our liveaboard boat
the mv smiling seahorse

The Ideal Eco-Friendly Liveaboard for Underwater Photographers in Thailand & Myanmar!

MV Smiling Seahorse

for intimate dive cruises

Only
16 guests

Maximum comfort and personalised attention to help you make the most of every dive.

Gourmet
Cuisine

A delicious blend of Thai and international cuisine to satisfy every guest’s taste buds.

Great
Atmosphere

A passionate crew and a wonderful community of divers to share unforgettable moments.

Eco-
Friendly

A sustainable approach to protecting the oceans and marine ecosystems we love.

Designed by Divers.

Designed for exploration

Introducing The MV Smiling Seahorse: The ultimate reef-friendly liveaboard for underwater photographers in Thailand and Myanmar!

The MV Smiling Seahorse took its maiden voyage in November 2018. We broke the mold, choosing to build a specialized boat designed by and for divers instead of converting a fishing vessel, as is very common in this region. Its steel hull is much more suited to easily cut through waves than a wooden hull, and its 2 superior engines allow the MV Smiling Seahorse to venture further into the unknown. Although the boat is larger than its predecessor, measuring 25m long and 6.4m wide, its 8 cabins and bathrooms spread over 4 decks still cater to a maximum of 16 guests. More space for the same number of people definitely ups the ante of comfort and freedom during your cruise.

2018 First launched

25 m Length

6.4 m Width

8 Cabins

4 Decks

16 Maximum guests

The rooftop

The top level of the boat is the ultimate lounge area. It features a shaded section with an outdoor living room and sunbeds—perfect for relaxing, playing cards, or taking a nap in the shade during your surface interval.

If you prefer to soak up the sun, the entire front of the boat is uncovered and equipped with a variety of Thai-style cushions and mats, allowing you to create the perfect sunbathing spot.

At night, this is also the ideal place to gaze at the stars, embracing the solitude and tranquility of the open sea.

Upper deck

The upper deck is divided into two areas. Towards the back of the boat is a multipurpose common area used as the main assembly point. Here you will be served scrumptious meals, have access to snacks and refreshments 24 hours a day, meet for pre-dive briefings with your dive team, consult the marine life library to identify the beautiful creatures you saw, or just sit back and relax surrounded by cushions.

There are 4 big tables to comfortably enjoy your meals, play games, or study your dive course materials as well as two bars with stools on either side of the boat. The dining area has plenty of counter space for snacks and the buffet as well as a full-sized fridge stocked with goodies and a compartmentalized eco-friendly trash/recycling disposal system. At the very back is an enormous couch area covered with cushions perfect for a cozy nap between dives.

This common area is spacious and well thought out for just relaxing or even having a bit of a dance party to celebrate the success of your cruise!

"Standard" Cabin with Shared Bathroom

Towards the front of the boat on this deck are the standard cabins and the living quarters for the dive staff. Every door opens to a stunning view of the nature surrounding you, and there is also a window that you can watch the waves roll by from the comfort of your bed. These cabins all are air-conditioned with shared bathrooms and feature our smart-bedding system. To best cater to the needs of the occupants, we have designed the rooms to be able to be configured in two ways upon request. Couples staying in this room can have a double bed and an upper shelf to store luggage, or it can be switched to have two single bunk beds more suited for solo travelers or friends sharing a room. To keep things organized, we also have two large cubbies to tuck your belongings away out of sight.

Main deck

“Deluxe” Cabin with Private Bathroom

At the front of this deck are our Deluxe and Master cabins. All are air-conditioned and feature private bathrooms, with direct access to the outside, offering spectacular views as soon as you wake up.

We chose a more open-air design rather than narrow, dark interior corridors connecting the cabins and common areas, adding a unique charm to your stay…

The Deluxe cabins are identical to the Standard cabins, with the only difference being the addition of a private en-suite bathroom.

These cabins also feature a smart bedding system, allowing the room layout to be adapted to your needs.

“Master” Cabin with Private Bathroom & Panoramic Views…

The two master cabins are located right at the front of the boat with windows facing forward to offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the route ahead. These rooms are ideal for couples looking for a bit more of an intimate romantic setting.

Photo Room

Fully equipped photo room: rinse tank, power outlets, workstations, and repair tools.

Blackwater dive

Blackwater diving is now available on all our cruises!

