MV Bavaria was designed by an experienced & professional team especially for scuba diving safaris. Launched in 2017, the 28-metre-long boat has beome an instant success and among our most-popular Similan diving liveaboards. Bavaria’s trips include short, medium & longer liveaboard cruises to Thailand’s best dive sites, and six-day trips into the Mergui Archipelago of Myanmar (Burma) when the country reopens.
The cabins on Bavaria are clean, well-designed and air-conditioned. There are four different types, with three levels of luxury. All except the two cheapest cabins have private bathrooms. The upper deck of Bavaria has two twin-bunk ‘standard’ cabins, which have doors that open out onto the deck, and large sea-view windows. In addition to the two upper-deck standard cabins, Bavaria has eight cabins on its main deck. These are six ‘Comfort’ cabins and two ‘Deluxe cabins’. All main-deck cabins have private en suite bathrooms, sea-view windows & doors that open to the outside. The Comfort Twin cabins have a good design of bed configuration, laid out in an L-shape one above part of the other. This is the perfect way to maximise space, as well as to give both privacy and the ability for the guests to chat. The Deluxe double-bed cabins have more space, larger bathrooms, bigger windows and large double beds. These cabins are located at the front of the boat. Finally, on Bavaria’s lower deck, there are two more Comfort cabins, which have double beds and en suite private bathrooms.
Communal areas on MV Bavaria are well designed, enabling guests to enjoy every moment of the cruise. The place where guests spend most of their non-diving time is the outdoor covered dining area at the rear of the upper deck. Here, there are plenty of tables and seating, plus a serving counter. Further forward on the upper deck is the air-conditioned lounge saloon. Bavaria’s lounge is designed to offer comfort for several guests, but without taking too much space away from more-popular communal areas. Most diving guests don’t travel the world to get away from a European or North American winter to sit in air conditioning. They prefer to stay outside and enjoy the weather, the breeze and wonderful views. Like all of our Similan liveaboard diving boats, Bavaria has a large sundeck on its roof. This is the perfect place to sunbathe, read a book, look out for jumping dolphins, or chill & chat gazing at the star-filled night sky. On Bavaria's sundeck there's a nice sofa area which is partially shaded.
Because MV Bavaria is a purpose-built scuba diving liveaboard boat, the designers were able to properly plan the diving platform at the rear of the main deck. All of the necessary equipment has been fitted in the best location to enable you to gear up and walk around comfortably & safely. Some other Similan liveaboard boats at this size are converted fishing boats. This is not the case with MV Bavaria.
Something else that helps MV Bavaria to stand out among its competitors is the itineraries. Before Covid-19 the season’s trips were split between Thailand & Myanmar (Burma). All trips into Burma are for six days & nights, with up to 22 dives at some awesome locations. For most of the diving trips in Burma, MV Bavaria is the only boat in the area and many of the dive sites are unexplored. Also, for diving trips in Thailand, MV Bavaria goes out for six days & nights, but guests can choose to stay for the full duration or just join for the first part (3D/3N & 10 dives) or the second part (4D/3N & 13 dives). This is achieved by using a speedboat to either bring guests back in the afternoon mid-cruise, or take them out in the morning to start the second part of the trip. Prices, itineraries and destinations can be seen on these pages. Just scroll down or look at the top of your screen.
Organisation & hospitality of MV Bavaria are excellent. A professional international team with highly-experienced German management is complemented by Thai hospitality. This includes some delicious food that is served throughout each day. It’s usually served buffet style, with a blend of western & Asian cuisine, but not too spicy. Vegetarians and other dietary needs can be catered for with advance notice.
We have lots of discounts for this boat. Please see schedule for details
Do you have a large group and want to charter the whole boat?
click below to find out more
MV Bavaria Charter information
MV Bavaria is a very popular Similan & Myanmar diving liveaboard since its launch in 2017. The boat was designed by divers for divers, and therefore is the ideal size and has all the best facilities. It normally runs scheduled trips in Thailand and Myanmar for six days & nights, but if you book long enough in advance it can be available for full charter bookings. Normally, these trips are only possible between October and May because the seas on Thailand's & Myanmar's west coasts are seasonal.
