MV Camic 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 liveaboard MV Camic cruising through choppy water, waves splashing in the foreground
Those waves up front are a fair preview: expect some swell on this route rather than glass-calm crossings every day.
The MV Camic liveaboard at anchor, showing its white multi-deck hull and Thai flag at the stern
MV Camic's tall profile gives divers an open top deck for watching the sunset after the day's dives are done.
MV Camic's covered dining deck with wooden tables overlooking turquoise water and green islands
Meals come with a view here, the covered dining deck opens straight onto turquoise water and boulder-strewn islands.
Overhead view of the MV Camic's dive deck loaded with scuba gear as the boat cuts through blue water
Tanks and BCDs stay racked on deck between dives, so turnaround between sites on the MV Camic is quick.
Double bed cabin aboard the MV Camic liveaboard with a tufted leather headboard and folded towels
Cabins on the MV Camic go for cozy over cavernous, with the double bed taking up most of the room.
Double cabin on the MV Camic with a wall mounted air conditioner above the tufted headboard bed
Each double cabin gets its own split unit air con, welcome comfort on multi-day trips through Thai waters.
Plate of noodles, curry chicken and rice served aboard the MV Camic liveaboard, held above blue water
Meals on the MV Camic lean on Thai staples like this curry and noodle plate, dished up fresh between dives.
Scuba BCDs and regulators racked along the rail of the MV Camic between dives
Rigged BCDs and regs stay clipped rail-side between dives, so divers can jump straight back in the water.
Coffee and tea station on the MV Camic with drink dispensers, a wall clock and a sign-up sheet
Coffee, tea and cold drinks stay self-serve on the MV Camic, no need to flag down the crew between dives.
Guests relax on bean bag loungers on the MV Camic's shaded top deck with towels drying on a line
Between dives, the covered top deck doubles as a sun lounge, with the laundry line doing double duty for wet gear.
Wood paneled single berth cabin on the MV Camic with a life vest tucked underneath the bed
Warm timber paneling gives the MV Camic's cabins a traditional Thai boat feel rather than a hotel-cabin one.
An orange dive tender anchored in turquoise water off a granite outcrop in the Similan Islands
The Similan Islands' granite boulders and clear water are a signature stop on this liveaboard's route.
Double bed cabin aboard the MV Camic with rich wood paneling and a triangular bow window
This double cabin sits in the bow, where the hull's curve shapes the pointed window and cozy wood lined feel.
Buffet trays of salad, sliced ham and fried snacks laid out aboard the MV Camic liveaboard
Fresh salad, cold cuts and hot bites laid out buffet style, the fuel that keeps divers going between dives.
Wood panelled twin bunk cabin aboard the MV Camic liveaboard with curtained windows
Snug, wood panelled and blackout curtained, exactly what you want after an early wake up call for the first dive.
Open air dining deck aboard the MV Camic with wooden tables overlooking turquoise water and green islands
Meals are served in the open with the Similan Islands granite boulders and turquoise water as the backdrop.
Condiments, snacks and coffee mugs set out on deck tables aboard the MV Camic between dives
Coffee and snacks stay out between dives, the small comfort that keeps energy up on a long day of diving.
View from the bow of the MV Camic with wetsuits drying and the Similan Islands on the horizon
The foredeck turns into a drying rack between dives, with nothing but open water and the Similans ahead.
Row of scuba tanks racked on the MV Camic's dive deck with the Similan Islands coastline behind
Tanks stay filled and racked between dives, one less thing to juggle when the Similans serve up back to back sites.
Wood panelled bunk cabin aboard the MV Camic with an orange life jacket stored below the bed
Same warm wood finish throughout the boat, with the life jacket kept exactly where you would want it, within reach.

Refurnished in 2018, the MV Camic is a unique liveaboard that can accommodate a maximum of 14 divers on board. With a total capacity of 22 people, the MV Camic has 3 Master Cabins with en-suite toilet and shower, with the other cabins having twin bunk beds. The MV Camic is spacious, comfortable, and provides amenities to keep you entertained and relaxed. The 27-meter-long boat will cruise for four or five days from the Similan island, Koh Bon, Tachai, Richelieu Rock, plus one of the local wrecks!
With comfort onboard guaranteed, the MV Camic has Nitrox available for certified divers as well as great meals.

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:

  • Some people stated that the marine life at Richelieu Rock was amazing and would recommend that diving spot to other divers.
  • Many people said that the 2 diving instructors Dennis & Tik have been diving the Similans & Surin islands for 20 years and they have extensive knowledge of the diving sites.
  • The diving courses offered were plan planned and executed by the professional dive team.
  • Divers said the equipment was well taken care of and the cabins were well maintained throughout the trip.
  • The food was well prepared with Thai meals mixed with western cuisine.
  • Many divers said they would return for another great experience.

Things we don't like:

  • Some divers noted that the visibility was poor on some diving locations.

Diving on the MV Camic liveaboard in Thailand

As an excellent and popular choice for scuba diving, the MV Camic sails from the Similan islands and the northern dive sites. The liveaboard has two types of cabins from which you can choose. This includes the double en-suite and twin bunk en-suite.

All Cabins in the MV Camic are fully air-conditioned. The liveaboard has five bathrooms along with outdoor showers. The boat’s upper deck features an audio-video entertainment system. The MV Camic has a large sun deck and shaded dining area for you to rendezvous in between dives. With hot showers, this liveaboard provides eco-friendly products you can use while bathing so that the reefs surrounding the island are not polluted.

The crew of the MV Camic is well trained, experienced and operate at the highest professional standard. With your comfort and safety as their priority, they are willing to go that extra mile to ensure you have a smile on your face. The dive instructors are multilingual, and the food is one of the tastiest on any boat in the Similans.

As regards safety, the boat is equipped with the required safety features such as extensive first aid kits, emergency oxygen, fire extinguishers as well as a life raft.

Known for its visits to the Richelieu Rock, the MV Camic runs a flexible schedule and offers snorkel excursions, daily dives & flexible liveaboard diving safaris to the Andaman Sea.

In addition to great-value trips, including the free transfers and great food, MV Camic is among the least expensive liveaboard boats that offer a PADI course, such as Advanced Open Water, or becoming certified for beginners.

The MV Camic offers either 4 or 5-night itineraries to Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock in the Similan & Surin Islands. Your trip starts with a pick up from your Khao Lak hotel around 17-30 on the day of departure, returning approximately the same time on your return date. On the first day, you are woken up at 7 am, have a light breakfast and briefed by scuba dive guides before setting out. After the first dive, you could relax and have the main breakfast before setting out for the next dive by 12 pm. Lunch buffet follows at 13:45 after which you relax and go for the next dive which lasts for approximately 60 minutes. The last dive for the day, the night dive, takes place at 19:30 and lasts for about 40 mins. The rest 3 days follow almost the same activities at different dive sites until the end of the trip on the 4th day.  There are just two dives on the fourth day after which you are taken to the Thaplamu pier and driven to your hotel.

Things we like:

  • Some people stated that the marine life at Richelieu Rock was amazing and would recommend that diving spot to other divers.
  • Many people said that the 2 diving instructors Dennis & Tik have been diving the Similans & Surin islands for 20 years and they have extensive knowledge of the diving sites.
  • The diving courses offered were plan planned and executed by the professional dive team.
  • Divers said the equipment was well taken care of and the cabins were well maintained throughout the trip.
  • The food was well prepared with Thai meals mixed with western cuisine.
  • Many divers said they would return for another great experience.

Things we don't like:

  • Some divers noted that the visibility was poor on some diving locations.
Key facts
Max divers: 14
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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