THE PHINISI

The sister ship to “The Junk” – the Andaman Sea liveaboard “The Phinisi” is an enchanting high budget Thailand-Myanmar liveaboard with a colourful history. Officially known as ‘”Cheng I Sao” in reference to the legendary fearless female Chinese pirate who terrorized the Andaman Seas in the early 19th century – The Phinisi was originally custom built for scuba diving in Indonesia in 2007 in the style of a classic Indonesian schooner.

This wondrous & elegant 34 metre, 7 sail, motor yacht has been delighting divers on her five star Myanmar-Thailand diving liveaboard trips since 2018. So, if you are looking for a different kind of high end liveaboard scuba diving experience with lots of ambient charm, then joining The Phinisi on one of her first class Thailand-Myanmar dive cruises could be a Thailand liveaboard diving vacation that you will treasure for many years to come….

 

first class
liveaboard

sIMILAN-Surin, Best of thailand, southern islands & Mergui

4-10 nights

max guests 18

nitrox available

prices from US$1,300


THE PHINISI THAILAND-MYANMAR DIVING LIVEABOARD

This luxury liveaboard diving boat previously captivated guests to world class dive destinations including Komodo, Andaman Islands & the Maldives. Now operating some of the best Andaman Sea diving liveaboard itineraries, The Phinisi certainly appeals to Burma-Thailand liveaboard divers.  With exclusive Thailand diving liveaboard safaris to the best Thailand dive sites Hin Daeng/Hin Muang, Koh Haa, Phi-Phi, Similan & Surin Islands, as well as premium Similan-Surin liveaboard trips and top class Myanmar diving liveaboard tours to the Mergui Archipelago all available! 

Cabins

The Phinisi agreeably accommodates 18 guests in 7 well-to-do ensuite cabins on her deluxe Andaman Sea scuba diving liveaboard cruises.  There are 3 different types of cabin (3 twin/double, 2 twin and 2 quad) all situated on the lower deck.  Each charming cabin is cozy, with polished wooden floors & interiors, ample storage space, complete with safety box and individually controlled air conditioning.  All guest cabins have ensuite bathrooms with hot water shower & toilet, which should ensure a world class Thailand scuba diving liveaboard safari for all joining on this beautiful phinisi schooner.

 

Living aREAS

Comforts & features upon this high quality Thailand-Myanmar scuba diving liveaboard include an impressive sizable shaded dive deck – complete with a personal set-up area & storage box for each diver, a comfy classically wooden indoor fan/aircon saloon with windows, 42” flat screen TV, mini library of movies, books & games, a lovely covered alfresco dining area featuring a semi-circle wrap around couch & dining table, and a nice canopied sundeck furnished with decent sun beds & bean bags.  Wrapping up The Phinisi - she is equipped with all the safety gear you would insist upon of a premier Thailand dive liveaboard.

Food

This top Andaman Sea dive liveaboard operator also highly regards its food & is proud of its reputation for serving up excellent cuisine onboard.  Guests can therefore look forward to a first class liveaboard dining experience, with a wonderful array of delicious International and Asian culinary delights freshly made by the chef onboard this luxury Similan/Mergui liveaboard.

Onboard facilities

Coupled with the 5 star cuisine, The Phinisi has also tried to enhance every guest’s Thailand/Myanmar liveaboard diving experience by providing each diver with a personal diving/deck towel & a safety sausage (SMB) free of charge.  Guests also have the option to do Nitrox liveaboard diving, but charges of US$10 per fill apply – although better value package prices are also available per day/per trip.  Combine all these key features together & you can see why The Phinisi might be your number one Thailand diving liveaboard preference for a high-class Andaman Sea liveaboard diving holiday.

 

Itineraries

The Phinisi affords Thailand liveaboard divers the best liveaboard scuba diving Thailand have to offer via this world-class Andaman Sea diving liveaboard.  

From October to early January, she purveys either amazing 6D/6N Similan liveaboard diving to the number one Thailand dive destination The Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock & The Surin Islands OR super 4D/4N Southern Islands scuba diving liveaboard tours!

Last but by no means least - from early January until April, guests can join her fantastic 10D/10N best of Thailand liveaboard itinerary, which encompasses all the top Thailand dive sites in the Andaman Sea.  

From January 2024 Burma divers will also have the awesome option of joining Myanmar diving liveaboard trips to the Mergui Archipelago too!

*The itineraries described here are for example purposes only – and are subject to change due to weather/sea conditions or at the discretion of the Captain or Cruise Director.