With twelve air-conditioned guest cabins, Bavaria can accommodate up to 24 lucky guests. There are 8 twin cabins and 4 doubles. These come in three luxury levels, which are Standard, Comfort and Deluxe. The two standard cabins are twin-bunk only, and they are located on the boat's upper deck. They have windows and doors which open out onto the deck, giving a wonderful view. The comfort cabins are six twins (main deck) and two doubles (lower deck). All have private en
Included In The Price
Transfers to and from local hotels
Meals
Snacks
Tea / coffee
Drinking water
VAT
Weights & weightbelts
Standard tanks
Dive master services
Towels
Soap & Shampoo
Luggage storage
Not Included In The Price
Transfers to & from the airport
Dive equipment
National park fees
Dive computer
Soft drinks
Alcoholic drinks
Dive insurance
Enviroment tax
Night diving torch
Larger tanks
Nitrox
Mask and Snorkel
Open-heel fins
Full-foot fins
Tips / Gratuities
View More Available Months
Itinerary
Booking / Enquiry
MV Bavaria has several itineraries. All Similan trips depart from and return to Khao Lak. Myanmar trips depart from Ranong, and guests are transferred by road from Khao Lak to Ranong.
Please click on the link below for detailed itineraries
3D/3N trips depart in the evening and return by transfer boat around 5pm on the final day.
4D/3N trips depart by transfer boat at 8:00am and return on the main boat mid-late afternoon on the final day.
6D/6N trips in Thailand depart in the evening and return mid-late afternoon on the final day.
Myanmar diving trips depart in the morning, and return late afternoon on the final day.
The itineraries below are the most-common for each trip, but these can sometimes be changed for a number of reasons. Small changes are made due to weather & sea conditions, special marine life sightings, overcrowded dive sites, local-authorities' instructions, and the needs & requests of the paying guests. The safety & comfort of all guests is most important at all times.
First aid equipment, emergency stop, 4 fire extinguishers, 40 life vests.
Entertainment:
TV, DVD, stereo, library in the salon.
Courses
A scuba diving liveaboard trip is the best time & place to take part in a diving course. MV Bavaria offers a wide range of PADI courses in a selection of languages. Some PADI courses can be chosen and booked on board, but it’s best to inform or ask us first, so that we can confirm availability, prices and prepare.
Contact us for more information about courses on MV Bavaria
Transfer details
Guests need to ‘check in’ at the PADI dive centre in Khao Lak before departure. The check in time depends on the trip you plan to join. It’s necessary to check in so that any equipment can be fitted, a few forms need signing, and national park fees can be paid.
Divers joining 3D/3N or 6D/6N trips in Thailand should arrive at the dive centre in Khao Lak before 4.00pm on departure day.
Divers joining 4D/3N trips need to 'check in' the day before departure because they are collected in the morning by the transfer team and taken directly to the boat.
Divers joining trips into Burma should arrive the day before departure for check in, then before 9.00am on departure day. In addition, the preparation for Burma trips includes passport scans at least 6 weeks before the trip.
Guests who are unable to meet the scheduled pick ups or would like private transportation are welcome to contact us to arrange a private taxi at the most competitive rates.
We usually reply within 2 hours (please check your email & spam)
Step 3:
We can reserve your space(s) commitment-free for up to one week
Step 4:
Deposits to book are usually paid using any card, PayPal or bank transfer
MV Bavaria Reviews
Read real reviews from people who have dived with
MV Bavaria
Steve
Nationality: British
Dived: 28 February 2024
Boat rating: 6/10
Great crew who couldn’t do enough for us although the cabins are way too small and the boat isn’t big enough for 24 divers (not a great experience getting in and out of kit) - food was amazing though 😃
Sheri
Nationality: American
Dived: 28 February 2024
Boat rating: 10/10
We had a wonderful time diving with MV Bavaria in March 2024. The dive sites were great, particularly Koa Bo and Richelieu Rock. The dive guides were outstanding, knowledgeable and friendly. Our room was very nice and we enjoyed the boat as well.
