Scuba Explorer Header
M/V SCUBA EXPLORER Scuba Explorer Logo
 

Exploring the Best Dive Sites in Thailand

 

Here we offer you a virtual tour of the Scuba Explorer, deck by deck. Please scroll down to see diagrams, descriptions, and photos of the various areas of the ship. If you would like to see photos of the boat, please visit our Photo Gallery Page.

The Scuba Explorer is one of finest liveaboards you'll find in Thailand. She's big, she's stable, and the quality of service is unparalleled. Until 2007, she was a Japanese-only boat, but that has now changed. Today, the Scuba Explorer is still owned and run by Japanese, but is open to people from all countries who are interested in a first-class liveaboard with superior service. You'll find that a trip on the Scuba Explorer is memorable not only for the wonderful diving you'll experience, but also for the unique cultural opportunities.

About the Boat

The M/V Scuba Explorer is a 36.8 meters long and 7.8 meters wide steel hulled ship comprised of four decks: the Sun Deck, Lounge Deck, Main Deck, and the Lower Deck.

The entire ship is air-conditioned, and can comfortably accommodate up to 22 guests in 11 cabins. The Scuba Explorer's size and spaciousness will surprise you, the cabins are larger than one would expect on a diving liveaboard and the Diving Deck is absolutely enormous. Our music system is piped throughout the ship, but has individual volume control in all areas, even on the Sun Deck.

Also, the Scuba Explorer is fast. With a cruising speed of 12 knots and a maximum speed of 16 knots, we are able to offer you a fantastic live aboard diving holiday directly from Phuket itself -- no mini-bus rides at the crack of dawn. We depart in the evening, and by the time you wake up we're in the Similans ready for our first dive. If you want to find out more detailed information, please check out our Itinerary.

Due to her size and stability, sea sickness on board the Scuba Explorer is rare. Of course, we do have sea sickness tablets readily available in the Lounge, but they're rarely needed. We even have stabilizers on the hull of the ship to reduce rocking.

Regardless of the cabin type you choose, diving off the Scuba Explorer is fantastic. However, we do offer three levels of quality accommodation to fit various budgets: the Standard Cabins for those just looking for a bed to sleep in, the Deluxe Cabins for those willing to spend slightly more for a spacious cabin with a beautiful view, and the Suite Cabins for those looking for the ultimate diving holiday -- comfort, gorgeous vistas, and roomy accommodation with private washroom facilities.

All of the cabins have multiple outlets (AC 220V) for charging camera and batteries. If you'd like more information on the boat specifications, you can jump down to the bottom of this page to see the Boat Specs. Also, you can see what all of our previous guests from the 2007-2008 season have thought about their cruise on the Scuba Explorer on our Customer Testimonials page. If you'd like to see photos of each cabin, please check out our Accomodations photo gallery.

 

The Sun Deck

Sun Deck

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The Sun Deck is great place to relax and work on your tan. And after a day of diving, there’s nothing like having a cool drink in hand while gazing up at the stunning celestial show. Also, if you want to have a Massage on the Sun Deck, no problem!
Sun Deck Photo

 

 

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This is our Outdoor Lounge for smokers, and anyone who just wants to relax in the sun. This is also where we have the always popular BBQ Party after your last dive.
BBQ Party Photo
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We dine in the spacious and air-conditioned Lounge Area. Between meals, you can find snacks and beverages at the complementary refreshment bar. The Lounge is also where we have dive briefings and fill out logbooks. There is a desktop computer as well as a video projector system for viewing underwater photos/videos and watching movies.
Lounge Photo
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The Tour Leader's Cabin is where we keep our onboard safe for anyone who would like for us to securely store their valuables.
Wheelhouse
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The Captain's Cabin is where the captain sleeps when he's not piloting the ship.
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This is the Crew Cabin for the boat boys.
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The Wheelhouse is usually where you'll find the captain. Onboard we have Radar, GPS, Sonar, and YHF/HF radio.

