Last Minute Special – Similan Diving Safari!
Similan Liveaboard – Last Minute special
Here at Wicked Diving we are always on the lookout for special offers to give you – our guests.
Today we were given the opportunity to share this great value trip!
Trip Departs: Tuesday 20th October 2009
Trip Returns: Saturday 24th October 2009
Duration: 4 days & 4 nights
Destination: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Surin Islands and Bonsoong Wreck
Dives: 14
Standard Quad share cabin: Normal Price = 29,000 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 23,200 Baht per diver. (4 spaces available)
Standard Triple share cabin: Normal Price = 30,500 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 24,400 Baht per diver. (3 spaces available)
Standard Twin share cabin: Normal Price = 32,000 baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 25,600 Baht per diver (1 space sharing with male diver)
VIP Twin share cabin: Normal Price = 37,000 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 29,600 Baht per diver. (2 cabins/4 spaces available)
VIP Double bed cabin: Normal Price = 37,000 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 29,600 Baht per diver (1 cabin available).
If you would like to know more – contact us
The MV Queen Scuba is a 28m (92ft) vessel completed in 2003. She was built to be one of the more comfortable boats plying the Andaman Sea, and she has succeeded in that goal. One of the best things about this boat is the fact that she can take up to 21 guests–so those of you who like to travel in a fairly large group have other options now.
The boat is undergoing a slight redesign at this time, after one-year of operating in the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock. She has one master cabin and five “VIP” or deluxe cabins. These cabins offer double-bed accommodation for you traveling couples out there. She also has three cabins with single beds down below; two of them are for two people, and one is a triple. The cabins are priced according to comfort level-lower for the below deck cabins, slightly higher for the VIP cabins, and highest for the master. The highest comfort comes with a price as on most boats.
The Master cabin is the nicest room on the boat, of course, and the owner’s claim the nicest in all of Southeast Asia. That’s pretty tall claim, but the fact of the matter is that you can’t get much better as far as comfort goes. First come, first served! This cabin has a large king-sized bed, a large well-appointed ensuite bathroom with hot water, a DVD entertainment system with movies, a complimentary fruit basket, air conditioning, and panoramic ocean views.
The five VIP cabins all have a large double bed, a large ensuite bathroom with hot water, air conditioning, a complimentary fruit basket, and ocean views.
For you single gentlemen or ladies, the standard cabins are located below deck, but are still light and airy. They also feature ensuite facilities with hot water and air conditioning. One of the cabins take two persons, one of them takes three guests, and one of them takes four guests (perfect for a family). She takes a total of 21 persons on board.
If you would like to know more – contact us
The interior saloon is large enough to seat everyone on the boat, including crew, and features a DVD entertainment system and comfortable benches and low tables to sit and enjoy a drink. Most meals are served in the covered deck area just to the rear of the saloon. She has wooden tables and comfortable chairs where you’ll enjoy your meal with three other guests. Meals are served buffet style, with fresh breads, fruit, and wonderful Thai and Western dishes served up by the fabulous chef.
Dive deck and gear area
Going down the stairs from the top deck you’ll be on the cabin deck and this is where most of your time will be spent–gearing up for diving, the reason we’re here. The dive deck is spacious and well designed. No moving tanks around, all tanks are filled at their stations or the crew will handle the lifting. Put your gear together and forget about it. Two dinghies will transfer you to the dive sites, or we’ll jump off the mother ship. All pick-ups are done from the dinghies for your convenience. Since many of the dives are drift dives, this system is pretty common practice around here.
Divemaster or instructor staff on the boat do dive briefings. They are thorough and interesting, and will help you to have more fun underwater and to help you understand what you’re seeing. All dives are guided if you choose; there is always a divemaster available for you if you want one. If you don’t, that’s OK too, just dive with a buddy. If you are traveling alone, we’ll hook you up with a buddy.
If you would like to know more – contact us
The Queen Scuba realizes that Nitrox is the future of diving, here today, so full Enriched Air or Nitrox services are offered on board. And, for those of you not yet Nitrox certified, we offer these courses for your convenience. There are many options from a two-dive full certification in Nitrox to introductory dives for those not sure if they will like it or not. Of course there is plenty of normal air available as well.
