Smiling Seahorse Liveaboard

Smiling Seahorse

Explore Thailand and Myanmar's underwater wonders aboard a purpose-built dive liveaboard.

16
Thailand
2018

About This Vessel

Embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure through the vibrant waters of Thailand and Myanmar aboard the Smiling Seahorse, a vessel crafted for exceptional dive liveaboard experiences. The Andaman Sea, bordering Thailand and Myanmar, is a diver's paradise, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone karsts, and an astonishing array of marine life. From the iconic dive sites of …

Upcoming Departures

Upcoming Departures

Onboard Amenities

En-suite bathrooms
Family cabins
Air-conditioned cabins
Non-diver friendly
Hot water showers
Sundeck
Camera station
Rooms with balcony
Budget-friendly cruise
Nearly 1:1 guest to crew ratio

Dining & Beverages

Gourmet cuisine
Vegan options
Vegetarian cuisine
Beer available
Wine available
Selection of fine wines
Snacks available all day
Buffet
Western cuisine
Regional dishes

Dining aboard the Smiling Seahorse is a delightful culinary journey, with a focus on fresh, flavorful meals served throughout the day. Guests enjoy a full-board experience, typically featuring a generous buffet spread that combines the best of Western and authentic regional Thai cuisine. The chefs are dedicated to accommodating various dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring everyone has satisfying choices. Beyond the main meals, a continuous supply of snacks, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and drinking water keeps divers energized. For those who wish to indulge, beer and a selection of fine wines are available for purchase, and special occasions might include a memorable barbecue dinner on the sundeck.

Dive Equipment & Setup

Nitrox available
Shaded dive deck
DIN adapter
Rebreather support
Rinse hoses
Dive deck
Dive tender boat
Sidemount diving

Dive Area & Sites

The waters of Thailand and Myanmar offer an incredible diversity of dive sites, from vibrant coral gardens to dramatic rock formations and exhilarating drift dives. Visibility generally ranges from good to excellent, revealing an abundance of marine life. Guests can expect to encounter large pelagics such as manta rays and leopard sharks, particularly at sites like Richelieu Rock and the Burma Banks. The region is also a macro photographer's dream, with opportunities to spot rare creatures like frogfish, seahorses, and various nudibranchs. Conditions can sometimes include strong currents, particularly at certain pinnacles, adding an exciting challenge for experienced divers. The crew and dive guides are highly experienced, providing detailed briefings and ensuring safety while maximizing opportunities for incredible sightings, including unique blackwater dives.

Important Information

What's Included

VAT · Soft drinks

Not Included & Local Fees

National Park Fees (30-300 USD pro Trip) · Gratuities (1,000 THB pro Tag)

Airport Transfers

Airport and hotel transfers are not included in the trip price and are considered optional extras.

Insurance Recommendation

We strongly recommend all guests to purchase comprehensive dive accident insurance and trip cancellation insurance before departure. Dive accident insurance covers medical treatment, hyperbaric chamber costs, and emergency evacuation in the event of a diving incident. Trip cancellation insurance protects your financial investment — not only if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to personal illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances, but also if the trip is postponed or cancelled by the operator due to severe weather, technical issues, or other operational reasons. In the unlikely event of operator insolvency, cancellation insurance can also help recover your payments. Please ensure your policies are valid for the entire duration of your trip and cover the planned activities.

Rental Gear

Rental equipment (full set): 600 THB per day · Nitrox: price on request

Accommodation

Master Cabins

Master Cabins

Double • Main Deck • 8 m²

2x
👥 2 GuestsEn-suite bathroomAir conditioningDouble bed
Standard Cabins

Standard Cabins

Twin or Double • Upper Deck

4x
👥 2 GuestsShared bathroomAir conditioningTwin or double bed
Deluxe Cabins

Deluxe Cabins

Convertible Double or Twin • Main Deck

2x
👥 2 GuestsEn-suite bathroomAir conditioningDouble bed

Booking & Travel FAQ

How does the booking process work?

Select a cabin and departure on Smiling Seahorse, and we send a real-time inquiry to the operator. After availability is confirmed, you receive a booking confirmation by email and secure your spot with a deposit.

When do I need to pay?

A deposit (usually 25-35%) is due upon confirmation. The remaining balance is typically due 4-8 weeks before departure, depending on the operator.

What documents will I receive?

After your final payment, you'll receive a travel voucher with meeting point, embarkation time, airport transfer details, packing tips, and your full itinerary.

How do I get to the boat?

Most liveaboards depart from a designated marina. Many operators offer airport pickup and transfers — details are in your voucher. We recommend arriving one day before departure.

What certifications do I need?

A valid dive certification (e.g. PADI Open Water), dive insurance, and a valid passport. Some destinations require additional permits or visas — we inform you during booking.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Cancellation terms vary by operator and are in your confirmation. Generally, the earlier you cancel the higher the refund. Changes depend on availability — contact us as soon as possible.

Vessel Technical Overview

Vessel Specifications

Year built2018
Max guests16
Number of cabins8
Number of bathrooms8

Navigation & Safety Systems

Echosounder
GPS
VHF/DSC/SSB radio system
E.P.I.R.B. emergency system
Life rafts
Life jacket
Fire alarm & fire extinguisher
Oxygen
First aid kit
Fish finder
Bilge pump alarm
Searchlight
Engine room surveillance camera

What guests say online

4.6 / 5(270 reviews)
How is this overall rating calculated?

The headline score is the simple average of the category scores shown below (Boat, Crew, Value, Diving, Dive sites, etc.), each weighted equally. The review count reflects how many source reviews back the underlying analysis. When no category breakdown is available for a vessel, the headline falls back to the guest-weighted average across source platforms.

The Smiling Seahorse generally receives high praise for its excellent service, professional and attentive crew, and well-organized dives. Guests frequently highlight its strong value and exceptional facilities tailored for divers.

Boat4.6
Crew4.9
Food4.2
Value4.4
Cabins4.4
Diving4.8
Dive guides4.7
Service4.8
Dive sites4.9
Most praised
  • +Exceptional crew and professional service
  • +Great value for money
  • +Well-organized and safe dives
  • +Excellent dive facilities and thought-out boat design

Based on approximately 270 reviews. Aggregated rating based on reviews from multiple independent dive travel and operator platforms as well as on ratings from our customers. Public statements from diving forums and community platforms may also be incorporated as text into the highlighted praises and critiques. Ratings are independently calculated and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the source platforms.

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