Aqua Liveaboard, Thailand

Aqua is a steel liveaboard operating in the Andaman Sea, with itineraries covering the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock in the north as well as Hin Daeng and Hin Muang in the south. Renovated in 2023 and operated by the Smile Dolphin family, the vessel is designed for up to 24 guests and combines diving functionality with a practical onboard layout. Its 32.5-metre length, steel hull, and broad beam support stable cruising across a range of route lengths in Thailand.

Cabin Types

Master Cabin

The Master Cabins are located on the main deck and include sea views, en-suite bathrooms, and individually controlled air conditioning. These cabins are part of the boat’s upper accommodation category and are designed for guests who prefer main-deck access and natural light.

Deluxe Cabin

The Deluxe Cabins are also positioned on the main deck and feature sea views, private en-suite bathrooms, and air conditioning. They provide the same main-deck setting as the Master category while remaining part of the standard guest accommodation layout.

Lower Deck Standard Cabin

The Lower Deck Standard Cabins are located below deck and include en-suite bathrooms and individually controlled air conditioning. These cabins offer a more sheltered cabin location while maintaining the same core onboard essentials.

Standard Cabin

The main deck Standard Cabins include sea views, private en-suite bathrooms, and air conditioning. This category combines the same basic amenities as the lower deck cabins with the added benefit of main-deck placement and natural light.

Boat Interior

The main indoor social area is a large salon fitted with an 85-inch media system and a broad library of movies. It functions as the central lounge space after dives and during quieter periods on board. Outside, the sundeck provides additional room for rest and open-air downtime. The overall atmosphere is casual and organized, supported by a crew experienced in running liveaboard schedules in the Andaman Sea.

Food & Drinks

Meals on board combine Asian and Western cuisine, with a varied menu prepared throughout the trip. The onboard chef and crew support a dining routine that runs from breakfast through dinner, with service described as attentive and warm. Food is a consistent part of the onboard experience between dives and crossings.

Dive Deck

The dive deck is equipped with camera rinse tanks and supported by two Coltri Sub compressors together with a Volkair Nitrox membrane system. Free Nitrox is available on board. The operational setup is designed to support different itinerary lengths, from shorter four-night routes to longer cruises covering both the North and South Andaman Sea.

Safety

Safety equipment includes two life rafts with a capacity for 25 people each, nine fire extinguishers, three litres of 100 percent oxygen, and life jackets. Navigation systems include radar, sonar, and GPS. Communication systems include VHF IC-M304 and Superstar 2400M radio, as well as 5G Wi-Fi and satellite Wi-Fi.

Itineraries

MV Aqua operates a range of itineraries across Thailand Andaman Sea. The North Andaman route runs for 5 days and 4 nights with up to 14 dives, while the South Andaman route also runs for 5 days and 4 nights with up to 15 dives. A combined North and South Andaman itinerary extends to 6 days and 5 nights with up to 18 dives.

A longer 7-day, 6-night route combines both northern and southern highlights and includes sites such as the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Richelieu Rock, Phi Phi, Koh Haa, Hin Daeng, and Hin Muang. Shorter northern-focused cruises include Similan, Koh Bon, Tachai, Richelieu Rock, and the Boonsoong Wreck. Depending on route and conditions, divers may encounter whale sharks, manta rays, healthy reef systems, and a wide range of marine life across both iconic and less-frequented dive locations in Thailand