M.V. Nautica Scuba Live-Aboard

Last Trip: January 2010

I spent the 2009/2010 New Year holiday on board Nautica, diving the Similans. The ship is certainly among the best cruising the Andaman on a regular basis. The Nautica was built in 2004 specifically for dive use, and accommodates up to 12 divers per trip. There are four twin/double cabins and one bunk-bed twin cabin on the lower deck. The double-bed "master" cabin is on the upper deck behind the wheel-house. All of the cabins except the bunk-bed have en-suite bathrooms with hot water showers. All have individually controlled air conditioning, which is quite an asset on hot still afternoons, when you want to escape to a cool place.

The upper deck has a covered dining area, where all meals are served buffet style. Dive briefings are also held here. There's a self-service system for soft drinks, tea, coffee, beer and wine. At the stern-end of the upper deck was a large padded area for lounging, also covered. The deck area on the bow was available fore those wanting to get some sun.

The Thai chef serves mostly Thai food, which she does very well. The few attempts made at western meals, while delicious, weren't quite on the mark.

The Dive Deck

The dive deck is reasonably roomy, although with 12 divers plus two dive masters getting their gear on, it can get just a little crowded. The boat has its own compressors and full nitrox blending capabilities. A drying rack at the rear of the deck allows you wetsuit to air out between dives. The stairs down to the dive platform are easy to navigate, and it is possible for all divers to make a quick entry when needed. My particular favorite feature of this dive boat are the ladders which made for the easiest water exits I've ever experienced. Two showers on either side of the dive deck allowed you to wash off after your dive. A large rinse tank was placed at the center of the dive deck for rinsing computers and cameras.

The Nautica has full equipment for rental, including digital cameras, but you should arrange this ahead of time to ensure you get the proper equipment.

Nautica Arrivals and Departures

The Nautica uses the Tap Lamu pier in the Khao Lak area as it's home port. The pier is about one hour driving distance from the Phuket Airport. Cruises last four, six or eight nights. The eight-night trips extend into southern Myanmar (Burma).

Quick Summary

Pluses: Very comfortable boat, with cabins that have all the amenities. Excellent dive deck.

Minuses: Dive masters were somewhat inattentive after the first few dives.

The Nautica is operated by Moby Dick Adventures. You can book it through their web site, or compare boats and prices at Sunrise Divers.