Our liveaboard boat: The MV Smiling Seahorse

The MV Smiling Seahorse!​

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.
Join us on a tour of this luxurious and carefully designed vessel, one deck at a time..

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 MV Smiling Seahorse 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 cabins on the upper deck

​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.
cabine smiling seahorse
A double bed and a shelf for luggage is the perfect set up for couples.
cabine smiling seahorse
The same cabin can be converted to a bunk bed configuration to cater to friends travelling together.

Main Deck

The Smiling Seahorse main deck
​In the front portion of this deck are the more deluxe and master cabins. All with airconditioning and private en suite bathrooms, their doors open right onto the deck giving you a spectacular view right from your door. We favoured a more open-air design instead of dark narrow hallways through the boat’s interior to move between common areas and cabins which adds a certain charm.

Deluxe cabins


The deluxe cabins are identical to the standard cabin with the only difference being the addition of an ensuite private bathroom. These rooms also feature the smart bedding system to convert the room on demand.

Master cabins

​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.

The diving deck and the photographer's corner

Last but not least is the master piece: 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. 

Photographer's corner: a masterpiece
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. 

​The MV Smiling Seahorse diving deck

​Each diver has access to a center console with numerous cubby holes for masks and small accessories, as well as Nitrox analyzers and logs. Under each dive tank, every diver has a basket to put their fins, boots and weight belt and there are also areas dedicated to hanging your wetsuits as well as wash tanks to rinse the salt from your precious scuba toys. 

You will never trip over another diver in this carefully designed area and the friendly and dedicated staff will treat you like royalty as you wait ready to jump off the diving platform at the sounds of the buzzer. We even have specialised fin friendly ladders for you to climb back onto the boat with ease. 
The Smiling Seahorse's diving platform offers plenty of individual storage for your dive gear
The Smiling Seahorse's diving platform offers plenty of individual storage for your dive gear
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 15L 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 MV Smiling Seahorse board

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, fire alarm, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, emergency oxygen, and trained oxygen and first aide 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. ​

The team...

"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.
The heart of the boat is also located on this deck, where our talented chef with fill the air with mouthwatering aromas of local and international cuisines 4 times a day. Inform us in advance of any allergies or dietary restrictions, and we will be happy to provide to your needs.
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.
Choui, our super chef
Choui, our super chef
Alongside the chef, the crew of the MV Smiling Seahorse is second to none. Our large team of specialized workers take care of everything you need on the frontline 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!
boat features 
   - Open air design (all cabins can have 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
​   - Confortable lounge zone
- Non-smoking cabins
- Air-con 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
​- Kayak on board free of charge
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)
- PADI Courses and specialties available
​- Tenders: no need to find the boat, we will come get you
- Sidemount and Tech divers friendly
- Certified Mares service technician onboard
- Staff perfectly trained to handle fragile equipment
food & drink
   - Western and Thai food (all delicious)
   ​- 4 meals per day ​(Bf, lunch, snack and dinner)
   - Vegetarian and any special diet catered for
   - Unlimited soft drinks and electrolytes included
   - Bar with beer and wine available for purchase
   - Snacks, fruits and refreshments available 24hrs
​   - BBQ night on every cruise 
 
