Queen Andaman

The MV Deep Andaman Queen Liveaboard was completely rebuilt in 2019 to offer luxury diving trips in Thailand. The 30-metre yacht can accommodate up to 25 divers in 11 cabins. There are 2 master cabins and 5 deluxe cabins on the main deck. The twin, triple or quad cabins are located on the lower deck and offer something for every budget. All cabins are equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, charging ports, fresh towels and plenty of storage space. Communal areas include a modern, air-conditioned lounge with sofas and camera station, as well as an alfresco dining area where delicious Thai and international dishes are served buffet-style. There is also a huge sun deck with a covered outdoor lounge, ideal for relaxing between dives.

The M/V Deep Andaman Queen Liveaboard takes great pride in the huge dive platform at the back of the boat. It has a wide, spacious area for equipment on two levels, a separate entry/exit platform, 2 ladders, 2 fresh water showers for rinsing yourself or your equipment after diving, and 2 large buckets of fresh water for rinsing cameras and personal diving equipment. Itineraries on board the Deep Andaman Queen explore the Similan Islands, the Surin Islands, the South Andaman Sea, Koh Lipe and Myanmar's Mergui Archipelago.

Included: VAT, harbour dues, environmental tax, soft drinks, tea & coffee, drinking water, welcome cocktails, snacks, full board (all meals), dive packages, shore excursions, naturalist, snorkelling guide, towels for use on deck, cabin towels, complimentary toiletries, beach towels, Wi-Fi.

Obligatory extras: National park fees (2,300-2,700 THB per trip).

Optional extras: tips, airport transfers, hotel transfers, alcoholic drinks, equipment hire (700 THB per day), night dives (2,000 THB), nitrox (350 THB), nitrox course (10,000 THB), private dive guide (7,000-11,000 THB per trip), diving courses (10,000 THB), snorkelling set (150 THB per day).

Prices for rental equipment:

Rental equipment is available on this vessel. Please indicate on the booking form what you need. Details below of what is included and the additional prices.

15 litre tanks 400 THB per day
Regulators 250 THB per day
BCD 250 THB per day
Fins 150 THB per day
Mask 150 THB per day
Nitrox bottle 350 THB
Snorkel set 150 THB per day
Torch 100 THB per day
Dive computer 500 THB per day
Full equipment (with: regulator, BCD, fins, mask, snorkelling set, wetsuit) 700 THB per day
Wetsuit 200 THB per day

• Air temperature: Warm all year round with average temperatures between 27 °C and 29 °C.
• Water temperature: Stable temperatures between 28.0 °C and 30.0 °C, ideal for diving.
• Rainfall: Drier months from January to March; wetter period from May to October, with the highest rainfall in October.

• The Andaman Sea is located in the south-west of Thailand and is part of the eastern Indian Ocean.
• It borders the Thai provinces:
• Phuket
• Phang Nga
• Krabi
• Trang
• Satun
• The region includes numerous well-known diving and island destinations such as:
• Similan Islands
• Koh Phi Phi
• Koh Lanta
• Hin Daeng / Hin Muang
• Richelieu Rock (one of Asia's top dive sites)

Population

• The coastal regions are densely populated, especially around Phuket and Krabi.
• The tourist regions are populated by a mixture of:
• Thai locals(ethnic Thai)
• Muslim minorities, especially in the southern provinces
• Burmese migrants (many work in tourism)
• Foreign residents and expats, especially in Phuket

Religions

• Buddhism is the main religion (over 90 % in Thailand).
• Many Muslims also live in the southern Andaman region - especially in Satun, Trang and parts of Krabi.
• Religious tolerance is pronounced, temples and mosques characterise the landscape.

Economic situation

• The region's economy is strongly characterised by tourism, especially beach holidays:
• Beach holidays
• Water sports
• Diving & snorkelling
• Other economic sectors:
• Fishing
• Rubber and palm oil plantations
• Small business & agriculture
• The Andaman Sea coast is one of the more economically dynamic regions of Thailand, especially around Phuket.

Importance for Thailand

• The Andaman region is one of the country's most important tourist centres.
• It attracts millions of tourists every year - mainly from Europe, Russia, China and Australia.
• Tourism brings foreign currency, jobs and infrastructure projects(e.g. airports, roads, harbours).
• At the same time, there are challenges in terms of environmental protection and the preservation of local culture.

Economic impact of the diving industry

• The diving industry is a key sector of Andaman tourism.
• Thailand is internationally recognised as one of the most affordable and beginner-friendly diving destinations in the world.
• Main centres for divers:
• Phuket (e.g. Chalong)
• Khao Lak (starting point for Similan Islands)
• Koh Lanta
• Krabi/Ao Nang
• Liveaboard tours to the Similan and Surin Islands are known worldwide.

Positive effects:

• Jobs for diving instructors, boat crews, hotel and catering staff
• Tourist income strengthens rural and coastal communities
• Development of marine protected areas and sustainable tourism initiatives

Challenges:

• Coral bleaching, anchoring and tourism pressure on fragile reefs
• Seasonality (best diving season: November to May)
• Need for better waste and wastewater management systems

Why the Andaman Sea is a favourite destination for divers

1. Diverse dive sites - from steep walls to shallow reefs
2. High biodiversity - manta rays, whale sharks, seahorses, nudibranchs
3. World-class diving spots such as Richelieu Rock, Similan Islands, Hin Daeng
4. Favourable prices for training, equipment and tours
5. Good infrastructure - certified diving centres, modern boats, easy accessibility
6. Ideal combination with beach holidays, culture and cuisine
7. Diving for every level - from beginner to tec diver