If you would like to know more – contact us
The boat is outfitted with the latest in electronic marine equipment including GPS and radar for safety and ease of navigation. We have VHF radios, and mobile telephone communications equipment.
The Queen Scuba will be doing the standard four-day/ four-night trips, visiting all the best sites in Thailand’s Andaman Sea. She will dive in the nine fabulous Similan Islands, as well as Ko Bon, Ko Tachai, and Richelieu Rock.
Itinerary
| 4-days/ 4-nights: Similan and Richelieu | ||
| Departure |
19:00 from Khao Lak 19:30 Arrive Thap Lamu 21:00: Depart for Similan Islands / Late supper |
No diving |
| Day 1 | Diving in Similan Islands National Park | ~4 dives |
| Day 2 | Diving at Koh Bon and Koh Tachai | ~4 dives |
| Day 3 | Diving at Richelieu Rock and Surin Islands | ~4 dives |
| Day 4 | Diving at Koh Bon, Bonsoon Wreck, depart for Thap Lamu, arrive Phuket approximately 18:00. | ~2 dives |
| Note: For people departing the boat on the final day, transfers are provided to your hotel free of charge. You may not fly this evening due to flying after diving rules. Please note that itineraries are approximate and are subject to change due to conditions, tides, wind, current, and divemaster’s discretion. | ~14 dives | |
The Queen Scuba does 4-day and 4-night trips from October – May every year. These trips visit Similan, Koh Bon, Tachai and Richelieu Rock. These trips will depart from, and return to Thap Lamu pier, 10kms south of Khao Lak.
Price includes accommodation on board, all meals, most drinks, divemaster services, tanks, weights, and belts. Price does not include personal diving equipment or national park fees. National park fees are 400 baht per person per entry (Similan and Surin), plus 200 baht per day. This is payable in Thai baht on the boat and is an additional charge imposed by the Thai Government as of November 15, 2001. A four-day trip is 1,600 THB. We never know what exactly the government will be doing from year to year, but this is the situation as it currently stands.
If you would like to know more – contact us
Similan Scuba Diving – the most fun under the waters of Thailand
Thailand has one of the world’s most diverse marine habitats, with more than 300 major reef groups covering an area of over 4,500 square miles. From pinnacles and submerged rocks, through to stunning coral gardens and sheer walls, the scuba diving in Thailand has something to offer scuba divers of all levels of experience. It is this diversity in marine habitats and diving environments which attracts so many divers to the waters around Thailand every year, and today the region is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations.
There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centers, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.
It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Khao Lak and the nearby Khao Lak with the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving from Khao Lak is of the highest standard, and the surrounding dive sites host a plethora of great diving. Similan Islands Scuba Diving is frequently listed as one of the ten best diving opportunities on earth. The are also underwater treasures that lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Surin Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia’s finest dive sites.
The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world’s most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from introducing people to scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to o Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centers and divers. However the dive sites are very overwhelmed and the diving here is often referred to as “champagne diving” – all bubbles.
Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Shark fin Reef are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Koh Lipe Krabi, Phi Phi and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centers. For a good reference try the Best Dive Sites in Thailand.
Today, Thailand is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches, the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.
The Best Open Water Course in Thailand!
There are many different ways to learn to scuba dive. AN instructor teaches someone in a pool. Others jump off a speedboat and some are lucky enough to do their course on a liveaboard. In Thailand the best bang for you Baht is on a liveaboard – more dives and more experience while cruising through paradise.
The Similan Islands are home to Thailand’s most famous dive sites and are often listed as among the 10 best dive sites in the world. Conveniently located to Khao Lak and the nearby Phuket airport – the diving is very accessible. With the option of Speedboats or liveaboards – many beginning divers chose to do their Similan Liveaboard Open Water course on a 3 day journey through the uninhabited islands. These trips offer the guests their own cabins, meals and many different dive sites.
The calm clear waters, the relaxed atmosphere and the skilled instructors will all contribute to the success of the experience. This is important as SCUBA diving is a lifetime passion – not just a whim.
