Explorer Liveaboard, Thailand

Name: Surin, Tachai and Richelieu (Khuraburi - Khuraburi)
Start: 2026-11-22
End: 2026-11-25
Location: Thailand

8.9 Fabulous

Nitrox available
Free Internet
En-Suite bathrooms
Family Cabins
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers

from $ 148 / day Check dates

“The boat crew and dive guides on the entire trip were amazing and friendly. ”
Shan P, New Zealand

Highlights

A/C and sea view windows on all cabins
Trips can be extended to 8 or 13 days

The 25m MV Explorer is a great option to explore the underwater beauty of the Similan Islands, Thailand. Dive with manta rays at Koh Bon, whale sharks at Richelieu Rock, and beautiful reefs at the Surin Islands. Walk on pristine beaches and trek into the jungle as the M/V Explorer takes you on 3-day and 5-day trips to the Similan Islands of the Andaman Sea. The experienced dive guides are more than happy to take requests to find special critters such as seahorses, pipefish, and nudibranchs.

Topside, the MV Explorer dive liveaboard has 8 cabins catering to 16 guests. There are 6 ensuite cabins on the lower deck: 2 are double cabins, and 4 can be configured as double or twins, depending on guest requirements. There are 2 double cabins on the middle deck. All cabins aboard the Explorer are air-conditioned, have sea view windows, and feature personal reading lights, 220v plug sockets, and ample storage space. Hungry divers will be taken care of as freshly prepared food is served throughout the day, meals vary between local Thai cuisine and international dishes, and vegetarians can be catered to on request. For relaxation, guests can choose the lounge & dining or the sun deck, which is also a great place to take in the stunning views and keep an eye out for playful dolphins.

The M/V Explorer is a great way to explore the Similan Islands and up to the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock. Book online today to reserve your space.

Choose your departure date

Date

Itinerary

Price

Select

17 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 981

Select Cabin available

17 Oct

9 Days / 8 Nights

$ 1,338

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

17 Oct

14 Days / 13 Nights

$ 2,081

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

22 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 743

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

22 Oct

9 Days / 8 Nights

$ 1,338

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

25 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 981

Select Cabin available

02 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 981

FULL

02 Nov

9 Days / 8 Nights

$ 1,338

FULL

02 Nov

14 Days / 13 Nights

$ 2,081

FULL

07 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 743

FULL

07 Nov

9 Days / 8 Nights

$ 1,338

FULL

10 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 981

FULL

Included: VAT, Port Fees, Drinking Water, Soft drinks, Tea & Coffee, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Night Dives, Rental Gear, Land Excursions, Snorkel Gear, Snorkeling Guide, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries, WiFi internet.

Required Extras: National Park Fees (฿1,800-6,600).

Optional Extras: Gratuities, Airport Transfer (฿1,400-2,800 / trip), Alcoholic Beverages, Nitrox (฿1,200-5,100 / trip), Nitrox Course (฿3,500 / item), Private Dive Guide (฿2,000 / day), Scuba Diving Courses (฿1,800-10,500).

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

Pay by bank transfer or online with

Best Price Guaranteed

Boat features

Free Internet
En-Suite bathrooms
Family Cabins
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers
Sun Deck
Camera Station
Seaview Cabins
Non-Smoking Rooms
Custom built for diving
Charging stations
Observation Deck
Available for Charter
Local & International Crew
Separate Rinse for u/w Camera
Outside Showers
Leisure Deck
Bar

Food & Drinks

Vegan Options
Vegetarian Options
Free Soft Drinks
Beer available
Wine Available
Buffet style
Local Food

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.

Diving

Nitrox available
Shaded Diving Area
DIN Adaptors
Tech diving
Rinse Hoses
Dive deck
Tenders for diving
Sidemount Diving

Languages Spoken

The crew speaks English, German, Thai, and French.

