Explorer Liveaboard, Thailand

Name: Surin, Tachai and Richelieu (Khuraburi - Khuraburi)
Start: 2026-11-07
End: 2026-11-10
Location: Thailand

8.9 Fabulous

Nitrox available
Free Internet
En-Suite bathrooms
Family Cabins
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers

from $ 150 / day Check dates

“The boat crew and dive guides on the entire trip were amazing and friendly. ”
Shan P, New Zealand

Highlights

A/C and sea view windows on all cabins
Trips can be extended to 8 or 13 days

The 25m MV Explorer is a great option to explore the underwater beauty of the Similan Islands, Thailand. Dive with manta rays at Koh Bon, whale sharks at Richelieu Rock, and beautiful reefs at the Surin Islands. Walk on pristine beaches and trek into the jungle as the M/V Explorer takes you on 3-day and 5-day trips to the Similan Islands of the Andaman Sea. The experienced dive guides are more than happy to take requests to find special critters such as seahorses, pipefish, and nudibranchs.

Topside, the MV Explorer dive liveaboard has 8 cabins catering to 16 guests. There are 6 ensuite cabins on the lower deck: 2 are double cabins, and 4 can be configured as double or twins, depending on guest requirements. There are 2 double cabins on the middle deck. All cabins aboard the Explorer are air-conditioned, have sea view windows, and feature personal reading lights, 220v plug sockets, and ample storage space. Hungry divers will be taken care of as freshly prepared food is served throughout the day, meals vary between local Thai cuisine and international dishes, and vegetarians can be catered to on request. For relaxation, guests can choose the lounge & dining or the sun deck, which is also a great place to take in the stunning views and keep an eye out for playful dolphins.

The M/V Explorer is a great way to explore the Similan Islands and up to the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock. Book online today to reserve your space.

Choose your departure date

Date

Itinerary

Price

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17 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 991

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17 Oct

9 Days / 8 Nights

$ 1,351

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17 Oct

14 Days / 13 Nights

$ 2,102

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22 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 751

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22 Oct

9 Days / 8 Nights

$ 1,351

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25 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 991

Select Cabin available

02 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 991

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

02 Nov

9 Days / 8 Nights

$ 1,351

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

02 Nov

14 Days / 13 Nights

$ 2,102

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

07 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 751

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

07 Nov

9 Days / 8 Nights

$ 1,351

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

10 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 991

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

Included: VAT, Port Fees, Drinking Water, Soft drinks, Tea & Coffee, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Night Dives, Rental Gear, Land Excursions, Snorkel Gear, Snorkeling Guide, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries, WiFi internet.

Required Extras: National Park Fees (1,800-6,600 THB).

Optional Extras: Dive Insurance (350 THB per day), Gratuities, Airport Transfer (1,400-2,800 THB per trip), Alcoholic Beverages, Nitrox (1,200-5,100 THB per trip), Nitrox Course (3,500 THB per item), Private Dive Guide (2,000 THB per day), Scuba Diving Courses (1,800-10,500 THB).

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

Pay by bank transfer or online with

Best Price Guaranteed

Boat features

Free Internet
En-Suite bathrooms
Family Cabins
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers
Sun Deck
Camera Station
Seaview Cabins
Non-Smoking Rooms
Custom built for diving
Charging stations
Observation Deck
Available for Charter
Local & International Crew
Separate Rinse for u/w Camera
Outside Showers
Leisure Deck
Bar

Food & Drinks

Vegan Options
Vegetarian Options
Free Soft Drinks
Beer available
Wine Available
Buffet style
Local Food

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.

Diving

Nitrox available
Shaded Diving Area
DIN Adaptors
Tech diving
Rinse Hoses
Dive deck
Tenders for diving
Sidemount Diving

Languages Spoken

The crew speaks English, German, Thai, and French.

