MV Smiling Seahorse Liveaboard Diving Thailand & Myanmar

MV Smiling Seahorse

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Smiling seahorse liveaboard Thailand Similan & Burma Myanmar
Thailand Thailand
Type: Liveaboard
Departs from: Khao Lak Thap Lamu Pier / Phuket Tian Sin pier / Ranong Bodin Pier
No. of guests: 16
Prices from: 747 USD
Booking / Enquiry
Contents [Show]
MV Smiling Seahorse Runs Trips In Other Countries [Show]

MV Smiling Seahorse is a new diving liveaboard boat launched late in 2018. It was purpose-built to offer safe & comfortable Similan Islands & Myanmar scuba diving liveaboard cruises. The new boat is bigger than its predecessor, but still only takes 16 guests. That means there’s more room and greater comfort. Smiling Seahorse has air-conditioned cabins, most of which have private bathrooms. Also the hull is steel and there's a dedicated photographers' room.

The boat is an ideal size for the number of guests. It’s 25m. in length with a width of 6.5m. This ensures that it’s always possible to find space to chill out away from others, but it also has a friendly atmosphere. The boat was designed from afresh, meaning that everything is in the right place. For example, the well-planned dive deck and cabin layout, and there’s a room just for photographers. From the large sundeck to the crew cabins in the lower deck, it’s a great boat. All guest cabins have air-conditioning and doors which open out to sea views, not into a narrow corridor.

On the upper deck of Smiling Seahorse there are two Standard guest cabins which can be set up as twin or double depending on your needs. Further back is the main socialising & dining area. This is where guests spend most of their time eating, listening to dive briefings, exchanging stories over a drink, browsing photos, reading, or updating logbooks. There are tables with lots of comfy seating, and there’s a large TV.

dive deck and dive euipment onboard similan burma myanmarOn the main deck of Smiling Seahorse there are two Master Cabins at the front of the boat and four Deluxe Cabins in the middle. All have private en suite bathrooms. The Master Cabins have large double beds, and the Deluxe Cabins can be twin or double, depending on the guests. Also on the main deck is the galley, where the wonderful cooks prepare plenty of delicious food. It’s a great balance of Thai food made to western taste. Guests who have special dietary needs, including vegetarians & vegans, won’t go hungry, but please inform the team of any special diets in advance.

There is a photography room on the main deck, next to the kitchen and communal bathrooms. This is important on scuba diving liveaboards nowadays. Diving photographers can service, clean & charge lights & cameras. but Smiling Seahorse goes one step further than all other Similan diving liveaboards. The attention to detail for photographers to store, service, charge and clean cameras and equipment is second to none. A pro photographer (and owner of the boat) joins nearly every trip, and there are regular clinics and presentations to help you get as much as possible out of each trip.

On the well-designed dive deck there is easily enough room for all divers to feel comfortable when gearing up. All the tanks, equipment, compressor and other machinery is located here, out of the way.

In its first two seasons Smiling Seahorse offered trips mostly in Myanmar/Burma, but due to local unrest and Covid-19 travel restrictions, it focused more on trips within in Thailand. There is a wide choice of trips, from 3 nights to more than a week long. For 2023-2024 the team will be back in Myanmar, but also having some wonderful trips in Thailand.

The Smiling Sehorse owners and operators are extremely passionate about caring for the environment, customer service and safety for all on board. Whichever of the trips you join, you're guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience.

