Well protected by their status as a Thai national park and supported by a UNESCO environmental program, the Mu Koh Surin Islands are a remarkable destination for nature lovers and scuba divers.
The archipelago consists of two main islands, Koh Surin Nuea (North Surin Island) and Koh Surin Tai (South Surin Island). Surrounded by rich marine life and covered in lush tropical forests, the islands offer an exceptional glimpse into the natural beauty of Thailand’s Andaman Sea.
Mu Koh Surin National Park is located in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Khura Buri, in Phang Nga Province, Thailand.
The islands lie between:
The Similan Islands to the south.
The Mergui Archipelago to the north.
The first Burmese island, Christie Island, is only 12 km north of the Surin Islands.
The waters surrounding the Surin Islands are home to an incredible diversity of marine life. Colorful tropical reef fish are abundant, while divers and snorkelers can often encounter:
Butterflyfish
Moray eels
Reef sharks
Sea turtles
Rays
A wide variety of reef fish and crustaceans
Among the most famous visitors to the Surin Islands is the whale shark, one of the ocean’s most impressive creatures.
Whether you are exploring the reefs underwater or enjoying the coastline from a boat, Surin National Park offers plenty of opportunities to discover the rich biodiversity of the Andaman Sea.
The natural beauty of Mu Koh Surin National Park extends well beyond its underwater world.
The islands are covered in verdant evergreen forests, mangroves, and small tropical beaches. The park provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including
Crab-eating macaques
Deer
Flying foxes
For birdwatchers, the islands are home to hornbills, Nicobar pigeons, kingfishers, and birds of prey such as sea eagles and Brahminy kites.
The casual visitor may enjoy a glimpse of this natural beauty, while keen naturalists can appreciate the impressive biodiversity found throughout the park.
Surin National Park is open from 15 October to 15 May.
Sea conditions vary throughout the season:
Christmas and New Year: Steady northerly winds can regularly create short, bumpy waves.
February to May: The sea is usually much flatter, offering more comfortable conditions for boat trips and diving.
As with all Andaman Sea destinations, weather and sea conditions can vary from day to day.
To dive within the national marine park, you must join an accredited dive operator, such as The Smiling Seahorse.
The national park permit must now be arranged in advance.
To help protect the islands and their natural environment:
Taking anything from the islands, including shells or sand, is forbidden.
Violations can result in hefty fines or even imprisonment.
Please respect the park’s regulations and leave the islands exactly as you found them.
The Surin Islands are also home to a village of Moken people, traditionally known as sea gypsies.
The Moken have a deep cultural and historical connection with the Andaman Sea and its islands, making them an important part of the cultural heritage of Mu Koh Surin National Park.
Discover the incredible underwater world and natural beauty of Mu Koh Surin National Park on a dive cruise with The Smiling Seahorse.
From colorful tropical reefs to encounters with impressive marine life, the Surin Islands are a wonderful destination for divers and nature lovers exploring Thailand’s Andaman Sea.
Dive Site
EXCELLENT
Based on 93 reviews
Posted on Google![]()
Magda KapustaTrustindex 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 ForsythTrustindex 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 FischerTrustindex 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 NehabTrustindex 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 YeshurunTrustindex 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 WaggenerTrustindex 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 BusardTrustindex 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 ארדTrustindex 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 StadlerTrustindex 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 BarTrustindex 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 KVerified
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![]()
ScenicPathVerified
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![]()
izacassiaVerified
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 sVerified
The smiling seahorse experience Amazing crew, beautiful dives and unbelievable atmosphere... Had the best two weeks of my life! ❤️❤️❤️Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Udi NVerified
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 kedarVerified
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. אלוןPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Oren KVerified
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 KidronPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
עדי אVerified
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 FeldmanVerified
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 RVerified
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!
Well protected by their status as a Thai national park and supported by a UNESCO environmental programme, the Mu Koh Surin Islands are a remarkable destination for nature lovers and scuba divers.
