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!

"I wanted freedom, open air, and adventure. I found it on the sea."

- Alain Gerbault

Itinerary

Know More about the days

North & South Andaman for 8 days and 7 nights

*Subject to change based on weather

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

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

Day 9

North Andaman sites for 6 days and 5 nights

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

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 bar
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

The MV Smiling Seahorse offers a perfect blend of comfort and adventure for divers seeking to explore the rich marine life of the Andaman Sea. With its purpose-built design and experienced crew, it provides an ideal platform for both novice and experienced divers to discover the underwater wonders of Thailand and Myanmar

LIVE AVAILABILITY COMING SOON

Take a look around

Cabins

Price varies by ininerary – email info@apexoceantravel.com

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 varies by ininerary – 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 varies by ininerary – 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.

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER AND GET $100 credit

We’ll get back to you within 24 hours. Book a call or fill out our enquiry form to connect with our team and take the first step toward your perfect experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about planning your perfect adventure. Can’t find the answer? Our travel experts are here to help.

Which airport should I fly into?