A Review of MV Dolphin Queen Liveaboard
TC
Who is Singaporean
1 Review
Did a 5D5N trip in Nov 2022. This boar is not a luxury LOB. In fact, its the most value for money LOB I can find for the Similans. But facilities (rooms/toilets etc) are clean and functional. You get to dive the same sites as other boats anyway.
Compared to another boat I was on 6 years ago, Dolphin is more chill and relaxed. Timing can go off slightly. Dive guides move around on different LOBs anyway, so it depends on your luck to get an experienced one. We were lucky to have a very experienced guide onboard who was constantly asking for feedback.
There was a case of Decompression Sickness and everything was handled professionally. The Thai navy was called in to bring the diver to mainland for treatment. This was not the fault of anyone as she was following the rules as everyone else was. So get proper insurance!
The group set off for Thap Lamu Pier from their office in Khao Lak at 7pm. So make sure you are at their office before that. Free pickup is available in Khao Lak. No dinner is provide on the 1st night and last day. Shampoo and body wash is provided and you got to bring any other toiletries you might need. The boat does not serve seafood so get your fix on mainland if you are a "fish-lover".
The rooms on the boat are pretty small so leave your bulky stuff at their mainland office. It would be advisable for those who bring their own gear to transfer your gear into the dive baskets and repack after the trip at the office.
Video and photo taking service is available in season and you can check with the staff on the pricing.
Jamie (from Similan Diving Tours) was always contactable and response was prompt. Used their service as I had in my previous trip. No regrets!
Compared to another boat I was on 6 years ago, Dolphin is more chill and relaxed. Timing can go off slightly. Dive guides move around on different LOBs anyway, so it depends on your luck to get an experienced one. We were lucky to have a very experienced guide onboard who was constantly asking for feedback.
There was a case of Decompression Sickness and everything was handled professionally. The Thai navy was called in to bring the diver to mainland for treatment. This was not the fault of anyone as she was following the rules as everyone else was. So get proper insurance!
The group set off for Thap Lamu Pier from their office in Khao Lak at 7pm. So make sure you are at their office before that. Free pickup is available in Khao Lak. No dinner is provide on the 1st night and last day. Shampoo and body wash is provided and you got to bring any other toiletries you might need. The boat does not serve seafood so get your fix on mainland if you are a "fish-lover".
The rooms on the boat are pretty small so leave your bulky stuff at their mainland office. It would be advisable for those who bring their own gear to transfer your gear into the dive baskets and repack after the trip at the office.
Video and photo taking service is available in season and you can check with the staff on the pricing.
Jamie (from Similan Diving Tours) was always contactable and response was prompt. Used their service as I had in my previous trip. No regrets!
Visited dive sites: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Surin Islands on a 5 Days / 5 Nights Liveaboard Trip in Thailand.
