SOMBOON III & IV
Offering the ultimate in Similan scuba diving flexibility - with shorter trip Phuket liveaboard departures most days of the week, the sister ships Somboon III and IV are long-standing premium economy Similan diving liveaboards. Giving those on a very tight time schedule OR with family/work commitment the freedom to dive - these flexible & affordable Similan Islands liveaboard dive boats are both 30 metres in length, with wooden hulls and double engines.
So, if you have your heart set on doing a short Thailand liveaboard trip, but do not have much time, then look no further than the Similan liveaboards Somboon III or IV which can fit almost any Thailand diving vacation schedule!
economy class
liveaboards
sIMILANs, Similans-Koh Bon & Similan-Richelieu
1-3 nights
max sleeping guests 28
nitrox available
prices from 13,900 BAHT
SOMBOON 3 & 4 THAILAND DIVING LIVEABOARDS
MV Somboon 3 and Somboon 4 present the best dive sites Thailand has to offer by way of these reasonably priced Similan Islands diving liveaboard boats. With a selection of flexible, shorter 1 or 2 nights Similans liveaboard itineraries available, guests can choose from 2 days/1 night and 3 days 2 nights Similan Islands only liveaboard tours, as well as 3 days/2 nights Similan-Richelieu Rock liveaboard safaris. It is also possible to extend the number of nights onboard too! All these options mean that even Thailand scuba diving enthusiasts with limited time - will be spoilt for choice, and should be able to find the perfect Similan Islands scuba diving liveaboard cruise that works for them!!
Cabins
On their budget Thailand liveaboard diving trips - both Somboon III and IV each sleep a maximum of 28 guests at night (although during the day the boats can be busy - as these liveaboards are one of the few boats that also take day-trippers) in 14 modest cabins. Somboon III has 12 twin & 2 double cabins, and Somboon IV has 10 twin and 4 double cabins. All cabins have shared bathroom facilities, with six bathrooms per boat - each with hot showers, toilet and wash basin. All guest cabins are simple, but clean & comfortable, and feature air-con, with individually controlled air conditioning, small seaview windows and 220V power points for charging your electrical devices - all of which should allow time conscious scuba divers to enjoy a short, budget friendly Similan liveaboard diving tour onboard Somboon 3 or 4!
Somboon Double Bed Cabin
Somboon Twin Share Cabin
Double Bed Cabin
Twin Share Cabin
Living aREAS
Comforts & features of these 2D/1N or 3D/2N or 4D/3N Thailand diving liveaboards include a large, covered open-air dining area, spacious dive deck, cozy, indoor air-con saloon with windows, TV and DVD, 6 bathrooms and a sun deck complete with sun loungers. The Somboon liveaboards also have all appropriate safety gear you would envision for an established Similan Islands diving operator.
Food
Mealtimes are usually a highlight on any Similan diving safari, and a mixture Thai and Western cuisine is freshly prepared by the onboard chefs and served buffet style upon these good value Thailand scuba diving liveaboards.
Onboard facilities
Featuring a generous number of dives for a short Similan liveaboard with 7 dives (2 days/1night), 11 dives (3 days/2 nights) OR 15 dives (4 days/3 nights), Nitrox liveaboard divingavailable, (additional fee of 300 Baht per tank applies), these economy Thailand liveaboards could be your best choice - for those with limited time seeking a short stay Similan scuba diving liveaboard holiday!
Itineraries
Somboon 3 and 4 afford Thailand divers on a tight time schedule, the wonderful opportunity to dive Thailand's number one dive destination the Similan Islands - on a 1 or 2 night Thailand liveaboard experience (but there are also options to stay longer) via these flexible Phuket diving liveaboards.
From mid October until the end of April, the following shorter Similan diving liveaboard options are available:
A) 2 Days/1 Nights (7 Dives):
Similan Islands (Koh Bon = Wednesdays & Sundays ONLY). Early MORNING departures.
B) 3 Days/2 Night (11 dives):
Similan Islands & (Koh Bon = Wednesdays & Sundays on Somboon 3, and Tuesdays & Saturdays on Somboon 4). Early MORNING departures.
C) 3 Days/2 Night (11 dives):
Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock. Early MORNING departures.
Giving guests lots of options when it comes to choosing a shorter trip Thailand liveaboard diving itinerary.
*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.
