The Phinisi

Nearest international airport: Phuket International Airport (HKT)

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

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

Transfer times

1.5 hour – For itineraries leaving from Khao Lak, Thap Lamu

30 minutes – For itineraries leaving from Phuket pier.

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.

We would advise that Advanced Open Water qualifications and 10 logged dives are required to get the most out of your visit, as some of the dive sites do exceed a depth of 18m. However, do not let that deter any Open Water divers, it simply means that you may miss some of the deeper elements of the trip unless you elect to complete a Deep Adventure course whilst on board. Ask for more details to be certified to 30m.

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.

Seasons (average temp)

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

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

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

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.

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

If you need more advice, send us a message as we are always keen to help save you money.

The Phinisi utilises Thai power outputs an European style adapters. 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 complimentary; however guests are responsible for their own dive
profiles and must stay within the limits of their certification. Solo diving is prohibited in Thailand.

Nomadic Scuba says… You’d be crazy not to use local experience to maximise your dive vacation. There is nothing worse than climbing on board after a dive only to learn that you’ve missed the major critters. That’s our take anyway.

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