Manta Trust

Requirements: PADI Open Water or equivalent - minimum of 10 logged dives

itinerary-duration

Duration

10 nights

itinerary-skill

Skill level

Open Water

Manta Trust

Overview

Pristine Corals
Coral gardens
Stunning Topography
Stunning natural topography
Abundant Marinelife
Abundant marine life
Great Visibility
Something for every diver
Wildlife and Culture
Rich Culture

Join Thailand Master and the Manta Trust on this unique itinerary exploring the very best diving that Thailand has to offer. In the south, enjoy Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Haa, and the southern islands. Then head north, taking in the highlights of The Similan Islands plus Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. This itinerary combines the highlights of our Similan and Surin trip and the Southern Explorer.

Dates & Prices

What's included:
Obligatory surcharges:

Maps & Itinerary

Join the Manta Trust on this unique itinerary exploring the very best diving that Thailand has to offer, taking in the highlights of The Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock as well as Koh Haa, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang to the south. 

A core focus of this expedition is to not only to provide close encounters with manta rays, but to enthuse and educate guests in marine conservation issues and the environment surrounding them. The Manta Trust has ongoing research and conservation projects located all around the world at many of the ocean’s top manta ray dive destinations.
 
Through a series of presentations given by Manta Trust representatives, they also ensure that divers leave with an increased awareness of the threats these graceful creatures are facing and how they can help beyond their holiday. 
 
The Manta Trust presentations will cover topics like local marine species and habitats.
 
Similan Islands

Sites on the eastern side of the Similan Islands tend to be sand covered fringing reefs predominantly made up of hard coral. The eastern sides of the islands also tend to have relatively gentle currents, making them ideal for divers of all levels and snorkelers.

On the west side of the islands the sites are a little different. Giant granite boulders tumble to the sea bed easily reaching depths of around 40m. Being more exposed to the open ocean, the dive sites on the islands’ west side can be prone to stronger and more unpredictable currents than on the east side but, the increased chance of seeing larger pelagics makes up for that.

Heading North, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock provide probably the best opportunity for mantas on the whole trip.

Koh Haa

Possibly some of the most underrated diving in the whole of Thailand, Moo Koh Haa (meaning ‘five island group’) sits almost halfway between Hin Daeng and Phi Phi and is part of the Ko Lanta National Marine Park. Ko Haa has varied dive sites and marine life, with pinnacles, walls, boulders and caverns hosting ornate ghost pipefish, morays eels, octopus, hawksbill turtles, sea horses, marble rays, and sometimes even leopard sharks.

Hin Daeng & Hin Muang

These two pinnacles (translating directly as Red Rock and Purple Rock) reach down to over 70m in open ocean, and are best known for manta ray and whale shark encounters. Almost perpetual good visibility and dramatic topography combined with huge fish numbers make for excellent liveaboard diving.

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Your cruise director will schedule up to four dives per day; 3 day dives and a sunset or night. This totals approximately 30 dives over 11 days / 10 nights. The diving day is scheduled as follows:

  • Light Breakfast followed by a briefing and Dive 1
  • Full Breakfast, relaxation period, briefing and Dive 2
  • Lunch, relaxation period, briefing and Dive 3
  • Snack relaxation period, briefing and Dive 4, where possible
  • Dinner
Detailed itinerary

*The itinerary above is an example only and is subject to change depending on local regulations, guests’ experience, flight schedules, weather and logistics and is at the Captain’s discretion. Adverse weather can affect this route which includes several overnight sailings.

Formed in 2011, the Manta Trust is a UK registered charity that co-ordinates global mobulid research and conservation efforts. Their team is comprised of a diverse group of researchers, scientists, conservationists, educators and media experts; working together to share and promote knowledge and expertise. Their mission: to conserve mobulid rays, their relatives, and their habitats, through a combination of research, education and collaboration.

Accommodation

9.12

Rated excellent

Nitrox

Surcharge

Wifi

No

Equipment

Surcharge

Tech friendly

No

Thailand Master is a traditional Indonesian sailing yacht offering liveaboard dive holidays in Thailand and Myanmar, comfortably accommodating 18 divers. It boasts a spacious dive deck with plenty of storage space for all your dive gear.