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Somboon III & IV SIMILAN ISLANDS (Koh Bon = Wednesdays and Sundays ONLY) - Liveaboard Trip Schedule (all dive safaris start and finish at Tap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga)
Departs 08.30am, 1st day from Tap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga
Free shared minivan transfers are ONLY included at set times on the day of departure from Phuket & Khao Lak Hotels to the premium economy Similan Islands liveaboards MV Somboon 3 or 4.
Returns approx 16.30 - 17.00pm, Last day Tap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga
After saying a fond farewell to fellow guests & the crew onboard Somboon – complimentary shared minivan transfers are included to Khao Lak/Phuket Hotels from these affordable Thailand liveaboards.
Last dive ends by 14.00pm on the last day
Please note that in order to safely comply with flying after diving recommendations, divers must have a minimum pre-flight surface interval of at least 18 hours.
Departure Day:
For both Somboon III and Somboon IV you would be picked up from your Phuket/Khao Lak Hotel between 06.00am - 07.30am on your chosen day of departure and then transferred up to Khao Lak by air-con, shared minivan. From here, a speedboat will be waiting at 08.30am sharp to whisk you out to either Somboon III or Somboon IV - both of which are permanently based out in the Similans Islands, and will be your home for the next 2 days/1 night. On Wednesdays and Sundays, the dives will be at Koh Bon, which is a good site to maybe see Manta Rays if you are very lucky.....Sample itinerary
Day 1 = (4 dives):
10.30am - 11.30am: 1st dive at Similan Islands
12 Noon: Lunch onboard
13.00pm - 14.00pm: 2nd dive at Similan Islands
16.00pm - 17.00pm: 3rd dive at Similan Islands
19.00pm - 19.30pm: Night dive at Similan Islands
20.00pm: DinnerPlease note: Maximum 4 dives per day and 3 dives on the last day
Day 2 = (3 dives):
06.15am: Morning call and dive briefing
07.00am - 08.00am: 1st dive at Similans
08.00am: Breakfast
10.30am - 11.30am: 2nd dive at Similans (OR Koh Bon on Wednesdays and Sundays ONLY)
12 Noon: Lunch onboard
13.00pm - 14.00pm: 3rd dive at Similans (OR Koh Bon on Wednesdays and Sundays ONLY)
14.30pm: Then after the day's diving has finished on your final day, you will be whisked back to Khao Lak via speedboat
16.30pm - 17.00pm: Speedboat arrives at Tap Lamu Pier, and then complimentary transfers are then provided back to your Khao Lak/Phuket Hotel by shared minivan, where you will arrive at approximately 19.00pm - 20.00pmDiving Days = 2 days (7 dives)
Cabin Prices 2D/1N
Twin Share Cabin = 13,900 Baht per person
Double Bed Cabin = 13,900 Baht per person
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Somboon III & IV SIMILAN ISLANDS & (Koh Bon = Wednesdays & Sundays on boat Somboon III and Tuesdays & Saturdays on boat Somboon IV ) - Liveaboard Trip Schedule (all dive safaris start and finish at Tap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga)
Departs 08.30am, 1st day from Tap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga
Gratis shared minivan transfers are ONLY included at set times on the day of departure from Phuket & Khao Lak Hotels to the 3D/2N Similan liveaboards Somboon III or IV.
Returns approx 16.30 - 17.00pm, Last day Tap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga
After saying goodbye to the crew & other passengers onboard Somboon – free of charge shared minivan transfers are included to Khao Lak/Phuket Hotels from these budget friendly Thailand liveaboards.
Last dive ends by 14.00pm on the last day
Please note that in order to safely comply with flying after diving recommendations, divers must have a minimum pre-flight surface interval of at least 18 hours.