The courses are easy to take and only require a bit of your time. Much of the academic work can now be completed online (and for free) before you even arrive in Thailand. You can spend your vacation time in the water or on the beaches – no the classroom.
The first day is spent in the pool or on the beach simply getting used to the new equipment and incredible sensation of floating weightless! It’s fun and thrilling to realize that gravity no longer exists – it also takes a bit of practice. Diving also requires a few new skills that you are unlikely to have learned before. Your Instructor will go through all the basic skills that will be demonstrated and practiced in the pool. Then you have the opportunity to practice them too!
In the pool or off the beach – the instructor will settle down in front of the student so that they can see all that she is demonstrating. After some breathing exercises and regulator recovery at the surface the instructor will get all the divers to kneel on the bottom of the pool breathing and getting used to being underwater. The instructor, followed by the student will complete each of the skills. The students need to complete mask clearing, regulator recovery and some basic buoyancy control skills. These basic skills are required to ensure the safety of the divers, as well as giving them confidence to truly enjoy the open water. The instructor and student will then swim around at the bottom of the pool getting comfortable with the equipment and used to the feeling of weightlessness and breathing underwater.
Once these basic skills are done and everyone feels comfortable – it’s time to head off on an amazing journey through the Similan Islands. The student has the opportunity to do 9 dives with their instructor – gaining more confidence and feeling more and more at ease under the sea.
After the first couple of dives the underwater world will really open up. Passing turtles make the reefs an incredible opportunity to slow down and enjoy the marine life. That shadow over the students head? A Manta Ray – something that brings chills to even the most experienced diver. The chance to glide over the rainbow colored corals and the hundreds of species of reef fish make this a memory of a lifetime.
After the student has completed their first open water scuba dive – they surface with big smiles on their faces. The instructor will debrief them and explain how they may improve their diving knowledge and skills by doing a full certification open water scuba diver course. Only 8 more dives to go!
This is by far the best way to learn to scuba dive.
If you would like to make this story come true…simply join our Similan Liveaboard Open Water course
Similan Scuba Diving | Suirn Islands
Surin Islands or Mo Koh Surin National Park
Located about 80 km north of Khao Lak in the emerald water of the Andaman Sea, near the Myanmar (Burmese) border. The Surin Islands archipelago consists of 5 islands: North Surin island, South Surin island, Ko Ree, Ko Pajumla, Ko Kai,
Ko Surin Nuea -this is the biggest island- are some National Park accommodations and at Ko Surin Tai there is a small Morgan gypsy village .
The whole Surin Islands National Park covers a area of about 135 square kilometer. The two bigger Surin Island are separated by a 200 m waterway. The Surin Islands are about 40 km offshore form Kuraburi.
Mu Ko Surin National Park – the official name – is a fantastic crossover from tropical forest and coral reefs. The area shows a rich bio – diversity that ranges from the largest sea creature on earth.
From the Whale Shark to rare birds such as the Beach Thick-Knee and the Nicobar Pigeon. Mammals such as the Malayan Flying Lemur can also be discovered.
The Surin Islands Thailand have been declared a national park in 1981 to make sure not to have the usual encroaching and souvenirs shops everywhere. Its a clean, pristine environment full of beauty above and under the water surface.
The Surin Islands, Ko Surin, Thailand, are accessible either by speedboat day tours or liveaboards. As there is no accommodation or infrastructure for tourism in Kuraburi – it is recommended to stayin Khao Lak – just over one hour south.
The whole Surin Islands archipelago offers a excellent snorkeling and scuba diving environment. The Surin Islands are only a little similar to Similan Islands Thailand are a prime area for scuba diving.
The beaches on north Surin Islands are rather small but many very scenic bays compensate this. You also can go camping 2 days/1night, 3 days/2nights, 4 days/3 nights or depend on your need at the Surin Islands.
If you go on your own, to the Surin Islands pier you can buy ticket for speedboat transfer to- Surin Islands and stay in the Bungalows – very basic – you can only snorkel. Contact us has snorkeling package with included equipment . If you want a scuba dive trip – contact a Khao Lak dive operators.
