Warning: Attempt to read property "base" on null in /home/scubadivingearth/old.scubadivingearth.com/wp-content/plugins/pdb-image-expansion/pdbiex/Media_Library.php on line 49 Explorer Liveaboard Diving Review Thailand Similan Islands | Scuba Diving Earth
Nitrox DivingPaid nitrox available, which means you benefit from the many advantages of nitrox diving if you are happy to pay for it. The benefits include safer extended bottom times so you can spend longer on each dive.
Dietary Requirements Catered ForThe onboard chefs will cater for your personal dietary requirements, e.g. food allergies like gluten or lactose intolerance, and religious beliefs. This means you can enjoy the onboard meals. You are advised to add any dietary requirements to your special requests at step 2 of the booking form. Please limit these dietary requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.
Diving CoursesThis liveaboard offers diving courses, which means you benefit from being able to advance your diving skills. These training courses are an extra charge.
Scuba Gear RentalYou can rent scuba gear on this dive boat so you benefit from being able travel light and simply rent all your scuba equipment once onboard.
InternetFree WIFI and internet on this liveaboard, so you can get online with your phone or laptop for no extra charge.
Ensuite CabinsCabins on this dive boat benefit from having ensuite bathrooms, so you can shower and get ready in private (Check when booking that the cabin you choose has an ensuite bathroom).
Aircon CabinsEach cabin has air-conditioning, which means you can choose your own cabin temperature for personal comfort and a good nights sleep.
Private CharterThis liveaboard is available for private charter. If you charter this dive boat you have more flexibility over the choice of dive sites (with the captain's approval), the type of diving and total number of divers/guests onboard (subject to the maximum number of guests onboard - see below).
DIN AdaptersThis liveaboard does not have DIN adapters.
Relaxing between dives
Image courtesy ofLiveaboard.com; for more information click here: Explorer
Liveaboard Review Introduction
Image courtesy ofLiveaboard.com; for more information click here: Explorer
Liveaboard Know Before You Go
Liveaboard.com Booking linkBoat typeDiver certification (Depends on itinerary)Dive coursesDiving Experience (Depends on itinerary)
2141734991220Know Before You GoThe Explorer Liveaboard "Know Before You Go" and "Know Before You Book" summary is to help you choose the right boat for diving Thailand:IntroductionAll-inclusive trip with up to 41 dives on the Explorer Thailand liveaboard from £105/day ($132/€122) & rated 9. Up to 16 divers on a 25m 82f steel-hull dive boat with 8 cabins, 9 bathrooms + aircon cabins, for charter, caters for dietary requirements, ensuite cabins, dive courses, free internet, paid nitrox, scuba gear rental.Liveaboard.com Booking linkExplorerBoat Attributes25m (82f) : 8 cabins + 9 bathrooms for 16 guests.Boat typesteel-hullDiver certification (Depends on itinerary)Open Water DiverScuba gear rentalYESDive coursesYESDiving Experience (Depends on itinerary)3-10 logged divesPrices starting at£105/($132/€122)* per day. *Exchange rate used: GBP to USD: 1.26; GBP to Euro 1.16.Type of DestinationRemoteDiving Destinations (Area 1)*Thailand Dive Sites ("The Land of Smiles"):, Koh Bon (Manta Ray Cleaning Station), Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock aka "Hin Plo Naam" (Surin Islands; Whale Sharks and top 10 dive site in the world) - Hin Plo Naam, Similan Islands, Surin Island (Whale Sharks and Mantas).Diving Destinations (Area 2)*Diving Destinations (Area 3)*Diving Destinations (Area 4)*Feedback WelcomeFeedback Welcome: Please let me know in the comments below what additional information would be useful to "Know Before You Go" and "Know Before You Book" on the Explorer liveaboard.*Important NoteBefore you choose your departure date: Please carefully review and choose the right itinerary for the Thailand dive sites you want to dive from the Explorer liveaboard.
Booking tipsBefore you book and pay for your flights, you first need your itinerary dates confirmed for your Explorer liveaboard trip. 8 steps to follow: 1. Select an itinerary; 2. Choose your cabin; 3. Select number of people in your party; 4. Enter your email address and confirm; 5. Your trip will be held by the liveaboard operator until your dates are confirmed. 6. You'll receive a booking confirmation by email allowing you 2-3 days before payment is due; 7. Book your flights to Thailand; 8. Pay for your Explorer liveaboard trip. Congratulations, you are about to embark on an amazing adventure!