  • The Phinisi SIMILAN & SURIN ISLANDS Liveaboard Trip Schedule (all 6D/6N dive trips either:

    A) Start at Tap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga and finish at Chalong Pier, Phuket

    OR vice versa

    B) Start at Chalong Pier, Phuket and finish at Tap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga)

    Departs around 18.00pm, 1st day

    Land transfers from Phuket/Khao Lak Hotels/Phuket Airport are provided free of charge at scheduled times on the trip departure day ONLY to this high end Similan diving liveaboard.

    Returns around 10.00am, last day

    After saying bon voyage to The Phinisi crew & fellow passengers, courtesy land transfers are available to Khao Lak/Phuket Hotels from this quality Similan Islands liveaboard.

    Last dive ends by 15.00pm on the second to last day

    This is in order to safely adhere to flying after diving recommendations, (which advocate a minimum pre-flight surface interval of 18 hours).

    Departure Day = (0 dives) Transfers are scheduled for between 15.00 – 18.00pm. The precise pick-up time depends on where guests are staying and the location of their Hotel. Be that as it may – by 18.00pm all guests will board the high class Similan scuba diving liveaboard The Phinisi. Warm welcome onboard, crew introductions, dive yacht safety briefing & allocation of cabins will all take place before dinner is served. This luxurious Similan Islands diving liveaboard will then sail overnight to the Similan National Marine Park.

    Day 1 = (4 dives) Three day dives at some of the best Similan dive sites of Sharkfin Reef, Boulder City, Anita’s Reef or Honeymoon Bay. Day ends with a sunset dive or Similans night dive.

    Day 2 = (4 dives) The day usually begins with a top Similans Islands dive at around the spectacular boulders of Elephant Head Rock. Then it will up to perhaps two of the best Manta Ray dive sites Thailand has – Koh Bon & Koh Tachai (fingers & fins crossed!). Thailand night diving completes the day.

    Day 3 = (4 dives) More amazing Similan Marine Park scuba diving @Koh Tachai, before heading to probably the number one Thailand dive site to see a Whale shark – Richelieu Rock (you will need to be very lucky though!)

    Day 4 = (4 dives) A day of first class liveaboard diving the Surin Islands, which have Thailand’s best hard corals.

    Day 5 = (3 dives) The Phinisi usually completes her 5 star Similan & Surins Islands liveaboard cruise with one dive at Koh Bon to hopefully see Mantas, perhaps another at Koh Tachai and lastly a good Thailand wreck dive at one of the local Khao Lak Wrecks. The Phinisi will then sail the final leg of her journey home.

    Day 6= (0 dives) Following breakfast – it will be time to say a fond farewell to the crew onboard The Phinisi and fellow guests before checking out just before 10am. Transfers are provided from this first class Similan-Surin diving liveaboard to Phuket/Khao Lak Hotels.

    Diving Days = 5 days (19 dives)

    2024 Cabin Prices 6D/6N

    Quad Share Cabin = US$1,950 per person

    Twin Share Cabin = US$2,610 per person

    Twin/Double Share Cabin = US$2,610 per person

    2025 Cabin Prices 6D/6N

    Quad Share Cabin = US$2,040 per person

    Twin Share Cabin = US$2,742 per person

    Twin/Double Share Cabin = US$2,742 per person

  • The Phinisi SOUTHERN ISLANDS Liveaboard Trip Schedule (all 4D/4N dive trips start and finish at Chalong Pier, Phuket)

    Departs around 18.00pm, 1st day

    Land transfers from Phuket Hotels are provided free of charge at scheduled times on the trip departure day ONLY to this luxury Southern Islands liveaboard.

    Returns around 14.00pm, last day

    After saying goodbye to your new dive buddies & The Phinisi crew, land transfers are available to Phuket Hotels from this top Southern Islands diving liveaboard.

    Last dive ends by lunch time on the last day

    Please note that in order to safely adhere to flying after diving recommendations, (which advocate a minimum pre-flight surface interval of 18 hours), that if guests are flying on the same day this premier Phuket liveaboard returns to Port, then they will need to sit out the final two dives on the last day.