Gear Rental

Equipment is available for rent on this boat. Please provide your rental needs on the booking form. If the rental gear is not included in the price, you will need to pay for it on board the boat. Show prices

Drawings & Vessel Layouts

Cabin Types

Boat Specifications

Year built: 2001

Year renovated: 2024

Length: 25 meters

Beam: 7 meters

Top speed: 10 knots

Cruising speed: 8 knots

Engines: 1

Max guests: 16

Number of cabins: 8

Number of bathrooms: 9

Tenders: 1

Water capacity: 10000 liters

Fuel capacity: 5000 liters

Boat navigation and safety

Radar
Depth Sounder
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
Oxygen
First Aid Kits
Fishfinder
Satellite & mobile phones
Bilge pump alarm
Crew trained in first aid
Emergency flares

Explorer Reviews

8.9 Fabulous

Vessel

7.5
Crew

9.1
Food

9.6
Diving

9.1
Value

9.1

8.8 Fabulous
Sean B
United Kingdom

A great week diving beautiful islands
I enjoyed a 8 night trip aboard the Explorer, the diving was fantastic, the Similan islands are beautiful, white soft sandy beaches, the crew and dive guides were really friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, the food on board was lovely, i love Thai food, my only moan was the mattress on the bed was really hard.
Recommended for
Superb diving. The helpful crew. Shade on top deck.
12 May, 2026

9.6 Exceptional
Rachel A
Switzerland

Amazing experience
We had a great experience, the staff was amazing and the places we visited were beautiful. It was relaxed on the boat. Some dive sites were a bit crowded, others were more chilled.
Recommended for
Dive sites. Food. Natural loving dive guides.
26 Jan, 2026

8.4 Very good
franco I
Switzerland

Very nice dives and great team
Very professional staff who allowed us to discover beautiful dive sites.The kitchen team served us a very good meal.Cruise to recommend Bravo and thank you
Recommended for
meal. staff. dive sites.
05 May, 2026

Translated from French

9.2 Superb
albertus P
Netherlands

Nice trip, beautiful dives and great value for money!
We look back on 11 wonderful days on the Seadragon Explorer, with her friendly crew and delicious food! It is not the most luxurious boat but the price is accordingly, but everything you need is there, the air conditioning worked fine and the shower was warm. The diving was generally very nice and the choice of where to dive was looked at daily. Can confidently recommend this trip :)
Recommended for
Crew. atmosphere on the boat. Richelieu Rock.
06 Mar, 2026

Translated from Dutch

6.8 Review score
Florence L
France

Good value for money, nice dives but not very varied
Oxford Rock breathtaking for the abundance of wildlife, hunting scenes, diversity of species.Uncomfortable and outdated boat but compensated by a dynamic and well-organized team, helpful crew and top cooks Some sites with beautiful corals
Recommended for
Relaxed atmosphere. Diving on Richelieu Rock. The organization of the dives.
19 May, 2026

Translated from French

9.6 Exceptional
Yannick M
France

diving with a great boat and marvellous people
thanks for this trip
Recommended for
diving was marvellous,. trip on beach, we" saw lemurs, monkeys, squirrels, lizards abd the beach was so great. the crew, and diving guides was great. they always have fun and caring with all of us. thanks so much;.
10 Apr, 2025

10 Exceptional
VERONIQUE D
New Caledonia

ONLY HAPPINESS
There were only very good moments.. And then there was an exceptional day at Richelieu Rock.. Share your day dives with a whale shark in a magical setting.. of the happiness that we have all consumed without moderation.
Recommended for
The friendliness and efficiency of the crew, the quality and choice of meals, the good knowledge of the sites by the dive guides
26 Apr, 2024

Translated from French

8.0 Very good
Miroslaw G
Poland

There is a reason to come back.
Good value for money. Nice extra trip to beach / islands.
Recommended for
food. guide dive. richelie rock.
06 Apr, 2025

9.2 Superb
Yoshinori S
Japan

Best value of liveboard for Similan tour
大物は見れませんでしたが、透明度、魚影の濃さ、料金設定からシミランエキスプローラーはオススメです。
Recommended for
Diving crews, Boat staff and cheff and good value
31 Jan, 2017

9.6 Exceptional
Steven W
United States

Great experience for first liveaboard.
This was my first liveaboard experience, but well worth it. Felt comfortable even though I feel like I'm still a newer diver. Jess, the dive crew supervisor and my group dive guide, worked hard keeping us seeing fascinating things. The food was great and the crew helped with everything. Great experience, I'll be back.
Recommended for
Diving and guides. Food. Friendliness.
14 Dec, 2025

96 reviews

8.9 Fabulous
96 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

8.0 Very good
Hector Humberto K
Argentina

Predispocion de todo el staf de sea dragon
Experiencia, excelente. Lugares de buceo
Recommended for
Servicio a bordo. Guías de buceo. Lugares de buceo.
13 Dec, 2024