Prices & Schedule

MV Smiling Seahorse Diver Prices Overview 2024 / 2025
DestinationsDuration Standard Twin/Double Deluxe Twin/Double Master Cabin
, , ,
North Andaman - Thailand
( 10 Dives)
3D / 3N Standard Twin/Double747 USD Deluxe Twin/Double896 USD Master Cabin1,046 USD
, ,
North Andaman
( 14 Dives)
4D / 4N Standard Twin/Double813 USD Deluxe Twin/Double956 USD Master Cabin1,028 USD
, , , ,
North Andaman
( 18 Dives)
5D / 5N Standard Twin/Double1,494 USD Deluxe Twin/Double1,554 USD Master Cabin1,643 USD
Burma banks
Myanmar
( 21 Dives)
6D / 6N Standard Twin/Double2,002 USD Deluxe Twin/Double2,091 USD Master Cabin2,181 USD
, Black Rock
Mergui Archipelago, Black Rock in a week - Myanmar
( 21 Dives)
6D / 6N Standard Twin/Double1,882 USD Deluxe Twin/Double1,972 USD Master Cabin2,061 USD
, , ,
Thailand
( 22 Dives)
6D / 6N Standard Twin/Double1,452 USD Deluxe Twin/Double1,613 USD Master Cabin1,721 USD
, , , , Elephant Head Rock
North Andaman - Thailand
( 22 Dives)
6D / 6N Standard Twin/Double1,613 USD Deluxe Twin/Double1,793 USD Master Cabin1,912 USD
Koh Lanta, , , Koh Lipe, , , , ,
South & North Andaman
( 25 Dives)
7D / 7N Standard Twin/Double2,091 USD Deluxe Twin/Double2,151 USD Master Cabin2,241 USD
Undiscovered Mergui Archipelago - Myanmar
( 25 Dives)
7D / 7N Standard Twin/Double2,091 USD Deluxe Twin/Double2,151 USD Master Cabin2,241 USD
, , , , , ​Koh Lanta, , , Koh Lipe, , , Koh Bida Nok
North & South Andaman - Thailand
( 25 Dives)
7D / 7N Standard Twin/Double2,091 USD Deluxe Twin/Double2,151 USD Master Cabin2,241 USD
Koh Lanta, , , Koh Lipe, , , Three Trees, West Of Eden, , , ,
North Andaman Whale Shark Expedition - Thailand
( 29 Dives)
8D / 8N Standard Twin/Double2,241 USD Deluxe Twin/Double2,360 USD Master Cabin2,510 USD
, Burma Banks
Myanmar
( 29 Dives)
8D / 8N Standard Twin/Double2,241 USD Deluxe Twin/Double2,360 USD Master Cabin2,510 USD
Included In The Price
Meals
Snacks
Tea / coffee
Drinking water
Soft drinks
VAT
Weights & weightbelts
Standard tanks
Dive master services
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
Alcoholic drinks
Dive insurance
Enviroment tax
Night diving torch
Larger tanks
Nitrox
Mask and Snorkel
Open-heel fins
Full-foot fins
Tips / Gratuities
View More Months
View More Available Months

Itinerary

Booking / Enquiry

Some MV Smiling Seahorse trips depart from & return to several piers in three diferent towns of southern Thailand.

The chosen pier depends on the itinerary, so please check carefully on our schedule. Some trips use Ranong, and others use Khao Lak or Phuket. A few trips will depart from one pier but finish at another.

Please check the schedule and consult us before confirming your travel plans.

Check-in is at lunchtime or early afternoon on departure day.

 

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
Surin Islands, Similan Islands, Koh Tachai, Koh Bon, Richelieu Rock 5 Days / 5 Nights 18 Dives

Facilites, Layout and Specifications

Facilities Available with MV Smiling Seahorse
Nitrox Available
En Suite Available
Air con
Dinghy
Courses Available
AV Entertainment
Double Beds Available
Sundeck
Shaded Sundeck
Available to Charter
Beach Transfers
Rinse Tanks
MV Smiling Seahorse Layout

 Top deck

top deck

Upper Deck

upper deck

Main Deck

main deck

Lower Deck

lower deck

MV Smiling Seahorse Specifications
Type: Steel hull.
Built: Nov 2018.
Length: 25 Metres.
Beam: 6.5 Metres.
Engines: 2 x 260 HP Hino Marine.
Generators: 2 x 20 kw Isuzu.
Cruising speed: 7 Knots.
Max Speed: 10 Knots.
Compressors: Bauer Mariner Compressors.
Instrumentation: GPS Plotter, Fishfinder, Depth Sounder, Cellular Phone, VHF / DSC / SSB radio and sonar.
Fresh Water: 16,000 Litres.
Fuel: 6,000 Litres.
Guests: Max. 16 Guests.
Cabins: 8 Double or Twin cabins with air-conditioning.
Bathrooms: 8 bathrooms (6 privates, 2 shared).
Sundeck: Yes sundeck area available.
Safety: Life Rafts, life vests, first aid kits, oxygen and trained oxygen providers, Engine room video surveillance, fire extinguishers, Fire alarm and fire extinguishers, Location beacon.
Dinghy: Motorised dinghy.

Courses

PADI Advanced Open Water & Nitrox Enriched Air courses are available on request on MV Smiling Seahorse.

Some other PADI courses are also possible. Please note that it's important to book your PADI course in advance, so that the team can prepare materials and staff.

Contact us for more information about courses on MV Smiling Seahorse

Transfer details

MV Smiling Seahorse guests need to arrive in the departure town (Ranong/Khao Lak/Phuket) on time. Local pick transfers are possible at reasonable rates.

