MV Bavaria
Similan and Surin Islands liveaboard
MV Bavaria is a Khao Lak liveaboard that was launched in December 2016. It offers a choice of itineraries:
- 3 days Similan Islands
- 4 days Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
- 7 days Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
- 7 days South Andaman
This German owned and operated boat is popular with divers from all countries. Prices are good, especially if you want a private single cabin or have a non diving partner.
“Can’t recommend this boat and crew highly enough. They are all really good at their jobs and look after the guests extremely well. All dive guides are professional, brilliant in the water and understand the needs and wants of the guests. A special mention for our guide Jona. She spots things others can only dream of.The diving was very good, water around 28c. Saw whale shark, eagle rays and a manta. Plenty of Tuna ,Trevally, several Octopus. Very few other boats out there!! We’ll be back !!” Andy Feb 2019 Read in Trip Advisor
Photos
Features
- Max 24 guests
- 4 staff (max 6:1 diver to guide ratio)
- 24m length, 7m beam
- Lots of space. Large sun deck.
- NITROX is available.
- PADI advanced courses available on board.
- Free Wifi (when in range in the Similan Islands)
- Thai and European food. Served buffet style.
- 2 x deluxe double cabins with private en-suite bathroom forward on the main deck.
- 6 x comfort twin bunk cabins with private en-suite bathroom on the main deck
- 2 x comfort double cabins with private en-suite bathroom on the lower deck
- 2 x standard twin cabins on the upper deck
Prices
MV Bavaria price
4 days 3 nights (10 dives) – Similan Islands
- Deluxe double bed cabin with private en-suite bathroom (main deck forward): 28,500 baht per diver
- Comfort twin bed cabin with private en-suite bathroom (main deck): 25,900 baht per diver
- Comfort double bed cabin with private en-suite bathroom (lower deck): 24,900 baht per diver
- Standard twin bed cabin (upper deck, shared bathroom): 23,900 baht per diver
4 days 3 nights (13 dives) Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock
- Deluxe double bed cabin with private en-suite bathroom (main deck forward): 37,000 baht per diver
- Comfort twin bed cabin with private en-suite bathroom (main deck): 34,500 baht per diver
- Comfort double bed cabin with private en-suite bathroom (lower deck): 33,900 baht per diver
- Standard twin bed cabin (upper deck, shared bathroom): 31,500 baht per diver
7 days 6 nights (22 dives) Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock
- Deluxe double bed cabin with private en-suite bathroom (main deck forward): 53,900 baht per diver
- Comfort twin bed cabin with private en-suite bathroom (main deck): 49,500 baht per diver
- Comfort double bed cabin with private en-suite bathroom (lower deck): 47,500 baht per diver
- Standard twin bed cabin (upper deck, shared bathroom): 44,900 baht per diver
25% discount for non diving partners
30% discount for non diving children
Single supplement surcharge:
Deluxe double cabin: +100%
Comfort twin cabin or standard twin cabin: +50% surcharge
Comfort double cabin: + 25%
Price includes: Dive guide, 12 litre tanks, weights & belt, all meals, towels, round trip transfers from Khao hotels.
Price excludes: Equipment rental (800 baht/set/day), marine national park fees, nitrox (200 baht/fill), 15 litre tanks, torches, alcoholic drinks, Phuket hotel transfers.
Park fees: 4d 3n Similan = 1,100 baht, 4d 3n Similan/Surin = 2,300 baht, 7d 6n = 2,700 baht
Phuket to Khao Lak transfers can be arranged for 1,500-2,500 baht/way (depending on hotel location). We recommend staying in Khao Lak prior to this liveaboard.
Divers should have logged dives within the last 12 months.
Special offer: Book 6 months in advance for 5% discount.