Liveaboard Quick ReviewThe Explorer Liveaboard is a 25m (82f) Thailand Similan Islands boat for diving safaris for up to 16 guests enjoying 8 cabins and 9 bathrooms. This Thailand liveaboard has a customer review rating of 9.0 out of 10 and is rated 'Superb' (SDE Lux Rating 65%*).
* SDE Lux Rating - See Below*SDE Lux Rating 65% - See Liveaboard Luxury Features Review section below.
Liveaboard Review TipsIf you are looking for a superb Thailand liveaboard diving safari, a great choice is the Explorer diving liveaboard. Here's our quick 7 review tips of why you might like to book this Thailand diving liveaboard boat:
1. Customer RatingThe Explorer liveaboard has a customer review rating of 9.0 out of 10, and and customers have rated the Explorer Liveaboard "Superb".
2. Scuba Diving Earth Luxury Rating SummaryDiver Benefits: 8 out of 9, Liveaboard Design: 7 out of 9, Cabin Luxury: 4 out of 7, Onboard Comfort: 3 out of 7, Food Luxury: 5 out of 11, Drink Luxury: 7 out of 9. This makes an average Total SDE Lux Rating of 34 out of 52, or 65% (see below under "Liveaboard Luxury Features Review" for more details).
3. Cost Per DayThe Thailand Explorer Liveaboard costs from £105 per day ($132/€122)* .
4. ProsA quick list of the main pros of the Explorer Liveaboard include: aircon cabins, for charter, caters for dietary requirements, ensuite cabins, dive courses, free internet, paid nitrox, scuba gear rental.
5. ConsA quick list of the main cons of the Explorer Liveaboard include: none from the main list of pros vs cons.
6. Liveaboard CapacityThe Explorer liveaboard is 25 metres (82 feet) long, has 8 cabins and 9 bathrooms, which means it can accommodate up to 16 guests/divers.
7. Booking ItinerariesThe booking itineraries for the Explorer Liveaboard include: 4 Days/3 Nights, 6 Days/5 Nights, 9 Days/8 Nights, 14 Days/13 Nights. (But it's worth checking if more diving itineraries by clicking here: Explorer).
More about liveaboard discountsIf you want to find out more about how liveaboard discounts work, and in particular about discounted liveaboard trips for the Explorer Liveaboard, please scroll to the Liveaboard Discount section below.
Discover MoreTo find out more or book the Explorer Liveaboard you can do this here: Explorer
* NoteThe above cost per day was correct at the time of producing this article. Also, the exchange rate used for GBP to USD is 1.26 and for GBP to Euro is 1.16. For an up-to-date cost for the Explorer Liveaboard, please visit this link: Explorer.
Liveaboard main photo
Image courtesy ofLiveaboard.com; for more information click here: Explorer
Liveaboard Discounts
Last Minute Liveaboard DealsBefore reading more about the Thailand Explorer liveaboard, please take a moment to check any discounts or last minute deals in the list below. (Note: if no liveaboard discounts are listed below, unfortunately this means there are no current deals or discounts available for the Explorer dive boat). Please bookmark this page and check back another time. Alternatively, please check this article here: Discounted Liveaboards Offers & Last Minute Deals.
Latest Liveaboard Diving Discounts
0No Deals
Note
Last Minute Liveaboard Deals & Discounts
Latest Liveaboard Diving Discounts
Liveaboard DiscountsIf you're looking for a discounted liveaboard trip on the Explorer, it's possible to find liveaboard discounts in excess of 25%. If no discounts appear above, you may find last minute deals in the itinerary section marked as "X% Special Discount", as per the above image here: Explorer.
Liveaboard Diving
Image courtesy ofLiveaboard.com; for more information click here: Explorer
Liveaboard Luxury Features Review
Liveaboard Luxury FeaturesThe 'Liveaboard Luxury Rating' or "SDE Lux Rating" concept is to help you choose the right diving liveaboard for your Thailand dive trip. This means you can compare this liveaboard with other liveaboards on a like-for-like basis, and makes choosing the right liveaboard much easier.
SDE Luxury Rating Total (Max 52/52=100%)The Explorer Liveaboard has 34 out of a total of 52 (SDE Lux Rating 65%) possible benefits and features. This total of 65% is made up of the following benefits and features:
Diver Benefits (Max 9/9=100%)The Explorer liveaboard has 8 out of 9 'Diver Benefits' (89%), and include: DIN Adapters: YES; Dive Courses: YES; Dive Deck: YES: Gear Rental: YES; Nitrox Onboard: NO; Private Dive Guide: YES; Rinse Hoses: YES; Shaded Dive Area: YES; Tenders For Diving: YES.
