Similan Explorer, Thailand
- 8.9 Fabulous
- 50 Verified Reviews 50 Verified Reviews
- Nitrox available
The 25m MV Similan 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 Similan Explorer takes you on 2 or 3 night adventures 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 Similan Explorer dive liveaboard has 8 cabins catering to 18 guests. Four twin bunk cabins and two quad cabins can be found on the main deck, while the upper deck has 2 double cabins. All cabins have AC, sea-view windows and shared bathrooms. 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 area with TV and DVD player, or up on the sun deck which is also a great place to take in the stunning views and keep and eye out for manta rays, whale sharks and playful dolphins.
The M/V Similan Explorer is a great way to explore the Similan Islands. Call us or book online today to reserve your space.
Choose your departure date
Included: Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Snorkel Gear, Cabin Towels.
Required Extras: 7% VAT, National Park Fees (2,000 THB).
Optional Extras: Airport Transfer (1,400 THB), Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks, Nitrox Course (7,276 THB), Rental Gear, Scuba Diving Courses.
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
Food & Drinks
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
The crew speaks English, German, French, and Spanish.
Gear Rental
There is diving gear available on this boat. Please provide your rental needs on the booking form. See below for further details on inclusions and pricing. Show prices.
Drawings & Vessel Layouts
Boat Specifications
- Year built 2001
- Year renovated every year
- Length 25mt
- Deck area 40 sqm per deck
- Beam 7
- Top speed 10knots
- Cruising speed 8knots
- Engines 1 350 hp hino diesel
- Max guests 18
- Number of cabins 8
- Number of bathrooms 3
- Tenders yamaha 30 hp
- Water capacity 7000lt
- Fuel capacity 5000lt
Boat Navigation and Safety
Similan Explorer Reviews
- 8.9 Fabulous
- 50 Verified Reviews
- Vessel 7.6
- Crew 9.0
- Food 9.6
- Diving 9.2
- Value 9.2
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Christopher T
![United States]()
United States
AMAZING! Richelieu Rock was outstanding.
Seeing Manta Rays at Koh Ban.
- Recommended for
- The Crew, The Food, and The comraderie.
- 9.6 Exceptional
- christine L
![United States]()
United States
Amaazing! Had the best time!
Doing my first wreck dive, swimming out to a nearly deserted island and being the only boat there (besides the national park crew), all the dives!
- Recommended for
- the dive crew, the scenery above and below water, the other travellers
- 8.4 Very good
- Michael S
![United States]()
United States
First Dive Boat Trip
Was my first dive boat, and first dives after OW cert, so I can't compare to other boats. I felt safe and well looked after by the instructor I dove with, and I was nervous going in. Gear was comparable to what I rented during my OW cert. Cabins are small, but the AC works well. I'm 6 feet, and bunk was adequate. Might have cramped a taller guy. Showers and head were basic but clean and plenty of hot water. Food was fine, not fancy, but good, with lots of choice, variety, and quantity. Drinks menu is limited, might want to bring your own drinks if you want more than Cokes and craftless beer. This is not a luxury boat, but well suited for me. I wanted to get max diving in without paying for frills. I would definitely book them again.
- Recommended for
- The guides, the dive sites, the price.
- 9.2 Superb
- Janina K
![United States]()
United States
Wonderful trip!
- Considerate, patient and knowledgeable Divemasters - Fantastic food! - Impeccably clean boat - Friendly and accommodating boat crew - Small group sizes
- Recommended for
- Divemasters, Group Size, Food
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Michael G
![United States]()
United States
Excellent experience and great value
Richelieu Rock was the most amazing dive site I have ever experienced. Every square inch of the site is covered in the most vivid colors of soft and hard coral. There are millions of fishes of all species at the site as well. I was concerned about 3 common bathrooms for the whole boat but that was never an issue and the crew kept them clean at all times.
- Recommended for
- Richelieu Rock is the most amazing dive site ever! Value for the money. Crew was excellent.
- 10 Exceptional
- Sharon P
![United States]()
United States
Fabulous Trip - Fun & Safe Adventure
I actually like scuba diving. I do not necessarily love it. I was able to choose which dives I went on and stay on the boat and read when I didn't want to go on a dive. The locations we went to were gorgeous. The guides were knowledgable, fun and caring. The food was great! I shared a cabin with my friend and I enjoyed the luxury of just having the two of us in a room. The rooms are quite small so make sure to pack minimally. The dive shop will lock up your extra gear safely for you while you are away. I would do this trip again in a heart beat.
- Recommended for
- the fun crew, the dive sites, the food
- 8.4 Very good
- Martin A
![Estonia]()
Estonia
Amazing crew and beautiful dive sites!
We saw several huge Manta Rays from just a few meters away on 4 or 5 of our dives.