10 Exceptional
Bastien M
France

Amazing diving vacation with a great team!
We booked a 6 days / 5 nights trip from Surin island to Similan Islands. We had 18 dives in a beautiful and preserved submarine environment. We had the chance to stop by a wonderful beach and a gipsy community. On board, the team was amazing, the diving instructors and the boat crew were professional, competent and funny. The thaï food was delicious and the boat was comfortable.
Recommended for
dives in paradise, food, team
03 Jan, 2018

8.0 Very good
Jacoba C
Australia

Awesome liveaboard
Crew were friendly and professional. The food was way above average. Managed to see whale sharks numerous times. The captain’s skills were impressive. Can highly recommend this boat and its crew to anyone looking for a hassle free and memorable diving experience on a liveaboard from Khao Lak
Recommended for
The staff and the food and the captains skills
11 May, 2024

9.2 Superb
Omar A
Saudi Arabia

Great Experience
This was my first time to visit Thailand and my first time to do a Livaboard there (obviously 😄). Overall, it was a nice experience. Will I be repeating it again? Not sure since I was expecting better water visibility to be honest😇. The staff were nice, the food was excellent and the plan to visit national parks was fantastic.
Recommended for
1- Staff were amazing especially the diving guides Mark, Champ, John and Tracy. 2- Food👍🏻 everyday something new. You don’t get the same thing again. 3- The diving schedule and national park visits
09 Jan, 2024

10 Exceptional
Mathias V
Belgium

Great dive guides, amazing chef, and nice dive sites
The experience with the explorer was great. The dive guides ( Champ and Ori) were one of the best if not the best dive guides I have ever met. There care for the coral was impressive, as well as there knowledge about the animals ( after each dive we sat together and went over the animals we saw). Ori also acted quickly if there were problems on the boat or within a dive group. Overall, a 9/10 would do this trip again (5 days + 3 days), two different trips back to back.
Recommended for
The experienced dive guides. The food was amazing. Great value for money!.
12 Feb, 2025

8.0 Very good
聪刘
China

Comfortable cruise ship and cabin
The whole trip was comfortable
Recommended for
The diving guide is responsible, the cabin is comfortable and the food is delicious
03 Jan, 2020

8.0 Very good
Shukin C
Switzerland

Just have a new experience in Liveaboard
( 1 ) Richelieu was wonderful! Unforgettable! ( 2 ) I paid extra nitro package 2’800 Bht by check in, but the dive guide asked for more money at the end in the diving shop, although the Accountant said that it was balancing, I think the It might be another highlight....
Recommended for
I joined end of April trip, the best was Richelieu, the other were so so la la .
10 May, 2018

7.6 Good
Ken C
Canada

72 is just a number don’t be scared Just do it with Sea Dragon
Diving for the first time in my life at the ripe old age of 72 yrs. I feel so blessed that Stephen, Kit, Ning and Ton were so kind to me. They took special care of me and encouraged me with positive reinforcement as I transitioned from Zero skills and knowledge to Certified Open Water Scuba Diver. I highly recommend Sea Dragon Dive Center to any Seniors who have always dreamed of Diving. The MV Explorer and the crew were excellent, the food was superb, the cabins were fabulous. The professionalism of the Diving Team was the icing on the cake. The highlight for me was watching the turtle gracefully searching around the boulder for food. Plus mastering my breath to maneuver my body through spaces between the Rocks. I am still pinching myself, was it a dream or is it really true?
Recommended for
Diving and dive guides. Value for money. Food & drinks onboard.
24 Dec, 2024

10 Exceptional
beibei L
China

It's beautiful and memorable, and I look forward to seeing you next time
Everyone in the dive shop has a very good attitude, because of some special reasons and wrote an email with Stephen for more than a month, he is still very patient, thank you to every staff member of Sea Dragon~ In view of the few Chinese reviews in the past reviews, I will share a little bit with the wild buddy of Chinese who is hesitant in the follow-up. The boat is mainly in English, DM and other buddy mainly communicate in English, please determine your English level before choosing a liveaboard, otherwise there may be a relatively large communication barrier. The DMs are very enthusiastic and very technical, PPANG took a lot of beautiful photos for me, and every time they would happily ask me how I was doing and how I was sleeping. Love her so much!! pang，love u！ The other two young lady DM, Enia and Jess are also super cute, Jess is really beautiful, Maruci although he rarely communicates, but it can be seen that he is very responsible, and every night he shares communication techniques with his group members. The four members of the DM group are all amazing! We also saw sharks many times. The ship is new, and the room looks small, but it's actually enough to fit even a 28-inch box. The food eaten is mainly European and American food and Thai food, Thai food is very, very delicious! The young lady who works in the kitchen is very nice, she will secretly feed me every time I get on the boat, and the room will be tidied up between dives, and she will also help fold clothes. The other buddy on the boat are also very good, although everyone speaks different languages and comes from different countries, but every night there will be technology sharing, photo sharing, small talk, the atmosphere is very good, and on the day it ended, everyone was still hugging in the dive shop, pang also sent me to the car, pang love u again!! thx all the sea dragon DM and team！！
Recommended for
The staff are very friendly. The DM is very professional and friendly. The hull facilities are very new.
02 Mar, 2026

