Hello everyone. 😊
Today, we would like to introduce the TOP 5 Phuket Liveaboards in Thailand recommended by Ting Hai & Devils Divers.
In this post, we will compare five popular liveaboards to help divers who are planning a liveaboard trip in Thailand make the right choice more easily.
VELA · ARUNA VOYAGER · TAPANA CATAMARAN · PAWARA · SAWADEE FASAI
We will compare each liveaboard based on its cabins, facilities, diving schedule, dive sites, pricing, value for money, and private charter options.
Each liveaboard has its own unique strengths, so choosing the right boat according to your travel style, diving preferences, and budget is very important.
Whether you are planning your first Thailand liveaboard trip, a group diving trip with friends or a diving club, an international diver group, or a private liveaboard charter, we hope this comparison will be helpful in planning your trip.
Now, let's take a closer look at each of the TOP 5 Phuket Liveaboards in Thailand recommended by Ting Hai & Devils Divers.
📌 Please read until the end!
We have put together useful information to help you choose the right liveaboard for your Thailand diving adventure.
Thailand Phuket BEST 5 Liveaboards Comparison
VELA · ARUNA VOYAGER · TAPANA CATAMARAN · PAWARA · SAWADEE FASAI
Are you planning a liveaboard diving trip in Thailand?
Thai liveaboards departing mainly from Phuket offer the opportunity to experience world-famous dive sites such as the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock all in one trip.
However, each liveaboard can be quite different in terms of boat size, cabins, guest capacity, onboard facilities, dive deck, price range, and overall atmosphere.
Therefore, in this post, Ting Hai & Devils Divers will compare five representative liveaboards that we frequently recommend when consulting customers about Thailand liveaboard bookings.
🏆 TOP 5 Recommended Liveaboards in Phuket, Thailand
01. VELA LIVEABOARD
02. ARUNA VOYAGER
03. TAPANA CATAMARAN
04. PAWARA
05. SAWADEE FASAI
These five liveaboards were not selected simply based on price.
Each boat has its own unique strengths in different areas, including luxury, cabin comfort, spaciousness, diving facilities, value for money, and group/private charter options.
Our goal is to help divers find the liveaboard that best matches their diving style, group size, budget, and travel preferences.
01. VELA LIVEABOARD
⭐ The Ultimate Premium Liveaboard Experience
Among our five recommended liveaboards, VELA is the ideal choice for divers looking for a more luxurious, spacious, and comfortable liveaboard experience.
VELA is a 43-meter-class large liveaboard launched in 2025, featuring a spacious salon with large windows, a dedicated camera room, a large dive deck, individual dive stations, and two dive tenders.
🚢 Key Specifications
- Length: Approximately 43 m
- Maximum Capacity: Approximately 24 guests
- Cabins: 12
- Large indoor salon
- Spacious dining area
- Large sun deck
- Dedicated camera room
- Spacious dive deck
- Individual dive stations
- 2 dive tenders
- Wi-Fi
- TVs in cabins
- Premium cabin options
💎 Advantages of VELA
① Spacious Interior
Despite accommodating around 24 guests, VELA offers generous onboard space, making it comfortable to relax between dives.
② Premium Cabins
A great choice for divers who value cabin comfort and overall travel quality.
③ Ideal for Underwater Photographers & Videographers
With a dedicated camera room and spacious diving areas, VELA is particularly suitable for divers who prioritize underwater photography and video.
④ Excellent for Private Group Charters
VELA is also an excellent option for full-boat private charters for diving clubs, dive shops, corporate groups, friends, and other organized groups.
👉 Recommended for divers who say:
“Facilities and comfort are more important than price.”
“I want to enjoy a relaxed liveaboard trip in a comfortable cabin.”
“Underwater photography and video are important to me.”
→ VELA is highly recommended.
02. ARUNA VOYAGER
⭐ Spacious Onboard Areas + A Wide Range of Cabin Options
ARUNA VOYAGER is recommended for divers who value a wide selection of cabins and spacious onboard areas.
According to the official specifications, the vessel is approximately 36 meters long and 12 meters wide, with 18 cabins. It offers a variety of cabin types, including Signature Suite, VIP, Deluxe Twin, and Deluxe Single.
🚢 Key Specifications
- Length: Approximately 36 m
- Beam: Approximately 12 m
- Cabins: 18
- Maximum Capacity: Approximately 26–32 guests
- Signature Suite
- VIP Cabin
- Deluxe Twin
- Deluxe Single
- Deluxe Loft
- Lounge
- Bar
- Camera Room
- 2 Dive Tenders
💎 Advantages of ARUNA
① Wide Variety of Cabin Types
Guests can choose the most suitable cabin according to their travel style, whether they are couples, solo divers, or traveling with friends.
② Wide Beam
With a beam of approximately 12 meters, ARUNA offers excellent use of onboard space and comfortable common areas for a 36-meter-class vessel.
③ Excellent Option for Solo Travelers
The Deluxe Single cabin provides a convenient option for divers traveling alone.
④ Suitable for Group Bookings
With a variety of cabin types, ARUNA is well suited for different types of groups, including families, friends, and diving clubs.