Photo coaching

Personalized underwater photography coaching for all levels

Photo clinics

Itineraries designed for underwater photography enthusiasts.

The diving deck and the photographer's corner

The photography room has a specific wash tank for your electronics, as well as numerous charging ports, shelving, and counter space for maintenance and storage of your gear between dives. This area can also serve as a workshop to try and fix any problem on the fly. We have certified Mares service technicians on board and spare small parts and tools at your disposal.

Last but not least is the masterpiece: the impeccable diving deck. Being divers ourselves, we understand that a well-planned and organized diving deck is crucial when sharing a space with other divers. We have planned this area to maximize space and provide specialized areas for every diver’s needs. We keep dive groups small and organize each group to stagger their gear-up and entry times to ensure that the already spacious dive deck never has too many bodies moving around at once. While your group is ready to jump in for a dive, the next group will be doing safety checks, and the following group is still upstairs taking their last sips of water during their dive briefing. Everyone is a VIP on the MV Smiling Seahorse!

The diving deck also features 2 shared bathrooms for the guests staying in standard cabins.

Every diver has access to a central console with plenty of storage for masks and small accessories, as well as Nitrox analysers and logbooks.

Under each dive tank, every diver has a basket for storing their fins, boots and weight belt. There are also dedicated areas for hanging your wetsuits, along with rinse tanks to wash the salt off your precious diving accessories.

You’ll never trip over another diver in this carefully designed area, and our friendly, dedicated crew will treat you like royalty while you wait for the signal to jump off the dive deck.

We even have fin-friendly ladders to make getting back on board easy.

To maximize your diving experience, we also have some bells and whistles available to any type of diver. We blend NITROX onboard custom-mixed to your next dive’s depth and have 15 L tanks available upon request. We can provide DIN adapters and even have a small selection of gear for rent or purchase should you forget your reef hooks or need a new logbook. You don’t own your own equipment? No problem; inform us in advance and we can fit you for MARES rental gear upon arrival.

Security equipment on the MV Smiling Seahorse

Where fish and fun are important on your cruise, safety and security are paramount on the MV Smiling Seahorse. The boat is equipped with radar, sonar, GPS, VHF/DSC/SSB radio, and a location beacon for precision navigation.

There are also safety features, including a lifeboat, life vests, GSM and CDMA phones, a fire alarm, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, emergency oxygen, and trained oxygen and first aid providers.

We have even installed video surveillance in the engine room to stay on top of the proper functioning of the underbelly of the ship.

"Hello, Captain!"

At the front of the standard cabins is also where you’ll find the bridge. Feel free to go say hello to our friendly captain and two mechanics; they will be happy to show you our many navigation tools and safety features.

What will you eat on the MV Smiling Seahorse?

We take you to the best dive sites and offer you the most comfortable cabins, but our chef is probably what brings back the most raving reviews!

French and Thais are both very serious about good food; we combined our forces to offer both Thai and international cuisine for everyone’s enjoyment.

Alongside the chef, the crew of the MV Smiling Seahorse is second to none. Our large team of specialized workers takes care of everything you need on and behind the scenes during your stay. The ratio of guest to staff is close to 1:1 on our boat to ensure that no necessity is left forgotten and it’s always taken care of with a smile!

MV Smiling Seahorse

Boat Features

Open-air design (all cabins can have a fresh sea breeze)
Audio & Visual entertainment
Supervised charging stations
Fish ID / Marine Biology Library
Dedicated local & international crew
Nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio
Sun deck and shaded areas
Outdoor dining
Comfortable lounge zone

Non-smoking cabins
Air conditioning available in all cabins
En-suite bathrooms (for Deluxe and Master)
Hot water showers (for all)
Seaview cabins (for all)
Budget-friendly cruise
Available for charter
Non-diver (snorkeler) friendly

Designed for Divers

Diving Amenities

Camera station with separate rinsing tank and storage
Nitrox available (percentage adapted to the dive site)
DIN adaptors (and inserts)
Shaded dive deck
Experienced professional dive guides
Small dive groups (4 max per guide)

Equipment and computer rental (optional)
ISC & PADI courses and specialties available
Tender: no need to find the boat; we will come get you.
Certified Mares service technician onboard
Staff perfectly trained to handle fragile equipment

Onboard Dining

Food & Drink

Western and Thai food (all delicious)
4 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner)
Vegetarian and any special diets catered to
Unlimited soft drinks and electrolytes included
Bar with beer and wine available for purchase
Snacks, fruits, and refreshments available 24 hrs
BBQ night on every cruise

THANKS FOR YOUR KIND REVIEWS!

