Merdeka 3 is the ideal boat for a 5D/4N cruise that offers more than just diving. Each trip’s itinerary ensures that every guest relaxes and enjoys every moment on board. The diving is normally done at the best dive sites before day trip boats arrive, and although there are dives on offer later in the day as well, you can have a free massage, go snorkelling or kayaking, visit beaches, caves and even go on to Koh Phi Phi at night. There's also usually an afternoon dive, after the day trips have gone.
There are six air-conditioned cabins on Merdeka 3, some with a private bathroom, and huge sea-view windows. Four cabins have a double bed, plus there's a twin bunk and 4-bunk cabin at the rear of the main deck. Merdeka 3 is also known as ‘spaboat’ because you can enjoy free massages and spa treatment, and most alcoholic drinks are included in the rates as well.
The boat offers trips that depart every Monday morning, from Chalong, south Phuket, and return on Friday lunchtimes. During the high season the trips include Koh Haa, Hin Daeng and Koh Rok, as well as Koh Phi Phi. In the low season, the boat goes to Racha Yai & Noi before going to Phi Phi. Every dive is planned to be in the best location, and at the best time of day, to avoid crowds. Other activities are included in the rates, and even for those who have never dived before there’s the chance to do a try dive for free.
Merdeka 3 is exptremely popular for full charters, and for several good reasons. Firstly, the rates are very attractive, but mainly because the itinerary can be adjusted and so can the activities.
Do you have a large group and want to charter the whole boat?
click below to find out more
Merdeka 3 Charter information
For many reasons, Merdeka 3 is a very popular choice for full charter bookings. These include the very reasonable rates, the cabin layout and guest capacity, and the other activities available. Also, apart from during peak season, Merdeka 3 is rarely fully booked. And it has a sister boat that can be used to merge groups if necessary. Therefore, it's nealy always possible to secure Merdeka 3 for a full private charter from Phuket at very competitive rates.
Included In The Price
Meals
Snacks
Tea / coffee
Drinking water
Soft drinks
Alcoholic drinks
Weights & weightbelts
Standard tanks
Dive master services
Mask and Snorkel
Towels
Soap & Shampoo
Luggage storage
Not Included In The Price
Transfers to & from the airport
Transfers to and from local hotels
Dive equipment
Dive computer
Larger tanks
Full-foot fins
Tips / Gratuities
View More Available Months
Itinerary
Booking / Enquiry
Merdeka 3 has two itineraries.
During the low season (May - October) the boat sails to Racha Yai & Racha Noi, south of Phuket, then across to the world-famous Phi Phi islands.
In the high season (October - May) Merdeka 3 goes to Koh Phi Phi, then Koh Haa, Koh Rok and Hin Daeng & Hin Muang.
The itineraries below are the most-common for each trip, but these can sometimes be changed for a number of reasons. Small changes are made due to weather & sea conditions, special marine life sightings, overcrowded dive sites, local-authorities' instructions, and the needs & requests of the paying guests. The safety & comfort of all guests is most important at all times.
Itineraries
Itinerary Name (click the itinerary name to open)
Days / Nights
Number of dives
Facilites, Layout and Specifications
Facilities
Available with Merdeka 3
En Suite Available
Air con
Dinghy
Courses Available
Free Pickup
Suitable for Children
AV Entertainment
Vegetarian Food Available
Double Beds Available
Family Cabin
Sundeck
Shaded Sundeck
Available to Charter
Beach Transfers
Rinse Tanks
Merdeka 3 Layout
Merdeka 3 Specifications
Type:
Wooden.
Built:
2016.
Length:
31 metres.
Beam:
6.5 metres.
Draft:
1.8 metres.
Engine:
Nissan 350 hp.
Fuel capacity:
3600 litres.
Electricity:
25 Kva - 230v.
Cruising speed:
7 knots.
Electronics:
VHF radio, AIS GPS tracking, GPS, Depth sounder.
Safety:
Life raft, life jackets, MOB buoys, Fire extinguishers, First aid kit, Oxygen.
Dinghy:
3.6 RIB.
Courses
Merdeka 3 offers a range of scuba diving courses at competitive rates. These need to be booked in advance. You can try scuba diving for free on board if you have never dived before.
Contact us for more information about courses on Merdeka 3
Transfer details
Merdeka guest are asked to arrive at the office for check in, not later than 10.00am.
If you need help organising a taxi from your hotel to the office, just ask us or the team.
Merdeka 3 Scheduled Transfers
4D / 4N Trips
08:00
Pick up from Phuket :
Free
10:00
Departure ( Chalong Pier, Phuket )
12:00
Return ( Chalong Pier, Phuket )
12:30
Drop off to Phuket :
Free
Merdeka 3 Scheduled Transfers
5D / 4N Trips
08:00
Pick up from Phuket :
Free
10:00
Departure ( Chalong Pier, Phuket )
12:00
Return ( Chalong Pier, Phuket )
12:30
Drop off to Phuket :
Free
Guests who are unable to meet the scheduled pick ups or would like private transportation are welcome to contact us to arrange a private taxi at the most competitive rates.
We usually reply within 2 hours (please check your email & spam)
Step 3:
We can reserve your space(s) commitment-free for up to one week
Step 4:
Deposits to book are usually paid using any card, PayPal or bank transfer
Merdeka 3 Reviews
Read real reviews from people who have dived with
Merdeka 3
Mip
Nationality: Australian
Dived: 01 April 2024
Boat rating: 6/10
Food - excellent
Accommodation 2 star suitable for a back packer
Crew - fantastic
Diving- good dives for divers with basic to intermediate skills with an average dive quality expectation as the water clarity was average whilst we were there
Snorkelling lots of opportunities and a couple of really nice reefs unfortunately water quality wasn't great
Dive masters John and Son were excellent
Massage - excellent
Our perso
nal experience was that we had a great time as the crew and guests were lots of fun.