Departure Day:
For both Somboon III and Somboon IV you would be picked up from your Phuket/Khao Lak Hotel between 06.00am - 07.30am on your chosen day of departure and then transferred up to Khao Lak by air-con, shared minivan. From here, a speedboat will be waiting at 08.30am sharp to whisk you out to either Somboon III or Somboon IV - both of which are permanently based out in the Similans Islands, and will be your home for the next 3 days/2 nights. On Wednesdays & Sundays (Somboon III) and Tuesdays & Saturdays (Somboon IV) , the dives will be at Koh Bon, which is a good site to maybe spot Manta Rays if you are very lucky.....Sample itinerary
Day 1 = (4 dives):
10.30am - 11.30am: 1st dive at Similan Islands
12 Noon: Lunch onboard
13.00pm - 14.00pm: 2nd dive at Similan Islands
16.00pm - 17.00pm: 3rd dive at Similan Islands
19.00pm - 19.30pm: Night dive at Similan Islands
20.00pm: DinnerPlease note: Maximum 4 dives per day and 3 dives on the last day
Day 2 = (4 dives):
06.15am: Morning call and dive briefing
07.00am - 08.00am: 1st dive at Similans
08.00am: Breakfast
10.30am - 11.30am: 2nd dive at Similans
12 Noon: Lunch onboard
13.00pm - 14.00pm: 3rd dive at Similans16.00pm - 17.00pm: 4th dive at Similans
19.00pm - 19.30pm: Night diving at Similans
20.00pm: DinnerDay 3 = (3 dives):
06.15am: Morning call and dive briefing
07.00am - 08.00am: 1st dive at Similans
08.00am: Breakfast
10.30am - 11.30am: 2nd dive at Similans (OR Koh Bon on Wednesdays & Sundays on boat Somboon III and Tuesdays & Saturdays on boat Somboon IV)
12 Noon: Lunch onboard
13.00pm - 14.00pm: 3rd dive at Similans (OR Koh Bon on Wednesdays & Sundays on boat Somboon III and Tuesdays & Saturdays on boat Somboon IV)
14.30pm: Then after the day's diving has finished on your final day, you will be whisked back to Khao Lak via speedboat
16.30pm - 17.00pm: Speedboat arrives at Tap Lamu Pier, and then complimentary transfers are then provided back to your Khao Lak/Phuket Hotel by shared minivan, where you will arrive at approximately 19.00pm - 20.00pmDiving Days = 3 days (11 dives)
Cabin Prices 3D/2N
Twin Share Cabin = 18,900 Baht per person
Double Bed Cabin = 18,900 Baht per person
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Somboon III & IV SIMILANS, KOH BON, TACHAI & RICHELIEU - Liveaboard Trip Schedule (all dive safaris start and finish at Tap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga)
Departs 08.30am, 1st day from Tap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga
Without cost, shared minivan transfers are ONLY included at set times on the day of departure from Phuket & Khao Lak Hotels to the 3D/2N Similan-Richelieu liveaboards Somboon III or IV.
Returns approx 16.30 - 17.00pm, Last day Tap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak, Phang Nga
After saying bon voyage to the crew & other passengers onboard Somboon – free, shared minivan transfers are included to Khao Lak/Phuket Hotels from these short Similan-Richelieu liveaboards.
Last dive ends by 14.00pm on the last day
Please note that in order to safely comply with flying after diving recommendations, divers must have a minimum pre-flight surface interval of at least 18 hours.
Departure Day:
For both Somboon III and Somboon IV you would be picked up from your Phuket/Khao Lak Hotel between 06.00am - 07.30am on your chosen day of departure and then transferred up to Khao Lak by air-con, shared minivan. From here, a speedboat will be waiting at 08.30am sharp to whisk you out to either Somboon III or Somboon IV - both of which are permanently based out in the Similan and Surin National Marine Parks, and will be your home for the next 3 days/2 nights.Sample itinerary
Day 1 = (4 dives):
10.30am - 11.30am: 1st dive at Similan
12 Noon: Lunch onboard
13.00pm - 14.00pm: 2nd dive at Similan
16.00pm - 17.00pm: 3rd dive at Koh Bon
19.00pm - 19.30pm: Night dive at Koh Bon/Tachai
20.00pm: DinnerPlease note: Maximum 4 dives per day and 3 dives on the last day
Day 2 = (4 dives):
06.15am: Morning call and dive briefing
06.45am - 07.45am: 1st dive at Richelieu Rock
08.00am: Breakfast
09.30am - 10.30am: 2nd dive at Richelieu Rock
12.00 Noon - 13.00pm: 3rd dive at Richelieu Rock
13.00pm: Lunch onboard15.30pm - 16.30pm: 4th dive at Koh Tachai
18.45pm: Dinner
(No Night dive)Day 3 = (3 dives):
06.15am: Morning call and dive briefing
07.00am - 08.00am: 1st dive at Similans
08.00am: Breakfast
10.30am - 11.30am: 2nd dive at Similans (OR Koh Bon on Wednesdays & Sundays on boat Somboon III and Tuesdays & Saturdays on boat Somboon IV)
12 Noon: Lunch onboard
13.00pm - 14.00pm: 3rd dive at Similans (OR Koh Bon on Wednesdays & Sundays on boat Somboon III and Tuesdays & Saturdays on boat Somboon IV)
14.30pm: Then after the day's diving has finished on your final day, you will be whisked back to Khao Lak via speedboat