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 93 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Magda Kapusta 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My diving cruise with The Smiling Seahorse was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Everything was extremely well organized and seamless, making the entire vacation completely stress-free and enjoyable.
The crew was exceptional — professional, friendly, attentive, and always making sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. The food was amazing throughout the trip, with great variety and quality at every meal.
The boat itself is excellent: very comfortable, well maintained, and thoughtfully designed for divers. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, and the common areas are very well organized, giving everyone plenty of space to relax between dives.
What truly made the experience unforgettable was the incredible selection of dive spots. Every dive offered something special, with beautiful marine life, stunning coral reefs, and perfectly planned itineraries.
Overall, this was a full enjoyment vacation and one of the best liveaboard experiences I’ve had. I highly recommend The Smiling Seahorse to anyone looking for a perfectly organized diving adventure with a fantastic crew and unforgettable diving.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Laura Forsyth 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Another vote for the Smiling Seahorse - it's a very good boat. Purpose built for serious diving, the thought and care put into it by its owner and crew really shows. Everything you need is available, easy to access, well maintained and functional, without anything extraneous or funky.  There is a devotion to diving, to underwater photography, to the marine life, to the history and natural history of the Similan Islands and Burma, to the guest experience and developing our skills. Our group did the week-long South to North Andaman Sea trip in January 2026, and each day was better than the one before. The diving is exceptional, with healthy corals and masses and masses of fish, even before we got to the climax of Richelieu Rock. They include an black water dive on each trip, a truly unique opportunity.

We received tremendous support from the dive guides and the crew alike, who gracefully and respectfully accommodated everyone's needs.  Even the little things - one of the deck crew noticed that the little strap connecting the dust cap to my regulator was close to breaking off and offered to repair it. He did a beautiful job and I'll be reminded of his generosity and kindness each time I dive that reg. Our guide, James, has years of experience, like many masters, conveyed his knowledge with simplicity and clarity (and humor - whew!). I became a better diver following his example. I keep remembering the happy anticipation of standing at the stern, all kitted up, waiting for the captain's signal to jump. Next trip - Burma.

The cabins are simple and comfortable,  although you may want to bring a pad if you're not a fan of firm beds. A/C and hot water in each cabin - all good.

Everyone in our group, from the experts with many thousands of dives to the recently certified, to a couple of non-diving spouses, loved the Smiling Seahorse!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nadine Fischer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing time on the Smiling Seahorse liveaboard in Thailand. Everything was well organized, relaxed, and very professional.

Our dive guide Julien was fantastic. He showed us beautiful dive sites and even pointed out tiny nudibranchs we would never have seen ourselves. His eye for detail made every dive special.

The food was excellent, and the crew was incredibly friendly and helpful, especially when assisting with dive gear.

