Thailand Liveaboards in October

MV Oktavia:

We have had two announcements from the Thailand National Parks department this week. Firstly, confirmation that marine park entrance fees will rise next season from 400 baht to 500 baht per foreigner.

Better news is that the the Similan and Surin marine national parks will be opening a couple of weeks early this year on 15 October.

So far two boats have added October dates to their schedules. they are Octavia and Deep Andaman Queen. More boats are sure to follow.

Similan and Surin Snorkeling Liveaboard

Snorkeling liveaboard in the Similan Islands

We are pleased to offer a new liveaboard boat on our website that is dedicated to snorkelers only. Most snorkeling tours to the Similan Islands are day trips by speedboat that invariably limit in water fun but this 3 day 3 night Snorkeling Discovery Tour takes the time to visit the best of the Similan Islands, the Surin Islands plus Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.

Snorkelers are guaranteed the best snorkeling in Thailand's Andaman Sea, the clearest water and the most plentiful fish. By including Koh Bon in the itinerary you have the opportunity to snorkel with Manta Rays and lucky snorkelers may even see Whale Sharks at Koh Tachai.

Snorkeling tour route

As well as all the snorkeling there are plenty of excursions on to the islands and beaches with short nature trails and view point climbs. Similan Island beaches have beautiful fine white sand with no inhabitants. In Surin you'll get to meet the Moken sea gypsies who still live their traditional life there.

At just 12,900 baht for 3 days with 3 nights accommodation on board and all meals included it's great value. Trips depart from Khao Lak or Kuraburi from November to May (see schedule) but if you are staying in Phuket we can arrange transfers for you. These trips have been running successfully for two full seasons now and feedback has been excellent.

More details here: Snorkeling Liveaboard

Phuket Snorkeling

Queen Angelfish

Snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Phuket.

As divers we sometimes overlook snorkeling in favour of diving but snorkeling is just as much fun plus it's cheap, easy and suitable for the whole family. There are some excellent places to snorkel at the islands close to Phuket or even from the shore at Phuket's beaches.

Probably the best snorkeling is at the Similan Islands which can be reached by speedboat from Phuket. The water is the clearest and there are lots of shallow reefs full of fish life. Phi Phi Island also makes a great snorkeling day trip from Phuket with the chance to snorkel in the famous Mya Bay and also see monkeys on the beach.

Phuket's beach beaches for independent snorkeling are Kata Beach (south end), Karon Nui beach (le Meridien hotel), Jungle Beach (close to Naiharn beach) and Freedom beach (close to Patong beach).

More info on Phuket snorkeling and Phuket snorkeling tours on our website here