Schedule
MV Bavaria schedule
15 May – 15 Oct: Season close
| Dates | Description | Start / Finish |
|---|---|---|
| 15-18 Oct 2022 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 19-22 Oct 2022 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 22-25 Oct 2022 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 19-25 Oct 2022 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 26-29 Oct 2022 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 29 Oct-1 Nov 2022 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 26 Oct-1 Nov 2022 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 2-5 Nov 2022 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 5-8 Nov 2022 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 2-8 Nov 2022 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 9-12 Nov 2022 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 12-15 Nov 2022 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 9-15 Nov 2022 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 16-19 Nov 2022 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 19-22 Nov 2022 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 16-22 Nov 2022 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 23-26 Nov 2022 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 26-29 Nov 2022 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 23-29 Nov 2022 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 30 Nov-3 Dec 2022 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 3-6 Dec 2022 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 30 Nov-6 Dec 2022 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 7-10 Dec 2022 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 10-13 Dec 2022 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 7-13 Dec 2022 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 14-17 Dec 2022 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 17-20 Dec 2022 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 14-20 Dec 2022 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 21-24 Dec 2022 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 24-27 Dec 2022 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 21-27 Dec 2022 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 28-31 Dec 2022 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 31 Dec-3 Jan 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 28 Dec-3 Jan 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 4-7 Jan 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 7-10 Jan 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 4-10 Jan 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 11-14 Jan 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 14-17 Jan 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 11-17 Jan 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 18-21 Jan 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 21-24 Jan 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 18-24 Jan 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 25-28 Jan 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 28-31 Jan 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 25-31 Jan 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 1-4 Feb 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 4-7 Feb 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 1-7 Feb 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 8-11 Feb 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 11-14 Feb 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 8-14 Feb 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 15-18 Feb 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 18-21 Feb 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 15-21 Feb 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 22-25 Feb 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 25-28 Feb-2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 22-28 Feb 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 1-4 March 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 4-7 March 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 1-7 March 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 8-11 March 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 11-14 March 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 8-14 March 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 15-18 March 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 18-21 March 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 15-21 March 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 22-25 March 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 25-28 Mar 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 22-28 Mar 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 29 Mar-1 Apr 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 1-4 Apr 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 29 Mar-4 Apr 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 5-8 Apr 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 8-11 Apr 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 5-11 Apr 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 12-15 Apr 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 15-18 Apr 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 12-18 Apr 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 19-22 Apr 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 22-25 Apr 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 19-25 Apr 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 26-29 Apr 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 29 Apr-2 May 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 26 Apr-2 May 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 3-6 May 2023 | 4d 3n Similan Islands | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 6-9 May 2023 | 4d 3n Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
| 3-9 May 2023 | 6d 6n Similan, Surin, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | Khao Lak / Khao Lak |
Itinerary
MV Bavaria itineraries
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights (10 dives) at the Similan Islands
Departure Day:
Meet at the shop in Khao Lak latest 1600 hrs for check-in, paperwork and equipment fitting. Then transfer by minibus to MV Bavaria at Tap Lamu pier. Departure from Thap Lamu pier is at about 2030 hrs. Dinner is served on board as you cruise overnight to the Similan Islands.
Day 2
4 dives Similan – on the first day of our safari we start with a check dive at Similan island #4.
Plus 3 further dives at the island # 7. There is also the possibility for a beach excursion.
Day 3
4 dives Similan Islands including Elephant Rock and the dive sites around island #8. Plus beach excursion at Similan Island #8 (Donald Duck Bay) with its white beaches and crystal clear waters.
Day 4 (arrival day)
2 dives Similan island #9, the northernmost island of the Similan Islands. Then we will change to a day trip boat and move back to the port in Tablamu, where we will arrive between 1800-1830 hrs.
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights (13 dives) Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock
Day 0 (day before the safari)
Check-in at the shop (in Khao Lak) latest 1800 hrs for check-in, equipment fitting, payment of the national park fees and extras such as Nitrox (certification required), 15l-tank etc.
Day 1 (departure day)
3 dives – Pick up from the hotel in Khao Lak at approximately 0715 hrs and transfer to the pier. Then we go with a daytrip boat to Similan Island #8, where we change to MV Bavaria. After a short briefing we will go straight to a check dive at Similan Island #9, the northernmost island of the Similan Islands. Then continue to Koh Bon, one of the most famous dive sites for mantas. Manta rays can be found all around the rock and on Koh Bon Pinnacle. The best time is from mid-December to April. There we do the remaining two dives.
Day 2
4 dives – 2 dives on Koh Tachai. The place is known for turtles and leopard sharks. But also mantas and, with a bit of luck, a whale shark can be found at Koh Tachai pinnacle. Then we move to the Surin Islands, where we will do the remaining two dives of the day.
Day 3
4 dives Koh Tachai
Day 4 (day of arrival)
2 dives Koh Tachai and Koh Bon – the first dive we do on Koh Tachai and then move to Koh Bon for the last dive, before we start the return to the port in Tablamu and arrive there between 1430-1530 hrs.
