About the Smiling Seahorse
The Smiling Seahorse is a budget-class liveaboard that caters to divers looking for an authentic and adventurous experience in the Similan Islands. Operated by a team of experienced dive professionals, the boat stands out for its personalized service and unique dive offerings. While it’s on the simpler side in terms of onboard facilities, the Smiling Seahorse excels in delivering exciting dive experiences at an affordable price point.
Features and Comfort
At 25 meters long, the Smiling Seahorse comfortably accommodates up to 16 guests. The boat offers six cozy cabins, all equipped with air-conditioning to ensure comfort after a day of diving. Though the cabins are simple, they provide enough space and amenities for a budget trip. Shared bathrooms are located nearby, ensuring accessibility.
The boat’s main deck is a communal area where divers can relax between dives. While the boat doesn’t feature high-end luxuries like ice makers or large fridges, it makes up for this with its warm, friendly atmosphere. The top deck, offering a sunbathing area, is perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea.
Diving Adventures
Diving is the true highlight aboard the Smiling Seahorse. The boat is famous for offering unique ‘Black Water Dives’—night dives that allow divers to observe deep-sea creatures attracted by the boat’s lights. This rare experience is an additional cost but offers something special for those looking to push the boundaries of their diving adventures.
Aside from the black water dives, the Smiling Seahorse covers all the famous dive spots around the Similan Islands, known for their vibrant marine life, beautiful coral formations, and larger pelagic species. The dive team is led by one of the most experienced cruise directors in the Similan region, ensuring safe, exciting dives tailored to different experience levels.
Cabins and Accommodation
The Smiling Seahorse offers six cabins in a shared setup. While the accommodations are modest, the air-conditioned rooms provide a good night’s rest. Each cabin is kept clean and comfortable for guests, and while shared bathrooms are part of the experience, the setup is functional and in line with the boat’s budget-friendly nature.
Meals and Dining
The Smiling Seahorse provides hearty meals to keep divers energized. Meals are served buffet-style in the common area, featuring a mix of Western and Thai cuisine. While the boat lacks some luxuries like a coffee machine and an ice machine, the crew does their best to offer a satisfying dining experience, making sure all dietary requirements are met where possible.
Safety and Equipment
Safety is a priority aboard the Smiling Seahorse. The boat is equipped with essential safety equipment, including life vests, life rafts, oxygen, and first aid kits. The experienced dive crew ensures that all safety procedures are followed, and briefings are provided before every dive. Though the boat was refurbished a few years ago, it continues to maintain a reliable setup for diving and overall safety.