New at the end of 2016, MV Lapat was specifically designed to offer affordable luxury Similan diving cruises for up to 16 lucky guests. The highly-experienced team commissioned the building of Lapat to specifications ideal for couples, friends, solo divers, and groups. Each cabin is air conditioned, and accommodates two guests. Similan liveaboard diving cruises don’t need to be crowded or overpriced. MV Lapat finds the perfect balance of size, guest capacity, luxury and budget.
Starting with the communal areas, there is a large sundeck atop, and on the upper deck there is a covered outdoor dining area, and a small air-conditioned lounge for enjoying videos and to cool down during the daytime. Everything was designed to be modern, but have character and be practical. The dive platform is obviously at the rear of the boat, and is where everyone’s equipment is stored. Divers step off in small groups into the crystal-clear turquoise waters of The Andaman Sea. Most diving guests on Lapat join to enjoy wonderful Similan diving safaris, but some take part in PADI diving courses during their trip. Non-diving guests are also welcome, and pay a slightly-discounted rate. They will be offered opportunities to snorkel above shallow reefs when possible.
On the main deck of MV Lapat there are eight air-conditioned cabins, each for two guests. Six of the cabins are twin bunk, meaning that solo guests can also enjoy some privacy. The double-bed cabins are for couples. These have private en suite bathrooms inside. Guests in the twin bunk cabins on Lapat share bathroom facilities which have hot & cold water throughout the trip. Although not large, each cabin is clean, well designed, and has an airy feel due to the materials and large windows.
MV Lapat trips are 'flexible' meaning that you can join by speedboat on any morning and stay for as long as you choose. It's important to stay in Khao Lak the night before your trip so that you can check in at the dive centre before 7pm. Land transfers from your Khao Lak hotel and the speedboat trip is all included in the price.
On Thursday and Saturdays Lapat goes to Richelieu Rock, which is the best dive site in Thailand.
MV Lapat's speedboat sails from Thap/Tab Lamu Pier (Khao Lak) in the morning (around 8.00am) and returns at 4.45pm on your final day.
The list if itineraries below is so long because there are so many itineraries to choose from. Check the destination, day of the week, and trip length for your chosen dates on the schedule.
If you are unsure, please get in touch for our help.
Beach visits are not possible at Richelieu Rock & Koh Bon (no beach) or Koh Tachai (closed to the public). On days at the Similan Islands, beach visits are sometimes possible, but we never promise. This is because so many factors affect the ability and decision whether or not to visit the beach. These factors include the exact location of the boat and its next dive site, how crowded the beach may be, the time of day, and if the the boat needs to be somewhere else to fill up with fresh water.
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.
MV Lapat Layout (prior to the 2018 refit and bathroom changes)
MV Lapat Specifications
Built:
2016
Length:
24 metres
Beam:
5 metres
Instrumentation:
Depth Sounder, VHF Radio, Radar, GPS
Safety:
Life vests, Oxygen, First aid kit, Fire Extingishers
Plug sockets:
220V in every cabin
Courses
MV Lapat has a wide range of diving courses available at very competitive prices. Normally, you need to pre-book a PADI diving course so that equipment, materials and staff in your preferred language can be prepared.
Contact us for more information about courses on MV Lapat
Transfer details
MV Lapat guests staying in Khao Lak can enjoy free scheduled transfers in the morning on departure day.
It's not possible to try to come directly from Phuket in the morning of your trip because it's very far and the boat can't wait for you if you're late or lost.
MV Lapat Scheduled Transfers
2D / 1N Trips
6.45 - 7.45
Pick up from Khao Lak :
Free
08:00
Departure ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak )
16:45
Return ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak )
17:00
Drop off to Khao Lak :
Free
MV Lapat Scheduled Transfers
3D / 2N Trips
6.45 - 7.45
Pick up from Khao Lak :
Free
08:00
Departure ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak )
16:45
Return ( Tab Lamu Pier, Khao Lak )
17:00
Drop off to Khao Lak :
Free
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 Lapat Reviews
Read real reviews from people who have dived with
MV Lapat
H
Nationality: British
Dived: 04 May 2024
Boat rating: 7/10
Great experience from no troubles just bubbles. The boat was nice not as well organised as other liveaboards but a nice experience. Constant change because of the day trippers.
Justin
Nationality: Australian
Dived: 30 April 2024
Boat rating: 9/10
MV Lapat was amazing. Awesome crew, diving instructors, catering, and other guests. we had a great time and did some amazing diving!
Bea
Nationality: Australian
Dived: 30 April 2024
Boat rating: 9/10
Nice budget boat. Rooms were very compact but we still managed to take a full size suitcase and 2 backpacks with us.
Our booking was smooth and all of our questions were answered promptly. Liked the top deck, it was a nice space to chill.
The food was just delicious, big kudos to the cooks onboard who were working all day to cater for all of us.
Katie
Nationality: Australian
Dived: 24 April 2024
Boat rating: 10/10
If you're looking for value for money, you can't go past Lapat! The thai staff were amazing, food was delicious, and lovely dive masters. I would highly recommend to a friend, and would definitely go again. Diving was spectacular!
adrien
Nationality: French
Dived: 30 March 2024
Boat rating: 8/10
Nice trip, with wonderful site. The dive master can improve a bit:
- Dive board on boat not updated day after day, we dont know what time we dive and where.
- Dive master lost 1 customer by diving against current for 20min without checking if customer follow. The customer manage themself to recover the lost one.
- Dive master did not care customer signal to go back when they say less 50bars, and keep diving showing shrimp a
nd fishes around. Result, finish safety stop with no air using someone else secondary regulator.
Not a big deal, but looks like the dive master are not very pro
...read more
Nickmaggs77
Nationality: British
Dived: 23 March 2024
Boat rating: 9/10
Brilliant trip, great crew and guides, I’m an inexperienced diver but fully supported.. would highly recommend
Paulo Oliveira
Nationality: Brazilian
Dived: 15 March 2024
Boat rating: 10/10
Had an awesome time diving at Suri Islands and Richelieu rock, in Thailand. The whole experience was great, from the booking to Lapat crew’s professionalism and kindness. A special thanks to Jamie’s attention and flexibility during the booking, as my travel plans were still being fine tuned. I totally recommend them.
Christelle Chopart
Nationality: French
Dived: 28 February 2024
Boat rating: 10/10
Very incredible dives, very good organisation, very kind guide and food was so good !
Jessica
Nationality: Malaysian
Dived: 25 January 2024
Boat rating: 9/10
It was a fun experience LOB! The crew members were super duper friendly and helpful throughout the whole trip! Our instructors Tutor and Golf made our diving experience awesome and fun too!
CC
Nationality: Malaysian
Dived: 25 January 2024
Boat rating: 10/10
The entire crew was amazing - friendly and very helpful. Overall it was quite clean for a boat with multiple live-in divers + day trip divers too.
Huge shout out to our DMs - Golf and Tutor who went above and beyond to make our trips memorable too :)
Thailand 
On the main deck of MV Lapat there are eight air-conditioned cabins, each for two guests. Six of the cabins are twin bunk, meaning that solo guests can also enjoy some privacy. The double-bed cabins are for couples. These have private en suite bathrooms inside. Guests in the twin bunk cabins on Lapat share bathroom facilities which have hot & cold water throughout the trip. Although not large, each cabin is clean, well designed, and has an airy feel due to the materials and large windows.