...read more
KC
Nationality: American
Dived: 13 November 2023
Boat rating: 9/10
Tour leader and divemasters were excellent.
I had toured much of this before, but the diving seemed much better. I’ think much of that was due to the excellent staff.
The food was good and plentiful.
Giant strides were the way we entered the water, and the height was a little intimidating at the beginning. I did get used to it.
The boat was not full. That is always nicer.
Very much nicer.
Dani
Nationality: American
Dived: 22 May 2023
Boat rating: 10/10
My husband and I did the 5 day trip on Merdeka 3. Our dive master Conner, Captain Addy, Chet, Fah and Bah were all wonderful. The room was comfortable, food was delicious and crew very friendly. We would recommend them to anyone going diving in Thailand as they found us great spots to dive and planned the trips so we would run into as few other dive groups while exploring.
Thank you for the wonderful experience!
Trish
Nationality: New Zealander
Dived: 10 April 2023
Boat rating: 9/10
Great dives and snorkelling…..saw sharks, turtle, moray, etc. People were wonderful, food very yummy! Had a fun evening on Phi Phi amongst the Songkran celebrations. Found the cabin a little noisy for sleeping so just slept up the back saloon instead. The staff were all amazing and the massages sublime!!
Thomas Heck
Nationality: German
Dived: 10 October 2022
Boat rating: 9/10
We really enjoyed our time on the Merdeka. It is certainly not a pure boat for divers. But I think that is also in the description. It's primarily about having fun and relaxing, not ripping off as many dives as possible.
We were only four guests, including three divers, except for the wonderful dive guide Matt. Dives were very relaxed, even the preparations. But that was certainly also due to our small group. Against this bac
kground, the price / performance ratio was absolutely fine for me. The boat is already very old and with more than eight guests (without dive guide) I would not like to have to experience that.
The crew was always very helpful, also the kitchen did very well in my opinion.
Also the check in and information from Spaboat was easy, smooth and fast. Thanks for that as well.
I had no regrets, it was fantastic. Also in light of the fact that this was now my third liveaboard in Thailand.
...read more
Thomas
Nationality: Thai
Dived: 10 October 2022
Boat rating: 9/10
We enjoyed our time on the Merdeka very much. It is certainly not a pure boat for divers. But I think that is also in the description. It is primarily about fun and relaxation and not to tear down the devil out dives.
We were besides the wonderful dive guide Matt only four guests, including three divers. Dives were very relaxed, also the preparations. But that was certainly also due to our small group. Against this background
, the price / performance ratio was also absolutely fine for me. The boat is already very old and with more than eight guests (without dive guide) I would not like to have to experience that.
The crew was always very helpful, kitchen also performed very well in my opinion.
Also check-in and information from Spaboat were easy, smooth and fast. Thanks for that as well.
I had no regrets, it was fantastic. Also against the background that this was now my third liveaboard in Thailand.
Once again the best service from Jamie. From request to completion of the liveaboard permanent and competent support. All questions were answered. In addition, important tips or alternatives shown. Simply super. Always again with pleasure.
...read more
Dani N
Nationality: Polish
Dived: 05 September 2022
Boat rating: 10/10
A very comfortable boat, great dive guides, great crew and amazing food.
The boat visited great diving sites, we saw amazing places and creatures (including a velcro crab, the very first one I've ever seen!).
Everyone had so much fun both diving and having long chats in between the dives.
Additionally one of the ladies working in the kitchen - Fa - is an amazing masseuse and offered incredible massages.
Merdeka al
so caters for vegans and is the very first liveaboard I've heard of that offers complimentary coconuts to the guests - one a day!
Overall 11/10 and I am already looking forward to joining the Merdeka crew on more trips soon!
...read more
Mike
Nationality: American
Dived: 15 August 2022
Boat rating: 10/10
The Merdeka 3 experience was truly amazing! It exceeded all of my expectations and is something I will never forget. I have been traveling for three months and this excursion is a huge highlight. The captain, crew, and divemasters were awesome and the dive sites were very unique. Being able to wake up and already be at the dive location was a game-changer. I would highly recommend the liveaboard and Merdeka for your next scuba
adventure!
...read more
Jo
Nationality: British
Dived: 04 April 2021
Boat rating: 9/10
Very comfortable beds, and we really appreciated having the en-suite bathroom. The table is large and comfortable for eating and also a nice place to chill and play games in the evening. The upstairs chilling area is shaded and very comfortable. The boat felt really open and spacious. We loved the masseuse - really excellent service to have on board. The food was amazing and there was a great variety and plenty of food. Absolu
tely loved our experience on Merdeka. The only thing was the AC wasn't very good - we slept with the doors open to let the sea breeze in which was fine for us.
...read more
Rory
Nationality: British
Dived: 04 April 2021
Boat rating: 9/10
Really well laid out boat with great seating and socialising areas. Free massages were amazing! Food was incredible too, especially the afternoon snack. Bedrooms had a large, comfortable bed and en suite. Only improvement would be the air conditioning which didn't really cool down the room. So we just ended up leaving the large doors open and the fan on and it was comfortable enough.
Thailand 
