DiveRACE Class E Liveaboard Overview

Torben Lonne
By
Torben Lonne
Editor and Co-founder at DIVEIN.com
Torben traveled to South East Asia for scuba diving and never really stopped his search for new adventures. His affinity for gear that works and his...
- Editor and Co-founder at DIVEIN.com
the bow of the liveaboard M/V DiveRACE Class E, its name painted on the white hull
Multiple decks and that much freeboard are built for long open-water liveaboard routes, not short day-boat hops.
DiveRACE Class E liveaboard viewed from the stern with its tender secured on the swim deck
The tender tied off the stern is what divers actually ride to the dive sites, since a boat this size does not nose up to the reef itself.
DiveRACE Class E liveaboard at anchor on calm water in the evening light
Divers still out on deck as the light fades shows how long the sailing days run before the boat settles in for the night.
Wheelhouse on the DiveRACE Class E with the captain's chair, ship's wheel and navigation electronics
A dedicated wheelhouse with its own navigation gear keeps the crew's workspace separate from guest areas on the DiveRACE Class E.
Dining table set with plates and wine glasses on the DiveRACE Class E's outdoor deck
A full sit-down table setting on the open deck is a step up from the buffet-style dining common on budget liveaboards.
Divers relaxing in the DiveRACE Class E's saloon lounge with a wall-mounted TV
The saloon's wall-mounted TV gets used for dive briefings between sessions, gathering the group around the low table before each dive.
Galley snack bar on the DiveRACE Class E liveaboard with coffee machine and crew schedule whiteboard
A dedicated snack bar keeps coffee and finger food flowing between dives, with the day's dive schedule chalked up on the board for everyone to see.
Shaded sun deck lounge seating aboard the DiveRACE Class E overlooking the harbor
Cushioned bench seating wraps the shaded sun deck, giving divers a spot to relax between dives without dodging the tropical sun.
Dive deck aboard the DiveRACE Class E with tanks and gear set up in individual stations
Each diver gets an assigned tank station on the dive deck, keeping gear organized and ready for the next entry.
Two RIB tender boats stowed at the stern of the DiveRACE Class E liveaboard, wake trailing behind
Twin RIB tenders ride at the stern for quick shuttles to dive sites, a setup that speeds up group entries on a liveaboard this size.
Massage room aboard the DiveRACE Class E with a floor mattress and folded towels
A quiet massage room on board offers a proper rubdown after a day of diving, towels folded and waiting on the mattress.
Twin cabin aboard the DiveRACE Class E with two single beds and a built-in bench and wardrobe
Twin cabins come with individual beds rather than a shared double, plus enough shelving and wardrobe space to keep gear out from underfoot.
Cabin aboard the DiveRACE Class E with a large bed made up in warm orange wood paneling
Warm wood tones and a private window bring some hotel comfort into the cabin, with towels folded and waiting on the bed for the next group of divers.
En suite twin cabin aboard the DiveRACE Class E with upper and lower bunk beds
Bunk-style twin cabins sleep four to a room without feeling like a submarine, each berth kept tidy with its own towel and shelf space.

The MV DiveRACE is a 35m luxury dive liveaboard on the Andaman Sea. Not only will divers experience some of the world’s best diving, but private massages and a BBQ pit as well. Diving with the DiveRace Class E makes reaching Thailand and Burma’s remote dive spots anything but rough. With fifteen staff on-board, guests will never be left wanting when on a dive safari.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Things we like:

  • Many people were happy with all that activities there wasn't one moment where you would get bored because there is always something to do.
  • Some divers mentioned that the instructors were knowledgeable and they catered the dives according to your skill level.
  • The crew was friendly and upbeat and always greeted you with a smile.
  • The food prepared by the chef was amazing and he always had a special treat lined up.

Things we don't like:

  • Some people noted that it was disheartening not being able to have seen a whale shark.
  • Divers said the only drawback was the fact that there are to many dive boats at one location.

Diving on the DiveRACE Class E in Thailand

DiveRace Class E was custom-built by the help of naval architects and a Dutch vessel consultant in December 2014 following the international standards. It is designed elegantly with strength, stability, and comfort. It has the length of 34.5 m by 7.5 m steel hull ocean vessel. This boat will surely deliver unforgettable moments of exploration with the help of the professional crew onboard.

The cabins at the main and lower decks are ready to welcome a total of 20 divers and their peer travelers. There are six spacious cabins on the main deck with private balcony also four twin cabins on the lower-deck. Each cabin has a private bathroom and individual air-conditioning perfect for resting after a day of diving. There is a spacious room for relaxation at the sun deck, with sun loungers and an ideal spot for the guests to see the stunning ocean view. The saloon area has air-conditioning and audio/video entertainment for guests to enjoy the latest movies and games. Passengers can also visit the private massage room for leisure and the small library to learn more about marine life.

Meals are table served in the open area on the main deck. There are four or five selections of Thai, Asian and International dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Beverages like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water, some fruits, and snack are complimentary on board. There are professional and experienced crews on hand to assist the needs of every guest. They will also serve hot chocolate, juice and a towel after each dive. Beer, soft drinks, and wine are available for purchase. Passengers may also enjoy the scheduled barbeque party.

The dive deck is at the back of the main deck, and it is well equipped with personal gear storage and a filling station. There is a camera table for professional photographers and large rinse tanks for washing dive equipment along with fin storage space, wetsuit hanging area, and deck rinse showers. This vessel has first aid kit supplies, life vests and emergency rafts for safety. The team members are well trained to assist passengers in emergencies. Be assured that this cruise ship’s main priority is everyone’s safety.

Explore the wonders of the Similan Islands in Thailand and the Mergui Archipelago in Burma. It is the perfect destination to see amazing coral, huge table rocks and slopes. This island is also a home for reef sharks, white tip, black tip, and leopard sharks that can be seen regularly here. Explore the Andaman Islands’ remote area from South Phuket and travel along the way up to Richelieu. Divers will surely enjoy the exciting 14 dives per trip. Non-divers may enjoy swimming and snorkeling on every island stop. Rental equipment, nitrox, a full scuba set, dive computer, flight light, and emergency satellite phone are available for a fee. Guests may also talk to our booking agents for special food requests and special arrangements on board. We guarantee that every dive and island excursion will make your holiday worthwhile.

Things we like:

  • Many people were happy with all that activities there wasn't one moment where you would get bored because there is always something to do.
  • Some divers mentioned that the instructors were knowledgeable and they catered the dives according to your skill level.
  • The crew was friendly and upbeat and always greeted you with a smile.
  • The food prepared by the chef was amazing and he always had a special treat lined up.

Things we don't like:

  • Some people noted that it was disheartening not being able to have seen a whale shark.
  • Divers said the only drawback was the fact that there are to many dive boats at one location.
Key facts
Year built: 2015
Max divers: 20
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: No
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: No
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: < 5 Nights
Price range: Mid-range
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