Group tour Thailand - The Junk liveaboard & Khao Sok
A fun group trip where you’ll visit Thailand’s most beautiful dive sites aboard the liveaboard The Junk. Together with a friendly group of experienced divers, you’ll explore Thailand both above and below the water.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Group tour Thailand: diving around Similan & Surin
- Travel dates: January 15–23 , 2027
- Tour guide: Sebastiaan op’t Hof
- Tour guide languages: Dutch, English
- Liveaboard: 7 nights on full board basis
- Dive level: from Open Water
- Number of dives: 19 dives (4 per day)
- Optional extension: 2 nights in Khao Sok on a full-board basis
Join us on a special group trip to Thailand! Together with group leader Sebastiaan, you’ll discover some of the most beautiful diving spots in the Andaman Sea during this trip.
The adventure takes place entirely aboard a liveaboard around the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock. These world-famous dive sites are known for their immense biodiversity, colorful reefs, and impressive granite rock formations. Expect schools of tropical fish, reef sharks, manta rays, and—with a little luck—even an encounter with a whale shark. With multiple dives per day, you’ll live completely in tune with the rhythm of the sea, while relaxing on board in between dives and enjoying the company of a friendly group of divers.
This group trip isn’t just about spectacular dives—it’s also about traveling together, sharing experiences, and enjoying everything that makes a liveaboard so special. For a whole week, it’s all about diving, relaxation, and exploring Thailand’s underwater world.
Best travel time for a diving trip Thailand
The main diving season in the Similan Islands runs from mid-October to mid-May. Outside this period, the park is closed due to weather and monsoon conditions. Between December and April there is the greatest chance of seeing manta rays and whale sharks. The water temperature remains pleasant (28-30 °C) and visibility is excellent during the season.
Tour guide: Sebastiaan op’t Hof
Meet Sebastiaan, a passionate diver and co-owner of EWDR. With diving experience in Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, the Maldives and Cape Verde, he knows better than anyone what a dream diving vacation should look like. Sebastiaan enthusiastically guides our group tours and makes sure that everything is organized down to the last detail.
Overview participants
Available spots: 7 | Booked spots: 3
Joining us on this trip are:
- Male: 44. 45
- Woman: 78
Average temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Thailand
Since the water in Thailand is very pleasant, a shorty or 3mm is often sufficient. You will make 4 dives a day during this trip, so if you get cold quickly underwater you may also consider a 5mm.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | Travel to Phuket & aboard The Junk
Friday, Jan. 15 & Saturday, Jan. 16, 2027
Today we leave for Phuket! It’s a flight of about 14 hours with a transfer. Due to the time difference, we will arrive in Phuket the next day.
After arriving at the airport in Phuket, a transfer will be waiting for us to take us to The Junk , the boat on which we will stay for the next week. The boat departs from Thap Lamu, about an hour’s drive from the airport.
We can check in on the boat from 7 p.m., followed by a briefing and first dinner on board.
Day 3 & 4 | Diving around the Similan Islands
Sunday, Jan. 17 & Monday, Jan. 18, 2027
Starting today, it’s all about diving! The first dives of this trip we make around the famous Similan Islands, without a doubt one of the most beautiful diving areas of Thailand. During these two days we will explore different dive sites within this protected marine park, known for its enormous biodiversity and spectacular underwater landscapes.
Underwater you will find impressive granite rock formations, swim-throughs, colorful soft corals and schools of tropical fish. Here you also have a chance to see reef sharks, barracudas, napoleon fish, morays, turtles and sometimes even manta rays passing by. The Similans are especially popular for their clear water, huge schools of fish and combination of macro life and larger pelagic species.
An average day looks like this:
- Light breakfast, followed by a briefing and the first dive
- Full breakfast and relaxation
- Briefing and the second dive
- Lunch and relaxation
- Briefing and the third dive
- Snack
- Briefing and the fourth dive
- Dinner
Day 5 | Diving at Koh Bon & Koh Tachai
Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2027
Today we dive at Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, two dive areas known for the chance to see larger marine life. Koh Bon is best known for its manta ray cleaning stations, where these impressive animals regularly hover above the reef. In addition, you can see schools of snappers, fusiliers and hunting trevallies here.
Koh Tachai offers spectacular underwater rocks, strong currents and plenty of underwater action. This dive site is popular for its huge schools of barracudas, tuna, reef sharks and colorful soft corals. Macro enthusiasts can also indulge here with nudibranchs, shrimp and other small reef dwellers.
Day 6 & 7 | Diving around Surin Islands & Richelieu Rock
Wednesday, Jan. 20 and Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027
The next few days are devoted to diving around the Surin Islands and the world-famous Richelieu Rock. This dive site is often cited as one of the best in Thailand and is known for its enormous biodiversity.