MV Smiling Seahorse Scheduled Transfers
3D / 4N Trips
13:00 Arrival ( Ranong )
15:00 Transfers ( Ranong )
16:00 Departure ( Ranong Pier )
10:00 Return ( Ranong Pier )
10:30 Transfers ( Ranong )
MV Smiling Seahorse Scheduled Transfers
6D / 6N Trips
15:00 Arrival ( Ranong )
17:00 Transfers ( Ranong )
17:30 Departure ( Ranong Pier )
19:30 Return ( Ranong Pier )
20:00 Transfers ( Ranong )
MV Smiling Seahorse Scheduled Transfers
3D / 2N Trips
08:00 Arrival ( Ranong )
09:30 Transfers ( Ranong )
10:00 Departure ( Ranong Pier )
17:00 Return ( Ranong Pier )
17:30 Transfers ( Ranong )
MV Smiling Seahorse Scheduled Transfers
7D / 7N Trips
16:00 Arrival ( Ranong )
17:30 Transfers ( Ranong )
19:00 Departure ( Ranong Pier )
15:00 Return ( Tian Sin Pier, Phuket Town )
15:30 Transfers ( Phuket )
MV Smiling Seahorse Scheduled Transfers
7D / 7N Trips
16:00 Pick up from Phuket : 15 USD
18:00 Departure ( Tian Sin Pier, Phuket Town )
15:00 Return ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak )
15:30 Drop off to Khao Lak : Free
MV Smiling Seahorse Scheduled Transfers
6D / 6N Trips
16:00 Pick up from Khao Lak : Free
18:00 Departure ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak )
15:00 Return ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak )
15:30 Drop off to Khao Lak : Free
MV Smiling Seahorse Scheduled Transfers
7D / 7N Trips
16:00 Pick up from Khao Lak : Free
18:00 Departure ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak )
15:00 Return ( Tian Sin Pier, Phuket Town )
15:30 Drop off to Phuket : Free
MV Smiling Seahorse Scheduled Transfers
7D / 7N Trips
16:00 Pick up from Phuket : 15 USD
18:00 Departure ( Tian Sin Pier, Phuket Town )
15:00 Return ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak )
15:30 Drop off to Khao Lak : Free
MV Smiling Seahorse Scheduled Transfers
6D / 6N Trips
16:00 Pick up from Khao Lak : Free
18:00 Departure ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak )
15:00 Return ( Ranong )
15:30 Drop off to Ranong : Free
MV Smiling Seahorse Scheduled Transfers
5D / 5N Trips
16:00 Pick up from Khao Lak : Free
18:00 Departure ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak )
15:00 Return ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak )
15:30 Drop off to Khao Lak : Free
MV Smiling Seahorse Scheduled Transfers
4D / 4N Trips
16:00 Pick up from Phuket : 15 USD
18:00 Departure ( Tian Sin Pier, Phuket Town )
15:00 Return ( Tian Sin Pier, Phuket Town )
15:30 Drop off to Phuket : 15 USD
MV Smiling Seahorse Scheduled Transfers
8D / 8N Trips
16:00 Pick up from Phuket : 15 USD
18:00 Departure ( Tian Sin Pier, Phuket Town )
15:00 Return ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak )
15:30 Drop off to Khao Lak : Free
MV Smiling Seahorse Scheduled Transfers
4D / 4N Trips
16:00 Pick up from Khao Lak : Free
18:00 Departure ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak )
15:00 Return ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak )
15:30 Drop off to Khao Lak : Free
MV Smiling Seahorse Scheduled Transfers
5D / 5N Trips
16:00 Pick up from Khao Lak : Free
18:00 Departure ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak )
15:00 Return ( Ranong )
15:30 Drop off to Ranong : Free
MV Smiling Seahorse Scheduled Transfers
5D / 5N Trips
08:00 Arrival ( Ranong )
09:30 Transfers ( Ranong )
10:00 Departure ( Ranong Pier )
17:00 Return ( Ranong Pier )
17:30 Transfers ( Ranong )
MV Smiling Seahorse Scheduled Transfers
8D / 8N Trips
16:00 Arrival ( Ranong )
17:30 Transfers ( Ranong )
19:00 Departure ( Ranong Pier )
15:00 Return ( Tian Sin Pier, Phuket Town )
15:30 Transfers ( Phuket )

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

Booking or enquiring is easy follow these steps
Step 1:
Complete the form below by entering your details
Step 2:
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

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