Thailand 
Manta Queen 8 is a newly-renovated scuba diving liveaboard boat offering affordable-luxury scuba diving liveaboard trips to the best of the southern Andaman area. There are 3 cabin types, which are twin & double cabins on the main & upper decks. These have private bathrooms and lots of space inside. There are also two twin cabins on the lower deck which share a bathroom.
The boat is already well established in Thailand, and a favourite among the dive staff. Its size, design, facilities and cabins enable everyone to feel comfortable. Added to that is great food, service and value, and this boat is an instant success. Most MQ8 trips are fully booked, mainly due to the luxury and space available for the low prices. Now, MQ8 also has free Wi-Fi, when in range.
This liveaboard now sails from Krabi, not from Phuket or Khao Lak, in the high season. And from Pak Bara, Satun in the low season. It leaves in the evening of departure day, and you wake up the following morning already at the dive sites. Manta Queen 8 trips are now 5D/5N in length. The trips start at an easy dive site, and get more exciting as the trips progresses.
A few misleading websites claim the trips are 6D/5N or 5D/4N, which is incorrect. And some websites have not updated their pages. From October 2023 the boat sails south from Krabi for five nights and five days (5D/5N). During low season (June - October) it's at Koh Lipe for slightly-shorter trips.
In addition to the comfortable guest cabins, Manta Queen 8 has plenty of communal areas where you can relax alone or socialise. These include the large partially-shaded sundeck and a dining area which has plenty of seating and tables. Most guests spend a lot of non-diving time here. There is also an air-conditioned lounge saloon.
For diving, the boat has a dive platform easily large enough for every diver to store equipment and to take the ‘giant stride’ from. Tender dinghies can collect divers who surface away from the boat or near the reef, as well as transport anyone to the beaches during the trip.
Prices & Schedule
| MV Manta Queen 8 Diver Prices Overview 2024 / 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destinations | Duration | Twin | Twin En Suite | Double En Suite |
| , Koh Rok, Koh Lipe, , , , ( 19 Dives) | 5D / 5N | Twin869 USD | Twin En Suite923 USD | Double En Suite923 USD |
| Manta Queen 8 Special Offers Coming Up | ||||
Discounted remaining spaces | ||||
| , Koh Rok, Koh Lipe, , , , (19 Dives) Departs: 24 Apr 2024 Return: 29 Apr 2024 | 5D / 5N | Twin Special Offer 801 USD | Twin En Suite Special Offer 855 USD | Double En Suite Special Offer 855 USD |
Discounted remaining spaces | ||||
| , Koh Rok, Koh Lipe, , , , (19 Dives) Departs: 01 May 2024 Return: 06 May 2024 | 5D / 5N | Twin Special Offer 801 USD | Twin En Suite Special Offer 855 USD | Double En Suite Special Offer 855 USD |
Discounted remaining spaces | ||||
| , Koh Rok, Koh Lipe, , , , (19 Dives) Departs: 08 May 2024 Return: 13 May 2024 | 5D / 5N | Twin Special Offer 801 USD | Twin En Suite Special Offer 855 USD | Double En Suite Special Offer 855 USD |
Itinerary
Manta Queen 8 high-season trips depart from Krabi Marina. The trips are 5D/5N to Koh Lipe, Koh Haa, Hin Daeng & Phi Phi.
You arrive at the boat in the evening for check-in. A light evening meal is served on board, and the diving starts early the next morning. Please click below for a detailed itinerary.
Beware that some other websites claim Manta Queen 8's trips are 6D/5N or 5D/4N, but this is incorrect and misleading. Do not trust out-of-date or misleading websites.
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 |
| Koh Haa, Koh Rok, Koh Lipe, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Phi Phi, Shark Point | 5 Days / 5 Nights | 19 Dives |
Facilites, Layout and Specifications
| MV Manta Queen 8 Layout |
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| MV Manta Queen 8 Specifications | |
| Type: | Wooden. |
| Length: | 27 Metres. |
| Width: | 7.0 Metres. |
| Engines: | 2x Cummins 315 hp 10 cylinder. |
| Generators: | 2x 50 KW, 1 x 20 KW. |
| Crusining speed: | 9 - 10 Knots. |
| Instrumentation: | PS Sat. Navigation, Sonar, Compass. |
| Safety: | VHF/FM Mobile Marine, Emergency 02, Liferaft, Lifejakets. |
Courses
PADI courses are available on Manta Queen 8. You can decide on your course when you arrive, but it's much better to let us know before you come because pre-booking your PADI course ensures that the staff and material will be perpared for you in advance. It also usually enables you to complete eLearning in advance.
Transfer details
Manta Queen 8 guests are transferred for free at set times from around northern Phuket & Phuket Airport for high season trips. Guests in Krabi are asaked to make their own way to the marina for 5pm.
Low season trips have free transfers from Hat Yai airport, and possible pick up from Koh Lipe.
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.
Booking / Enquiry
MV Manta Queen 8 Reviews