The outdoor dining area at the stern is covered and shaded so you can fully take in the breath-taking views of Thailand and Myanmar. Every day, our chef prepares plenty of dishes from the famous Thai cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Friendly and experienced, our boat and dive crew are there to meet your every need, making your diving holiday in Thailand and Myanmar unforgettable.

Extras

Master Liveaboards offers a range of services to make your stay on board even more enjoyable. Equipment rental, Nitrox and courses can be pre-booked and pre-paid as part of your liveaboard booking. 

Marine Park & Port Fees
Per person
Southern Thailand – 4 / 5 nights
50 USD (non-diver $35)
Similan & Surin Islands – 4 nights
50 USD (non-diver $35)
Similan & Surin Islands – 6 nights
65 USD (non-diver $35)
Best of Thailand – 10 nights
115 USD (non-diver $70)
Mergui Archipelago (Myanmar) – 7 nights
280 USD
Mergui Archipelago (Myanmar) – 10 nights
350 USD

The applicable marine park fees for your itinerary will be added to your onboard extras to be paid on the boat. Please note that fees for Myanmar itineraries can only be paid in USD cash which must be in pristine condition (now creases, tears or stains) otherwise the banknotes will not be accepted.

Equipment
4 nights
6 nights:
7 nights
10 nights
Full set* (excluding Computer & Torch)
109 USD
155 USD
171 USD
264 USD
BCD
35 USD
50 USD
55 USD
85 USD
Fins (incl. booties)
14 USD
20 USD
22 USD
34 USD
Mask
14 USD
20 USD
22 USD
34 USD
Regulators
35 USD
50 USD
55 USD
85 USD
Wetsuit (3mm shorty)
32 USD
45 USD
50 USD
77 USD
Dive Computer
35 USD
50 USD
55 USD
85 USD
UW Torch/Flash light
14 USD
20 USD
22 USD
34 USD
Upgrade to 13ltr (100 cuft) cylinder
46 USD
65 USD
72 USD
111 USD

*Full equipment set includes BCD, Regulators, Wetsuit, Mask, Fins and Snorkel only.  We recommend pre-booking equipment to ensure availability and correct sizes are on board.

On-board prices may be subject to change without notice. Although we endeavour to keep information as up-to-date as possible, please be aware that prices might be different on your cruise.

Price
Per diving day
31 USD
4 nights
109 USD
6 nights
155 USD
7 nights
171 USD
10 nights
220 USD

On-board pricing is subject to change without notice. Although we try to keep information as up-to-date as possible, please be aware that prices may be different on your cruise.

Beer
2.50 USD
Wine (per bottle)
27.50 USD
Merchandise: T-Shirt
12.50 USD
Kayaking (subject to availability)
Free
PADI Courses
Cost:
PADI EANx- Nitrox
125 USD
PADI Advanced Open Water
350 USD
Other PADI Speciality Courses
Please enquire*

PLEASE NOTE: The course prices listed above are for completing the practical (diving) elements only. Additional costs apply for course study materials and certification registration.

You can register for online learning for PADI Advanced Open Water and PADI EANx (Nitrox) here

Courses are subject to availability and must be pre-booked to ensure an instructor is available.
Master Liveaboards

Sail with us on this amazing liveaboard adventure

Join the 'Manta Trust' aboard Thailand Master

You could secure your spaces today for as little as 5% deposit*

*our payment terms and  standard terms and conditions apply

Customer Reviews

Take a look at what our customers have said about our liveaboard in Thailand

Feel like home diving trip
Feel like home diving trip
Thailand Master, February 2019
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All Staffs are very very kind and try to help us as much as possible. Foods are just great! Diving plan is well organized for safe and enjoyable. Feel comfortable all the times.
Fabulouus!
Fabulouus!
Thailand Master, January 2019
Read More
Can't say enough great things about the staff and guides on the Phinisi! Everything was amazing! Dives, ship facilities, food, equipment, staff and guides Ping and BJ went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed our time on board.
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Do you have questions about Thailand?

We’ve tried to include a lot information on our website. You may find, however, that you have additional questions about the Thailand Master liveaboard vessel, the diving around the Similan Islands and Southern Thailand or general travel information. Via the FAQs link below, you can find answers to some commonly asked questions. Should you have other questions or queries, please contact our reservations team who will be pleased to assist you.

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