- Recommended for
- Value, dives, people
- 8.0 Very good
- Marcel Fernando S
![Germany]()
Germany
Everything was really good. I can really recommend that tour, boat and crew.
We had beautiful sights on the trip, even whales (seeing them from board, not while diving). The crew was extremly friendly and everything was very good organized. It was a lot of fun and there was nothing to complain about anything. There was also several tijme the chance to see and visit different beaches. I definatly recommend diving with the Similan Explorer.
- Recommended for
- Crew; Food; Dives
- 7.6 Good
- Robert S
![Israel]()
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
- 10 Exceptional
- Ian T
![United Kingdom]()
United Kingdom
Outstanding
What an amazing experience. We had a bunk and shared bathroom which was perfect. The guides and the diving you couldn't fault! Overall I can't wait to next year to going on the same boat. I've dived on a lot of liveaboards and this was far the best experience.
- Recommended for
- Guides, diving, food
- 8.4 Very good
- Chris G
![Singapore]()
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
- 8.8 Fabulous
- pablo E
![Chile]()
Chile
Amazing
4mts manta rays, sea horse, visibility on water, people.
- Recommended for
- Life, food, people
- 10 Exceptional
- Arjan H
![Netherlands]()
Netherlands
Great From the beginning untill the end.
Night dive, similan islands and more.
- Recommended for
- food, Richelieu Rock, the whole Experience
- 8.0 Very good
- Arjan H
![Netherlands]()
Netherlands
Great From the beginning untill the end.
Night dive, similan islands and more.
- Recommended for
- food, Richelieu Rock, the whole Experience
- 6.8 Review score
- Jeffrey T
![Canada]()
Canada
Great value 5 day liveaboard
We did a 5 day, 18 dive trip aboard the MV Similan Explorer in March 2017 to the Similans and Richeleau Rock. We were a couple in a bunk bed cabin. The diving was great, but the boat is a 2 star, maybe. 3 shared bath rooms for the 18 guests plus 5 DMs, so there were generally lineups. The rooms, apart from the one suite on the upper deck, are just above the engine room. The boat's main engine ran 100% of the time, even when stopped, so there was a constant loud noise in the rooms. Many of the guests started sleeping on mats on the upper decks after 1 or 2 nights. Take ear plugs! Food was plentiful and delicious. Vegetarians were accommodated. Dive sites were great, with plenty of corals and life and great visibility. Richeleau Rock was crowded with 11-12 boats (so almost 200 divers in the water at once), but the site was still worth it. One of my best dives ever. 5 days was the max in this boat as the cramped quarters, bathroom lineups, constant noise and lack of sleep meant that patience was starting to wear thin by the end. This trip definitely satisfied my craving for lots of diving at a reasonable price.
- Recommended for
- Good sites, good DMs, good food
- 10 Exceptional
- Andreas F
![Germany]()
Germany
Fantastic Trip with Similan Dive Safaris
This was my first live aboard but it's definitely not going to be my last. Crew, Dive instructors and organisation was great. I was very lucky with my instructor Jordi who gave me a lot of confidence and guidance when diving since I am a beginner. I will definitely dive more and liveaboards will be my choice
- Recommended for
- Instructors, Food and atmosphere
- 10 Exceptional
- Natalie R
![New Zealand]()
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
- 10 Exceptional
- Roman H
![Czech Republic]()
Czech Republic
Everything was perfect!
the marine life
- Recommended for
- Dive Guides prfesionality/ Diving sites/ Crew service
- 10 Exceptional
- MINJIE X
![China]()
China
awesome trip and best crew
We saw manta...
- Recommended for
- Crew guide food
- 7.6 Good
- Amish S
![India]()
India
Amazing diving, brilliant boat crew and diving staff, cramped cabins.
Saw some of the things on my bucket list. Rich Carey- the photographer was amazing. Was amazing hanging out and chatting with the crew on board. They Ware really passionate about diving and very easy to chat with. Amazingly helpful and wonderful people.
- Recommended for
- Amazing staff, amazing diving, chilled atmosphere on the boat
- 7.6 Good
- Albert B
![Spain]()
Spain
Good quality - price liveaboard
The food quality was fantastic
- Recommended for
- Food, price, accessability
- 10 Exceptional
- Bastien M
![France]()
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
- 9.2 Superb
- Alexander M
![Germany]()
Germany
Value for money liveaboard. Warm and welcoming crew!
Tachai, richelieu. Both Out of the world. You will be in the middle of the set of the documentaries you normally watch at home!
- Recommended for
- Welcoming and experienced crew, beautiful dive spots
- 9.2 Superb
- David H
![Switzerland]()
Switzerland
Great food, people and diving
Diving at Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.