No trip on the Andaman Sea would be complete without visiting the Surin national marine park,located 60 kilometers north of the Similan and only seven Kilometres from the Burmese border.
The most interesting scuba diving site is a around Richelieu rock. The rocky peak, rising from 30 metres to 35 metres above sea level, is especially popular for its sightings of big pelagic like manta rays and the whale shark, the largest fish in the ocean.
Descending onto Richelieu Rock, the peaks and slopes are covered in purple soft corals and reef species.Vast schools of glassfish blanket the reef, so much so you have to wait for marauding trevally to attack the dense schools of batfish to clear a patch, enabling you to see the astounding reef.
You can also hire a long tail boat with contact us travel agent at Surin Islands and move around. At the Surin Islands park headquarter and restaurant and bathrooms are available, also for campers.
The nature trails starting at the Surin Islands park headquarter give a little challenge to test your fitness.
The south Surin Island has a couple of nice beaches / bays, notably Ao Suthep and Ao Pak Kaad – Ao stands for bay -.
At north Surin Island, Ao Sai Ane and on south Surin Island at Ao Born a small group of Morgan Sea Gypsies has settled, still practicing their daily life like ages ago. Ko Surin also check water sports.
Always choose a dive center that has staff speaking your language, have insurance and are certified. Please avoid using uninsured, untrained boats or dive operators. If they offer too good a deal – it IS too good a deal.
Scuba Diving the Similan Islands – Thailand
Thailand has one of the world’s most diverse marine habitats, with more than 300 major reef groups covering an area of over 4,500 square miles. From pinnacles and submerged rocks, through to stunning coral gardens and sheer walls, the scuba diving in Thailand has something to offer scuba divers of all levels of experience. It is this diversity in marine habitats and diving environments which attracts so many divers to the waters around Thailand every year, and today the region is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations.
There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centers, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.
It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Khao Lak and the nearby Khao Lak with the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving from Khao Lak is of the highest standard, and the surrounding dive sites host a plethora of great diving. Similan Islands Scuba Diving is frequently listed as one of the ten best diving opportunities on earth. The are also underwater treasures that lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Surin Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia’s finest dive sites.
The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world’s most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from introducing people to scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to o Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centers and divers. However the dive sites are very overwhelmed and the diving here is often referred to as “champagne diving” – all bubbles.
Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Shark fin Reef are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Koh Lipe Krabi, Phi Phi and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centers. For a good reference try the Best Dive Sites in Thailand.
Today, Thailand is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches, the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.
Similan Scuba Diving – Best resources
Here is a blurb from the every helpful – Similan Islands – a resource for all information on the Similan Islands. This is the Scuba Diving section
“Listed as one of the Ten best Dive sites on earth, the Similan Islands are the best diving Thailand has to offer. With Huge rocky drop-offs on the Western side, long coral reefs on the East side, and the transition zones in between. More than the just a simple reef – the Similan Islands also have the Greatest marine diversity in the country.
Nearby are the Surin Islands (and Richelieu Rock), Khao Lak, just North are the Burma Banks. South of the Similan Islands are the SCUBA diving centers of Phuket, Phi Phi and Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Right in the middle are the Similan Islands. Please check here for our list of Similan Dive Centers.”
If you need help or advice for the Similan Islands – this is the place to go!
Good Air for Good Divers
Clean Air – don’t assume it’s there!
While many divers assume the air they are breathing is clean – it’s not always true! One year ago in the Maldives 1 diver died and 9 others were hospitalized when the air they were breathing was severely contaminated. Why? The dive operator was too cheap to properly maintain their compressors, had not properly trained their staff and failed to observe basic safety precautions.
The machine
The air you breath needs to be clean. Much more so if you are diving. The compressors that fill your tanks need to have good, clean, uncontaminated air supplies. The air intake hose needs to be located in a position that provides this.
On liveaboards even more caution needs to be taken. The exhaust from the engines, from people smoking, from cooking all need to be taken into account. In addition the Splash from the ocean and rain needs to be avoided. Even then the air is further purified through filters that remove impurities and moisture.
