MV Manta Queen 1

MV Manta Queen 1 is a very popular & highly-respected Similan diving liveaboard boat that takes up to 24 guests to the best diving sites in Thailand, including Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock. The boat’s cabins each take up to two guests, in twin or double bed layout. Most cabins have private bathrooms, but some of the twin cabins do not, and the price for this is lower. 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 local transfers 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 is Nitrox, as well as PADI courses at low prices. And new for 2018-19 MQ1 has Free Wi-Fi. This is dependent on when the boat is in range, which is normally for the first 36 hours of the cruise and the final 24 hours. 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.

Prices & Schedule

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 on board. 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.

Click below for more details.