10
October

The Boats

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Technical Diving Similan Islands

Similan Islands have been listed as one of the top 10 diving destinations in the world. It’s limited season of November to March gives teh national diving park a chance to recover creates an abundance of marine life seldom seen anywhere else.

Last season we did quite well with only one speed boat, we did day trips to and from various islands in the similans. But there was one thing missing, a live-aboard. After months of shopping around we powers that be found the perfect vessel; The MV Pawara which is a luxury live-aboard based in Khao Lak.

The MV Pawara is 32m or 105ft in length, and built of steel making her one of the largest live-aboards plying the western Indian Ocean. She takes a total of 20 divers in 10 air conditioned cabins on regular departures, but some of her cabins are large enough to accommodate more than this on special request. She has two types of cabins deluxe and standard, and both types are air conditioned, have twin beds and en suite bathroom arrangements.

Probably the boat’s finest features are three: One, her huge interior saloon which seats everyone comfortably and is completely air-conditioned; two, she has a ‘breakfast nook’ and briefing room right next to the dive deck so you can duck in for a quick bite or a cup of tea without having to walk upstairs to another deck; three, her huge dive deck and dive platform making getting in and out of the water a breeze.

The saloon is generously appointed and has comfortable seats centered around the huge flat screen TV situated on a well organized bookshelf with a large library. The saloon is designed so that small groups can gather comfortably for private chats, yet still at the same time seat all passengers.

There are two types of cabins on the MV Pawara, standard and deluxe. Both of the cabins have twin beds only, there are no double beds on this vessel. For couples who require double bed sleeping arrangements, best look further.

There are two air conditioned deluxe cabins located on the main deck. They are well laid out and spacious, and have private en suite bathrooms. The twin beds are perpendicular to each other, and the cabin features a large vanity mirror on the closet. Each cabin has a large picture window looking forward. These cabins are the first to be sold on each cruise.

There are eight air conditioned standard cabins on the boat, four on the main deck and four on the lower deck. Each cabin is spacious and comfortable and has two twin beds. The prices are lower for these cabins. Have a little bit less comfortable cabin and paying less is not a problem with the Pawara as there is so much room on the boat. It’s easy to spread out and find a quiet place for reading or listening to music.

This vessel will also be fitted with on board nitrox blending, oxygen filling and trimix blending for full technical diving.

The similan islands is quite unexplored, the majority of the diving is done at the 30m mark with double that depth below you.

Bookings are starting now for the November to March period. Prices will be release shortly.

Those who complete the Advanced Nitrox to Extended Range course will get this liveaboard included!

oh, we also got another speed boat, so that’s 2 speed boats and 1 luxury live-aboard!