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MV Manta Queen 1 is a very popular and highly-respected Similan diving liveaboard boat that takes up to twenty two guests to the best diving sites in Thailand, including Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock. The boat’s 10 cabins are in a variety of twin, double, and 4-bunk configuration, and all have air-conditioning. At nearly 30 metres in length, Manta Queen 1 has plenty of space for couples and groups to socialize over a meal or evening drink, and there are plenty of places (inside & out) for guests to find some privacy with a book or to just top up a tan.
In addition to giving plenty of space to guests, the large size of Manta Queen 1 ensures that any rough seas during the first or last months of the diving season are dealt with easily. There are 8 crew and 6 diving staff to take care of the guests, many of whom are hoping to enjoy some of Thailand’s best diving without having to break the bank.
Although diving from Manta Queen 1 is possibly the cheapest liveaboard diving in Thailand, guests don’t miss out on anything. In fact, with free pick up and drop off and 15 dives (compared to 14 on most 4-day trips) they get something extra. All meals, fruits, snacks, tea, coffee & drinking water is included, too.
Manta Queen 1 happily accepts divers of all levels, and non-diving guests are welcome, too. The diving guests include everyone from those learning to dive, fun divers, enthusiasts and even professionals. There are Nitrox facilities available on board, as well as PADI courses at low prices. Even though the prices are low, safety and quality remain a top priority. PADI professionals teach the courses and qualified & experienced Divemaster guides lead groups of no more than five divers, chosen to be at similar levels. Every year Manta Queen 1 undergoes a full overhaul and interior renovation, in order to maintain the best experience for all on board.
MV Manta Queen 1 Prices & Schedule
| MV Manta Queen 1 Diver Prices Overview 2017 / 2018 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destinations | Duration | 4 Bed Shared | Twin | Double | |||
| Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck, (15 Dives) | 4D / 4N | 4 Bed Shared 629 USD | Twin 689 USD | Double 689 USD | |||
Schedule & Prices 2017 / 2018 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2017 | |||
| Departure | Return | Trip Information | Diver Prices |
| 14 Oct 2017 | 18 Oct 2017 | Destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck, ( Show Itinerary) Duration: 4 Days / 4 Nights Number of dives: 15 Departs: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak , Sat at 8:00 PM Returns to: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Wed at 5:00 PM | |
| 19 Oct 2017 | 23 Oct 2017 | Destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck, ( Show Itinerary) Duration: 4 Days / 4 Nights Number of dives: 15 Departs: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak , Thu at 8:00 PM Returns to: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Mon at 5:00 PM | |
| 25 Oct 2017 | 29 Oct 2017 | Destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck, ( Show Itinerary) Duration: 4 Days / 4 Nights Number of dives: 15 Departs: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak , Wed at 8:00 PM Returns to: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Sun at 5:00 PM | |
| 30 Oct 2017 | 03 Nov 2017 | Destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck, ( Show Itinerary) Duration: 4 Days / 4 Nights Number of dives: 15 Departs: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak , Mon at 8:00 PM Returns to: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Fri at 5:00 PM | |
| November 2017 | |||
| Departure | Return | Trip Information | Diver Prices |
| 04 Nov 2017 | 08 Nov 2017 | Destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck, ( Show Itinerary) Duration: 4 Days / 4 Nights Number of dives: 15 Departs: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak , Sat at 8:00 PM Returns to: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Wed at 5:00 PM | |
| 09 Nov 2017 | 13 Nov 2017 | Destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck, ( Show Itinerary) Duration: 4 Days / 4 Nights Number of dives: 15 Departs: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak , Thu at 8:00 PM Returns to: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Mon at 5:00 PM | |
| 14 Nov 2017 | 18 Nov 2017 | Destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck, ( Show Itinerary) Duration: 4 Days / 4 Nights Number of dives: 15 Departs: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak , Tue at 8:00 PM Returns to: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Sat at 5:00 PM | |
| 19 Nov 2017 | 23 Nov 2017 | Destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck, ( Show Itinerary) Duration: 4 Days / 4 Nights Number of dives: 15 Departs: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak , Sun at 8:00 PM Returns to: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Thu at 5:00 PM | |
| 24 Nov 2017 | 28 Nov 2017 | Destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck, ( Show Itinerary) Duration: 4 Days / 4 Nights Number of dives: 15 Departs: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak , Fri at 8:00 PM Returns to: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Tue at 5:00 PM | |
| 29 Nov 2017 | 03 Dec 2017 | Destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck, ( Show Itinerary) Duration: 4 Days / 4 Nights Number of dives: 15 Departs: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak , Wed at 8:00 PM Returns to: Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Sun at 5:00 PM | |
MV Manta Queen 1 Itinerary
The 4 day & nights Manta Queen 1 diving safari itinerary departs from Khao Lak in the evening. Guests meet at the dive centre first for balance payment, equipment fiting and to sign a couple of forms. Then after everyone is taken to the boat, there is a general briefing and a light evening meal is served arounf 8.30pm. The boat sails into the night and the diving starts in the morning of the following day.
