Blue Dolphin

Nearest international airport: Phuket International Airport (HKT)

A free transfer is available on embarkation and disembarkation days between the airport and Blue Dolphin. There is only one pick-up time so please refer to the relevant itinerary and plan to arrive accordingly.

Transfer times

1.5 hours – From Phuket airport to Khao Lak, Thap Lamu

Flights

Many countries have direct flights into Phuket, however, these may also include a short hop from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok.

Here's an easy way to see all the Flight Connections

Passport holders of most western countries will be issued a single-entry visa stamp upon arrival for stays of up to 30 days in Thailand. Nationals of countries not included in Thailand's Visa Exemption scheme may need to obtain a tourist visa in advance, or apply on-line for a visa on arrival.

To check if you need a visa to enter Thailand, or if you have any queries about entry requirements, please check with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate General in your home country. Contact details and locations of Royal Thai Embassies and Royal Thai
Consulates-General are available at www.thaiembassy.org

As visa and passport regulations for different countries are constantly in a state of flux, we always advise our guests to check regularly for updates and changes. Further information relating to Thailand visas and entry requirements can be found on the Thai Immigration Bureau's website here: www.immigration.go.th

Please make sure that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity from the date you will arrive in Thailand. Entry may be refused if passports are damaged or have missing pages.

You may be required to show a confirmed ticket to leave Thailand within the maximum
number of days you are allowed to stay in the country. Additionally, visa-on-arrival visitors may also be asked for evidence of adequate finances for the duration of their intended stay, equivalent to 10,000 Baht per person, or 20,000 Baht per family.

Suitable for novice divers. However, if you are Open Water certified (or equivalent) you will be restricted to your certified maximum depth.

Nomadic Scuba top tip:

Why not maximize your trip and take advantage of the opportunity to advance your skill level? You don't need to spend the entire time on a course, however, in just a couple of dives you can be certified to 30m depth and enjoy all of the dive sites on offer in the Similan and Surin Islands. If you need advice please ask, we are dive professionals and advice is free.

Note: Any guests who do not fulfil the recommended minimum requirements, or who the crew feel have insufficient experience in certain conditions, may be denied participation in some or all dives during the liveaboard

Thailand’s tropical climate is influenced by the south-west and north-east monsoons. From Late May to October the south-west monsoon hits the western coast of Thailand, making the Similan and Surin Islands inaccessible. The north-east monsoon sweeps through the Gulf of Thailand (east coast) between mid-October to mid-December.

All routes

The warm tropical waters of the Andaman Sea remain pleasant year-round, averaging 28°C (82°F). However, thermoclines can occur at various times during the season. Most guests find a 3mm wetsuit or shorty to be suitable, while many prefer diving with just a skin suit or rash guard. For those who tend to get cold easily, especially after repetitive dives, we recommend bringing the wetsuit that you find most comfortable.

Seasons (average temp)

Summer (33ºC) - March to May (always sunny)

Rainy (31ºC) - June to October (still sunny)

Cool (28ºC) - November through February (still sunny)

The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB).

The majority of established hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards, however; smaller, family-run places probably will not. There are banks and ATM's with various maximum withdrawal limits and fees.

TOP TIP: Nomadic Scuba uses WISE for our transactions, and we save hundreds on
pointless fees and exchange rates. If you haven't opened an account yet, we strongly urge you to do so (it takes 5 minutes). Link: Show me how to be WISE

Blue Dolphin utilises Thai power outputs. Thailand has four associated plug types, A, B, C and O.

• Plug type A is the plug with two flat parallel pins,
• plug type B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin
• plug type C has two round pins
• plug type O has 3 round pins

Thailand operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Guides are provided free of charge, however, guests are responsible for their dive profiles and must stay within the limits of their certification.

Solo diving – Is not permitted in the Similan Islands

Private dive guide – You can request a private dive guide, however, this is at an additional cost to you. Please let us know at the earliest opportunity so that the operator can arrange additional staff.

Of course! You can book several trips back to back if you would like to stay on this vessel. We also have plenty of other options available. Simply let us know what you are looking for and we will be happy to provide you with some ideas.