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Anyone searching for the best value and availability, along with a new, large, stable & comfortable diving ship need look no further than Manta Queen 3. This large (35m x 7m) boat was built in 2011, yet still receives annual renovations, keeping it like new. In 2018 MQ3 had a complete cabin refit, giving it more twin & double cabins with private en suite bathrooms.
Its steel hull and purpose-built design ensure that trips are both safe and comfortable, as well as a lot of friendly fun. Pickup and drop off transfers from local hotels are included in the unbeatably-low prices, and the great value doesn’t stop there. Low-priced PADI dive courses can be taken on board and all meals, snacks, fruits, drinking water, tea & coffee are free, too. New for October 2018, MQ3 has Free Wi-Fi when it's in range. This is normally for the first 36 hours and final 24 hours of each cruise.
Choosing to dive at the Similan Islands aboard Manta Queen 3 is a great idea for solo divers, couples, families and even large groups of friends. There are double bed, twin bed and 4 bed shared cabins, all of which have air conditioning and parquet wood paneling. The best-value cabins have shared bathroom facilities, but en suites are available for those who want more privacy.
The communal areas of Manta Queen 3 are very spacious and well thought out. During and after the local and western food is served (buffet style) guests can relax together in a large air-conditioned saloon or on the open-air shaded dining area. There’s plenty of space to socialize and share stories or get away from the crowd and gaze at the stars, read a good book, or just top up your holiday suntan.
The large size of Manta Queen 3 means that it is easily capable of accommodating up to 28 guests and absorbing anything the Andaman Sea can throw at it. Also the number of guests means that you are more likely to be diving in a group of others at your level and experience. PADI diving professionals organise & lead each dive, and can point out or find particular species of marine life. With such low prices and free transfers, a great selection of air-conditioned cabins and a new, sturdy, steel-hulled, purpose-built boat, there is usually no reason to look anywhere else.
MV Manta Queen 3 Prices & Schedule
| MV Manta Queen 3 Diver Prices Overview 2018 / 2019 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destinations | Duration | 4 Bed Shared | Twin | Twin En Suite | Double En Suite | Twin/Double En suite | |
| Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck, ( 15 Dives) | 4D / 4N | 4 Bed Shared657 USD | Twin718 USD | Twin En Suite810 USD | Double En Suite810 USD | Twin/Double En suite810 USD | |
MV Manta Queen 3 Itinerary
The 4D/4N Manta Queen 3 diving cruise itinerary is as follows.
Manta Queen 3 sets sail from the pier at Thab Lamu just to the south of Khao Lak in the evening, normally after 7pm. First, guests check in at the PADI dive centre in Khao Lak. Some guests make their own way to the dive centre, but most take advantage of the free pickup service from Khao Lak, or cheap transfers from Phuket. When documentation checks, equipment fitting, and final payments are done, the passengers are driven to the boat.
After a boat briefing and a light evening meal, MQ3 sails into the night. Diving first thing the following morning.
The ship docks mid to late afternoon on the final day and guests are transferred to the dive centre, then on to local hotels. Those wanting to go to Phuket can take advantage of inexpensive scheduled transfers.
This itinerary is 4D/4N and 15 dives; twelve daytime dives and three night (or sunset) dives.
Click below for more details.
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 3 Facilites, Layout and Specifications
| MV Manta Queen 3 (old) Layout (prior To Refit In 2018) | |
 | |
| 1: | Master En-suite Cabin (now Changed) |
| 2: | Twin-bed / Double-bed En-suite Cabin |
| 3: | Three-bed Shared Cabin (now Changed) |
| 4: | Four-bed Shared Cabin |
| 5: | Twin Bed Share Cabin |
| MV Manta Queen 3 Specifications | |
| Length. | 36 Metres. |
| Width. | 7 Metres. |
| Hull. | Steel. |
| Engines. | 2 X Hino 450 HP 10 Cylinder. |
| Generators. | 2 X 68 KW 1x 50 KW. |
| Speed. | 9-11 Knots. |
| Navigation. | GPS Sat. Navigation, Sonar, Compass. |
| Boat Crew. | 10, Including Captain. |
| Dive Crew. | 12, Including Tour Leader. |
| Safety. | VHF Radio, Emergency Oxygen Unit, Life-raft, Life-jackets/rings, First Aid Kit, Satelite Phones. |
| Amenities. | Large Air-conditioned Saloon, Sun Deck. |
MV Manta Queen 3 Courses
There is a selection of PADI scuba diving courses available on Manta Queen 3, including Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN), and advanced and beginner courses. While most can be arranged on board and without notice, it is always best to let us know in advance. Taking part in a PADI diving course while aboard a liveaboard diving cruise is a very popular choice.
| Courses | |
|---|---|
| Courses | Prices |
Adventure Diver Including: Manual & Certification | 199 USD |
Nitrox Including: Manual, Certification & 2 fills | 229 USD |
Deep Specialty Including: Manual & Certification | 229 USD |
Peak Buoyancy Including: Manual & Certification | 229 USD |
Digital Underwater Photographer Including: Manual & Certification | 229 USD |
Advanced Open Water Including: Manual & Certification | 260 USD |
Open Water Diver* Including: Manual & Certification | 303 USD |
*Anyone wanting to learn to dive on Manta Queen 3 by taking the PADI Open Water Diver course need to arrive in Khao Lak at least one full day before the boat departs. This is to complete theory, a few tests, and the ‘confined water’ skills in the brand-new 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 3 Transfer details
Guests staying in Khao Lak can have free scheduled transfers on departure day (4.00-4.30pm).
From Phuket, scheduled transfers cost 300 THB / person. 11.30am - 3.30pm, depending on pick-up location.
MQ3 guests are taken to the PADI dive centre in Khao Lak to complete paperwork and make balance payments, then transferred to Tab Lamu Pier, where Manta Queen 3 is waiting for an evening departure.
MV Manta Queen 3 Scheduled Transfers 4D / 4N Trips | |
|---|---|
| 11:30 - 15:30 | Pick up from Phuket : 9 USD |
| 16:00 - 16:30 | Pick up from Khao Lak : Free |
| 18:00 - 18:30 | Transfers ( Khao Lak ) |
| 19:00 - 20:00 | Departure ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak ) |
| 16:00 - 17:00 | Return ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak ) |
| 16:00 - 17:00 | Transfers ( Khao Lak ) |
| 17:30 - 18:30 | Drop off to Khao Lak : Free |
| 17:00 - 19:30 | Drop off to Phuket : 9 USD |
Genuine MV Manta Queen 3 Reviews
MV Manta Queen 3 Reviews
