
23-2-2025 4 dives at Surin Islands + night dive & beach visit
24-2-2025 2 Richelieu Rock
25-2-2025 3 dives at Surin incl.
night dive
26-2-2025 4 dives at richileeu rock incl.
night dive
27-2-2025 4 dives at koch Tachai & Koh bon
28-2-2025 3 dives at Koh Bon & Similan islands
1-3-2025 2 dives at Similan islands & check-out + overnight stay
After the 2 morning dives on March 01, you will check out and be transferred to a hotel in Khao Lak where you will recover and spend the night.
Day 15 & 16 - Return home or relief (02 & 03-03-2025)
Today in Phuket you get back into the airport.
Depending on the time day you fly back you will land at home the same day or not until the next day.
Don’t you want to go home yet? Then you can extend individually with, for example, a few more days in a dive resort or nice beach hotel. Feel free to ask us about the possibilities.
The liveaboard
The ship and cabins
MV Explorer - Similand Islands
The MV Explorer is a 26-meter liveaboard with a wooden hull designed to accommodate up to 16 guests accompanied by 4 dive guides and 6 crew members.
The ship features three decks, allowing plenty of room to relax without feeling crowded.
The experienced crew provides attentive service and the passionate dive guides share interesting facts during dive briefings.
Freshly prepared meals are served on board (Thai & Western), along with snacks and tropical fruits.
There are several relaxation areas: tables on the main deck, reclining mattresses and hammocks on the upper deck, and cozy seating scattered throughout the boat.
The MV Explorer meets high safety standards and is equipped with life rafts, GPS, VHF radio, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, oxygen and first aid kits.
The lower deck houses the dive deck, where equipment is stored and maintained.
The crew is on hand to assist in donning dive gear and provides flushing of dive computers and cameras. The middle deck is the social heart of the ship, with a large dining area where guests gather for meals and dive briefings.
The upper deck offers an open-air sun deck with comfortable mattresses and beanbags, perfect for relaxing or enjoying the view.
The MV Explorer offers 8 comfortable cabins spread over two decks, with a total of four double cabins and 4 twin (separate beds) cabins.
Each cabin has a private bathroom, air conditioning, personal reading lights, 220V power outlets and a window overlooking the sea, ensuring a relaxing and private stay.
On the middle deck there are two standard double cabins, which have a shared bathroom.
These cabins also have sea view windows and air conditioning.
The dive shop
Learn more about the dive center
Sea Dragon Dive Center
The liveaboard on which you will take this trip is from the Sea Dragon Dive Center.
Sea Dragon Dive Center, founded in 1993 as the first dive center in Khao Lak, has developed into a renowned diving destination in Southern Thailand.
What once began with just five dive sets and three staff members has grown into a professional PADI 5-star IDC dive center.
Located on the west coast of Phang Nga, just an hour north of Phuket International Airport, it is the perfect base for diving adventures to the Similan Islands.
What sets Sea Dragon apart is its informal and welcoming atmosphere.
Under Stephan’s guidance, every diver feels right at home.
The center is known for its excellent service and the personal attention given to each guest.
All PADI instructors and divemasters are experienced professionals who speak many languages and have conducted hundreds of dives in the Andaman Sea.
Safety is always the first priority.
Travel costs
What is included
This diving vacation to Thailand is available from NZD 2.869 per person based on two people in one cabin.
Want a cabin just for you?
Then keep in mind a surcharge of approx. NZD 2.377.
A number of items are included as standard in this travel package.
All prices quoted are per person unless otherwise stated.
Prices are subject to price changes or changing exchange rates.
EWDR is a specialist in customization.
Would you like the trip to be just a little different?
More luxurious, shorter, longer?
Let us know.
At many destinations the diving programs can be extended with round trips or some excursions in between.
Want to know more about this diving vacation to Thailand? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from NZD 2.869
- 13 Nights on the liveaboard in a shared cabin
- Full board accommodation on the liveaboard
- Return transfers Phuket - Liveaboard
- Dive package consisting of 41 dives
- 1 night hotel in Khao Lak on the way back
- Possibly full diving equipment
- Free WiFi
- VZR, Calamity Fund & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Phuket from approx. NZD 1.794
- Marine Park Fees 6600 THB = approx. NZD 323
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe.
However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide.
Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Nitrox approx. NZD 251
- 15L tank approx. NZD 197
Email this diving vacation
Want to save or share the details of this dive trip with someone?
You can do so by emailing the trip.
Where may we send the email to?
Frequently asked questions about this diving vacation
Diving on the liveaboard Similan Islands
3 to 4, except on arrival and day before departure.
Diving equipment
The tanks are DIN, you can get a free adapter at check-in.
yes, for the 13 nights it costs +/- 110 EUR P.P..
yes, for the 13 nights it costs €140 EUR P.P.,
Diving equipment is included in the price
Liveaboard
The lowerdeck cabins do, the middle deck does not.
Yes, if there is coverage
Yes. Unless you also take the second place for a surcharge of approx.
€1325,-
From the boat
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