There are four dives per day for three days, then three dives on the final day, before the boat returns to the pier in the afternoon.
After the 'check out' process at the dive centre, guests are taken to their chosen destination in Khao Lak or Phuket.
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.
| Itinerary Name (click the itinerary name to open) | Days / Nights | Number of dives |
|---|---|---|
| Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck | 4 Days / 4 Nights | 15 dives |
MV Manta Queen 1 Facilities, Layout & Specification
| MV Manta Queen 1 Layout | |
 | |
| 1: | Double-bed cabin |
| 2: | Twin-bed cabin |
| 3: | Four-bed shared cabin |
| MV Manta Queen 1 Specifications | |
| Length. | 27 metres. |
| Width. | 6 metres. |
| Hull. | Wooden. |
| Engines. | 2x Hino 450hp 10 cylinder. |
| Generators. | 1x 40Kw. 1x 50Kw. |
| Nitrox filling station. | Nitrox tanks and PADI courses available. |
| Cruising speed. | 8-9 knots. |
| Navigation. | GPS Sat.Nav, depth sounder, compass. |
| Water. | 14,000 litres. |
| Accommodation. | 10 air conditioned cabins, 3 bathrooms. |
| Amenities. | Large salon, sun deck, tea and coffee. |
| Crew. | 1 Captain, 1 Engineer, 1 Cook, 4 Assistants. |
| Diving. | 30x 12-litre aluminium tanks, int'l valves. |
| Safety. | VHF Radio, life jackets, life rings, first aid kit. |
| Dinghy. | 2x 4 metres with 40hp engine. |
MV Manta Queen 1 Courses
There is a selection of PADI diving courses available on Manta Queen 1, including Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN), beginner and advanced courses. We list the most popular PADI courses on this page, and we always recommend MQ1 guests to pre-book their PADI course with just a 500 THB deposit. However, it's usually ok to choose and confirm after your arrival.
| Courses | |
|---|---|
| Courses | prices |
Adventure Diver Including: Manual & Certification | 196 USD |
Nitrox Including: Manual, Certification & 2 fills | 214 USD |
Advanced Open Water Including: Manual & Certification | 250 USD |
Deep Specialty Including: Manual & Certification | 250 USD |
Peak Buoyancy Including: Manual & Certification | 250 USD |
Digital Underwater Photographer Including: Manual & Certification | 250 USD |
Open Water Diver* Including: Manual & Certification | 292 USD |
*Open Water Diver candidates need to be in Khao Lak at least one full day before Manta Queen 1's departure date. This is to be able to watch the videos, do the tests and learn to dive in the team's brand-new purpose-built diving pool. Also, if no other divers are taking the course on your chosen cruise, there is a 1,200 THB surcharge per day for one-on-one tutoring. E-learning candidates are welcome, too. Please enquire for details and prices BEFORE signing up for e-learning on the PADI website.
MV Manta Queen 1 Transfer Details
The Manta Queen fleet use minivans to collect guests from hotels & the airport. Each minivan is pre-arranged for its set route, times & guests.
If you're staying in and around Khao Lak you can get free scheduled transfers on departure day (5.00-5.30pm).
Manta Queen 1's Phuket guests can get transfers for 250 THB. The pickup times are 12.45pm - 3.50pm, depending on the location of your hotel.
Pickups from Phuket Airport are at 4.00-4.30pm.
Everyone is taken to the dive centre to complete a bit of paperwork, make balance payments, and try on any rental equipment.
At the end of the cruise, everyone is transferred back to the Manta Queen office, before being taken to your chosen hotel.
MV Manta Queen 1 Scheduled transfers 4D / 4N trips | |
|---|---|
| 12:30 - 16:30 | Pick up from Phuket : 8 USD |
| 16:00 - 16:30 | Pick up from Khao Lak : Free |
| 18:00 - 18:30 | Transfer ( Khao Lak ) |
| 19:00 - 20:00 | Departure ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak ) |
| 15:00 - 16:00 | Return ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak ) |
| 15:00 - 16:00 | Transfer ( Khao Lak ) |
| 17:00 - 18:00 | Drop off to Khao Lak : Free |
| 17:00 - 19:00 | Drop off to Phuket : 8 USD |
Guests who are unable to meet the scheduled pick ups or would like private transportion are welcome to contact us to arrange a private taxi at the most competitive rates.
MV Manta Queen 1 Reviews