The Maintenance
One of the biggest fears is carbon monoxide build up. This can come from exhaust and cigarette fumes. The highest acceptable limit for Carbon Monoxide in scuba tanks is 15 ppm (parts per million). In the above mentioned incident – the tanks were tested at 150ppm! The intake hoses were cracked AND were directly in the line of exhaust from the boats engines.
Compressors use filters to rid themselves of impurities. Some compressors run on electric engines and some work on combustion engines (typical of portable compressors). The two kinds also have different filters to meet the different demands. Needless to say the compressors on that liveaboard were fitted with the less expensive filters that were not intended for their compressors.
The Training
Dive staff and the boat crew need to be aware of how to change the filters, which filters to use and how often to change. Their should be a log of servicing as well as an hour meter tracking how long the compressor has been running. Regular inspections of the equipment as well as frequent filter changes are required for compressors to operate correctly.
If these guidelines are not followed – the air you breathe can be bad! So when choosing your diving holiday and boat – do some research! Are the staff trained? How often is the compressor (or any equipment) serviced? Is the compressor (and equipment) serviced by factory trained and certified technicians? Where is the air intake?
Or to look at things differently – do you choose the cheapest parachute?
If two dive operators offer the same service – but one is significantly cheaper – where are the savings? If you would like to be very thorough – ask to see the service log books and records. And always smell the air on your tank before diving! How safe is your dive operator?
At wicked diving all our Similan Liveaboard staff are trained Gas blenders – for both regular air and Nitrox. We have all records of the service performed and we appreciate our guests asking to see them. In addition we do extensive safety training in case of accidents – with at least one Dive medic on staff at all times.
Open Water Training in Thailand!
Learn To Dive in Thailand – Open Water Training
For a beginner it is not obvious what a diving course contains and while many scuba diving courses are very good – there are also examples of the opposite. Thailand – in the former days as a haven for backpackers and shell-shocked ex-pats earned a reputation as a risky place to learn diving. These days the industry is massive and overseen by several safety and governing bodies like SSI. Now - learning to dive in Thailand is both safe and worthwhile.
The most common course for new divers is the Open Water Diver. It is designed to teach divers to independently dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters/60feet. No previous experience is needed and most normally fit people will be able to meet the prerequisites. Read on….
Online Learning!
Instead of taking your valuable vacation time to read and study – why not begin your course right now? The new style of diving is looking forward and you will find that you can do much of your theory and reading online – this includes the reviews. You will still need to do the training sessions – and any good dive center will double check your online training.
Introductory Theory
The open water course has a relatively comprehensive section on basic dive theory. The material is well written and straightforward. Each chapter finishes with review questions. and the course finishes with a theoretical test of 50 questions.
Pool training
The course contains 5 pool sessions or confined water sessions. If you do these courses in your home country you will usually three to five sessions spread over a few weeks. If you do your course while on vacation – these sessions can be combined into two days. They are well thought out and focus on teaching a diver basic scuba skills. The goal is that the student should master the skills and if that is achieved all is good. Not many unnecessary skills are included and the sequencing is relevant. After finishing all confined sessions the student will be pretty well off in the open water.
The Open Water Dives
The course includes a minimum 4 open water dives. The first two to max 12 meters (45 feet) and the last two to max out at 18 meters/60 feet. Each dive has some skills to practice, but if you have paid attention in the pool, then it’s quite easy to do the skills without “Wasting” any of your dive time!
Other reflections
Anyone doing this course should be aware that one has not mastered scuba diving after completing it. Major bits concerning self rescue and general rescue diving are missing and the requirements do not allow independent diving. That said – it is a good introduction and many people can become surprisingly good after only four dives. I strongly recommend doing 4-6 pleasure dives after attempting any other course simply to build more waterman-ship.
Overall impression
The planning and the material is of high quality. The negative sides includes that some students are targeted with repeated selling which can be annoying. Some courses are also over commercialised which means that the standards are followed only to allow a student to get certified and the quality of the training is somewhat lost Choose your school wisely. But all things said – SSI leads the way in diver training and with a bit of common sense this is an excellent introduction to scuba diving.
