Thailand
MV Manta Queen 2 is always among our most popular boats, and all our MQ2 guests come back with big smiles on their faces. This 23-metre diving safari boat can take up to 20 guests in air-conditioned comfort. Although most of Manta Queen 2’s guests are experienced divers, newer divers can also join these 3-night 10-dive cruises to Thailand’s very best dive sites.
Most Thailand diving safaris are 4 nights long and first sail to the Similan Islands, then move north to Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock. But Manta Queen 2 goes directly to these ‘northern sites’ to give the maximum time underwater at the best dive spots in Thailand. Each trip starts at Koh Bon, famous for possible Manta Ray sightings, then sails up to Koh Tachai, with its wonderful action-packed reef. Finally, divers get plenty of time at Richelieu Rock, which is regarded as the best dive site in Thailand. On the final day, Manta Queen 2 stops off again at Koh Bon, then a local wreck before returning to the pier.
Manta Queen 2 has three cabin types, all of which are air conditioned, clean and comfortable. There are three double-bed cabins for couples, five twin-bed cabins if you want a bed to yourself but not share with too many others, and a four-bunk shared cabin for those who want the lowest-price Richelieu Rock diving experience. The four-bunk cabin is also great for a family or group of friends.
Great food is served buffet style throughout the day, and there are snacks and fruits, as well as soda, tea, coffee & drinking water all for free. The dive staff & boat crew take great care of the guests, with regards to safety, advice, diving, dive gear, food, and lots of sociable fun. Manta Queen 2 really is the ideal diving boat for divers with some experience who want to enjoy the best diving in Thailand without spending more time or money than necessary. Free local transfers are also included. MQ2 has Free Wi-Fi but this is dependent on the cellular signal, and due to MQ2's itinerary to remote locations the signal is not available all the time.
Prices & Schedule
| MV Manta Queen 2 Diver Prices Overview 2026 / 2027 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destinations | Duration | 4 Bed Shared Cabin | Twin Cabin | Double Cabin |
| , , ( 10 Dives ) | 4D / 3N | 4 Bed Shared Cabin596 USD | Twin Cabin656 USD | Double Cabin656 USD |
Itinerary
Manta Queen 2's itinerary goes directly to the 'Northern Dive Sites' of Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock. There is no beach visit at these areas, because Koh Bon has no beach, Koh Tachai's beach is currently closed to the public, and Richelieu Rock has no land at all.
The boat departs in the evening, and guests are served a light meal on board. Diving begins the next morning at Koh Bon.
There are four dives for each of the first two days, then two dives on the third/final day. Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock are not suitable for night diving, but are perfect for day and sunset dives. Therefore, MQ2 trips normally do not have a night dive.
MQ2 gets back to Khao Lak mid afternoon, and guests are transferred back to local hotels 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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Itinerary Name (click the itinerary name to open) | Days / Nights | Number of dives |
| Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | 4D / 3N | 10 Dives |
Facilites, Layout and Specifications
| MV Manta Queen 2 Layout | |
 |
|
| 1: | Double-bed cabin |
| 2: | Twin-bed cabin |
| 3: | Four-bed shared cabin |
| MV Manta Queen 2 Specifications | |
| Length. | 25 metres. |
| Width. | 5 metres. |
| Hull. | Wood. |
| Engines. | 2x Hino 350 HP. |
| Generators. | 1x 40 KW 1x 50 KW. |
| Cruising Speed. | 8-9 knots. |
| Navigation. | GPS satellite navigation, sonar, compass. |
| Boat Crew. | 1 captain, 1 engineer, 4 deckhands, 2 cooks. |
| Dive Crew. | 1 tour leader, 1 blender, 3 multi-lingual Divemasters / Instructors. |
| Safety. | VHF radio, emergency oxygen unit, liferaft, life jackets/rings, First Aid kit, satellite phones. |
Courses
There is a range of SSI diving courses available on Manta Queen 2, including Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx), and the the Advanced Adventurer Course.
| Courses | |
|---|---|
| Courses | Prices |
|
Adventure Deep (30m.)
|
60
USD |
|
Pool refresher
|
75
USD |
|
Deep Specialty
|
209
USD |
|
SSI Advanced Adventurer
Including: Use of computer
|
238
USD |
|
Nitrox
Including: Use of computer & all Nitrox fills
|
253
USD |
Transfer details
The Manta Queen team use several minivans to collect divers from their hotels and from Phuket airport. Each minivan is prepared with a set route, times and guest numbers.
Those staying in Khao Lak can come to the dive centre, or have free scheduled transfers on departure day (4.00-4.30pm).
Manta Queen 2's Phuket guests are collected for free at set times during the afternoon.
Everyone is normally taken to the PADI dive centre first to sign a few forms, make final payments, and fit any rental equipment.
At the end of the MQ2 trip, everyone is usually taken directly to their chosen resort or hotel.
Booking / Enquiry – It’s Easy!
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MV Manta Queen 2 Reviews
Diving was excellent, and we got to vote on a couple options on dive sites.
The notroublesjustbubbles experience was pretty good. I had issues with the bank transfer payment, but I think it was caused by an error on my banks employee side. And the T shirt and dry bag are actually of great quality. Their communication was excellent.
Cons: With a full compliment of 20 divers on the boat, it gets pretty crowded, because theres also 5 divemasters, several crew, etc. You are almost always in somebodies way.
Bathrooms were kinda gross, due to the shower/toilet/toilet butt wash stations all being together. There was always standing water in there all over toilet, sink, and floor. Which means I didn't know if I was standing in urine, shower water, butt wash water or what. And with 3 toilets for 30+ people, there was usually a line to use them.
Rooms were small as expected, I wish they had a couple more hooks or hangers on walls.
A/C units were wired together with your next room, so another cabin sort of controlled if your AC was off or turned on all the way.
Dive times were limited to 40 or 50 minutes regardless of how much air everyone had. I understand why they have to do this, but I do wish we could have stayed longer on a few dives.
However, especially for the price you pay, its a
