Thailand Liveaboard request

Hi Everyone,

My wife and I are traveling with extended family to Thailand this December 2004 for two weeks. While there, we're looking to book a 4-5 day liveaboard (unfortunately the rest of the family does not dive), and we're flexible on areas to depart from. Its doubtful we can free up more time from the rest of the group for much longer than that, otherwise we would do a weeklong liveaboard or more.

We would appreciate any suggestions of liveaboard operators you could recommend and/or websites to research for contacts to make the arrangements.

thank you!

You can find a long list of boats on http://siamdivers.com/

I've been on the Viking http://viking-liveaboards.com/ a couple of times, and can highly recommend them.

Hi.

My wife & I are planning on going on the Viking this April for two weeks and wanted to get some additional input. Hoping you can enlighten us.

Was there night diving?

Were the dives limited to 4 dives/day?

How much is expected for the tip, especially since there are two of us?

Were there mostly drift diving off the hard bottom inflatables or is it off the mother ship? What type of entry was used...we're not fond of back rolls since they are disorienting.

We hear that some dives have current but are they pretty easy? My wife & I are not the strongest swimmers.

Was the crew safe? Was there a sign in board for every dive?

Do dive masters accompany divers on dives?

Were there any problems with electricity. Our photo equip uses 110 volts at 60 cycles were there any problems using converters?

That's about all I can think about for now.

Thanks!

The typical schedule is 3 day dives and one night dive.

The tip is entirely up to you. I think the guideline is something like 1000 - 2000 baht for the week. 1000 baht is around $25.

We typically enter from the mother ship and gets picked up by the inflatables.

Most dives will have very little current. Since they pick up with the inflatable, it's very rare that you'll have to do much kicking to stay out of trouble. They also have about one guide for every 4 to 5 divers, so if you're uncomfortable, stay close to the guide. I'm known for loosing the guide.

I think the Viking is the safest liveaboard I've ever been on. You'll see what I mean when you get on board.

The voltage on the boat is 220, bring converters. The American type plug will work.

Thanks for all the advice. I'll try to post after my trip.

Take care!