Richelieu Rock is famous for the likelihood of whale sharks, but even without these giant visitors, there is an incredible amount to see here. Think schools of barracudas, trevallies, glassfish, seahorses, ghost whistle fish, morays and colorful soft corals that completely cover the rock. The combination of macro life and larger fish species keeps every dive here surprising.
Around the Surin Islands you will find healthy reefs, turtles, reef sharks and huge schools of tropical fish in crystal clear water. On Day 7, we make three more dives instead of four, as we sail back to Thap Lamu harbor later in the day.
Days 8 & 9 | Disembarking and Returning Home
Friday, January 22 & Saturday, January 23, 2027
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the liveaboard and disembark at Thap Lamu Harbor. After a week of impressive dives, the adventure comes to an end, and we drive to Phuket International Airport.
Your return trip to Amsterdam begins at the airport. Depending on your flight, you’ll depart in the afternoon or evening and arrive in the Netherlands the next day, with a suitcase full of diving gear and, no doubt, wonderful memories of a fantastic week in Thailand.
Optional Extension | Khao Sok National Park
After the liveaboard, you can extend your trip with 2 nights / 3 days in Khao Sok National Park. Sebastiaan will be traveling there with a few of his groupmates, and you’re welcome to join them, of course.
Instead of flying home, you’ll travel to one of the oldest rainforests in the world. After a transfer of about 2.5 to 3 hours and a boat ride across Cheow Lan Lake, you’ll arrive at a charming raft house: a simple floating bungalow surrounded by nature. You’ll immediately take a boat ride past the impressive limestone rock formations, go swimming or kayaking, and enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest. Lunch and dinner are included.
The next morning begins with a sunrise safari on the lake. Afterward, there’s time to relax before we take a boat to the Prakarang Caves in the afternoon and go on a jungle hike to the hidden Emerald Lagoon. Along the way, there’s a chance to spot monkeys, birds, and other wildlife. After dinner, we’ll spend another peaceful evening on the lake.
On the last day, after breakfast, we’ll sail back across Cheow Lan Lake to the pier. We’ll then travel to Surat Thani Airport for the return flight to Amsterdam, or for an optional extra night in Thailand, depending on the flight schedule.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from the group tour in Thailand?
Similan Islands & Richelieu Rock
Diving in the Similan Islands and at Richelieu Rock is among the absolute highlights of Thailand for many divers. Think huge schools of tropical fish, colorful soft corals, imposing granite rock formations and the chance of encounters with manta rays, reef sharks and even whale sharks. Each dive offers something different: from impressive large marine life to fascinating macro life. I
Diving in the Andaman Sea
The Andaman Sea is one of the most beautiful diving destinations in Southeast Asia. The crystal-clear water, impressive underwater landscapes, and enormous variety of marine life make every dive special. You’ll find colorful coral reefs, schools of barracuda, reef sharks, sea turtles, and countless macro creatures. Pelagic species such as manta rays and whale sharks are also regularly spotted here.
On board The Junk
It’s not just the dives that make this trip special—it’s also life on board. You wake up at sea, dive right from the boat, and sail to the next dive site in between dives. Between dives, you’ll enjoy the views, the friendly atmosphere with your fellow travelers, and delicious meals. Without daily transfers or the hassle of packing and unpacking, the entire week is all about relaxing and enjoying the underwater world as much as possible.
The accommodations
The stay and surroundings
The Junk Liveaboards
During this trip, you will stay aboard The Junk, undoubtedly one of Thailand’s most characterful liveaboards. This traditional 33-meter wooden sailboat breathes atmosphere and history and was even used in the James Bond film The Man With The Golden Gun. Unlike many modern liveaboards, this one is not about hotel-style luxury, but rather charm, coziness and an authentic liveaboard experience.
On board, there is plenty of room to relax between dives. On the sundeck with sun beds, enjoy the views of the Andaman Sea, while the covered lounge and outdoor deck are fine places to eat together, update logs or simply reminisce about the day’s dives. Fresh Thai and Western buffet-style meals are served daily, and snacks and drinks are always available. The boat also features a spacious dive deck with personal equipment areas, camera rinse tanks and two zodiacs that comfortably transport you to the dive sites
The boat can accommodate a maximum of 18 divers, providing a small and cozy atmosphere on board. Several cabin types are available: from double cabins to shared triple and quad cabins. All cabins are air-conditioned, have a private bathroom with hot shower and plenty of space for personal belongings. Thanks to the compact design of the boat, there is a relaxed atmosphere and you quickly get to know the group well, something that makes this liveaboard extra special.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package costs NZD 2.897 per person based on four people sharing a cabin , or NZD 4.321 per person based on two people sharing a cabin.
The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from NZD 2.897 p.p.
- 6 nights in a shared cabin for 4 people
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Tea, coffee, juices and soft drinks
- Dive package with up to 19 dives
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Return flight Phuket from NZD 1.768 p.p.