The archipelago consists of two main islands, Koh Surin Nuea (North Surin Island) and Koh Surin Tai (South Surin Island). Surrounded by rich marine life and covered in lush tropical forests, the islands offer an exceptional glimpse into the natural beauty of Thailand’s Andaman Sea.
Mu Koh Surin National Park is located in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Khura Buri, in Phang Nga Province, Thailand.
The islands lie between:
The Similan Islands to the south.
The Mergui Archipelago to the north.
The first Burmese island, Christie Island, is only 12 km north of the Surin Islands.
The waters surrounding the Surin Islands are home to an incredible diversity of marine life. Colourful tropical reef fish are abundant, while divers and snorkelers can often encounter:
Butterflyfish
Moray eels
Reef sharks
Sea turtles
Rays
A wide variety of reef fish and crustaceans
Among the most famous visitors to the Surin Islands is the whale shark, one of the ocean’s most impressive creatures.
Whether you are exploring the reefs underwater or enjoying the coastline from a boat, Surin National Park offers plenty of opportunities to discover the rich biodiversity of the Andaman Sea.
The natural beauty of Mu Koh Surin National Park extends well beyond its underwater world.
The islands are covered in verdant evergreen forests, mangroves, and small tropical beaches. The park provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including
Crab-eating macaques
Deer
Flying foxes
For birdwatchers, the islands are home to hornbills, Nicobar pigeons, kingfishers, and birds of prey such as sea eagles and Brahminy kites.
The casual visitor may enjoy a glimpse of this natural beauty, while keen naturalists can appreciate the impressive biodiversity found throughout the park.
Surin National Park is open from 15 October to 15 May.
Sea conditions vary throughout the season:
Christmas and New Year: Steady northerly winds can regularly create short, bumpy waves.
February to May: The sea is usually much flatter, offering more comfortable conditions for boat trips and diving.
As with all Andaman Sea destinations, weather and sea conditions can vary from day to day.
To dive within the national marine park, you must join an accredited dive operator, such as The Smiling Seahorse.
The national park permit must now be arranged in advance.
To help protect the islands and their natural environment:
Taking anything from the islands, including shells or sand, is forbidden.
Violations can result in hefty fines or even imprisonment.
Please respect the park’s regulations and leave the islands exactly as you found them.
The Surin Islands are also home to a village of Moken people, traditionally known as sea gypsies.
The Moken have a deep cultural and historical connection with the Andaman Sea and its islands, making them an important part of the cultural heritage of Mu Koh Surin National Park.
Discover the incredible underwater world and natural beauty of Mu Koh Surin National Park on a dive cruise with The Smiling Seahorse.
From colourful tropical reefs to encounters with impressive marine life, the Surin Islands are a wonderful destination for divers and nature lovers exploring Thailand’s Andaman Sea.
Getting there: only reachable by boat
Marine Life: Rich diversity from pelagic to special macro life
Level required: suitable for all levels of divers and snorkelers
Water temperature: 26 to 30°C
Dive type: boat dive
Visibility: up to 30 m
Diving period: October to May
Location: 60 km west of Khuraburi, the nearest town on the Andaman coast
EXCELLENT
Based on 93 reviews
Posted on Google![]()
Magda KapustaTrustindex 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 ForsythTrustindex 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 FischerTrustindex 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 NehabTrustindex 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 YeshurunTrustindex 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 WaggenerTrustindex 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 BusardTrustindex 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 ארדTrustindex 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 StadlerTrustindex 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 BarTrustindex 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 KVerified
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![]()
ScenicPathVerified
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![]()
izacassiaVerified
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 sVerified
The smiling seahorse experience Amazing crew, beautiful dives and unbelievable atmosphere... Had the best two weeks of my life! ❤️❤️❤️Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Udi NVerified
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 kedarVerified
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. אלוןPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Oren KVerified
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 KidronPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
עדי אVerified
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 FeldmanVerified
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 RVerified
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!
Explore the Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock and the Similan Islands.
Prices in Thai baht (THB), per diver. The 10% discount is already applied.