Khaolak Scuba Pa. Ltd.: Schedule, Deals, Reviews

The dive sites in Similan Islands are great and the lead divemaster planned the dives for the groups, so that everyone on the boat could enjoy them as much as possible. We were however very surprised as we used nitrox (all dives and it is not free on this boat) and were recommended to make 5 minute safety stops. Usually we make just 3 minute stops which is recommened (PADI) but not mandatory, just for safety. Many dives end up in 5 meters (elsewhere) anyway so it is not annoying - unless there is nothing to see (deep, like Similans). But… price and quality do not meet on Manta Queen 3. The toilet in the cabin was tiny, so ’larger people’ don’t fit in there very well. The ”beds” are just hard sunbed mattress so it is hard to get sleep during your diving holiday. On MQ3 boat it is important to be in the first group to jump and get back, otherwise there are no food or snacks left if you come back last after the dive. We discussed this issue after few dives this happened to us and they moved us to the first group and they also made some more food towards the end of the trip too. Last year we did same route on Manta Queen 7 which was much better choice as there was also night life - parties every night, DJ playing music etc which we missed on this holiday trip that happened to be during new year this time. They don't sell any beer so remember to bring your own drinks. They promised to bring us KSA-T--shirts to the boat so we could buy those, but never did.

I am sixty three and slightly disabled and the boat crew did everything they could to make my diving easy which I was most grateful for. However this boat is really set up as a youth hostile at sea and while fun could have done with slightly more luxury but you get what you to pay for . I had just come from Diving in the Maldives so a little unfair to compare but the diving was ok and a couple of great sites. The only problem I had was with my allotted Dive leader, who rather ruined the diving , I don’t think it is fare to mention his name but it was the closest I have ever come to hitting a man in the water . He was German (nothing against Germans normally) and reminded me of a German prison office from the films . He was rude, barked orders and would not listen . I am a large man and told him quite clearly the weights I required but no he knew better . After wasting two dives and having the danger of not staying down during deco .I finally lost my temper and got the weights I required . I had to ask the head guide to change guide ,which he did and everything went smoothly after that . The only problem is the German guide kept on hassling me to find out why I had changed as it had never happened in his long career . I just said it was him and he could not help being him but what I wanted to say he was a complete A hole. Overall there are diving rules but you can make the experience a little more relaxed than they do on Manta 2. So to sum it up Thai crew great but need to take the partying on deck into the water and enjoy the fantastic experience it is safely but in a more relaxed way so you come out smiling .

Great staff, food, and gear. The boat itself would be considered more budget, but it was overall very comfortable for 3 nights. Would dive on Manta Queen 2 again.