MV Explorer Overview
MV Explorer is a great boat that has recently (2023) had a full refit, including new cabins. At 26 metres long, it's the ideal length to easily accomodate up to 16 lucky guests without wasting fuel and is easy to manoeuvre. There's a wide choice of itineraries from 3 days to nearly 2 weeks on board. And it's now owned and run by the longest-running Similan liveaboard operator, with 30 years experience.
After its total refurbishment during the low season, there are now just 8 guest cabins, most of which have a private en suite bathroom. On the lower deck the boat has six guest cabins which have a large double bed and a single bunk, but only accommodate two people. Therefore, couples can sleep together, but friends or strangers can also share the cabins. Each has a sea-view window and a private en suite bathroom. Behind these guest cabins you will find three communal bathrooms and the large dive deck. The upper deck of MV Explorer has two double bed cabins which have a window, but these cabins do not have private bathrooms, hence the lower price. At the rear of the upper deck is a large shaded outdoor area where detailed dive briefings are held and the delicious food is served. Here you can socialise with other guests, sit and read a book, or enjoy some drinks after the final dive of the day. And finally, there's a large sundeck to top up your tan or enjoy the stars, sunrise or sunset with a sea breeze.
Throughout each cruise guests are served three or more delicious meals each day, with fruits, cookies, snacks and almost all non-alcoholic drinks available for free 24 hours a day. The chef's team are experienced in creating magic from a small kitchen far out at sea, and those who are vegetarian or have special dietary needs will not go hungry either.
The dive crew are multilingual, and experienced PADI professionals. Each group of divers is limited to four guests with similar experience, and breathing the same gas. Nitrox is available for certified divers, and those who are not Nitrox certified can choose to take the course on board if they want to.
MV Explorer Pictures
MV Explorer Facilities, Layout & Specifications
| MV Explorer Layout |
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Upper Deck
Middle Deck Lower Deck |
MV Explorer Courses
It's possible to complete a selection on PADI courses on MV Explorer. The most-common are the Advanced Open Water Diver and the Nitrox course. These enable you to dive deeper, and for longer.
If you are not yet a certified diver, you can learn to dive on MV Explorer by completeing the PADI Open Water Diver course. This requires you to arrive in Khao Lak at least 48 hours before your liveaboard trip starts.
And if you're already Open Water but don't want to complete the whole Advanced course, you can do the Adventure Deep Dive, which certifies you to 30 metres.
MV Explorer Itinerary
MV Explorer has a range of itineraries, which are based around alternating 3D/3N and 5D/5N trips. This means you can combine two trips to make 8D/8N or three trips to make 13D/13N.
Please choose carefully from the list below, or double check by clicking 'Show Itinerary' on the schedule page on the date that matches your chosen trip.
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.
MV Explorer Transfer Details
Guests are asked to make their own way to Khao Lak on the day of the trip, arriving no later than 4pm. Private taxis are available on request.
At the end of the trip, the team can take you to Khao Lak hotels for free, or to Phuket or Khao Sok for a competitive fee.
For customers who would like a private taxi please see below for details.
(Click below for a rough guide to the rates you can expect to pay ‘per vehicle,’ not ‘per person’.)
MV Explorer Schedule & Prices
| Destinations | Duration | Upper Deck Double | En suite Twin | En Suite Double |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surin Islands, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock ( 9 dives) | 3D / 3N | Upper Deck Double 20,340 THB | En suite Twin 21,240 THB | En Suite Double 21,240 THB |
| Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock ( 16 dives) | 5D / 5N | Upper Deck Double 26,640 THB | En suite Twin 27,540 THB | En Suite Double 27,540 THB |
| Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock, Koh Tachai, Koh Bon, Similan Islands ( 16 dives) | 5D / 5N | Upper Deck Double 26,640 THB | En suite Twin 27,540 THB | En Suite Double 27,540 THB |
| Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock ( 25 dives) | 8D / 8N | Upper Deck Double 36,540 THB | En suite Twin 38,340 THB | En Suite Double 38,340 THB |
| Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock ( 41 dives) | 13D / 13N | Upper Deck Double 59,940 THB | En suite Twin 63,540 THB | En Suite Double 63,540 THB |
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Do you have a large group and want to charter the whole boat?
click below to find out more |
7 Reasons to Book with us:
- Best-price guarantee, AND get FREE gifts.
- We don’t ask for any payment or your card details until you are ready to confirm your booking.
- For safety reasons, it’s impossible to complete a booking instantly online , as some other websites claim to offer. We always check first as each boat has a different criteria regarding diver details & experience .
- We offer each boat’s booking & payment policy (below). Some other websites have standardised terms, asking for full payment but many boats’ payment terms are a 20-30% deposit, and the balance paid on arrival.
- Our Thailand-based staff are experts about logistics, the dive sites & all the boats . Take a look at the reviews on our site & tripadvisor.
- Our team are always online to answer your questions. We always respond the same day , usually within a few minutes
- Customer service is everything!
For example, if a trip is cancelled, we will ensure you can choose between an alternative similar trip or a full & unconditional refund .
Call us: (+66 89 136 3121)
or fill out the form below
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