Liveaboard Design (Max 9/9=100%)The Explorer liveaboard has 7 out of 9 'Boat Design Features' (78%) and include: Airconditioned Saloon: NO; Charging Stations: YES; Custom Built For Diving: YES; Indoor Saloon: NO; Leisure Deck: YES; Observation Deck: YES; Outside Showers: YES; Sun Deck: YES; Warm Showers: YES.
Cabin Luxury (Max 7/7=100%)The Explorer liveaboard has 4 out of 7 'Cabin Features' (57%) and include: Air-Conditioned Cabins: YES; Cabin Balconies: NO; Daily Housekeeping: NO; Ensuite cabins: YES; Non-smoking Cabins: YES; Seaview cabins available: YES; TV In Cabin: NO.
Onboard Comfort (Max 7/7=100%)The Explorer liveaboard has 3 out of 7 'Onboard Comfort' (43%) features, and include: Beach Towels: NO, Cabin Towels: YES; Complimentary Toiletries: YES; Deck Towels: NO; Internet: YES; Laundry Service: NO; Nearly 1 to 1 Crew-to-Guest Ratio: NO.
Food Luxury (Max 11/11=100%)The Explorer liveaboard has 5 out of 11 'Food Features' (45%) and include: BBQ Area: NO; Beach BBQ: NO; Buffet Style: YES; Dietary Requirements Catered For: YES; Fine Cuisine: NO; Local Food: YES; Outdoor Dining: NO; Snacks All Day: NO; Vegan Options: YES; Vegetarian Options: YES; Western Style Food: NO; (Meal options include: Full-board Option).
Drink Luxury (Max 9/9=100%)The Explorer liveaboard has 7 out of 9 'Drink Features' (78%) and include: Bar: YES; Beer Available: YES; Drinking Water: YES; Fine Wines: NO; Free Soft Drinks: YES; Free Wine With Dinner: NO; Soft Drinks: YES; Tea And Coffee: YES; Wine Available: YES.
Example of Cabins
Image courtesy ofLiveaboard.com; for more information click here: Explorer
Customer Reviews of Liveaboard
Customer ReviewsThe Explorer liveaboard customer reviews listed here have been chosen for you to get a feel for the scuba diving experience you'll get.
Customer Review
”Outstanding. What an amazing experience. We had a bunk and shared bathroom which was perfect. The guides and the diving you couldn’t fault! Overall I can’t wait to next year to going on the same boat. I’ve dived on a lot of liveaboards and this was far the best experience.” Recommended for: Guides, diving, food.
Customer Review ByIan T, from: United Kingdom scored the Explorer 10 out of 10; Review courtesy of Liveaboard.com, for more reviews and information click here: Explorer.
”Would do the trip again. It was my first liveAbord trip and it was amazing! Absolut professional crew, very friendly diveguids and the divesites are beautiful. Richelieu Rock(excuse my french) is the bomb, only for that the trip is worth it. The equipment is in good shape. The food is excelent for every meal. I would defenitly go again. Just be aware that the beds are very hard, i got used to it after a night but maybe bring a little campingmat. Also if you are in room 5 or 6 you hear the generator constantly quite loud an when the engine is running its even louder. You get used to it but for sleeping defenitly bring earplugs.” Recommended for: Richelieu Rock , crew , food.
Customer Review ByCarlos Oliver W, from: Switzerland scored the Explorer 9.2 out of 10; Review courtesy of Liveaboard.com, for more reviews and information click here: Explorer.
Liveaboard Itinerary
Liveaboard Departure-Arrival LocationThe Explorer Liveaboard departs and returns from the port none selected. Please click here: Explorer to find out how to get from to join the Explorer Liveaboard's departure port none selected.
Itinerary and videosThe itineraries below for the Explorer liveaboard don't necessarily tie in with the videos directly below the itinerary heading. The itineraries are examples of dive trips offered by this liveaboard, and the videos are examples of videos taken when diving from the Explorer dive boat.
Itinerary 2 TitleDiving in Thailand (Adaman Sea) with Khao Lak Explorer
Another Video
Title
Another Video
Title
Dives and Scuba Diver Experience
Number of Dives On TripYou will be able to dive up to 41 times in total on the Explorer liveaboard diving trips. The number of times you dive will depend on the itinerary you select.
