Merdeka 1 is also known as SpaBoat, and it offers something for everyone. This includes, massage & spa treatment, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, visits to uninhabited islands’ beaches & caves, Koh Phi Phi nightlife, and more. Nearly everything is included in the rates, meaning you can really relax & enjoy the cruise.
At 26 metres long and built in Sulawesi, Indonesia, Merdeka 1 is extremely popular with couples, families, & groups of friends, but you are also welcome to join alone. There are two cabin types, double & twin. All cabins have air conditioning. The double cabins have their own bathrooms. Two twin cabins share a bathroom, meaning that four Twin cabins share two bathrooms.
Several things make Merdeka 1 the best choice for your cruise from Phuket. These include the unique itineraries that focus on diving at the best spots and at the best times of day, plus ensuring that non-divers are kept happy throughout the cruise. In the low season (May - October) Merdeka visits the Racha (Raya) Islands, south of Phuket for three days and two nights. Then in the high season (October - May) it visits the world-famous Koh Phi Phi and Koh Haa. At all of these locations, the diving is excellent, but so is the snorkelling and the views above the surface. Scuba diving from Merdeka is most-often done in the early morning, before the day-trip boats from Phuket bring crowds of divers. Then in the afternoons, you can choose to dive again, but most guests snorkel, kayak, have a massage, visit a beach or enjoy the free beer, cocktails and wine.
Do you have a large group and want to charter the whole boat?
click below to find out more
Merdeka 1 Charter information
In addition to very competitive rates, the guest capacity & cabin layout make Merdeka 1 very popular for private charter bookings. Also, the itineraries are flexible, but the boat is already set up with kayaks, SUPs and the knowledge of local caves and secluded beaches.
Included In The Price
Meals
Snacks
Tea / coffee
Drinking water
Soft drinks
Alcoholic drinks
Weights & weightbelts
Standard tanks
Dive master services
Mask and Snorkel
Towels
Soap & Shampoo
Luggage storage
Not Included In The Price
Transfers to & from the airport
Transfers to and from local hotels
Dive equipment
National park fees
Dive computer
Dive insurance
Larger tanks
Full-foot fins
Tips / Gratuities
View More Available Months
Itinerary
Booking / Enquiry
There are two itineraries on Merdeka 1.
During the low season the boat offers 3D/2N trips to Koh Racha Yai & Koh Racha Noi.
In the high season (October - May) Merdeka 1 goes to Koh Phi Phi & Koh Haa for 4D3N.
All trips depart from Chalong Pier (Phuket) just before lunch on Mondays. The trips return to Chalong Pier during the afternoon.
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.
Itineraries
Itinerary Name (click the itinerary name to open)
Days / Nights
Number of dives
Facilites, Layout and Specifications
Facilities
Available with Merdeka 1
En Suite Available
Dinghy
Courses Available
Free Pickup
Suitable for Children
AV Entertainment
Vegetarian Food Available
Double Beds Available
Family Cabin
Sundeck
Shaded Sundeck
Available to Charter
Beach Transfers
Rinse Tanks
Meredka 1 Layout
Merdeka 1 Specifications
Type:
Wood.
Length:
27 Metres.
Beam:
6 Metres.
Draft:
1.7 Metres.
Built:
1996.
Refit:
2023.
Engines:
350hp Nissan.
Cruising speed:
6 Knots.
Max Speed:
8 Knots.
Instrumentation:
GPS Plotter, Depth Sounder, Cellular Phone and Radio VHF/DSC/SSB.
Fresh Water:
5,000 Litres.
Fuel:
3,000 Litres.
Guests:
Max. 12 Guests.
Cabins:
6.
Safety:
Life Rafts, life jackets, first aid kit, Oxygen, fire extinguishers, fire alarms.
Courses
A range of scuba diving courses are available on Merdeka 1, but these normally need to be booked in advance. For non-divers, there is the opportunity to try scuba diving for free.
Contact us for more information about courses on Merdeka 1
Transfer details
Merdeka guests are asked to arrive for check in at the dive centre before 10.00am. The dive centre is within walking distance of Chalong Phuket. If you would like us to arrange a taxi from your hotel, please get in touch.
Merdeka 1 Scheduled Transfers
3D / 2N Trips
08:00
Pick up from Phuket :
Free
10:00
Departure ( Chalong Pier, Phuket )
16:00
Return ( Chalong Pier, Phuket )
16:30
Drop off to Phuket :
Free
Merdeka 1 Scheduled Transfers
4D / 3N Trips
08:00
Pick up from Phuket :
Free
10:00
Departure ( Chalong Pier, Phuket )
16:00
Return ( Chalong Pier, Phuket )
16:30
Drop off to Phuket :
Free
Guests who are unable to meet the scheduled pick ups or would like private transportation are welcome to contact us to arrange a private taxi at the most competitive rates.
We usually reply within 2 hours (please check your email & spam)
Step 3:
We can reserve your space(s) commitment-free for up to one week
Step 4:
Deposits to book are usually paid using any card, PayPal or bank transfer
Merdeka 1 Reviews
Read real reviews from people who have dived with
Merdeka 1
Manon
Nationality: French
Dived: 29 December 2023
Boat rating: 9/10
We had a superb trip aboard the Merdeka, a beautiful an authentic boat experience for our families' first time in Thailand. The crew was lovely and thought of everything before we event knew it, the complimentary Thai massages were an extra bonus and much appreciated after our dives and snorkelling sessions. Our dive instructor, Peter, was thoughtful and extremely attentive to each diver's abilities and experience, he made eac
h dive feel safe and took us to some really beautiful places. The food was superb and the facilities on board were top notch! Overall our only regret is that we only booked for 3 days, we'll be back for longer next time :)
...read more
Chris
Nationality: American
Dived: 03 January 2023
Boat rating: 10/10
Our group of 8 had the most amazing time and experience aboard the Merdeka. We got to relax, scuba dive a ton at some amazing sites. The food and accommodations aboard were fantastic as were the staff, captain and dive masters. We’d do it again in a heartbeat!
Thailand 