Similan Island Dive Sites – East Of Eden
As part of our site development and growth – we have moved these dive site descriptions over to the main site…
If you have any questions or concerns – please fell free to contact us
Elephant Head Rock is part of the itinerary for our Similan Islands Liveaboard North Tours
Between islands seven and eight lies Elephant Head Rock – or ‘Hin Pusa’.
A beautiful collection of submerged boulders, ranging from large slabs of rock to smaller stones. The relative isolation of the site between Islands 7 & 8 leaves it open to strong cross currents.
Conditions permitting drop down on the south side between the two large rocks which the break the surface. Stay close to the rocks until the strength and direction of the current has been gauged, and if necessary use the boulders as shelter. The south side of the dive site drops along a series of rock plateaus to a graduating sandy bottom which starts at about 30 meters and goes deeper – more than 50 Meters.
Keep the boulders on your left and work eastwards. Look beneath rocks for lobsters and large rays. A large channel can provide a good introduction to the dive, which sits at around 18 meters. Follow the opening through and then turn left into a smaller series of swim-throughs which bring you towards the north of the dive site.
If you skip the swim-throughs and head outside the site (rather than through) you will find some big fish hunting. Also spend some time looking for Frogfish, Flabellinas and other little stuff. You will be surprised by all that you find.
Conditions permitting continue swimming out towards the Northern-outer edge of the dive site over a sandy plateau where large White tips, Grey and Black tip reef sharks can sometimes be seen.
Also keep an eye open for some weird and wonderful nudibranches and in particular for flabbelina’s. Octopus, sea snakes and cuttlefish can also be found amongst the dead coral. Head south and you should come to an opening which begins at 12 meters and extends south to around 6 meters, where the current usually gains force. Beneath the large rock to your left is a long crack. Use a torch to look for baby white tip reef sharks. This can be a good place to end the dive, swimming back out to the north-east during the safety stop for one final look for Sharks, Rays, Giant Trevally and Great Barracuda.
to truly enjoy your open water course – keep the groups small
The maximum group size for a diving course.
When you are looking for diving courses around Thailand, you see that prices differ from place to place and sometimes even in the same place. This has to do with many factors, travel time to the dive sites, quality of equipment, service, safety equipment, park fees, operation costs, quality of staff etc. One of the most important factors in this is the group size of the course. Why waste your vacation to Similan Islands diving in the middle of a huge crowd?
There are places in Thailand where you can get a very good deal on courses, but you might end up in a big group of students, spending most of the time watching your buddies doing skills under water. The maximum number of students per instructor that the dive organizations allow during underwater training is 8. It is possible to increase that number to 10 or even 12 when 1 or 2 divemasters assist on the course. Big groups of course means low prices, but these “factory dive schools” often pump out as many students as possible in a very short time. This has a few disadvantages:
First of all, when you take a dive course, you want plenty of time to practice new exercises until you are comfortable with them. In big groups, you often end up doing an exercise once and that’s it. As there are 7 more people to do the skill there is no time for repetition. In the worst case, the instructor might even skip certain skills to speed up the course. This is completely against the standards set by the diving industry.
Second, you wont get too much attention from your instructor, as he/she is not an octopus and has to keep an eye on a lot of people. This is fine if you don’t have any problems, but it can get a bit messy, or even unsafe, if you and some other people need help from the instructor.
Also, with big groups you often end up spending a lot of time on the skill part of the dive, which leaves only a bit of time left for the actual dive. And that’s actually the best part of the course!
With big groups, there is not much time to spend with students who take a bit longer or need a bit more time to get comfortable under water. This leads to people being stressed. They might even drop out of the course, when with a bit more time and a calmer pace, they might have been able to get more comfortable and finish the course.
All in all at Wicked Diving we think that the maximum group size for a course is 4 people. This way the students get plenty of attention from the instructor and a lot of time under water to enjoy the beauty of the Similan Islands. We like a relaxed pace and if we need to spend some more time in the pool, classroom or in the sea, we just schedule an session. This leaves the instructors in control and guarantees a safe and relaxed course in which you will have plenty of time to ask questions, repeat and practice your skills and get maximum time diving some the best dive sites in Thailand.