    Diving Days = 4 days (14 dives)

    2024 Cabin Prices 4D/4N

    Quad Share Cabin = US$1,300 per person

    Twin Share Cabin = US$1,740 per person

    Twin/Double Share Cabin = US$1,740 per person

  • The Phinisi BEST OF THAILAND Liveaboard Trip Schedule (all 10D/10N dive trips either:

    A) Start at Tap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga and finish at Chalong Pier, Phuket

    OR

    B) Start at Chalong Pier, Phuket and finish at Tap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga

    OR

    C) Start AND finish at Chalong Pier, Phuket)

    *Please be sure to confirm your start & finish points at the time of booking

    Departs around 18.00pm, 1st day from Chalong, Phuket OR Tap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga

    Complimentary land transfers to the exclusive Andaman Sea scuba diving liveaboard The Phinisi are included at fixed times ONLY from Phuket/Khao Lak Hotels & Phuket Airport on the day departure.

    Arrives around 10am, last day Tap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga OR Chalong, Phuket

    After saying farewell to new dive buddies and the crew on The Phinisi – free land transfers are provided from this deluxe Thailand dive liveaboard to Khao Lak and Phuket Hotels.

    Last dive ends around 15.00pm on the second-to-last day

    This allows lots of time for off-gassing, so that guests can safely meet flying after diving recommendations before they disembark and fly home/onwards the following day.

    Departure Day = (0 dives) Hotel pick-ups are timetabled for between 15.00 – 18.00pm, with the precise time depending on the location of the guest’s Hotel. Even so, by around 18.00pm all guests will arrive at the high budget Thailand scuba diving liveaboard The Phinisi. Warm welcome aboard, crew introduction, boat safety briefing, allocation of cabins followed by dinner. This first class Andaman Sea liveaboard will then set sail to begin her best of Thailand diving cruise.

    Days 2 - 8 = A usual dive day on this top Thailand diving liveaboard will consist of the Cruise Director scheduling up to 4 dives a day – with 3 day dives and either a sunset or night dive. All dives will be at the best Thailand dive sites in the Similan & Surin Islands & Southern Thailand. It is not possible to give a fixed itinerary, because the dive sites will be chosen on the day based on the conditions, weather & number of boats on location. However the Cruise Director will always aspire where possible to include Koh Phi-Phi, King Cruiser Wreck with Shark Point & Anemone Reef, Koh Haa, Hin Daeng & Hin Muang (world class Thailand diving with a chance to see Manta Rays here) and the number one Thailand dive sites Similans, Koh Bon & Koh Tachai (Thailand Manta Ray dives with luck) as well as five star Thailand liveaboard diving at Richelieu Rock.

    Day 9 = (3 dives) Last day of diving – usually with 3 amazing Khao Lak Wreck dives before setting sail for the journey home.

    Day 10 = (0 dives) After breakfast – it will be time to say goodbye to new friends & the crew onboard The Phinisi before disembarking at around 10am. Transfers to guest Hotels in Phuket/Khao Lak will be provided from this premium Andaman Sea diving liveaboard.

    Diving Days = 8 days (maximum 33 dives)

    2024 Cabin Prices 10D/10N

    Quad Share Cabin = US$3,250 per person

    Twin Share Cabin = US$4,350 per person

    Twin/Double Share Cabin = US$4,350 per person

    2025 Cabin Prices 10D/10N

    Quad Share Cabin = US$3,400 per person

    Twin Share Cabin = US$4,570 per person

    Twin/Double Share Cabin = US$4,570 per person

 

DIVE DESTINATION - SOUTHERN ISLANDS (4 DAYS/4 NIGHTS) 2024

Cabin TypeBathroom FacilitiesPrice Per Person
Quad Share CabinPrivate EnsuiteUSD$1,300
Twin Share CabinPrivate EnsuiteUSD$1,740
Twin/Double Share CabinPrivate EnsuiteUSD$1,740
 

DIVE DESTINATION - SIMILAN & SURIN ISLANDS (6 DAYS/6 NIGHTS) 2024

Cabin TypeBathroom FacilitiesPrice Per Person
Quad Share CabinPrivate Ensuite USD$1,950
Twin Share CabinPrivate EnsuiteUSD$2,610
Twin/Double Share CabinPrivate EnsuiteUSD$2,610
 

DIVE DESTINATION - BEST OF THAILAND (10 DAYS/10 NIGHTS) 2024

Cabin TypeBathroom FacilitiesPrice Per Person
Quad Share CabinPrivate Ensuite USD$3,250
Twin Share CabinPrivate EnsuiteUSD$4,350
Twin/Double Share CabinPrivate EnsuiteUSD$4,350
 

DIVE DESTINATION - MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO (10 DAYS/10 NIGHTS) 2025