16.30pm - 17.00pm: Speedboat arrives at Tap Lamu Pier, and then complimentary transfers are then provided back to your Khao Lak/Phuket Hotel by shared minivan, where you will arrive at approximately 19.00pm - 20.00pmDiving Days = 3 days (11 dives)
Cabin Prices 3D/2N
Twin Share Cabin = 22,900 Baht per person
Double Bed Cabin = 22,900 Baht per person
PRICES
DIVE DESTINATION - SIMILANS ISLANDS (2 DAYS/1 NIGHT)
| Cabin Type | Bathroom Facilities | Price Per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Bed | Shared Bathroom | 13,900 Baht | |
| Twin Share | Shared Bathroom | 13,900 Baht |
DIVE DESTINATION - SIMILANS ISLANDS (3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS)
| Cabin Type | Bathroom Facilities | Price Per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Bed | Shared Bathroom | 18,900 Baht | |
| Twin Share | Shared Bathroom | 18,900 Baht |
DIVE DESTINATION - SIMILANS-RICHELIEU (3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS)
| Cabin Type | Bathroom Facilities | Price Per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Bed | Shared Bathroom | 22,900 Baht | |
| Twin Share | Shared Bathroom | 22,900 Baht |
Price Includes
Full board air-conditioned accommodation including, *Hotel transfers, all meals, fresh fruit, snacks, drinking water, tea & coffee, soft drinks, 7 dives (2D/1N) / 11 dives (3D/2N) / 15 dives (4D/3N), Instructor/Divemaster guide (5/6:1 ratio), 12 litre air tanks and weights.
*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
Any flights, Hotel accommodation, Travel Insurance (recommended), towels (guests must bring their own), equipment rental - a full set of scuba diving equipment (BCD, Regulator, 3mm shortie wetsuit, mask & fins ONLY) is available for 500 Baht per day, dive computer (recommended) 400 Baht per day, Nitrox (12L Nitrox 300 Baht per tank), 15 litre tank rental, full-length wetsuit, dive torch, National Marine Park Fees and beer are all payable in cash onboard.
*Please note that scheduled shared minibus transfers are available ONLY on the day of departure/arrival from/to Phuket & Khao Lak Hotels to the short stay Thailand liveaboards Somboon 3 and 4.
Please Contact Us for more information, if you have any further questions, or if you would like to proceed with a reservation.
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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.*Please kindly note the following information for ALL trips on Somboon 3 and 4:
Please be aware though that these liveaboards are one of the few boats that also take day-trippers - so it can sometimes be very busy during the day (especially in the peak high season months) with sometimes as many as 50+ divers onboard (especially for the two lunchtime dives). You could therefore be diving in a group of 6 divers with a dive guide from the liveaboard operator.*Transfers are included from Kamala, Kata, Karon, Patong, Chalong, Rawai and Khao Lak central ONLY. However, from all other areas there is an additional transfer PER person surcharge.
*Guest transfers take around two hours by road, and a further 60 to 90 minutes by speedboat each way from Phuket – so guests need to be aware that there is a considerable amount of transfer time involved.
*You will be guided by professional dive guides employed by the boat owner, and NOT our staff.
*We only act as an agent for Somboon III and Somboon IV and as such cannot be held responsible in the unlikely event you have a complaint regarding the transfers or the trip itself. Again as mentioned above - both boats can be busy (especially for the two lunchtime dives) as both Somboon III & IV are one of the few liveaboards that also take day-trippers.
On ALL Somboon liveaboard dive safaris – Travel Insurance is NOT included, and we recommend that guests obtain comprehensive travel insurance. If you do NOT have comprehensive insurance, then you should look at purchasing your own comprehensive travel, medical, personal liability, baggage and trip cancellation/interruption insurance before joining a scuba diving liveaboard cruise.
Dive Computers are highly recommended on ALL Somboon liveaboard dive trips for safety. If you do not have one they can be rented onboard for 400 Baht per day.
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 Somboon liveaboard diving cruises PADI Specialty Courses & PADI Advanced/Adventure dives are offered onboard. Please ask at the time of booking for prices and more information.
Schedule
Somboon III & IV Schedule 2026-2027
These liveaboards typically depart daily from mid-October until the end of April. Please let us know which dates you are maybe interested in, and we can happily provide the latest availability for you. Thank you.