- Dive and travel insurance
- Marine Park Fee (80 USD)
✈︎ 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
- Khao Sok Extension (NZD 835)
- Diving equipment (150 USD)
- Dive computer (50 USD)
- Nitrox (175 USD)
- 15L tank (70 USD)
Send this trip by email
Want to save or share the details of this trip with someone? You can do so by sending the trip by email.
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Frequently asked questions about this group tour
Group trip
No, for stays in Thailand shorter than 30 days you do not need a visa. However, you do need a passport that is still valid for at least 6 months at the time of arrival.
This depends on each group trip we do, but the maximum group size for this trip is 10 participants. The group underwater depends on the level of everyone, but we do not dive with too large a group.
You can certainly participate alone! Most participants of our group trips come solo. This makes it so much fun, you get to know people and have dive buddies. Participating as a couple (or more) is also possible.
Yes, we create a group app in advance so participants can get to know each other and receive practical info.
Generally, you’ll share a room with someone of the same gender; the price of the trip is based on this. Would you prefer a private room? Please indicate this in your request, and we’ll check what options are available and what the price would be. On the liveaboard, you’ll often end up paying the price for the entire cabin, which makes it more expensive. In Khao Sok, we have more options for private rooms.
On the liveaboard, you share the room with a maximum of 1 person, even though there are options for 3 or 4 people in a room.
Yes, Sebastiaan is group leader for this trip. He has quite a few dives in his logbook and has also led several group trips. By the way, he is not the dive guide on this trip, the dives are guided by the crew of The Junk.
Additional costs here may include ordering alcoholic drinks on board and use of nitrox. Everything included on this trip is indicated under the heading “included.
During this trip, the group for diving can easily be divided according to experience.
The group trip often includes a day trip or activity. In this group trip it is the excursion to Khao Sok. Of course you can stay longer in Thailand if there are other places you would like to visit. We can make a custom itinerary for you.
Diving general
To take this trip, you must be at least Open Water certified and have at least 10 logged dives.
We sail the Similan & Surin Islands route, starting and ending in Thap Lamu.
The itinerary description described in this trip is an example. The exact itinerary and locations visited may change depending on local regulations, guest experience, weather and logistics at the captain’s discretion.
An average day looks like this:
- Light breakfast
- Briefing and the first dive
- Full breakfast and relaxation
- Briefing and the second dive
- Lunch and relaxation
- Briefing and the third dive
- Snack
- Briefing and the fourth dive
- Dinner
Diving around the Similan and Surin Islands is generally suitable for all divers. However, some dive sites are outside the depth limits for beginners or are subject to strong currents and waves, making them challenging or unsuitable for novice or inexperienced divers.
Dive sites range from rocky peaks and walls to sheltered bays and gently sloping coral reefs. Visibility ranges from 10 to 40+ meters, depending on location, tides and weather. The marine life is equally varied and includes everything from tiny crabs and nudibranchs to whale sharks and manta rays.
Close by and there is a zodiac with which to make dives.
The maximum number per day is 4 dives. On the last day you will make 3 dives because the boat has to return to port.
Yes, there will be some night dives during the week.
Yes you can. There are PADI courses given. You can take an AOW course and a nitrox course here.
Diving equipment
The tanks are DIN but INT adapters are available.
Some 15L tanks are available. The additional cost for using a 15L tank is 70 USD for the entire trip.
Yes, the use of nitrox is 175 USD for the whole week.
Yes you can. However, it is important to pass this on as soon as possible so that the correct measurements are available.
Renting a full kit (excluding dive computer and torch) are 150 USD for the entire trip. Renting a computer costs 50 USD and the cost of a torch is 25 USD for the entire trip.
Liveaboard
Meals on board are served buffet style and include a variety of fresh local and Western dishes prepared with the finest ingredients from the region. A selection of fresh fruits, salads and high-quality fish and meat dishes is always available. Between meals, you can enjoy snacks, water, fruit juices, tea and coffee throughout the day and night.
Yes, all cabins have private bathrooms. You share the cabin with someone of the same sex.
Yes, towels are provided both in the cabin and on the dive deck.
The cabins are equipped with liquid soap dispensers with both shower gel and shampoo. Do you bring your own shampoo and shower products? If so, please make sure they are reef-safe!
Yes, but this is not included in the stay. A bottle of wine on board costs 27.50 USD and a beer costs 2.50 USD. Of course, after drinking alcohol, you will not dive on the same day.
No, there is no Wi-Fi or satellite internet available at The Junk.
Cell phones with international roaming or a Thai SIM card and data package will allow you to stay connected throughout most of the liveaboard trip.
However, around the Similan and Surin Islands and the southernmost areas, the mobile network is limited and on some islands there is no coverage at all. Around the islands near Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, mobile coverage is reasonable, but somewhat variable.
Accommodation Khao Sok
You will stay in basic accommodation, with private bathroom, minibar, air conditioning and fan. You share the room with someone in the group of the same sex.
There is limited WiFi and cellular signal.
There is electricity (generator) and air conditioning from 18:00 to 08:00.
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