Sometimes it’s difficult to know why things are so popular. Reputation and good value are always a good indicator, but there’s usually something intangible, too. Two of the most popular liveaboard diving safari boats which sail out to The Similan Islands & Richelieu Rock are MV Dolphin Queen and MV Similan Explorer. These two boats and their trips are run by the same team, so they have many similarities, but also a few differences, too. Both are excellent value, and our guests always come back full of praise for the crew and diving staff.
Air-conditioned double bed cabin onboard MV Similan ExplorerGoods and services shouldn’t always be compared just on price, but it’s worth remembering that the fish and other marine life don’t know which divers paid the most money to come and see them. Therefore, once underwater it’s all the same, so why not look for the lowest price Similan diving trips? Our most numerous enquiries and bookings are for air-conditioned liveaboard cruises with diving equipment rental included. For these kinds of trips, Similan Explorer is unbeatable for price and value. The 5D/5N trips visit all the best dive sites in Thailand and prices start at just $40US per dive. This is comparable with land-based day trips in crowded and not-so-clear waters in The Gulf of Thailand. However, Similan Explorer’s prices include air-conditioned accommodation, three daily meals plus snacks, fruit and non-alcoholic drinks. In addition, the diving is far better. For value per dive, with or without renting a set of diving equipment, it’s hard to beat diving safaris on Similan Explorer. In addition to 5D/5N trips, there are a few 4D/4N trips during the season, obviously at reduced prices.
MV Dolphin QueenSimilan Explorer’s sister ship is MV Dolphin Queen. These two boats are very similar, but not identical. Dolphin Queen has more cabin options to choose from and offers two trip lengths in Thailand, plus two which sail into Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago. Cruises on Dolphin Queen start at the pier in Khao Lak and visit the best dive sites in Thailand, including Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. The 4D/4N trips are more common but the shorter cruises are also popular for their convenience. Up to eight times during the diving season Dolphin Queen sets sail into Myanmar (Burma) for extended excursions around the unexplored archipelago of more than 800 islands. Offering excellent diving, just like Thailand, this area is visited by very few diving boats, and therefore gives a real feeling of being away from it all, discovering something new. Diving from Dolphin Queen, especially in Thailand for 4D/4N and in a shared cabin, is extremely good value, but the quality of service, food and diving is still high. The trips are safe, but fun, and everyone can socialize as well as find somewhere on the boat to relax alone, maybe sunbathing or reading a book.
