PETTERI'S TIPS: Diving on Liveaboards, everything you need to know

How do we dive on a liveaboard?

The daily schedule on a diving liveaboard is well-structured but flexible. A sample itinerary:

• 06:30 Wake-up
• 07:00 Dive 1
• 08:30 Buffet breakfast
• 11:00 Dive 2
• 12:30 Lunch
• 14:30 Dive 3
• 16:00 Snack
• 17:30 or 18:30 Dive 4 (sunset dive or night dive)
• After the dives, dinner is served, followed by free time for socializing and relaxing.

Each dive begins with a thorough briefing about the site. The schedule is approximate and may vary.

Dives are primarily conducted from support boats (dinghies) due to national park regulations and safety considerations. These boats are equipped with ladders, and the crew is trained to assist divers efficiently.

Raya Divers maintains small and safe diving groups: one guide for a maximum of four divers. Dive times and depths are carefully limited as follows:

• First dive: max. 30 m depth, 60 minutes.
• Subsequent dives: depths progressively decrease (25 m, 20 m, 15 m).
• The last dive is limited to a maximum of 40 minutes.
• All dives are conducted with conservative profiles.

What diving equipment is required?

You can use your own equipment or rent it from Raya Divers. Rental gear (wetsuit, regulator, BCD, mask, snorkel, and fins) can be fitted at the office before departure.

Weight belts, weights, and air tanks are included in the price for all divers.

Mandatory extra gear:

• Dive computer (available for rent if needed).

Recommended additional gear:

• SMB (surface marker buoy)
• Dive torch
• Cutter/dive knife
• Dive gloves

Dive torches are available for rent on the boat or from Raya Divers, but quality can vary. Bringing your own is recommended.

All personal equipment (e.g., regulator, dive computer, cameras) should be clearly labeled, as similar items might belong to other divers. Make sure your gear is inspected and serviced before your trip.

Can you take diving courses during the liveaboard?

During the safari, you can complete PADI Advanced and Nitrox courses, but these must be booked in advance to allow time for theory study before the trip. Other courses can be taken as part of day trips before or after the liveaboard.

What are the diving conditions like?

• Water temperature: 28–30 °C, occasionally dropping to 21–24 °C due to "thermocline" effects.
• Currents: Present at most dive sites but manageable with guidance from the dive leader.
• Wetsuit recommendation: A 3 mm shorty wetsuit (included in rental packages) is suitable for most. If you tend to feel cold easily, a full-length wetsuit is advisable.

What else should you know?

• Payments: National park, Nitrox, and transfer fees must be paid at the office in Thai Baht (cash) or by credit card (+3% fee)
• Dietary requirements: Special diets are well accommodated but must be requested in advance
• Internet: Limited connectivity during the safari
• Cash: Needed for ice cream, alcoholic drinks, and voluntary tips for the Thai crew
• Snacks: You may bring your own favorite snacks. Complimentary soft drinks and electrolyte beverages are available onboard
• Air-conditioned cabins may cause dry mucous membranes or cold feet—consider bringing warm socks and nasal sprays to stay comfortable.

A comprehensive first-aid kit is available on the boat, but bringing your personal travel kit is advised:

• Ear and eye drops
• Nasal spray
• Decongestants
• Painkillers and moisturizers

Bringing your own personal hygiene products is advisable, as local products may differ from what you're used to.