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Diving on The Junk
Thailand has some of the clearest waters in Asia, warm year-round and filled with marine life. Divers can see miles of kaleidoscopic corals, giant whale sharks, majestic manta rays, leopard sharks, scorpionfish and blue-spotted stingrays.
Currents in some of the dive sites can be quite strong, so it’s recommended that divers should have Advanced Open Water certification or the equivalent with a minimum of 10 logged dives and some experience with diving in currents. The AOW can also be obtained during your stay aboard The Junk, but e-learning should be done before the trip and communicated ahead of time.
During the low season (May through September) The Junk offers weekend trips from Phuket to the best dive sites around Koh Phi Phi and Phuket for two nights with up to eight dives.
From late October to May The Junk travels to Thailand’s Similan and Surin Islands. These trips depart from either Khao Lak or Phuket and offer longer stays of up to six nights with 19 dives. Due to the remoteness of the Surin Islands not many liveaboards go there, so dive sites are largely free of other divers and you’ll likely have them all to yourselves.
Diving is done from a dinghy and you’ll get picked up wherever you surface. Full rental equipment is available at a surcharge, but an SMB is provided free of charge for the duration of your stay.
Highlights:
- Marine life from leopard sharks to whale sharks
- Weekend trips for a quick getaway
- Dive sites include walls, reefs, caverns, and pinnacles
- Up to 19 dives per trip
- Free use of an SMB
Onboard The Junk
Dating back to 1962 and refurbished in 1998, The Junk has preserved its historical charm while embracing modern comforts. The June Hong Chian Lee is one of several junks, traditional Chinese sailing ships, built in Penang, Malaysia. This 108-foot (30 m), three-masted vessel features 3,500 square feet (330 square meters) of sails.
The Junk is a historical vessel turned into a charming liveaboard that accommodates 18 guests in six cozy, air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathrooms and overhead reading lights. Choose between two private cabins with convertible twin/double beds, two three-berth cabins, and two four-berth cabins, which are all bunks.
The spacious, air-conditioned salon is decoratively fitted with hand-carved shelves, drawers and cabinets, behind which is hidden the on-board entertainment selection. There’s a library of books, videos, and mini discs for entertainment when you’re topside. A large, flat-screen TV is perfectly positioned for optimal viewing while relaxing in the saloon.
Outside, work on your tan or take a nap on the loungers and bean bags on the shaded sundeck, which offers amazing views. And, after diving, visit the bar to recap the day’s adventures.
The dive deck has a personal set-up area and storage crates. Underwater photographers and videographers will appreciate the large freshwater rinse tanks and designated areas for charging and preparing equipment.
The Junk is a great choice for families and groups of divers and non-divers or snorkelers, with loads of snorkeling opportunities, kayaks for exploring, and opportunities for exciting shore excursions to nearby islands.
Highlights
- Entertainment library for topside time
- Personal diving/deck towel
- Free use of kayaks
Dining Onboard The Junk
The culinary journey aboard The Junk is a feast for the senses and aims to never let guests go hungry. After a simple breakfast before the first dive, you’ll be treated to the full monty, featuring eggs, bread, bacon, ham, fried beans, yogurt, pancakes, and more. Rice soup is offered for a traditional Asian breakfast.
During lunch you will find different kinds of rice and noodles as well as vegetables and fresh salads. Dinner consists of Asian dishes, Western meals, and vegetarian dishes. Special dietary requests can be accommodated with advance notice.
All meals are served buffet-style and you can dine in the saloon or outside on the spacious, shaded deck. Between dives guests can snack on cookies, donuts, cake, and fruit or grab a handful of nuts at the end of the day to go with the after-dive drink from the bar. Soft drinks are included and beer and wine are available at a surcharge.
Highlights:
- Diverse Asian and international buffet
- Soft drinks included
- Snacks available throughout the day
Things we like:
- Non-diver/snorkeler friendly
- Historical, traditional junk
- Year-round diving in Thailand
- Featured in several movies
Things we don't like:
- Only beer or wine at the bar
- No WiFi on board
- Nitrox available, but not included
- 15L tanks available, but at an extra cost
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