Cabin TypeBathroom FacilitiesPrice Per Person
Quad Share CabinPrivate Ensuite USD$3,750
Twin Share CabinPrivate EnsuiteUSD$5,000
Twin/Double Share CabinPrivate EnsuiteUSD$5,000
 

DIVE DESTINATION - MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO (7 DAYS/7 NIGHTS) 2025

Cabin TypeBathroom FacilitiesPrice Per Person
Quad Share CabinPrivate Ensuite USD$2,625
Twin Share CabinPrivate EnsuiteUSD$3,500
Twin/Double Share CabinPrivate EnsuiteUSD$3,500
 

Price Includes
Complimentary SHARED minivan transfers are provided at fixed times on the day of departure and arrival days ONLY to/from the 5 Star Thailand-Myanmar diving liveaboard The Phinisi. Please kindly note for all Best of Thailand and Similan-Surin liveaboard dive safaris - transfers are included from Phuket/Khao Lak Hotels.  However for all Myanmar–Mergui Archipelago diving tours – pick-ups are included from Phuket at specific pick-up points & times ONLY, as well as from Ranong Hotels & Ranong Airport at fixed times.  Drop-offs back to Phuket are included after the trip also. *An optional Myanmar add-on package is available including Hotel accommodation before & after the trip – which may be a good idea for those looking to break-up the transfer journey.  Full board accommodation including ALL meals, dives (varies depending on itinerary chosen) snacks, hot drinks, drinking water, soft drinks, towels, 12 litre air tanks, weights and Divemaster are all included. 

*Please kindly note that due to currency fluctuations and the changing price of oil - trip prices do occasionally change slightly. Therefore your final trip price will be re-confirmed at the time of booking, and we shall use the exchange rate quoted at the time of payment.

Price Excludes
ALL flights, Hotels, Diving Insurance (mandatory), *equipment rental, dive computers (compulsory US$8 per day), torch for night dives (US$3.50 per day), 15 litre tank rental (US$10 per day), National Marine Park Fees (varies depending on itinerary), Burma Entry Fee currently US$350 - $280 (Burma scuba diving trips only) Nitrox (US$25 per day), beer (US$2.50) & wine (US$3.75 per glass).

*Please note that 3mm shorty wetsuits are available ONLY and NOT full-length wetsuits.

Please Contact Us for more information, if you have any further questions, or if you would like to proceed with a reservation.

  • COVID-19 Thailand Travel Information

    From the 1st of July 2022 onwards – visitors will only be required to show proof of their vaccination history when entering the Kingdom of Thailand. If you are unable to provide either proof of your vaccination history OR a negative ATK test result, then you can still gain entry into Thailand, but may be subject to an on arrival ATK test.

    Please Note:

    You are personally responsible for making sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months, has enough available pages, is in good order and that you are allowed to enter the Kingdom of Thailand. If you are unsure please check with your local Thai Consulate.

    At the time of writing (July 2022) Citizens from MOST (but not all) countries in Europe, North America, Oceania and South East Asia are eligible to enter Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days.

    However Citizens from some Countries/Territories may only be granted stays for up to 15 days, or may be required to obtain a Tourist Visa before arriving in Thailand. Visitors are therefore strongly advised to check with their local Thai Consulate if in doubt.

    If you are unsure of your Thai Visa requirements – then please double check with your local Thai Consulate.

    Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay may be required by Thai Immigration on arrival.

    At their discretion - Immigration officials may ask you for proof of onward travel (i.e. a confirmed return or onward air ticket out of Thailand). They may also ask you to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay, which is deemed to be at least 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per Family (or equivalent in another currency) for Visa on Arrival visitors.

    *For ALL Myanmar diving liveaboard cruises – Burma Entry Fees are presently US$350 per person for the 10/10N Mergui liveaboard dive safaris & US$280 per person for the 7D/7N Mergui diving liveaboard tours (payable in cash in US$ ONLY).

    Additionally, if you are a citizen from a Country/Territory that requires you to have a Thai Visa to enter the Kingdom of Thailand, then you will need to obtain a Double Entry Visa before arriving in Thailand – because on all Burma liveaboard trips you will be leaving the country.

    If you are unsure of your Thai Visa requirements – then please double check with your local Thai Consulate.

    *ALL dive cruise prices for The Phinisi are quoted in US$ ONLY.

    Dive Computers are obligatory on ALL Phinisi liveaboard diving safaris for diver safety. If guests do not have their own dive computer, then one can be rented onboard for US$8 per day.

