Layang Layang in 2013

Hammerhead sharks

This week I've had a couple of people ask me if there is still a chance to dive Layang Layang this year. I've had to tell them that they are too late, the few trips running in early June have already stopped taking bookings because it takes about 5 weeks to get the permits to enter the area. Besides, the best months to dive Layang and the Spratly Islands is Mar-May, that is if your goal is to dive with hammerhead sharks.

Both White Manta and Divemaster 1 have recently released their schedules for next year. I know it seems a bit early to plan diving for next year but with so few places available I recommend it.

The advantage of diving from these liveaboards as opposed to diving from the resort on the island at Layang Layang is that you also get to dive the Spratly islands and, with Divemaster 1, the Labuan wrecks. Also, the flight from Kota Kinabalu to Layang Layang resort is very restrictive regarding baggage allowance (they weight passengers and bags together).

I've just had some divers come back from trips on both White Manta and Divemaster 1 and they all saw hammerheads and other reef sharks. I know that every White Manta trip saw hammerhead sharks this season and the reports back on the quality of the reefs, reef fish life and pelagics has been excellent.

Next year when White Manta finishes in Layang Layang they will be moving round to Sangalaki (Indonesia) , an exciting new destination for the boat. More on that soon...

Last Minute Prices on Komodo Liveaboards

Looking for some great diving in June? If you can get yourself to Bali sharpish there are some really good deals to be had on Komodo Liveaboards. Mermaid I, Mermaid II and Black Manta all have discounts on their few  remaining spaces. This is a great time of year to dive Komodo, you are pretty much guaranteed sharks and mantas as well as all the critters that Indonesia is so famous for.

Mermaid I Indonesia Liveaboard

Mermaid 1 discounts:
9-18 June: 1 space in a Deluxe twin share cabin available: Euro 2070 (reduced from Euro 2300)

Mermaid II Komodo Liveaboard

Mermaid II discounts:
2-9 June: 1 space in a Standard twin share cabin available: Euro 1440 (reduced from Euro 1600)
2-9 June: 4 spaces in a Deluxe twin/double cabin available: Euro 1660 (reduced from Euro 1800)
16-23 June: 1 space in a  Deluxe twin  share cabin available: Euro 1660 (reduced from Euro 1800)

23-30 June: 2 spaces in a Standard twin share cabin available: Euro 1440 (reduced from Euro 1600)
23-30 June:8 spaces in a Deluxe twin/double cabin available: Euro 1660 (reduced from Euro 1800)

Black Manta departs from Labuan Bajo to Komodo

Black Manta discounts:

5-10 June: One Deluxe Double cabin available for US$1320 (reduced from US$1650)
11-15 June: Deluxe Twin and Double cabins available for US$1100 (reduced from US$1375)

Overnight liveaboard to Phi Phi Islands, Racha Islands and Phang Nga Bay

Saimai Diving and Snorkeling liveaboard

MV Saimai has released an exciting new schedule of overnight diving and snorkeling liveaboard trips departing from Phuket.

There are 3 options for a 2 day 1 night liveaboard on Saimai with departures every week.

Racha Yai, Racha Noi Islands: These granite islands, 90 minutes cruise south of Phuket, are rarely dived by other liveaboards. Racha Noi where the boat overnights is an uninhabited tropical paradise and you'll have it all to yourself. Trips depart every Saturday morning and return Sunday evening. The price is 12,900 baht.

Phi Phi Islands: The Phi Phi Islands are about 3 hours cruise east from Phuket. This overnight trip includes diving at Shark Point, King Cruiser Wreck and Koh Doc Mai as well as the best Phi Phi dive sites like Bida Nai, Bida Nok and Maya Wall. There will be a chance to see the famous Maya Bay as well as a chance to explore on Phi Phi Island. Trips depart every Monday morning and return Tuesday evening. The price is 12,900 baht.

Phang Nga Bay: This overnight liveaboard is a non diving trip and makes a nice complement to the Phi Phi or Racha Trips. Enjoy the beauty of Phang Nga bay in comfort and at your pace, away from the day tripping hordes. When the day trippers leave you'll have the place to yourself. Trips depart every Wednesday morning and return Thursday evening. The price is 12,900 baht.

For more information about any of these trips please contact us

Thailand Liveaboards in June - Confirmed trips

The Junk under sail

The Junk has two liveaboard trips confirmed for next month (June).

Both trips dive at Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Phi Phi, Koh Haa and Racha Islands. This is the best diving possible in the Andaman sea at this time of year. Both trips depart from Phuket at 6pm on Saturday evening and return at 8am the following Friday. They are 6 night trips with 5 full days of diving.

Boat: The Junk
Dates: 16-22 June or 30 June-6 July
Diving at: Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Phi Phi and Koh Haa
Price: from US$1350 per diver

For more details or to book please contact us