👉 Recommended for divers who say:
“I want a wide range of cabin choices.”
“I would like a single room or a higher-category cabin.”
“I want a spacious boat with comfortable common areas.”
→ ARUNA VOYAGER is recommended.
03. TAPANA CATAMARAN
⭐ Luxury + Stability + Small-Group Liveaboard Experience
The biggest feature of TAPANA CATAMARAN is its catamaran-style design, which offers a different experience from conventional single-hull liveaboards.
This approximately 32-meter-class vessel can operate with around 22 guests and features air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms.
🚢 Key Specifications
- Length: Approximately 32 m
- Beam: Approximately 9–9.5 m
- Maximum Capacity: Approximately 22 guests
- Approximately 11 cabins
- Master Cabin
- Deluxe Cabin
- Standard Cabin
- Air-conditioned cabins
- Private bathroom in each cabin
- Spacious salon
- Dining area
- Dive deck
💎 Advantages of TAPANA
① Catamaran Design
The wide twin-hull structure provides a stable and comfortable feeling while offering a different experience from a conventional liveaboard.
② Relaxed Atmosphere with a Smaller Group
Compared with larger 30-guest-class liveaboards, TAPANA operates with a relatively smaller number of guests, making it a great option for divers who prefer a more private and relaxed atmosphere.
③ Comfortable Cabins
The cabins are equipped with air conditioning and private bathrooms, making it easy to relax comfortably after a full day of diving.
④ Multiple Diving Destinations
One of TAPANA's advantages is its ability to operate in various diving regions, including the North Andaman, South Andaman, and, depending on the season, the Gulf of Thailand.
👉 Recommended for divers who say:
“I prefer a more private atmosphere than a large liveaboard.”
“I like the stability and spaciousness of a catamaran.”
“I want a good balance between facilities and price.”
→ TAPANA CATAMARAN is recommended.
🤔 Which Liveaboard Should You Choose?
💎 Best Facilities & Luxury Experience
VELA
If you value spacious areas, premium facilities, and comfortable cabins, VELA is highly recommended.
🛏️ Cabin Selection & Comfort
ARUNA VOYAGER
If you want a wide range of cabin options, from Signature Suite and VIP to Deluxe Twin and Single, ARUNA VOYAGER is an excellent choice.
🌊 Stability & Private Atmosphere
TAPANA CATAMARAN
If you prefer the stability of a catamaran design and a relatively smaller group, TAPANA CATAMARAN is a great option.
💰 Diving-Focused + Great Value
PAWARA
If you want to keep the cost reasonable while enjoying a good diving environment and Free Nitrox, PAWARA is highly recommended.
👥 Friends · Diving Clubs · Group Trips
SAWADEE FASAI
With a variety of cabin types and spacious common areas, SAWADEE FASAI is particularly well suited for group trips, diving clubs, and larger groups.
🏆 Compare the 5 Liveaboards at a Glance
| ⭐ VELA | Approx. 43 m | 12 | Approx. 24 guests | Luxury · Facilities | Premium Travel |
| ⭐ ARUNA | Approx. 36 m | 18 | Approx. 26–32 guests | Cabin Variety | Couples · Solo · Groups |
| ⭐ TAPANA | Approx. 32 m | Approx. 11 | Approx. 22 guests | Catamaran · Spaciousness | Private Travel |
| ⭐ PAWARA | Approx. 35 m | 13 | Approx. 24–26 guests | Value · Free Nitrox | Diving-Focused Trips |
| ⭐ SAWADEE FASAI | Approx. 37 m | 15 | Approx. 26–30 guests | Space · Value | Groups · Value Seekers |
※ Maximum guest capacity and detailed specifications may vary depending on the operating configuration and sales channel.
04. PAWARA
⭐ Great Value + Comfort + Free Nitrox
PAWARA is especially recommended for divers who prioritize value for money when choosing a Thailand liveaboard.
This approximately 35-meter steel-hull liveaboard is designed with stability and comfort in mind. It features 13 cabins and operates with approximately 24–26 guests. One of its key advantages is Free Nitrox for certified divers.
🚢 Key Specifications
- Length: Approximately 35 m
- Beam: Approximately 7 m
- Cabins: 13
- Maximum Capacity: Approximately 24–26 guests
- Master Cabin
- Deluxe Cabin
- Standard Cabin
- Budget Cabin
- Air conditioning
- Shared lounge
- Entertainment area
- Large sun deck
- Camera station
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Nitrox
💎 Advantages of PAWARA
① Stable Steel Hull
The approximately 35-meter steel hull and stable design provide a comfortable and steady cruising experience.
② Free Nitrox
Certified Nitrox divers can enjoy Free Nitrox, which is a major advantage, especially for divers who plan to do multiple dives during the trip.
③ Wide Range of Cabin Options
With cabin categories ranging from Master to Budget, divers can choose a room that best matches their budget and preferences.
④ Excellent Value for Money
Compared with luxury liveaboards, PAWARA offers a more reasonable price while still providing a good diving environment and comfortable onboard experience.