Gear Rental

Equipment is available for rent on this boat. Please provide your rental needs on the booking form. If the rental gear is not included in the price, you will need to pay for it on board the boat. Show prices

Drawings & Vessel Layouts

Cabin Types

Boat Specifications

Year built: 2001

Year renovated: 2024

Length: 25 meters

Beam: 7 meters

Top speed: 10 knots

Cruising speed: 8 knots

Engines: 1

Max guests: 16

Number of cabins: 8

Number of bathrooms: 9

Tenders: 1

Water capacity: 10000 liters

Fuel capacity: 5000 liters

Boat navigation and safety

Radar
Depth Sounder
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
Oxygen
First Aid Kits
Fishfinder
Satellite & mobile phones
Bilge pump alarm
Crew trained in first aid
Emergency flares

Explorer Reviews

8.9 Fabulous

Vessel

7.5
Crew

9.1
Food

9.6
Diving

9.1
Value

9.1

8.4 Very good
franco I
Switzerland

Very nice dives and great team
Very professional staff who allowed us to discover beautiful dive sites.The kitchen team served us a very good meal.Cruise to recommend Bravo and thank you
Recommended for
meal. staff. dive sites.
05 May, 2026

Translated from French

10 Exceptional
peggy M
Germany

Awesome experience which needs to be repeated
Richelieu Rock which is one of the best divesites I ever dived in and for sure the nice evenings we had together on the boat.
Recommended for
Amazing friendly staff, great organization and food
26 Feb, 2024

9.6 Exceptional
Steven W
United States

Great experience for first liveaboard.
This was my first liveaboard experience, but well worth it. Felt comfortable even though I feel like I'm still a newer diver. Jess, the dive crew supervisor and my group dive guide, worked hard keeping us seeing fascinating things. The food was great and the crew helped with everything. Great experience, I'll be back.
Recommended for
Diving and guides. Food. Friendliness.
14 Dec, 2025

10 Exceptional
Kurt Z
Germany

Everything fits all around
Very good atmosphere on the boat 👍
Recommended for
Ghostpipefish, Seahorse, a Lot of food
13 Jan, 2020

Translated from German

10 Exceptional
Marcelino Gustavo R
Argentina

Spectacular. Forced to dream of the next
My first liveaboard. Spectacular. It exceeded expectations. A trip with friends (4) that we were all pleasantly surprised
Recommended for
Comfort. Cleaning. Professionalism.
18 Nov, 2024

Translated from Spanish

9.6 Exceptional
Nico W
Germany

A great experience and worth every penny.
The landscapes of the islands were awesome and of course not to forget the dives were terrific, diving with whale sharks and manatas was just great.
Recommended for
Great atmosphere on the boat, well planned dives and very competent and experienced guides.
29 Jan, 2020

Translated from German

8.8 Fabulous
Taco V
Netherlands

Wonderful trip value for money
The atmosphere on the boat is very good. The guests are well taken care of and you will not be bored for a moment
Recommended for
Dive. Staff. Eat.
02 May, 2025

Translated from Dutch

9.2 Superb
Allison G
United Kingdom

Red Sea Dragon and The Explorer were awesome ♥️
Loved this trip from the moment we met everyone at the dive centre to getting onboard, everyone was so friendly and felt like one big family. Food was really good. So many meals ! Great having free soft drinks and plenty of water available. The guides were really good and made the briefings fun aswell as informative. The deck crew were really helpful and one big team. One downside, the beds were so hard. We do have a firm bed but they were really firm. Consideration might be given to a few bed toppers (chargeable if required) to hire.
Recommended for
Diving was really good. Crew were fantastic. Friendliness of everyone on board and made to feel welcome.
01 May, 2026

9.2 Superb
albertus P
Netherlands

Nice trip, beautiful dives and great value for money!
We look back on 11 wonderful days on the Seadragon Explorer, with her friendly crew and delicious food! It is not the most luxurious boat but the price is accordingly, but everything you need is there, the air conditioning worked fine and the shower was warm. The diving was generally very nice and the choice of where to dive was looked at daily. Can confidently recommend this trip :)
Recommended for
Crew. atmosphere on the boat. Richelieu Rock.
06 Mar, 2026

Translated from Dutch

8.0 Very good
Hector Humberto K
Argentina

Predispocion de todo el staf de sea dragon
Experiencia, excelente. Lugares de buceo
Recommended for
Servicio a bordo. Guías de buceo. Lugares de buceo.
13 Dec, 2024

