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Sinai Dive Club
Highlights aboard the Spaboat Merdeka 3
Thailand
What is a liveaboard spaboat?
A liveaboard spaboat It is a unique experience that combines the best of diving and wellness.
Basically, it’s a cruise that allows you to explore exclusive diving spots while enjoying authentic Thai massages.
When is the best time to do a liveaboard in Thailand?
The best time to visit this part of Thailand is from November to April. The weather is perfect, the sea is calm, and the underwater conditions are simply spectacular.
Want visibility? During those months you can see up to 30 meters underwater with total clarity.
In the low season there is more rain but also fewer travelers.
Why did we choose the Merdeka 3?
He Merdeka 3 It’s made of teak wood, with only 14 berths. A traditional, comfortable, relaxed boat, without unnecessary luxuries but with the essentials well cared for.
Our guide, Kikki It was on another level: professional, fun, and always making sure we were okay. The atmosphere was so welcoming that by the third day, we already felt right at home.
What's the diving like in Thailand?
In my opinion, Diving in Thailand is world-class. You won’t read it on the internet, but it’s true.
Each dive is different and full of marine life: tropical fish, blacktip reef sharks, multicolored corals, with luck whale sharks, and everywhere you look there is something to admire.
In addition, the water temperature is around 28-30 degrees Celsius, so you can comfortably dive even without a wetsuit to enjoy all of Thailand’s underwater life.
A week aboard the Merdeka 3: diving, relaxation and sea in Thailand
Can you imagine spending a whole week living at sea? Crystal-clear waters, exotic marine life, freshly cooked Thai food, and sunsets that seem unreal. Well, that’s exactly what we did aboard the Merdeka 3, one of the most authentic liveaboards in Thailand.
We wanted something intimate. Nothing like boats with 25 people.
This has been a very authentic experience that stands out for its authenticity, human quality and above all a chill atmosphere.
It’s probably the most relaxed liveaboard we’ve ever been on. We had set times for the dives, we were a small group, and we kept to our own pace under the watchful eye of Kiki, our divemaster and guide.
And here is our experience, told from the inside, with practical advice, personal anecdotes and all the nuances of a trip that, honestly, we would repeat without hesitation.
The best diving sites in and around Phi Phi National Park
Turtle Rock
This spot lives up to its name: although we weren’t lucky enough to encounter any sea turtles! Located on Mai Thon Island, Turtle Rock It is a perfect place to observe these wonderful creatures up close, as well as moray eels, colorful nudibranchs and small clownfish playing in their anemones.
These places remain relatively untouched and teeming with vibrant marine life. We’ve included photos of the Turtle Rock Dive Site in the Phiphi Islands below for you to see for yourself.
Koh Haa: Neua, Lagoon and Lek
Diving in Koh Haa It is, without exaggeration, immersing yourself in one of Thailand’s most spectacular underwater landscapes. Koh Haa, which literally means “five islands” in Thai, is a small archipelago located in the Mu Koh Lanta National Park, known for its crystal clear waters, underwater caves and exceptional marine life.
During our trip aboard the Merdeka 3 We explored three specific spots on Koh Haa: Neua, Lagoon, and Lek. We especially enjoyed this day; we were surrounded by thousands of silverfish as we climbed the caves, saw moray eels, scorpionfish, and even a playful squid approached us on our night dive—quite a spectacle.
Hin Bida
Honestly, he set the bar very high.. Hin Bida It’s famous for its rich marine life, especially for leopard sharks, which you can see resting peacefully on the sandy bottom. We weren’t so lucky (it’s the shark I’ve had the most trouble spotting). We did find eagle rays, large sharks whose species we couldn’t identify, and the best part was a group of cuttlefish that stayed with us for most of the dive.
It's not all about diving: food, atmosphere and views
Get ready, you're going to be blown away!
The homemade Thai food It was incredible. Green curry, pad thai, spicy soups, fresh fish, tropical fruit… Every meal was different and delicious. I never thought I’d end up eating so much on a boat. And there was always plenty. There were even chicken nuggets one day!
The atmosphere on board was what made the trip special: no rush, no pressure, just good vibes. At night, conversations under the stars, soft music, a Singha beer, and a huge terrace where you could lie down and gaze at the sky.
And if, the views from the bow They were, without exaggeration, the best part of the trip. I took several naps there. I also did some reading and had some of those conversations that only happen on the high seas.
A unique and unforgettable experience
Without a doubt. The Merdeka 3 is not just a boat. It’s an experience. It’s the calm of the sea, the excitement of the reef, the taste of curry, shared laughter, and true disconnection.
What I took away most was that feeling of absolute freedom, of being away from the world for a few days. Of sleeping with the sea breeze coming through the window, of seeing sharks and then chatting about them with a beer in hand, of learning from other travelers and the team, and of everything happening without any need to rush.
If you’re looking for something that will take you out of your routine and reconnect you with the sea (and with yourself), this is your sign.