Carsten
Nationality: American
Dived: 28 February 2024
Boat rating: 9/10
We enjoyed our trip on the Bavaria and the diving, as well. The staff was great and our dive guide, Toun, outstanding. Our room was comfortable, the food plentiful, and the atmosphere fun.
Markus
Nationality: Swiss
Dived: 29 November 2023
Boat rating: 7/10
Alles war SUPER:
-Essen
-Service
-Tauchguide
NUR... zu viele Taucher ! ! !
Max. 16 wäre akzeptabel.
Nadéne
Nationality: American
Dived: 11 February 2023
Boat rating: 10/10
My husband & I went diving for 4 days/3 nights. It was an amazing experience both the dive, the boat, the staff & just the overall way the trip & daily schedule was organized. I had never been on a liveaboard & you feel completely spoiled by how much nicer the experience is vs taking a day boat out diving. Also we saw beautiful coral, sharks, a turtle, an octopus, barracuda, seahorse & more schooling fish then I've ever seen b
efore.
...read more
Tanja
Nationality: German
Dived: 04 January 2023
Boat rating: 10/10
We can recommend the trips with MV Bavaria. The boat infrastructure is really good for diving. The crew is fantastic and the food was always delicious (vegetarian or specific food options available)
Jon Buchanan
Nationality: British
Dived: 28 December 2022
Boat rating: 9/10
Friendly staff
Nothing too much trouble
At any time
Super safe diving
Good plentiful food
A German speaking boat but
Almost everyone spoke good English
And everyone one was very inclusive
Thomas
Nationality: German
Dived: 10 November 2021
Boat rating: 9/10
I had a fantastic stay on board the MV Bavaria. 6 days/6 nights. Similan to Richelieu Rock. Super crew, very helpful, perfect procedures - no hectic. Boat very well equipped. Food excellent.
The only disadvantage - for me - was my cabin. Directly behind the engine room. I would spend more money next time. Because this tour is definitely worth it.
Big thanks to Jamie, he saved my holiday :-)
Thomas
Nationality: German
Dived: 20 October 2021
Boat rating: 9/10
I contacted Jamie so that he could find me the best boat for a trip the Similans and/or Richelieu rock, on quite short notice, and he delivered. Showed me all the actually available options – important because not all boats that offered trips were actually going due to low occupancy, and since I had special requests. Saved me a lot of time doing the inquiries on my own, otherwise.
The boat I picked (MV Bavaria) was also a
good choice. Had a fun staff, with an amazing underwater photographer, and I was able to get my Advanced PADI and a Nitrox certification alongside. Everything went well beyond my expectations.
I don't give this a 10-star rating because that's reserved to once-in-a-lifetime experiences for me, but there was really nothing wrong on this trip!
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Mark Welch
Nationality: British
Dived: 10 February 2021
Boat rating: 10/10
Trip 10-14 Feb 2021
🙋♂️ to all my diving friends and buddies and all other divers I would highly recommend you take advantage of the current unique circumstances (non or low overseas mass tourist arrivals) and to take a liveaboard diving trip to the Similan and Surin Islands (Khao Lak, Andaman Sea)
🤿 Awesome diving, sea and marine conditions are pristine and near perfect with masses of fish, marine life and
corals... the highlight was spotting a black tip reef shark.
Clear waters Vis 30m+
⛴ First Class Boat the MV Bavaria is the best liveaboard, top quantity, new modern design purpose built, spacious, comfortable, gourmet food and beverages and top services provided by the very attentive boat crew and dive instructors, nothing was too much trouble at any time.
👬 I met wonderful friendly people and new friends we were all relaxed and had a great time together on the boat between and during dives.
🔥 Even better is the value for money, current liveaboard trip prices are greatly reduced from normal times and you can get a great deal now.
⭐️ Overall I would this rate this trip as outstanding 11/10
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