Your Diver Certification LevelIf you choose the Explorer liveaboard for your scuba diving trip to Thailand, make sure you select the right itinerary for your diver certification level. Different itineraries include the following alternative PADI certification levels (or equivalent): No Scuba Diving Certification Needed: NO; Open Water Diver: YES; Advanced Open Water Diver: NO.
Your Logged DivesWhen choosing the Explorer liveaboard for your dive trip to Thailand, make sure you select the right itinerary for how many logged dives you've done. Itineraries on the Explorer liveaboard include the following alternatives: No minimum logged dives: NO; 3-5 logged dives: YES; 10 logged dives: NO; 20 logged dives: NO; 30 logged dives: NO; 40 logged dives: NO; 50 logged dives or more: NO; Minimum 60 logged dives: NO; Minimum 80 logged dives: NO; Minimum 100 logged dives: NO.
Type of DivingThe type of diving experienced from the Explorer Liveaboard includes: Coral Gardens, Deep Dives, Drift Diving, Marine Life, Night Dives, Pinnacles, Wall Diving, Warm Water Diving, Wreck Diving, Swim-Through's and Caverns.
Marine Life SpeciesThe sea life you might see on your Thailand liveaboard dive trip depends on the time of year you choose to dive, and on which Thailand liveaboard and liveaboard itinerary you book. But ultimately the sea creatures you see when scuba diving is always down to nature itself. With these parameters in mind, the marine life you may spot when scuba diving on the Explorer Liveaboard in Thailand might include:
SharksYou may see the following sharks species: Blacktip Reef Sharks, Bull Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Leopard Shark, Nurse Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Whale Sharks, Whitetip Reef Sharks, Zebra Shark.
More About Sharks
Ray SpeciesYou may see the following rays species: Blue Spotted Stingrays, Manta Rays, Spotted Eagle Rays, Sting Rays, Marble Rays.
More About Rays
Fish SpeciesYou may also see the following fish species: Batfish, Barracudas, Clownfish (Anemonefish), Frogfish, Glassfish, Groupers, Longfinned Banner Fish, Moray Eels, Pegasus Fish, Pipefish, Red Snappers, Reef Fish, Sea Horses, Trigger Fish, White Eyed Moray Eels.
More About Fish
Other Marine Life & Bird SpeciesYou may see the following marine and bird life: Banded Sea Snakes, Barrel Sponges, Cuttlefish, Hard Corals, Harlequin Shrimp, Jellyfish, Mantis Shrimp, Nudibranchs, Octopus, Sea Snakes, Soft Corals, Squid, Starfish, Turtles.
More About Other Marine Life
Marine Mammal SpeciesYou might encounter the following mammals: Dolphins.
Video TitleScuba Diving in The Similan Islands, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock
Another Marine Life Video
Video Title
Another Marine Life Video
Video title
Liveaboard Cost and Booking
Included In The PriceThe price that starts at £105/Day ($132/€122) for booking the Explorer liveaboard includes: Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries, Diving Package, Drinking Water, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Internet, Land Excursions, Night Dives, Port Fees, Rental Gear, Snacks, Snorkel Equipment, Snorkelling Guide, Soft Drinks, Tea & Coffee.
Paid For Optional ExtrasThe following are optional extras when you book the Explorer liveaboard: Airport Transfer, Alcoholic Beverages, Diving Insurance, Gratuities, Nitrox, Nitrox Course, Private Dive Guide, Scuba Diving Courses.
Paid For Required ExtrasThe following are required extras when you book the Explorer liveaboard: National Park Fees.
Boat Capacity
Boat Length25 metres (82 feet).
Maximum Guests16
Cabins and BathroomsThe Explorer dive boat has 8 cabins and 9 bathrooms.
Cabin TypesThe Explorer has the following cabin types: double cabins, twin cabins.
Family cabins onboardFamily cabins onboard: YES.
Advanced Divers
Advanced Diver Benefits (Max 3)The Explorer liveaboard has 2 out of 3 (i.e. 67%) 'Advanced Diver Benefits', which include: Rebreather Support: NO; Sidemount Diving YES; Tech Diving: YES.
Underwater Photographers
Underwater Photographer Benefits (Max 3)The Explorer liveaboard has 2 out of 3 (i.e. 67%) 'Underwater Photographer Benefits', which include: Camera Room: NO; Camera Station: YES; Separate Rinse For U/W Cameras: YES.
