Thailand is described by many travelers as the most exotic country in Asia. Its independence as a kingdom has preserved its unique culture for the last 700 years. From the golden spires and ornate roofs of Bangkok’s many fabulous Buddhist temples to the intriguing ruins of ancient cities, from the northern jungle hills sheltering picturesque hidden valleys to the hundreds of miles of unspoiled beaches and idyllic island settings, Thailand is a land of astounding variety. Adventurers can take elephant back safaris through the northern jungles to visit enchanting timeless villages or SCUBA dive the uninhabited and stunningly beautiful Similan Islands. The three islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao lying in the South China Sea offer an alluring retreat with swaying palms and sparkling beaches. The Krabi area has dramatic sheer cliffs dropping down to emerald waters. Equally appealing are lush jungle covered mountains, deep green terraced rice fields, meandering rivers, vibrant valleys and graceful waterfalls.

Diving in Thailand
Thailand is well known for its fabulous diving. There are dive operators in Phuket, Ko Samui, Ko Tao, Ko Pha-Ngan, and Ko Phi Phi among others. The best diving is in the Similan Islands, Burma Banks and Mergui Archipelago where an amazing amount of sea life can be found. The islands themselves have some of the most stunning above water scenery in Asia with sparkling turquoise water, white sand beaches and secluded bays framed by rocky headlands. Diving topography ranges from deep underwater mountains to spectacular pinnacles, from shallow coral gardens to dramatic under sea formations created by massive granite boulders. The reefs contain an amazing number of exotic tropicals and hundreds of species of both hard and soft corals, enough to impress the most seasoned diver. This area offers perhaps the best opportunity to see large pelagic animals, such as whale sharks and manta rays. The only way to dive the uninhabited Similan Islands, which lie 70 miles off the west coast of Thailand, is by live-aboard dive vessels.

 

 

 

 

Aqua Safaris Thailand 2008

Dec 24, 2008 - depart San Francisco on Singapore Airlines # 15 at 1245pm

Dec 26 - arrive in Singapore at 105am. On arrival you will have a dayroom at the Transit Hotel located inside the Singapore Airport.  Connect to Silk Air # 754 departing Singapore at 120pm and arrive in Phuket, Thailand at 220pm.  You will be met on arrival and transferred to the Pearl Hotel.  Overnight at the Pearl Hotel with breakfast included.

Dec 27 – free day to explore Phuket.  Overnight at the Pearl Hotel with breakfast included.

Dec 28 to Jan 01 – 5 nights on a liveaboard

Jan 02 – this morning you will be transferred to the Pearl Hotel. Free day to explore Phuket. Overnight at the Pearl Hotel with breakfast included.

Jan 03 – this morning you will be transferred to Khao Lak. After lunch you will be transferred to Khao Sok National Park for elephant back safari in the rainforest.  Overnight at the River Lodge with all meals included

Jan 04 – early morning walk in the rainforest with a naturalist to see the many animals that call Khao Sok home with a late morning canoe ride on the jungle river.  After lunch you will be transferred to Phuket.   Overnight at the Pearl Hotel with breakfast included.

Jan 05 – you will be transferred to the airport in time to meet Silk Air # 751 departing Phuket at 1015am and arrive in Singapore at 105pm.   Connect to Singapore Airlines # 02 departing Singapore at 540pm and arrive in San Francisco at 630pm.

• Airfare San Francisco > Singapore
• Dayroom at Transit Hotel
• Airfare Singapore > Phuket
• Meet and transfer to Pearl Hotel
• 4 nights at Pearl Hotel including breakfast
• Morning transfer to Khao Lak
• 1 night / 2day Khao Sok National Park elephant back safari including all meals
• Transfer to Phuket
• Transfer to airport
• Airfare Phuket > San Francisco

The final selection of our liveaboard has not yet been made but the Excalibur is representative of the boat we will be diving on.

The Excalibur is one of Phuket’s newest motorized live-aboard dive vessels and has been operating here for one year. The advantages that Excalibur has over other vessels is that she is very comfortable. All cabins have access to bathrooms, and her interior is very well done with a touch of class.

Eighty six feet long with a beam of twenty feet, Excalibur offers a level of comfort not found on most boats here in Phuket. With her two twin engines, she reaches speeds up to 16 knots, and cruises at 12 knots. This speed advantage allows the diver to get to remote areas such as Richelieu and Burma in less time. Thus, shorter trips to remote areas are possible and very enjoyable.

The Interior

Her eight twin cabins puts a maximum of 16 divers on board. All of the cabins have a panoramic view and a window for fresh air. All cabins have access to bathroom.

Safety Features

The boat is equipped with all the proper safety equipment required for open ocean cruising. We have mobile phones for staying in contact, as well as a CB radio for communicating with other boats in the area. In addition, we have oxygen on board for emergencies, as well as a complete first-aid kit. Guests are also provided with an individual dive safety package which includes a whistle, a safety bat or sausage, and chemical light. We also supply you with a man-overboard kit.

Built for Comfort

We have the cabins on the same deck as the dive deck, and the heads with hot water are just outside of your cabin. Rinsing tubs are supplied for your camera equipment. The dining area is up top, and forward of the wheel house is a sun deck. For you video junkies, we have a complete TV and video system for playing back those memorable moments underwater. Electricity is available 24 hours a day supplied by our three generator sets.

Built by Divers for Diving

The compressor system is designed to be as noise free as possible, and the dive deck is well laid out to make it as easy as possible to get in and out of the water. Our dinghy picks you up if you drift away from the dive site or boat. Twenty-eight 80 cf tanks are on board.

Personal Attention

The word “no” is never heard on board. We believe in providing you with the best possible service all the time. Anything you need we will do our best to provide, and unlike many other boats, we don't expect you to work while on board! Our staff are well trained, and take their jobs seriously and professionally.

The food that emerges from the galley is an excellent mix of Thai and Western choices.

All in all, a trip aboard the Excalibur will be a trip to remember forever.