Thailand
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.
Prices & Schedule
| Merdeka 3 Diver Prices Overview 2026 / 2027 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destinations | Duration | Quad Cabin | Twin Cabin | Double Cabin |
| , , , , , 813 Wreck ( 15 Dives ) | 5D / 4N | Quad Cabin849 USD | Twin Cabin909 USD | Double Cabin909 USD |
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Do you have a large group and want to charter the whole boat?
click below to find out more |
Itinerary
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
| Merdeka 3 Layout |
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| 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.
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.
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Merdeka 3 Scheduled Transfers 4D / 4N Trips
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| 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 |
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Merdeka 3 Scheduled Transfers 5D / 4N Trips
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|---|---|
| 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 |
Booking / Enquiry – It’s Easy!
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Merdeka 3 Reviews
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 personal experience was that we had a great time as the crew and guests were lots of fun.
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.
Thank you for the wonderful experience!
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.
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 background, 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.
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 also 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!
