MV Similan Explorer

Sailing from Khao Lak, Similan Explorer is among the most popular liveaboard diving boats. The dive centre, and boat staff & crew are experienced, professional & friendly. Each trip is organised to maximize enjoyment while ensuring that divers are safe and comfortable at all times.

While aiming at the budget end of the market, this boat is still very comfortable and each cabin is air conditioned. On the boat's upper deck there are two double-bed cabins, which have the best views of the surrounding scenery. On Similan Explorer's main deck there are two cabins which have four bunk beds. These cabins are perfect for groups and families, as well as solo divers who want the very best value Similan diving liveaboard trips. Each bed has a privacy curtain, a reading light and a plug socket. Also on the main deck are four twin cabins. All the cabins on Similan Explorer are clean & air-conditioned, and have windows.

The local and western food is served throughout the day and there are snacks and fruits always available. Diving is hungry work, but Similan Explorer divers never go hungry. The kitchen staff pride themselves on providing delicious food, always with a vegetarian option. Special dietary needs can be catered for with prior notice.

Most of Similan Explorer’s diving cruises are 5 days & nights in length with 18 dives, but a few times during the Similan diving season, the boat sails for 3 days & nights (10 dives). Non-diving guests are more than welcome, and they receive a 20% discount.

The large communal dining area is where most socializing takes place on Similan Explorer, but there are hideaway spots, too. The diving platform is large and well designed, ensuring that divers can slip on the equipment and enter the water without fuss. Like almost all liveaboard trips and boats, the guests’ equipment is set up just once and usually stored in the same slot between every dive. Nitrox is available at competitive rates. There is a good selection of PADI courses which can be completed on board, and this is the best (and often cheapest) way to improve your diving certification.

Finally, the equipment rental on Similan Explorer is among the cheapest of all our boats, but that in no way means it’s inferior. The dive centre team pride themselves on high-quality, good-condition diving gear for the comfort, safety & enjoyment of each diving guest. This includes the use of snorkel gear, wetsuits and open-heel booty fins for free. And the team supply biodegradeable toiletries (soap/shampoo etc) to ensure that the environment doesn't suffer.

Prices & Schedule

Guests staying in Khao Lak & Bang Niang can request a free transfer from most hotels.

Arrive at the dive centre before 3.00pm for the 'check in' process of completing a little paperwork, paying the trip balance and national park fees, and maybe fitting rental equipment. 

Departure is in the early evening, with dinner served on board while the boat sails into the sunset.

Similan Explorer gets back mid afternoon on the final day of the trip.