Non-Diver Activities
Non-Diving Activities (Max 17)The Explorer liveaboard has 2 out of 17 (i.e. 12%) 'Non-Diving Activities', which include: Fishing: NO; Glass Bottom Boat: NO; Jacuzzi/Hot Tub: NO; Jet Skiing: NO; Kayaks: NO; Land Excursions: YES; Massage: NO; Naturalist Itineraries: [naturalist_Itineraries]; Naturalist Guide: NO; Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly: YES, Sauna: NO; Snorkel Equipment: NO; Spa: NO; Stand Up Paddle Boards: NO; Wakeboarding: NO; Water Skiing: NO; Yoga: NO.
Onboard Entertainment (Max 2)The Explorer liveaboard has 0 out of 2 (i.e. 0%) 'Entertainment Features': Audio And Entertainment: NO; Library: NO.
Traveller Benefits
Travel Benefits (Max 6)The Explorer liveaboard has 3 out of 6 (i.e. 50%) 'Traveller Benefits', which include: Airport Transfer: YES; Available For Charter: YES, Budget Friendly: NO, Dedicated Local & International Crew: YES; Hotel Transfer: NO; Welcome Cocktails; NO.
Languages Spoken OnboardThe crew onboard the Explorer liveaboard are able to speak the following languages: English, Thai.
Liveaboard Summary
ConclusionAll-inclusive trip with up to 41 dives on the Explorer Thailand liveaboard from £105/day ($132/€122) & rated 9 + SDE Lux Rated 65%. Up to 16 divers on a 25m 82f steel-hull dive boat with 8 cabins, 9 bathrooms + aircon cabins, for charter, caters for dietary requirements, ensuite cabins, dive courses, free internet, paid nitrox, scuba gear rental. Click Explorer for more information.
More InformationTo discover more about the Explorer diving liveaboard or to check availability for your dive trip to Thailand you can do this here: Explorer. But if you want to compare this Thailand liveaboard with one of the other liveaboards from Thailand, please take a look at the table below.
* NoteThe above cost per day was correct at the time of producing this article. Also, the exchange rate used for GBP to USD is 1.26 and for GBP to Euro is 1.16. For an up-to-date cost for the Explorer Liveaboard, please visit this link: Explorer.
Hope you enjoyed this review about this liveaboard
Comments or QuestionsIf you have more questions either about snorkelling or scuba diving (or specifically about the Explorer Thailand Liveaboard), please comment below with your questions.
Please SharePlease share details about the experience you had on the Explorer Liveaboard. Tell us about the dive sites you dived, the time of year of your trip, what marine life you saw, the visibility, the weather and any currents you experienced. Your comments will add to this Explorer Liveaboard review, and they will help other scuba divers decide if this is the right Thailand liveaboard for them.
Have Fun & Be SafeThere will also be many more pages and articles about scuba diving and scuba diving safety tips (and on snorkelling too) for you to read and learn about this fabulous sport. Please don't forget to rate the Explorer liveaboard above if you've already dived in Thailand from this dive boat, but also make sure you have fun and be safe.
Explorer Liveaboard Diving Review Thailand Similan Islands
Related Posts:
Galapagos Humboldt Explorer Liveaboard Reviews: One Of… This Galapagos Humboldt Explorer Liveaboard review reveals a 34 metre (112 feet) dive boat custom built for scuba divers. With paid Nitrox onboard so you can extend your dive time…
Galapagos Tiburon Explorer Liveaboard Review: New Top… This Galapagos Tiburon Explorer Liveaboard review is a 38 metre (125 feet) dive boat custom built for scuba divers. With paid Nitrox onboard so you can extend your dive time…
Thailand Liveaboard Diving Thailand liveaboard diving includes the Andaman Sea and famous dive sites like the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock and Surin Islands. Dive around granite boulders and beautiful pristine coral reefs, through…
Bahamas Blackbeards Sea Explorer Liveaboard Review:… This Bahamas Blackbeards Sea Explorer Liveaboard review reveals a 20 metre (66 feet) sailing boat for scuba divers. Meals cater for all dietary requirements including vegan and vegetarian. It has…
Article written by Russell Bowyer who has been a scuba diver since diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia in 1989. After his first dive he trained as a BSAC diver in the UK. He attained his Diver Leader certification with BSAC. He then went on to become a scuba diving instructor, teaching others how to dive and was voted as Diving Officer and Treasurer for the Saffron Walden BSAC club too. Russell has dived all over the world, including the UK, on liveaboards in the Red Sea, the Caribbean, South Africa and the USA. Russell is experienced in all dive types, including drift diving, deep dives that involved decompression stops and recreational dives too.