Overall, a wonderful experience – It was our 2nd trip and we will definitely come again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Udi Nehab 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An Unforgettable Week Underwater!
I just wrapped up a phenomenal week-long liveaboard trip in the Similan Islands with The Smiling Seahorse team, and I cannot recommend them enough. The dives were absolutely gorgeous, but what really set the experience apart was Julian’s amazing spotting skills—he has an incredible eye and made sure we didn't miss a thing.
The entire crew was attentive, professional, and always right there to assist with all of our needs, making the whole week completely seamless. On top of the world-class diving, the food was fantastic. Everything was incredibly tasty, and they offered a great variety of dishes that really hit the spot after a long day in the water. Five stars across the board—if you're looking for a top-tier liveaboard operation, this is the team to go with!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tsachi Yeshurun 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went for a 9 day dive safari in Myanmar, the mergui archipelago, with the smiling seahorse. One of the unique experiences I had. My first (and second and third) Blackwater dive, dives I will never forget. The staff are wonderful, the dive guides are amazing, they actually care and put in a lot of extra effort and the ship crew were helpful and nice. I dove with Julian, the dive master, who I would dive with anywhere anytime, and we enjoyed the presence of camille, the owner, who lit up the place with her positive energies. I've been on fancier boats, but I enjoyed this one much better.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lee Waggener 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Safe, clean, friendly staff always willing to help, easy on and off the boat, good dive sites. Guides are awesome. The dive crew very accommodating.  Nice camera room. Keep the same tank entire trip. Some sites we went in small groups in a dingy. The return the dingy would slowly pull you back. Thankful we did nit have to struggle getting back in the dingy Some times we would just float back to the boat. We were divided  into groups so everyone wasn’t getting ready at the same time. Plenty of food and snacks.  Only complaint is the chairs and beds are hard as cement. Compared to the good stuff that was nothing.  I would for sure go again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ray Busard 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We did seven days on the Smiling Seahorse level over. The crew the boat everything was amazing. The divers did 20+ dives and as a snooker we did four snorkels, which was totally unexpected and so delightful. Took us to some of the best Dive spots in the world and the pictures proved that’s true. The food on board was over the top!!  I would recommend this trip to anybody around the world!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   ליאור ארד 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I just returned from a week-long liveaboard with the club, and the experience was simply outstanding. The entire team demonstrated high professionalism throughout, with in-depth safety briefings and modern, well-maintained equipment.
A special thanks to our amazing dive guides: James, Velika, Katie, and Mint. Each of them brought great energy and uncompromising expertise. Thanks to them, we felt in safe hands during every dive, and they knew exactly how to lead us to the most beautiful spots in the pristine sites we visited.
The boat was very comfortable, and the excellent food between dives rounded out the experience perfectly. This is without a doubt a top-tier diving club, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a week of peace and world-class diving!"
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Itai Stadler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An outstanding liveaboard experience from start to finish. The hospitality on The Smiling Seahorse is truly exceptional — warm, attentive, and genuine, making you feel welcome and taken care of at every moment.
The dive sites were beautiful and well chosen, offering a great variety and excellent conditions. Each dive felt thoughtfully planned to maximize both safety and enjoyment.
What really sets this liveaboard apart is the extraordinary professionalism of the crew and dive instructors. Their experience, calm approach, and attention to detail were evident throughout the trip. Briefings were clear and thorough, underwater guidance was excellent, and safety was always the top priority — without ever taking away from the fun.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for high-quality diving combined with top-level service and professionalism. I would gladly dive with them again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Yossie Bar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was amazing!!!

Katie the diving guide is absolutely magnificent, friendly, crazy in a good way...

The team is just extraordinary!
Humble, helping wherever they can, the food is delicious and also satisfying, the boys helps greatly every time you come up from a dive...

The guides are funny and resourceful... It was really just a perfect time.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 227 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Magda K 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic !
My diving cruise with The Smiling Seahorse was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Everything was extremely well organized and seamless, making the entire vacation completely stress-free and enjoyable. The crew was exceptional — professional, friendly, attentive, and always making sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. The food was amazing throughout the trip, with great variety and quality at every meal. The boat itself is excellent: very comfortable, well maintained, and thoughtfully designed for divers. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, and the common areas are very well organized, giving everyone plenty of space to relax between dives. What truly made the experience unforgettable was the incredible selection of dive spots. Every dive offered something special, with beautiful marine life, stunning coral reefs, and perfectly planned itineraries. Overall, this was a full enjoyment vacation and one of the best liveaboard experiences I’ve had. I highly recommend The Smiling Seahorse to anyone looking for a perfectly organized diving adventure with a fantastic crew and unforgettable diving.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   ScenicPath 
 
 
 
 Verified A well-run boat with a fantastic crew and dive staff - highly recommended!
Another vote for the Smiling Seahorse - a very good boat. Purpose built for serious diving, the thought and care put into it by its owner and crew really shows. Everything you need is available, easy to access, well maintained and functional, without anything extraneous or funky. There is a devotion to diving, to underwater photography, to the marine life, to the history and natural history of the Similan Islands and Burma, to the guest experience and developing our skills. Our group did the week-long South to North Andaman Sea trip in January 2026, and each day was better than the one before. The diving is exceptional, with healthy corals and masses and masses of fish, even before we got to the climax of Richelieu Rock. They include an black water dive on each trip, a truly unique opportunity. We received tremendous support from the dive guides and the crew alike, who gracefully and respectfully accommodated everyone's needs. Even the little things - one of the deck crew noticed that the little strap connecting the dust cap to my regulator was close to breaking off and offered to repair it. He did a beautiful job and I'll be reminded of his generosity and kindness each time I dive that reg. Our guide, James, has years of experience, like many masters, conveyed his knowledge with simplicity and clarity (and humor - whew!). I became a better diver following his example. I keep remembering the happy anticipation of standing at the stern, all kitted up, waiting for the captain's signal to jump. Next trip - Burma. The cabins are simple and comfortable, although you may want to bring a pad if you're not a fan of firm beds. A/C and hot water in each cabin - all good. Everyone in our group, from the experts with many thousands of dives to the recently certified, to a couple of non-diving spouses, loved the Smiling Seahorse!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   izacassia 
 
