Our liveaboard boat: the MV Smiling Seahorse
After 7 nice years of lovely cruises aboard the MV Thai Sea it is time for an upgrade, welcome to MV Smiling Seahorse
Good bye MV Thai Sea...
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Hello MV Smiling Seahorse!
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Introducing the brand new MV Smiling Seahorse: Myanmar's best diving liveaboard!
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 has a shaded area with an outdoor living room and hammocks to relax, play cards, or take a nap in the shade during your surface interval. If you prefer to catch some rays the whole front of the boat is uncovered and has a variety of Thai style cushions and mats at your disposal to create the perfect sunbathing zone. This is also the perfect place to wistfully look up at the stars and enjoy the solitude and calm 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!
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.
A double bed and a shelf for luggage is the perfect set up for couples.
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The same cabin can be converted to a bunk bed configuration to cater to friends travelling together.
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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
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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. |
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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.
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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.
The diving deck also features 2 shared bathrooms for the guests staying in standard cabins.
Photographer's corner: a masterpiece
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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
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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
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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
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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. |
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The team...
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"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.
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
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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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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 |
our legendary BBQ dinner
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Fantastic well run boat
Review:
5, based on
139 reviews
"Fantastic well run boat" by
Dartmoortrekker, written on
April 20, 2021
Apart from amazing underwater experience around Andaman Sea (Surin Island, Bon Islands, Tachai and Richelieu rock), the life on this boat is safe and relax.
I am a PADI DM and have been diving for 26 years I have been on 20 or so liveaboards including several in Thailand. I was on the trip over Songkran in mid April and we did 12 dives in Surin, Richelieu Rock Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.
The Smiling Seahorse is a very well designed and maintained boat purpose built as a liveaboard to the owners’ design. There are many good safety and convenience features not always seen on other boats. It is at the top of the mid range, not luxury but with everything you need. Great value for money in my view.
The diving was exciting and great by Thai standards. We saw two whalesharks at Richelieu and a distant manta at Surin. Loads of other fish action especially when the current was pumping. The owner changed the itinerary to allow us to see the whalesharks which only stayed for one day. This already made the trip a success on day 1.
Considerable attention is paid to safety and the 16 divers are split into 4 groups each with their own DM. Pick ups are normally by the big boat, though an inflatable is also available. The captain manoeuvres the boat with great skill. Hire equipment is well maintained and nitrox mix a reliable 31 or 32%.
Franck and Camille the owners and the rest of the team are really friendly and helpful and make you feel at home. There are social activities including a bbq on the last day. Franck managed to keep the 6 kids on the trip occupied without any impact on the adult customers. Quite a feat!
Cabins are pretty spacious with a small locker but space on the floor for bags. I would personally go for en suite next time as the common bathrooms are on the dive deck - worth the extra cost iLeisure areas include the confortable saloon and spacious sundeck.
Food is plentiful and good and soft drinks free. Beer and wine is modestly priced.
Overall, this was an excellent trip and the best liveaboard I have done in Thailand. I will book again next season without any doubt and would be happy to do the Myanmar route on this boat whenever it restarts.
