MV Smiling Seahorse Liveaboard
Duration
5-8 Nights
Location/Type
Thailand/Liveaboard
Cabins
8 Cabins
Departure
Ranong & Khao Lak
ABOUT THE LIVEABOARD
Launched in November 2018, the MV Smiling Seahorse was purpose-built for divers, breaking away from the common practice of converting fishing vessels in the region. Designed by and for underwater photographers, it is the first liveaboard in Thailand to feature a dedicated camera room, offer blackwater diving on every cruise, and host regular photo/video workshops.
With a sturdy steel hull, and two powerful engines, the MV Smiling Seahorse is built for the most remote adventures. Despite its generous size—25 meters long and 6.4 meters wide—this liveaboard accommodates only 16 guests in 8 air-conditioned cabins across 4 decks, ensuring the highest level of comfort during surface intervals.
Highlights
Purpose-built for diving with a stable steel hull
Spacious sundeck for relaxation and stargazing
Dedicated camera room for underwater photographers
Diverse itineraries covering Thailand and Myanmar
Professional crew with extensive local knowledge
Nitrox available for certified divers
Cabin Price Starts at
$ 181
Book your spot!
Contact Us Today
"I wanted freedom, open air, and adventure. I found it on the sea."
- Alain Gerbault
Itinerary
Discover Every Day of Your Journey
North & South Andaman for 8 days and 7 nights
*Subject to change based on weather
Day 1
- The appointment point is at our dive center (170 ruangrat, rd, ranong) for check in between 12pm and 2pm.
- Free shared transfer to the boat from Ranong around 4pm.
- It’s also possible to get picked up on Koh Phayam around 6pm.
Day 2
- Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock
Day 3
- Similan National Park, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai
Day 4
- Similan National Park
Day 5
- Koh Lanta National Park, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang
Day 6
- Tarutao National Park, Koh Lipe
Day 7
- Koh Lanta National Park, Koh Haa
Day 8
- Koh Phi Phi, Koh Bida Nok
- 2 dives and back in Phuket in the afternoon at 4pm.
- The last dive ends no later than 11:30
9 Day Burma exploration cruise: one step further
*Subject to change based on weather
Day 1
- The check-in is at our dive center between 10am and 12pm. At 2pm we will head to the immigration office to get the necessary exit stamps from Thailand and then make our way to MV Smiling Seahorse. Upon crossing the border into Myanmar, immigration officers will board the boat in Kawthaung and do the necessary border crossing screening. Once the boring paperwork is completed, we will head out to se
- At sunset, we will hold a ceremony to launch our voyage and introduce the crew. Then it will be time for your first scrumptious meal before being rocked to sleep on our way to the first dive site.
Day 2-8
- We will explore Mergui Archipelago and the Burma banks.
- We will make 4 dives per day and 1 or 2 dive for the last day, according to our itinerary.
- The last dive ends no later than 11:30
- We will be back to Ranong around 5-6 pm.
Day 9
- Disembark
North Andaman sites for 6 days and 5 nights
Day 1
- Meeting at the boat parked at Tap Lamu pier for check in between 2pm to 4pm. (We can arrange to pick you up in Khao Lak).
- The boat plan to leave the pier around 5pm when everyone is check in. Dinner will be served onboard.
Day 2
- Surin National Park
Day 3
- Surin Islands: Richelieu Rock
Day 4
- Similan National Park: Koh Bon, Koh Tachai
Day 5
- South Similan National Park: sites like Elephant Head, Donald Duck Bay, Deep six, west of Eden, Rocky Point and Anita's reef.
Day 6
- Similan National Park: West of Eden, Shark Fin Reef.
- We will make 2 dives, and we will be back to Khao Lak around 4pm.
- The last dive ends no later than 11:30
Everything you want to know about
Trip Highlights
Diving Facilities
Large dive deck with individual gear storage
Dedicated camera room for equipment maintenance and charging
Nitrox available (additional cost)
Rental equipment available
Dive guides with extensive local experience
General Facilities
Air-conditioned saloon with entertainment system
Outdoor dining area and ba
Sundeck with loungers and shaded areas
Indoor camera room/charging station
Transportation and Transfers
Embarkation and disembarkation points vary by itinerary:
Thailand trips: Khao Lak, Ranong, or Phuket
Myanmar trips: Ranong
Airport transfers may be included depending on the chosen itinerary and arrival/departure times.
Wildlife Encounters
Divers may encounter:
Manta rays and eagle rays
Whale sharks (seasonal)
Leopard sharks and other reef sharks
Frogfish, seahorses, and various macro life
Diverse coral reef ecosystems
Seasons
High Season: October to April (dry season)
Low Season: May to September (rainy season)
Best visibility: February to May
Whale shark season: February to May (Thailand)
Additional Information
Currency accepted: Thai Baht, US Dollars
Electrical outlets: 220V, Thai/European style plugs
Wi-Fi: Not available onboard
Night diving available on most itineraries
- **varies based on itinerary**
- Full accommodation and board
- (Breakfast, Lunch, afternoon bites, Dinner)
- All soft drinks, drinking water, fresh coffee & tea
- Fresh fruits, yogurt & snacks all-day
- 12 L scuba tank, Weights & Weight Belt
- Free 1 Blackwater dive (depending on itinerary)
- PADI Professional Dive Guide (for up to 4 divers)
- up to 25 Dives
- Towels, reef-friendly amenities
- Sea kayak and hammock
- Alcoholic beverages
- Nitrox fills
- Rental equipment
- Marine park fees (varies based on itinerary)
- E-visa for Myanmar (only for Myanmar itineraries)
- Dive insurance
- Gratuities
Take a look around
Cabins
The two master cabins are located right at the front of the boat with windows facing forward to offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the route ahead. These rooms are ideal for couples looking for a bit more of an intimate romantic setting.
Price depends on itinerary | email info@apexoceantravel.com
The deluxe cabins are identical to the standard cabin with the only difference being the addition of an ensuite private bathroom. These rooms also feature the smart bedding system to convert the room on demand.
Price depends on itinerary | email info@apexoceantravel.com
Towards the front of the boat on this deck are the standard cabins and the living quarters for the dive staff. Every door opens to a stunning view of the nature surrounding you and there is also a window that you can watch the waves roll by from the comfort of your bed. These cabins all are air-conditioned with shared bathrooms and feature our smart-bedding system. To best cater to the needs of the occupants, we have designed the rooms to be able to be configured in two ways upon request. Couples staying in this room can have a double bed and an upper shelf to store luggage or it can be switched to have two single bunk beds more suited for solo travelers or friends sharing a room. To keep things organized we also have two large cubbies to tuck your belongings away out of sight.
Price depends on itinerary | email info@apexoceantravel.com