- Recommended for
- Food, diving at Richelieu Rock, crew and dive guides
- 8.4 Very good
- Krzysztof R
![Poland]()
Poland
Very nice boat experience and very friendly crew
Crew helpful even in not standard situation. Very good leading skills u feel safe and friendly. Unfortunately did not se big fish that plus for others and visibility in Similan Islands not as great as for Philippines or Egypt. I gess you need to be lucky. Many Thanks Krzysztof
- Recommended for
- Crew helpful and comprehensive, decent food, good price
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Cat H
![Singapore]()
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 ;)
- 9.2 Superb
- MINSOO C
![South Korea]()
South Korea
Good Trip. but unfortunally did not see special things...
I was little bit sad, couse of no see manta. actually I have no plan of liveaboard trip in my this holiday. when I took a similan day trip, there ware so beautuful, so I desided suddenly. Although it was difficult because I did not have enough English skills, thanks to the staffs and crews, I was able to have a comfortable and enjoyable time. So, I will back to this liveaboard "Sililan Explorer" and I hope to see Mata-lay that time.
- Recommended for
- Nice Crews, good Value of money,
- 8.4 Very good
- Wing Kwan L
![China]()
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.
- 10 Exceptional
- amir M
![Israel]()
Israel
The best way to dive in similan and richeliau rock
Every thing works like clock work. Ship leaves on time, very friendly crew, great dive masters and richeliau rock is everything they say about it and more. We saw four whale sharks and many kind of beautiful fish all along the safari. The food always on time and very tasty. We were very sorry it was over. We recommend it with all our heart.
- Recommended for
- Great crew great food and awesome diving
- 8.0 Very good
- Shukin C
![Switzerland]()
Switzerland
Just have a new experience in Liveaboard
( 1 ) Richelieu was wonderful! Unforgettable! ( 2 ) I paid extra nitro package 2’800 Bht by check in, but the dive guide asked for more money at the end in the diving shop, although the Accountant said that it was balancing, I think the It might be another highlight....
- Recommended for
- I joined end of April trip, the best was Richelieu, the other were so so la la .
- 7.2 Good
- mark M
![United Kingdom]()
United Kingdom
Great staff but rooms noisy
Richelieu Rock dives, the rest were fairly poor ie coral and life quite disappointed with the rest
- Recommended for
- Richelieu Rock, Similan islands very nice topside
- 9.2 Superb
- Patricia S
![Switzerland]()
Switzerland
Great liveaboard
Diving in Koh Bon and Richelieu Rock Visit a beach in Similan Islands See a guitar shark
- Recommended for
- Food, Dive Guides, Koh Bon
- 9.2 Superb
- YOKO K
![Japan]()
Japan
Friendly staff and great dive
It was the second live aboard in Similan. The ocean was great as before, and I could see huge amount of creatures. The staff is friendly and very organized. I strongly recommend this trip.
- Recommended for
- Whale shark, school of fish, beautiful night
- 8.4 Very good
- Michael H
![United Kingdom]()
United Kingdom
Our best Thailand diving trip
Diving at Richelieu Rock and Elephant Head. The only downside of this trip was that the boat's accommodation was too cramped for the number of divers on it. The four-berth cabins were the worst we've been in on any liveaboard to date.
- Recommended for
- !. The dive guides were very good - particularly Jen, the head guide, who was excellent - one of the best I've encountered in 30 years diving. 2. Some excellent dive sites- a couple in my all-time top 20. 3. Very lucky with the conditions - calm weather, very good underwater visibility
- 8.4 Very good
- John H
![United Kingdom]()
United Kingdom
The trip is a lot more than diving lots of places to see en route
Richelieu rock Fantastic diving spot
- Recommended for
- Like most liver boards the food was fantastic not some beautiful people still in touch with them now friends for life and then the diving enjoyed every minute
- 8.0 Very good
- justin U
![Australia]()
Australia
Loved every minute
The entire trip from start to finish
- Recommended for
- Very professional crew but great fun,great diving and met amazing people
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Simona D
![Slovenia]()
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
- 8.0 Very good
- 聪 刘
![China]()
China
Comfortable cruise ship and cabin
The whole trip was comfortable
- Recommended for
- The diving guide is responsible, the cabin is comfortable and the food is delicious
- 9.2 Superb
- Truls P
![Norway]()
Norway
We loved it, and want to do it again!
Our highlights was to be able to upgrade our diving skills to advanced certificate in such a great way: with awesome dives, knowledgeable instructors, whilst visiting great dive sites. We saw a leopard shark, fantastic reefs and corals and tons of beautiful fish, as well as enjoying fun times onboard. We have never tried liveaboard before, and now we definitely want to do it again!
- Recommended for
- The friendly, professional instructors, the food and the diving
- 8.4 Very good
- Minkyung K
![South Korea]()
South Korea
Well preserved corals, good dive guides (with great respect for marine lives)
Diving density a bit high. But every diving was good.
- Recommended for
- peaceful and relaxing diving. vivid corals. Thai food