96 reviews

8.9 Fabulous
96 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

8.8 Fabulous
Sean B
United Kingdom

A great week diving beautiful islands
I enjoyed a 8 night trip aboard the Explorer, the diving was fantastic, the Similan islands are beautiful, white soft sandy beaches, the crew and dive guides were really friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, the food on board was lovely, i love Thai food, my only moan was the mattress on the bed was really hard.
Recommended for
Superb diving. The helpful crew. Shade on top deck.
12 May, 2026

10 Exceptional
Natalie R
New Zealand

An incredible 5 days 5 night liveaboard
Would highly recommend this liveaboard! For what you pay, you get so much. The boat isnt the flashest boat in the sea but it works, and is comfortable and has everything you need. Both the thai staff and the diving staff were incredibly friendly and helpful and efficient. You would finish a dive and boat boys would be there to help you out of your gear, full up tanks, and then would have an amazing feed after every dive. On our boat we had about 3-4 divers per guide which was awesome. I went as a single traveler which I was highly nervous about, but everyone on board was so friendly and never had time to get bored. Great 5 days!
Recommended for
Diving was great - ratios of divers to guides was incredible, friendly and accommodating staff, really efficient
04 Apr, 2017

9.6 Exceptional
jennifer L
United States

I would go again!!!
Richlieu rock was fantastic The other guests were really fun The crew was amazing
Recommended for
Dive masters. Meals were delicious. Nice clean cabins.
25 Nov, 2024

10 Exceptional
Bastien M
France

Amazing diving vacation with a great team!
We booked a 6 days / 5 nights trip from Surin island to Similan Islands. We had 18 dives in a beautiful and preserved submarine environment. We had the chance to stop by a wonderful beach and a gipsy community. On board, the team was amazing, the diving instructors and the boat crew were professional, competent and funny. The thaï food was delicious and the boat was comfortable.
Recommended for
dives in paradise, food, team
03 Jan, 2018

10 Exceptional
Michelle Z
Hong Kong

Can’t expect more from this trip
Special thanks to John, the boat supervisor and my dive guide of the first 5 day trip. His thorough intro to the boat, crew members, safety measures and the trip made it easy for me to get along with trip quickly. He also coached me with my diving skills. Not mention that he brought us to the leopard shark, guitar shark, mating cuttlefish, etc. Get ready early, think more underwater and move slowly on the boat - the three things in my mind throughout the trip~ Highlight of the trip: PI Yaa and PI Wee’s amazing cook! I could feel my wetsuit getting tighter and tighter 😂 PI Oi, PI Yaa, PI Wee, Khao, Bat, Nat, John, Tracy, Jong, Pang, Karlos and Sea Dragon Dive Centre - THANK YOU ALL!
Recommended for
Boat in pretty good conditions - cozy cabin, nice bedding, clean; professional team - crew staff were always around with smiles and helping us, supervisors and dive guides did fantastic jobs; food is amazing!
08 Feb, 2024

7.6 Good
Kevin M
Germany

Review of the 5-Day Dive Safari on the “Explorer” (Nov 10–15, 2024)
Overall, this trip provided fantastic diving and excellent service from the Sea Dragon Dive Center. While the boat accommodations were basic, the quality of the diving and crew made it a worthwhile experience for advanced divers.
Recommended for
The crew was exceptional—attentive, professional, and always prepared. They managed dive equipment efficiently and ensured smooth operations before every dive.. Meals were generally good, with mostly vegan options, though some dishes contained hidden egg.. The dive sites were well-selected, offering something for all levels. The marine life was abundant, with vibrant corals and minimal underwater litter. Highlights included Richelieu Rock for its biodiversity and the Similan Islands for stunning coral landscapes..
13 Dec, 2024

10 Exceptional
Shan P
New Zealand

Eat, sleep, dive and repeat...
The boat crew and dive guides on the entire trip were amazing and friendly. The food was really delicious and plentiful. The diving was well organised and you are taken to all the best dive sites within the national park. I especially liked how the dive groups are organised and extra care and attention is given to each diver before and after the dive. I would highly recommend this liveaboard and I look forward to coming back soon.
Recommended for
The boat crew. The food. Good diving.
01 Jan, 2025