 

 

The Main Deck

Main Deck


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You’ll be amazed at the size of our Diving Deck. Even on those rare occasions where we have a full boat of 24 divers, the diving deck never feels crowded. We have plenty of room to store equipment as well as two large water tanks for holding underwater cameras and video cameras. The diving platform is close to the water surface level for safe and trouble-free entries and exits.
Diving Deck Photo
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Our Equipment Room is where we store one of our emergency oxygen tanks as well spare backup gear, just in case someone has an equipment failure.
Galley Photo
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The Galley where you'll find our cook and her assistant preparing a mixture of international cuisine, mostly Thai and Western, with occasional Japanese dishes.
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We have two Shower/Toilet Rooms connected to the diving deck for easy use before and after dives.
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These are the dedicated Toilet Rooms for those customers staying in the Deluxe Cabins. They are separated from the shower rooms in typical Japanese fashion -- pure and impure.
Toilet Room Photo
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The separated Shower Rooms for our Deluxe Cabin guests.
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This is our Deluxe Double Cabin. All of our Deluxe accommodations have an outstanding bay window that takes up most of one wall. This cabin has a double bed and was designed with couples in mind. Like the other deluxe cabins, it has central air conditioning, reading lights, adjustable music volume control, a large mirror, multiple electrical outlets, and ample closet space.
Deluxe with Double Bed Photo
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These Deluxe Cabins all have twin beds. However, if you'd like to have a private cabin, you'll be happy to know we charge only 50% extra. All deluxe cabins have a panoramic window, central air conditioning, reading lights, adjustable music volume control, a large mirror, multiple electrical outlets, and ample closet space.
Deluxe Room with Twin Beds Photo
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Our finest rooms are the Suite Cabins. The Suites have double beds and private bathrooms The rooms are equipped with TV, CD/DVD Player, sofa, mini-bar with complementary soft drinks, plenty of closet space, and a private restroom. Windows take up much of the wall space, with gorgeous panoramic views of the marine landscape. As with the Deluxe Cabins, we charge only 50% extra for individuals who would like our premier accommodations all to themselves.
Suite Room Photo
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These are the en suite washrooms for our Suite Cabin guests. Surprisingly spacious, they contain a stand-up shower, toilet, and wash basin.
En Suite Photo

 

 

The Lower Deck

Lower Deck

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This is the Engine Room holding our two 520 horsepower engines.
Engine Room Photo
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As you might imagine, the Compressor Room is where we keep our compressors, away from the diving deck to make sure your diving experience is as pleasant as possible.
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Storage Room.
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Toilet and Shower Rooms for Standard Cabin guests.
Massage Room Photo
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This is our Massage Room where our professionally trained masseuses offer traditional Thai massage as well as oil massage.
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Here you'll find our Standard Cabins. Although a bit cozier than the Deluxe or Suite cabins, they still have ample closet space, air-conditioning, individually controlled music volume, multiple electrical outlets, and are quite comfortable. These cabins all have twin beds.
Standard Room Photo
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These Standard Cabins have bunk beds. We try to avoid doubling up customers in the bunk bed cabins. The only way you'll find yourself staying on the top (or bottom) bunk is if you specifically request it or all the other Standard Cabins are full.
Standard Room with Bunk Bed Photo
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These are the Divemaster Cabins. If you ever need anything late at night after everyone has gone to bed, just knock on one of these doors and you'll find us ready to assist you.

If you'd like to see more photos of the M/V Scuba Explorer, please check out our Boat Tour slideshow on the Photo Gallery page.

Boat Specs
Year Built 2004 - November
Length 36.8 meters
Width 7.8 meters
Draught (depth in water) 3.0 meters
Engines 520 HP x 2
Speed Cruising - 12 knots; Maximum - 16 knots
Electricity AC 220V 50Hz, DC 12V
Water 25,000 Liter tanks, Desalination System
Navigation Radar, GPS, Sonar, YHF/HF Radio
Audio / Visual DVD/CD Player, Video Projector, PC & Printer
Cabins

-All rooms have air-conditioning, electrical outlets, music volume control panel, and reading lights.
-Maximum 22 passengers.
-2 Suites (double beds, en suite bathrooms, mini-bar, fan, daily housekeeping, TV, CD/DVD player)
-5 Deluxe Cabins (1 double bed, 4 twin share)
-4 Standard Cabins (4 twin share)

Other Facilities

-Thai Massage Room
-Photo/video viewing facilities (Video Projector) and printer

Emergency Equipment

-Oxygen
-First-aid kit and mini-pharmacy
-Life jackets in every cabin
-2 Life rafts
-2 inflatable dinghies with outboard motors