👉 Recommended for divers who say:
“I want to enjoy a good liveaboard at a reasonable price.”
“I plan to do many dives and use Nitrox.”
“I want a wide range of cabin options to choose from.”
→ PAWARA is recommended.
05. SAWADEE FASAI
⭐ Spacious Areas + Variety of Cabins + Excellent Value
SAWADEE FASAI is recommended for divers who want the spacious onboard areas and wide range of cabin options offered by a large 30-guest-class liveaboard.
This approximately 36.8–37-meter liveaboard can accommodate up to around 26–30 guests and offers four cabin categories: Master, Deluxe, Standard, and Budget.
🚢 Key Specifications
- Length: Approximately 36.8–37 m
- Beam: Approximately 7.8 m
- Cabins: 15
- Maximum Capacity: Approximately 30 guests
- Master Cabin
- Deluxe Cabin
- Standard Cabin
- Budget Cabin
- Large indoor lounge
- Outdoor dining area
- Spacious sun deck
- Large dive deck
- Camera station
- Free Nitrox
- Wi-Fi
SAWADEE FASAI features a large indoor lounge, outdoor dining area, spacious sun deck, and large dive deck, making it ideal for travelers who value not only diving but also relaxing and enjoying their time onboard.
💎 Advantages of SAWADEE FASAI
① Large Liveaboard
With a capacity of around 30 guests, the boat offers spacious onboard areas and is well suited for traveling with larger groups.
② Wide Range of Cabin Options
With Master / Deluxe / Standard / Budget cabins, guests can choose according to their budget and preferences.
③ Free Nitrox
Divers with a valid Nitrox certification can enjoy Free Nitrox.
④ Excellent for Group Trips
A great choice for diving clubs, groups of friends, and other larger groups traveling together.
👉 Recommended for divers who say:
“I want a good balance between price and facilities.”
“I am traveling with a larger group.”
“I want to choose from different cabin categories.”
→ SAWADEE FASAI is recommended.
🐋 The Key to a Thailand Liveaboard: Where You Go Matters!
The biggest attraction of a Thailand liveaboard is not simply staying onboard a boat.
It is the opportunity to make multiple dives each day and spend more time exploring some of the Andaman Sea's most famous dive sites, many of which are difficult to reach efficiently on a regular day trip.
A typical North Andaman itinerary includes:
📍 Similan Islands
📍 Koh Bon
📍 Koh Tachai
📍 Richelieu Rock
Richelieu Rock is particularly famous for the possibility of encountering whale sharks, large pelagic fish, and a wide variety of marine life, making it one of the most popular dive sites on Thailand liveaboard itineraries.
📅 Best Season for Thailand Liveaboards
The main liveaboard season for the North Andaman region is generally October–May.
If you are planning a trip focused on the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock, it is important to check the season and the operating period of the national parks before booking.
Meanwhile, depending on the season, South Andaman itineraries can include destinations such as Phi Phi, Koh Haa, Hin Daeng & Hin Muang, and Koh Lipe.
Therefore, rather than simply asking “Which boat is best?”, you should consider:
① Travel dates
② Preferred diving destinations
③ Cabin type
④ Budget
⑤ Number of guests
Taking all of these factors into consideration will help you choose the liveaboard that best suits your trip.
🤿 Why Choose Ting Hai & Devils Divers?
Ting Hai & Devils Divers specializes in providing local Thailand liveaboard reservations and diving travel consultations.
Rather than simply selling one or two boats, we compare different liveaboards based on each traveler's budget, group size, preferred cabin, and diving objectives, helping you find the most suitable option.
We can assist with a wide range of booking arrangements, including:
Individual Cabin Reservations
Diving Clubs
Groups of Friends
International Diver Groups
Full Liveaboard Charters
We also have direct sales and operational relationships with several Thailand liveaboards, including VELA, TAPANA, PAWARA, and SAWADEE FASAI, allowing us to check schedules and cabin availability when arranging reservations.
🏆 Ting Hai & Devils Divers Recommended TOP 5
🥇 VELA
Premium Facilities / Premium Experience / Luxury
🥈 ARUNA VOYAGER
Cabin Variety / Spacious Areas / Comfort
🥉 TAPANA CATAMARAN
Catamaran / Stability / Private Atmosphere
⭐ PAWARA
Value for Money / Diving-Focused / Free Nitrox
⭐ SAWADEE FASAI
Large Boat / Variety of Cabins / Group Travel
📞 Thailand Liveaboard Quick Inquiry
TING HAI & DEVILS DIVERS
Thailand Liveaboard Reservation Specialist
Recommended Liveaboards
VELA
ARUNA VOYAGER
TAPANA CATAMARAN
PAWARA
SAWADEE FASAI
📱 WhatsApp: +66 81 891 3072
🌐 Website: www.devilsdivers.com
📧 Email: jimmy1203@hanmail.net
Inquiries for Thailand liveaboard cabins / schedules / prices / private charters are always welcome.
Send us your preferred travel dates and number of guests, and we will compare the cabins and prices of all 5 recommended liveaboards and recommend the boat that best suits your needs.
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