10 Exceptional
VERONIQUE D
New Caledonia

ONLY HAPPINESS
There were only very good moments.. And then there was an exceptional day at Richelieu Rock.. Share your day dives with a whale shark in a magical setting.. of the happiness that we have all consumed without moderation.
Recommended for
The friendliness and efficiency of the crew, the quality and choice of meals, the good knowledge of the sites by the dive guides
26 Apr, 2024

9.6 Exceptional
Simona D
Slovenia

Awesome
Meeting tiger shark was something special, night dive on Surin was one of the best I had, Richelieue rock is awesome, Moken people were nice to meet... really top experience
Recommended for
Dive sides were perfect, visits of the coast were super, Dive guides &crew very very good
07 Nov, 2019

8.8 Fabulous
Hui Ling H
Taiwan

Not bad
The crew is kind, the food is delicious and the environment is acceptable
Recommended for
Crew services. The food is delicious. Comfortable weather.
27 Mar, 2025

Translated from Chinese

9.2 Superb
Yoshinori S
Japan

Best value of liveboard for Similan tour
大物は見れませんでしたが、透明度、魚影の濃さ、料金設定からシミランエキスプローラーはオススメです。
Recommended for
Diving crews, Boat staff and cheff and good value
31 Jan, 2017

9.6 Exceptional
Bernd S
Germany

A well organized tour, great guide and a great Thai food
Many years ago I was already on Surin Island, the abundance of fish surprised me
Recommended for
Guide, food, ship
08 Feb, 2024

8.0 Very good
Christian S
Sweden

Fantastic well organized experience with alot of activity and rest.
Everything was very well organized, including equipment, food and living. I only hsd to focus on enjoying every dive and relax between them. Richelieu rock was the highligt with much to see.
Recommended for
Staff. Dive sites. Comfort.
23 Mar, 2026

8.0 Very good
Christine S
Germany

Beginning of a passion liveaboard
We enjoyed the time on board very much, even though only 8 nights and not 13 nights were possible due to the weather conditions. We were also lucky enough to have been the only boat at Richelieu Rock for a whole day and thus 4 unforgettable dives. A great diving area, for us the first liveaboard and not the last!
Recommended for
Richelieu Rock. Super Essen. Team an Board.
11 Aug, 2025

7.6 Good
Robert S
Israel

Enjoyable diving among the Similan islands
Good selection of dive sites, well managed itinerary, caring crew.
Recommended for
Energetic crew, diverse crew, well managed within boat limitations
03 Jan, 2017

8.8 Fabulous
Cat H
Singapore

Very memorable!
It was memorable, especially the second night when the weather turned rough; highly shows the capability of the captain, who manoeuvred and kept us all safe. Everything was very organised and there is always somewhere to laze around. The diving was good. The briefing were always clear and Luca (our leader) sometimes tells us before the dive what he will try to show us (if he can find). Marine life might not have been as good as a decade ago, but still easily top many places. Am I a potential return customer? Yes.
Recommended for
friendly and helpful local crews, powerful captain (!) and no internet ;)
22 Mar, 2018

7.6 Good
Albert B
Spain

Good quality - price liveaboard
The food quality was fantastic
Recommended for
Food, price, accessability
06 Dec, 2017

8.4 Very good
Wing Kwan L
China

Very nice trip
I enjoy the trip very much. Everything are good except the cabin is a bit small. It is ok for me as I only have one backpack. Don't take suitcase.
Recommended for
Food is delicious, dive master is kind and helpful, the crew also very helpful.
23 Apr, 2018

9.6 Exceptional
Yannick M
France

diving with a great boat and marvellous people
thanks for this trip
Recommended for
diving was marvellous,. trip on beach, we" saw lemurs, monkeys, squirrels, lizards abd the beach was so great. the crew, and diving guides was great. they always have fun and caring with all of us. thanks so much;.
10 Apr, 2025

8.4 Very good
Chris G
Singapore

Good value for money, space on board is OK if full, crew and diving team is great.
Richelieu rock, wrecks were the diving highlights
Recommended for
Crew, Food, People
09 Feb, 2017