buffet dinner on MV Smiling Seahorse
our legendary BBQ dinner
Exceptional Liveaboard, I had great time!!
Review: 5, based on 176 reviews "Superb liveaboard diving with The Smiling Seahorse" by , written on April 10, 2023
I have recently returned from a North / South Andaman Sea Manta Ray Expedition with The Smiling Seahorse and I cannot praise the operation highly enough. Everything from the layout of the boat and it’s facilities, the way the dive groups were organised and managed, the attentiveness and professionalism of the crew, the accommodation, the food, the sites we visited …. All top notch! I have been on many day boats and liveaboards in Thailand over the last 10+yrs and The Smiling Seahorse is the best by far. Particular thanks to our dive guide James who’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the sites was fantastic, he always managed to get us into the best spots for fishy action and often away from other divers which was superb… really appreciated. Also thanks to Jamie who’s daily presentations on the the majestic Manta Rays were truly fascinating and added another dimension to the trip…. Best of luck with the Manta Ray Trust of Thailand! If I have any feedback to give would be about the food, it’s plentiful and delicious but a little more variety might be appreciated, it’s a very small improvement that would take my 10/10 to an 11/10! So, thank you Franck and the whole team… you have a very slick, professional, fun and great team around you… so much so, I’ve just booked to join you again next year on the Myanmar Manta trip! See you soon!!!
★★★★★ by Andrew April 10, 2023
Reviewed at Tripadvisor
The Smiling Seahorse Andaman dive cruises.!
Review: 5, based on 176 reviews "Highly recommend Smiling Seahorse is the best Liveaboard we have be on" by , written on February 24, 2023
Full of praise for all the staff, the quality of dive gear, cleanliness of the boat and the food oh the food was plentiful and wonderful. We have been on many Liveaboard trips across the world and The Smiling Seahorse rates almost the best we have sailed on. The dive staff have a safety first culture which is second to none. They are very friendly and relaxed and provide full briefing and debriefing with every dive. We had 15 guests and 4 dive masters so the trip was certainly not over crowded. Staff can also speak a variety of languages which made communication very easy for all guests. Diving in the Andaman sea and around Similan Islands is great at the best of times but was made even better thanks to the wonderfully professional dive team and crew. Everything was looked after from the moment we stepped onboard. The equipment is well maintained with a spacious dive deck to make gearing up easy. The boat is fully equipped with Nitrox so you can dive Nitrox every dive for a small charge which was well worth the cost. Cabin was clean and spacious, we had a Master Cabin at the front of the boat with ensuite however all rooms were equally as good. Plenty of comfortable space to chill out between dives and you can easily find a quite place to read a book or have a snooze. The boat was fully equipped with everything we could want on our trip and there was ice cold beers to have with dinner. The captain was fantastic motoring through the night to our next dive site. All cabins face out to the water with air-conditioning and opening windows if you want fresh air. The boat is very stable and does not rock around while travelling or at anchor. Thanks to James, Julien, Mint and Joon our team masters for making this trip an unforgettable holiday. Highly recommend The Smiling Seahorse Thank you team.
★★★★★ by alwayslove2travel_10 February 24, 2023
Reviewed at Tripadvisor
The Smiling Seahorse Andaman Dive cruises
Review: 5, based on 194 reviews "The best Similan diving expérience!!" by , written on April 21, 2024
The title says it all and every component of the Smiling Seahorse stands out. The dive sites were varied and each one offered something new to shout about. I reached my 900th dive on this trip from Khao Lak to Phuket, and have been on many live-aboards, and this one knows what divers want. They help you don your wetsuit, hold on to your tank before you jump in or climb back up the ladder, to save your back for your 24 dives in a week, put your fins on for you, remove them after the dive, and would likely breathe for you if requested. James, my extremely experienced guide and cruise director, did everything in his power to make all my dives special. What resulted in that, were some pretty special dives: 8 black tipped sharks in a few minutes, 5 massive blotched fantail rays, a guitar shark, a leopard shark, a deadly stonefish, giant clams, and rivers of fish swimming through the corals, actually blocking my view of him at one point, and it was hard to follow him, like in a fog! These big schools of fish are one of the main reasons for a live-aboard, remoteness, and these are some incredibly healthy reefs. The food was excellent as well, with mountains of it offered 3 times a day, plus a "snack", which really amounted to 4 meals a day. If you want to feel like every day is your birthday, with your invited guests including countless green morays, cuttlefish, huge schools of giant trevallies and bright fusiliers carpeting the ocean, get aboard the Smiling Seahorse.
★★★★★ by fiftystatesevenconts January 21, 2024
reviewed at Tripadvisor