Before leaving Koh Tao for the east coast we tried to gather info and references from the crew at Crystal Dive Resort on diving
liveabords heading for the
Similan National Park.
Soon found out that the resort had some kind of cooperation (in Thailand they all have; everyone wants to be part of at least one commission system) with a firm running a liveabord in just that area,
Similan Diving Safaris and their boat M/V Dolphin Queen.
Per had been trying to gather info on dive forums before the trip and was quite sure that he had seen both the firm and the boat name before. I quickly reverified this with
Opera Mini on my phone.
Everything seemed to be ok so we decided to book two bunk beds for four days and four nights, with the mainland leave planned at 2006-11-10, 19.00.
Mr Butler, John Butler. Part of the Crystal Dive Resort crew, helping us out with the booking details.
The traditional voucher. Once again. Must not be lost. It must be difficult for Thai people trying to adapt to a life in western Europe where very few vouchers are handed out.
Total cost for the trip was 17800 Thai Bath (3500 SEK, 505 USD). Fourteen dives. All inclusive.
Liveaboard booked. Thanks John!
Every morning starts early to get the most out of the day. Four dives are planned each day, including one night dive. Around 06.30 wake-up calls can be heard in the corridor.
The dive crew at the table, planning todays dives for the different groups.
Since there's eat-what-you-ordered breakfast right after the morning dive a few toasts and a coffee is more than enough before the first dive in the morning.
Into the blue; giant strides from dive deck into the Similan ecosystem. The water was clear, blue, warm, ...
Lunch time. Mm... Always lots of food, lots of great Thai food. Delicious.
A visit to one of the Similan islands. I have climbed up on the rocks to get the view - fantastic... A few dive boats can be seen anchored in the sea.
Night dive. Had to watch out for the barracudas.
Time to go to bed. More diving tomorrow...