 
 
 Verified Best scuba diving Safari in Thailand
These guys are incredible! 7 days of diving from the south to the north of the Andaman Sea. The staff are incredibly helpful and the food and atmosphere was great. Special thanks to Velika, our guide, that showed us many sea creatures from the micro (picachu) to the large (white tip shark). It was an adventure! Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   yiftah s 
 
 
 
 Verified The smiling seahorse experience
Amazing crew, beautiful dives and unbelievable atmosphere... Had the best two weeks of my life! ❤️❤️❤️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Udi N 
 
 
 
 Verified An Unforgettable Week Underwater!
I just wrapped up a phenomenal week-long liveaboard trip in the Similan Islands with The Smiling Seahorse team, and I cannot recommend them enough. The dives were absolutely gorgeous, but what really set the experience apart was Julian’s amazing spotting skills—he has an incredible eye and made sure we didn't miss a thing. The entire crew was attentive, professional, and always right there to assist with all of our needs, making the whole week completely seamless. On top of the world-class diving, the food was fantastic. Everything was incredibly tasty, and they offered a great variety of dishes that really hit the spot after a long day in the water. Five stars across the board—if you're looking for a top-tier liveaboard operation, this is the team to go with!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Alon kedar 
 
 
 
 Verified מעל ומבר
צללתי אתם באירגון של buddy divers היה נפלא מעל ומעבר לציפיות. הארגון היה מעולה, הצוות מקצועי, תומך ועוזר כל הדרך מלבישת הסנפירים לפני ועד עזרה בכל צורך. תודה גדולה למדריכת צלילה בשם ג׳וי היה נהדר. אלון
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Oren K 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful experience with the Smiling Seahorse
After 9 wonderful days of a diving safari in Myanmar on the Smiling Seahorse liveaboard, I have to say that it’s been a long time since I’ve come across people who are so professional at what they do. The dive guide team is top notch! The crew that takes care of the boat and the diving equipment is extremely professional, always thinking about every single detail and showing endless care for the guests. The boat feels very homely and warm, and it’s especially well suited for underwater photographers. Simply pure pleasure incredible diving, warmth, and love for the guests both above and below the water. Oren Kidron
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   עדי א 
 
 
 
 Verified Don’t miss this liveaboard trip!
The trip was amazing! I had so much fun and I really didn’t want it to end. Velica my guide was the nicest, so caring and professional and fun to dive with, and made me feel very safe. All the stuff was very friendly, professional and personal, and made the whole experience something I’ll never forget. The boat was comfortable and clean, the food was delicious, and the overall vibe on board was relaxed and fun. Beautiful dive sites and amazing dives. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for an unforgettable diving adventure. I would definitely dive with them again!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Yossie Feldman 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing experience, go!!!
It was amazing!!! Katie the diving guide is absolutely magnificent, friendly, crazy in a good way... The team is just extraordinary! Humble, helping wherever they can, the food is delicious and also satisfying, the boys helps greatly every time you come up from a dive... The guides are funny and resourceful... It was really just a perfect time.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Are R 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing company to go diving with.
They picked us up at Koh Phayam even though they are based in Ranong, and helped us organize our transport onwards from Ranong after the trip. James organizes everything with a steady hand and a twinkle in the eye. You will not be bored during briefings on the smiling sea horse. Our guide, Veli Ka, was just amazing as well. So full of knowledge and safe and fun to dive with. All the crew were really nice - seems like a great work environment. The boat itself was really comfortable with a big lounge, sun deck, AC rooms with private bathrooms. Not crowded at all. The food was mouth watering as well. 5 stars!