    Scuba Diving Insurance is required for ALL Phinisi liveaboard dive tours. We would also strongly suggest that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance. If you do NOT have comprehensive travel insurance or diving insurance then you MUST purchase your own comprehensive scuba diving, accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation/interruption insurance in advance of joining your Thailand/Burma diving liveaboard trip.

    Please kindly note that the free transfers from/to Phuket are based on a SHARED minibus transfer.  Guests therefore need to be aware that this involves a long journey time of around two hours - as multiple pick-ups/drop-offs are done at different Phuket Hotel locations.  Of course - if you do not like the sound of this(?) and would prefer to have a private transfer from your Hotel location to/from the boat, then this can easily be arranged for an additional private transfer surcharge. Please let us know at the time of the booking if you would prefer a private transfer (additional surcharge applies) and we can happily arrange this for you.

    On all Phinisi Thailand/Myanmar liveaboard dive cruises PADI Advanced Courses & Nitrox Courses are available onboard. If you are interested in Similan liveaboard dive courses – please ask at the time of booking.

    For all Myanmar scuba diving liveaboard safaris – we would highly recommend that guests spend one night in Ranong BEFORE the trip – due to the extremely early pick-up time of 06.00am from Phuket on the day of departure.

 

 Schedule

The Phinisi Schedule 2024-2025

Trip CodeDive DestinationDepartsReturnsDays/NightsStarts/FinishesPrices From
1Similan & Surin14-Oct-202418-Oct-20244/4Khao LakUS$1,300
2Similan & Surin19-Oct-202423-Oct-20244/4Khao LakUS$1,300
3Similan & Surin23-Oct-202427-Oct-20244/4Khao LakUS$1,300
4Similan & Surin28-Oct-202403-Nov-20246/6Khao LakUS$1,950
5Similan & Surin05-Nov-202411-Nov-20246/6Khao LakUS$1,950
6Similan & Surin11-Nov-202415-Nov-20244/4Khao LakUS$1,300
7Similan & Surin15-Nov-202419-Nov-20244/4Khao LakUS$1,300
8Southern Thailand20-Nov-202425-Nov-20245/5PhuketUS$1,625
9Best of Thailand26-Nov-202406-Dec-202410/10Phuket/Khao LakUS$3,250
10Similan & Surin06-Dec-202412-Dec-20246/6Khao Lak/PhuketUS$1,950
11Southern Thailand12-Dec-202416-Dec-20244/4PhuketUS$1,300
12Southern Thailand17-Dec-202421-Dec-20244/4PhuketUS$1,300
13Similan & Surin21-Dec-202427-Dec-20246/6Phuket/Khao LakUS$1,950
14Similan & Surin28-Dec-202403-Jan-20256/6Khao Lak/PhuketUS$1,950
15Best of Thailand04-Jan-202514-Jan-202510/10Phuket/Khao LakUS$3,400
16Similan & Surin15-Jan-202521-Jan-20256/6Khao LakUS$2,040
17Mergui Archipelago24-Jan-202503-Feb-202510/10RanongUS$3,750
18Mergui Archipelago04-Feb-202511-Feb-20257/7RanongUS$2,625
19Similan & Surin12-Feb-202518-Feb-20256/6Khao LakUS$2,040
20Best of Thailand19-Feb-202501-Mar-202510/10Khao Lak/PhuketUS$3,400
21Similan & Surin02-Mar-202508-Mar-20256/6Khao LakUS$2,040
22Mergui Archipelago10-Mar-202517-Mar-20257/7RanongUS$2,625
23Mergui Archipelago18-Mar-202528-Mar-202510/10RanongUS$3,750
24Similan & Surin29-Mar-202502-Apr-20254/4Khao LakUS$1,360
25Best of Thailand02-Apr-202512-Apr-202510/10Khao Lak/PhuketUS$3,400
26Similan & Surin13-Apr-202519-Apr-20256/6Phuket/Khao LakUS$2,040
27Best of Thailand20-Apr-202530-Apr-202510/10Khao Lak/PhuketUS$3,400
28Best of Thailand01-May-202511-May-202510/10Phuket/Khao LakUS$3,400
29Similan & Surin12-May-202516-May-20254/4Khao LakUS$1,360
30Southern Thailand22-May-202526-May-20254/4PhuketUS$1,000
31Southern Thailand29-May-202502-Jun-20254/4PhuketUS$1,000