Translated from Chinese

8.8 Fabulous
Hui Ling H
Taiwan

Not bad
The crew is kind, the food is delicious and the environment is acceptable
Recommended for
Crew services. The food is delicious. Comfortable weather.
27 Mar, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
Simona D
Slovenia

Awesome
Meeting tiger shark was something special, night dive on Surin was one of the best I had, Richelieue rock is awesome, Moken people were nice to meet... really top experience
Recommended for
Dive sides were perfect, visits of the coast were super, Dive guides &crew very very good
07 Nov, 2019

9.2 Superb
Amelie H
France

Great experience
This was my first liveaboard and it was amazing. Took me a few days to get used to sleeping on a boat but the team had seasick pills available for everyone to help out. The crew were always available for whatever we needed. Food was very good and lots of the drinks were included which was great. Dive sites were really good and the guides all there to show you what you are interested in as much as possible and then explain to you with the books available on-board what you just saw. They also try and make it that all guests mix together to creat a good energy which is really appreciate as someone travelling alone.
Recommended for
The crew. The space in between each dives was good so can rest well. The dive sites.
18 Feb, 2026

10 Exceptional
Kurt Z
Germany

Everything fits all around
Very good atmosphere on the boat 👍
Recommended for
Ghostpipefish, Seahorse, a Lot of food
13 Jan, 2020

Translated from German

10 Exceptional
Marcelino Gustavo R
Argentina

Spectacular. Forced to dream of the next
My first liveaboard. Spectacular. It exceeded expectations. A trip with friends (4) that we were all pleasantly surprised
Recommended for
Comfort. Cleaning. Professionalism.
18 Nov, 2024

Translated from Spanish

9.6 Exceptional
jennifer L
United States

I would go again!!!
Richlieu rock was fantastic The other guests were really fun The crew was amazing
Recommended for
Dive masters. Meals were delicious. Nice clean cabins.
25 Nov, 2024

9.6 Exceptional
Bernd S
Germany

A well organized tour, great guide and a great Thai food
Many years ago I was already on Surin Island, the abundance of fish surprised me
Recommended for
Guide, food, ship
08 Feb, 2024

9.2 Superb
YOKO K
Japan

Friendly staff and great dive
It was the second live aboard in Similan. The ocean was great as before, and I could see huge amount of creatures. The staff is friendly and very organized. I strongly recommend this trip.
Recommended for
Whale shark, school of fish, beautiful night
08 Apr, 2019

7.6 Good
Amish S
India

Amazing diving, brilliant boat crew and diving staff, cramped cabins.
Saw some of the things on my bucket list. Rich Carey- the photographer was amazing. Was amazing hanging out and chatting with the crew on board. They Ware really passionate about diving and very easy to chat with. Amazingly helpful and wonderful people.
Recommended for
Amazing staff, amazing diving, chilled atmosphere on the boat
08 Nov, 2017

8.8 Fabulous
Taco V
Netherlands

Wonderful trip value for money
The atmosphere on the boat is very good. The guests are well taken care of and you will not be bored for a moment
Recommended for
Dive. Staff. Eat.
02 May, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
DEBAJYOTI C
India

Incredible 5 nights 6 days liveaboard experience!
Incredible liveaboard diving experience with Sea Dragon Khao Lak (on MV Explorer)! Our dive masters were true professionals, ensuring safety while guiding us to breathtaking underwater wonders Especially to name dive master Ton, fantastic handholding. The boat crew went above and beyond. Their attentiveness and warmth made it feel like a home on the sea, The food? Simply exquisite! A delicious and diverse culinary journey that added another layer of enjoyment to our trip. Highly recommend !
Recommended for
Food, dive guides, crew
08 Dec, 2023