By: Torben Lonne
The MV Oktavia, a beautiful 30-meter wooden boat built in 2003 and refurbished in 2007 offers guests (both divers and non-divers as well as children) fantastic liveaboard tours to the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. Swedish owned and operated, the MV Oktavia can accommodate 33 guests but was limited to around 20 guests to enable divers to have enough space and feel comfortable. Cruise with MV Oktavia and discover why Similan Islands Scuba Diving is regarded as the best and most exclusive in Thailand.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Many people said that they saw a whale shark on Richelieu island and that it was a memorable event. -
Some divers said they saw oceanic manta and frenzy fishes at the Richelieu Rock sunset.
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All the dives were well planned and the schedule ran like clockwork.
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Some divers said the briefings were informative and left everyone feeling safe and secure in the hands of the diving master.
Things we don't like:
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Some people said the cabins were small and not much room for luggage was allocated. -
Divers said that when the anchor was released it made a heck of a noise that disturb them.
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A problem...
Diving on the Oktavia liveaboard in Thailand
The MV Oktavia guarantees adventure cruising with a complete experience with diving, snorkeling, excursions on the islands, treasure hunts, jungle walks, beach football, and marine life presentations. The boat is a perfect fit for anyone interested in experiencing an amazing liveaboard trip.
Boat features
The upper deck of this unique liveaboard which is commonly referred to as the “party deck” is equipped with an Audio-Video entertainment system, library, a bar, and board games. The party deck also serves as a dining room during meals. The boat also has a large sundeck which offers plenty of space for guests in between dives. With part of the sundeck shaded, guests with sensitive skin can enjoy the fresh air while taking in the sea’s view.
The MV Oktavia has 13 standard cabins located on the lower deck and two master cabins on the upper deck. The cabins on the lower deck share four bathrooms. The standard cabins have central AC, a fan, either a double or 2 single bunk-beds plus cupboards for storage. Master cabins have a TV & entertainment system, seating area, writing desk, storage, and double beds.
The best Similan diving liveaboard trips can be difficult to choose due to trip lengths and schedules. However, MV Oktavia has a novel solution. Most of the cruises are five days and five nights in length, but there is an option to only go out for two or three days. This is done merely by speedboat transfer to or from the ship which stays out at sea for the full five. One option is to sail out on MV Oktavia at the beginning of the dive cruise and return on a speedboat after two days and nights at the Similan Islands. The alternative is to take the speedboat out for the second half of the cruise, which visits Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock and Boonsung Wreck on a 3D/2N 10-dives itinerary. Those who are lucky enough to enjoy the complete 5D/5N cruise visit all the locations and get to dive 19 times. At the beginning and end of the season, Oktavia offers 4D/4N 15 dives trips, which are comparable to most other liveaboard trips offered on our other boats.
With 14 crew members to attend the needs of guests, this liveaboard is a diver’s dream. The meals in the boat are served buffet style and are a mix of international and local cuisine. Snacks are available all day with hot beverages also provided.
With guest’s safety a priority, the Oktavia liveaboard carries safety equipment for safe passage. The safety equipment includes oxygen, a DAN tank, first aid kits, SOLAS life jackets, and two SOLAS life rafts. The boat has communication that includes CB radios, VHF radios, a GPS radar, echo sounder, and mobile telephones. The boat also offers Nitrox and has both indoor and outdoor comfortable saloon common areas.
Best time to go
The best time to go on a cruise aboard the MV Oktavia is between November and April, and unlike other boats, the Oktavia departs on the said date regardless of the number of guests that have booked.
Itinerary
The boat offers 2D2N, 4D4N & 5D5N trips. The destinations for 3D2N trips have no beaches open to the public. The 5-days 5-nights cruise to the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck includes 19 dives. The 4-days 4-nights to the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck includes 15 dives. The 3-days 3-nights trip to Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck includes 11 dives while the 2-days 2-nights cruise to Similan Islands (2 Days) includes seven dives
How to get there
Most MV Oktavia liveaboard trips depart in the afternoon from Khao Lak, while the shorter trips start with an early morning speedboat transfer to reach MV Oktavia when is already moored in the Similans. A transfer service from all hotels in Khao Lak is provided for 2- and 5-night trips. the last dive of the cruise will be at around 2:30 pm.
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