MV Dolphin Queen

MV Dolphin Queen is a hugely popular Similan liveaboard diving boat which can host up to 20 guests in air-conditioned comfort on 3 & 5 day/night cruises from Khao Lak. The boat is 24 metres long, and fully equipped with navigation, safety & communication equipment, as well as Nitrox.

There are three cabin types on Dolphin Queen, all of which have air conditioning and opening windows. On the main deck are twin-bunk cabins, two doubles, and two cabins that can take up to four guests. On the upper deck are two more double cabins which have doors that open out onto the deck. All cabins have individually-controlled air conditioners. Socializing and mealtimes take place at the back of the upper deck, in the covered open-air communal area. This is where the delicious meals are served (buffet style), and where most people on board spend non-diving time. There are also plenty of places to find some privacy and sunbathe and/or read a book.

Unlike some other Similan liveaboard diving boats which may be newer & more attractive, Dolphin Queen's qualities are a little deeper under its skin. The team are very experienced, and they know exactly how to run a safe, fun & enjoyable liveaboard cruise. We follow up every customer that we place on every boat, and Dolphin Queen always gets very good feedback. Little touches like open-heel booty fins as part of the free diving equipment and computers & instructors for more than just diving courses make a lot of difference. In general, from the delicious & abundant food to the service from dive staff and boat boys, liveaboard cruises on Dolphin Queen are wonderful. When you look at the prices compared to other boats, it's often a very simple choice.

Diving groups are made up of no more than four guests per Divemaster guide and there is a detailed briefing before each dive. At any time of day free tea, coffee, snacks, fruits etc. are available. There is a dinghy to return diving guests to the boat and to take you onto the wonderful beach at the Similan Islands.

Dolphin Queen trips are a lot of safe fun, and possibly the best-value diving safaris to Thailand’s best dive sites. The whole team on board understands what all levels of diver want & need. The equipment rental costs are among the best value, but in no way lower quality or condition than any other liveaboard diving safari trip. For the 2022-2023 season, the trips are 3D/3N and 5D/5N in length.

Please note that divers on MV Dolphin Queen need to be certified to depths of 30m (99ft). Those who are not can choose between taking the PADI AOW course on board (which is great value includes a PADI instructor and use of a dive computer for the whole cruise), or doing the Adventure Deep dive at the start of the trip.

Prices & Schedule

MV Dolphin Queen liveaboard guests should arrive for check in, final payment and equipment check at the PADI 5-star dive centre no later than 4pm on the day of departure, but they are welcome to visit on any day before. Dolphin Queen diving safaris in Thailand are for 3 days & nights (10 dives) or 5 days & nights (18 dives), leaving in the late afternoon on the first day and returning at about 2-4pm on the final day.

There is nearly always a videographer aboard, so you may want to see your video played on the tv.

There are normally four dives per day (3 day dives & 1 night or sunset dive). Except on the final day of the trip, when there are just two morning dives, before sailing back to the pier in Khao Lak.