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights (22 dives) at the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock
Departure Day:
Meet at the shop in Khao Lak latest 1600 hrs for check-in, paperwork and equipment fitting. Then transfer by minibus to MV Bavaria at Tap Lamu pier. Departure from Thap Lamu pier is at about 2030 hrs. Dinner is served on board as you cruise overnight to the Similan Islands.
Day 2
4 dives Similan – on the first day of our safari we start with a check dive at Similan island #4.
Plus 3 further dives at the island # 7. There is also the possibility for a beach excursion.
Day 3
4 dives Similan Islands including Elephant Rock and the dive sites around island #8. Plus beach excursion at Similan Island #8 (Donald Duck Bay) with its white beaches and crystal clear waters.
Day 4
4 dives Similan and Koh Bon – 2 dives at Similan island #9, the northernmost island of the Similan Islands. Then cruise to Koh Bon for 2 more dives. Manta rays can be found all around the rock and on Koh Bon Pinnacle. The best time is from mid-December to April.
Day 5
4 dives at Koh Tachai. The place is known for turtles and leopard sharks. Sometimes, with a little bit of luck, you can spot manta rays and whalesharks around Koh Tachai Pinnacle.
Day 6
4 Dives Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock – We start the day with a dive on the Surin Islands and then move to Richelieu Rock, one of the most famous dive sites in Thailand.
Day 7 (day of arrival)
2 dives Koh Tachai and Koh Bon – the first dive we do on Koh Tachai and then move to Koh Bon for the last dive, before we start the return to the port in Tablamu and arrive there between 1430-1530 hrs.
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights (22 dives) at Koh Haa, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi
Day 1 (departure day)
Meeting at the shop in Khao Lak latest 1500 hrs for check-in, paperwork, equipment fitting etc. Around 1630 hrs transfer by minibus to the port in Chalong, Phuket. Boat briefing and dinner, departure time is around 2100 hrs.
Alternatively, check in directly on the MV Bavaria in Phuket by latest 1930 hrs.
Day 2 – Koh Haa
We start the trip with a check dive at one of Koh Haa’s dive sites. On this day we will do a total of three dives at the dive sites around Koh Haa. The night dive will take place at Koh Rok.
You may already know that Koh Haa means „five islands“ in Thai, of which Koh Haa Yai is the largest. It has a small sandy beach and a shallow bay. There are more than 15 dive sites around the five islands with pinnacles, slopes, walls, boulders and caves suitable for all levels of diving.
Day 3 – Koh Lipe
4 dives at Koh Lipe. The Koh Lipe Marine Park offers a wide range of different types of diving.
In terms of marine life, Koh Lipe has a wide variety of macro critters including nudibranches, seahorses, ghost pipefish, frogfish and more. When diving in Tarutao National Park, there is also a high chance of spotting pelagic fish such as sharks and rays. The last dive of the day will be a sunset dive.
Day 4 – Koh Lipe
4 more dives at Koh Lipe.
Day 5 – Hin Daeng / Hin Muang
3-4 dives at Hin Daeng / Hin Muang
To the south of Phuket and Phi Phi, towards the border with Malaysia, are some other excellent dive sites. Hin Daeng and Hin Muang (red rock and purple rock) are truly world-class locations, boasting steep walls, large fish, and lush gardens of soft corals.
The night dive will then take place again at the dive sites around Koh Haa or we will do a sunset dive at Hin Daeng / Hin Muang.
Day 6 – Koh Haa
Before we offer a visit to Phi Phi Island in the evening or a night dive around the famous Phi Phi Islands, we dive a total of 3 times the beautiful dive sites around Koh Haa.
Day 7 – Koh Phi Phi (arrival day)
2 dives in the Phi Phi National Park before we return to Chalong Pier (Phuket) and arrive there between 1430-1530 hrs.
*itineraries are subject to change
Book / Enquiry
- Tell us the dates you are interested in. We’ll check available options and provide you with a clear breakdown of prices.
- When you are ready to go ahead and book we’ll reserve your place(s) and email you the secure online payment instructions.
- 30% deposit to confirm your booking. Payment is online by credit card or paypal (no booking fee or credit card fee), or by bank transfer.
- Balance payable 60 days before the trip departure date.
