The Junk: Similan and Surin liveaboard, from 5 days / 4 nights

Route

Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock. The Similans offer granite boulders, swim-throughs and coral gardens, Koh Bon is the most likely place for manta rays, and Koh Tachai can bring mantas and whale sharks from late January to April. Richelieu Rock is famous for macro: cuttlefish, seahorses and ghost pipefish. If weather and timing allow, the last dives are on the Boonsung and Premchai wrecks off Khao Lak.

5 days / 4 nights, up to 14 dives. Day 1: boarding, usually at Thap Lamu at 19:00, briefing and dinner. Days 2-4: up to 4 dives a day, usually 3 day dives and a sunset or night dive. Day 5: 2 morning dives, back at Thap Lamu at around 14:00.

7 days / 6 nights, up to 19 dives. Day 1: boarding, usually at Thap Lamu at 19:00. Days 2-5: up to 4 dives a day. Day 6: 2 morning dives and one after lunch, then the cruise back to port. Day 7: disembarkation at Thap Lamu after breakfast, between 9:00 and 10:00.

This is a sample itinerary: dive sites are chosen according to the weather and currents. Groups of 4-5 divers per guide. Briefings are in English. Please tell us before booking if you need a Russian-speaking guide.

The boat and cabins

The Junk is a wooden yacht built in the style of a Chinese junk, once a merchant ship, for up to 18 guests. 6 cabins, each with its own bathroom with a hot shower and individually controlled air conditioning.

• Twin or double, 2 cabins: the beds can be set up separately or together.
• Three-berth, 2 cabins: two beds and one upper bunk. Two guests can book it at the twin or double price.
• Four-berth, 2 cabins: bunk beds, shared by men and women.

On board

An air-conditioned saloon with a TV and a library of books, films and games. Covered outdoor and indoor dining with buffet meals: Thai and Western dishes, fruit, vegetarian meals on request. A sun deck with loungers, a shaded dive deck with a set-up area and storage crate for every guest, and 2 tenders.

Deck plan

Top: the main deck. Bottom: the lower deck with cabins 1 and 2 twin or double, 3 and 4 three-berth, 5 and 6 four-berth.

Prices for the 2026-2027 season

Cruise prices are in THB per person for the whole trip, based on shared occupancy. Mandatory fees and optional extras are charged separately.

Two guests can book a three-berth cabin at the twin or double price. Single-occupancy and non-diver rates are available on request.

Included

• shared transfer from Phuket Airport, hotels in Phuket and Khao Lak to the boat and back on boarding and disembarkation days
• a cabin with its own bathroom and air conditioning, full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and fruit
• unlimited tea, coffee, juice and soft drinks
• up to 4 guided dives a day
• 12-liter aluminium tank with air, weights and belt, a surface marker buoy for the trip
• cabin and deck towels, a reusable water bottle

Not included

• national park fees and the fuel surcharge payable to the vessel, see the table below
• equipment rental and Nitrox (at an extra charge, subject to availability), prices in the table
• beer and wine on board after the day’s diving
• flights and crew tips

Extras are quoted in USD per person for the whole trip and are payable to the vessel before disembarkation. The vessel’s exchange rate applies to payments in other currencies. Payment is accepted in cash (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, THB) or by Visa and Mastercard with a 3.5% fee. Fees may change.

Transfers

A shared transfer from Phuket Airport and hotels in Phuket and Khao Lak to Thap Lamu is included. The airport pickup is usually at around 17:00 at Terminal 2 (domestic), exit 3: allow 2-3 hours after an international flight and 1.5-2 hours after a domestic one. The drive from the airport to Thap Lamu takes about 1-1.5 hours. We confirm the exact time at least 48 hours in advance. We recommend arriving the day before and staying a night in Phuket.

Diver requirements

• PADI Open Water Diver certification or higher and at least 10 logged dives
• every diver uses their own dive computer, which can be rented
• dives must stay within each diver’s certification and experience limits, with a maximum depth of 30 metres. Separate limits apply to junior divers
• underwater photography in the national parks requires Advanced Open Water or 40 logged dives
• children aged 8 and over may join with a parent or guardian. Diving eligibility depends on age and certification. Junior Open Water divers are limited to two dives per day
• travel and diving insurance are required. Diving cover must include scuba diving, emergency evacuation, recompression treatment and related medical expenses
• if you answer “yes” to any question on the medical form, bring a doctor’s certificate issued within the last year
• do not fly within 24 hours after your last dive

Schedule for the 2026-2027 season

Boarding is usually at Thap Lamu (Khao Lak) at 19:00. The exact pier and transfer time are stated in your booking confirmation.

Ask us about available berths on your trip.