DIVE TRIP FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Divers will need to fly into Phuket (HKT) no later than 3pm on February 12th.
We highly recommend flying in a day or two early and staying at a local hotel. This will help you recover from jetlag prior to boarding the boat, as well as reduce some of the stress of travel delays. An ideal flight would leave YVR on the evening of February 9th, and arrive into Phuket the morning of February 11th.
On February 12th, a shuttle will be arranged to pick you up from either the airport or your hotel, and bring you to the dive center in Khao Lak
On February 17th, we won’t be arriving back at the dock until the early evening so it’s recommended to book a hotel for that night, and plan your return flight for February 18thÂ
All divers must hold a valid Diving Insurance Policy that covers Medical and Evacuation expenses and be able to show proof at check-in.
We also highly recommend divers also have trip insurance in the event of any unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, or flight delays/cancellation.
We recommend Dive Assure, which offers both trip and dive insurance, and have affordable packages whether you want to purchase for just a single trip, or if you have multiple trips planned this year.
The average water temperature is 28 degrees Celsius, with visibility averaging around 30 meters!
February is dry season in Thailand, the weather averages around 26-30 degrees Celsius.
Being out on a boat can be a bit windy sometimes so we highly recommend bringing a windbreaker to keep you warm in-between dives!
It is customary to tip the crew and guides for their service. Here are some general guidelines:
Thai-oriented liveaboard, there will usually be 2 separated tips.
- Crew Tip: Typically, a tip of 1200-1600 THB per guest for trip is considered appropriate. This includes the chef, serving staff, captain, engineer, and other crew members.
- Dive Group Leader: Around 1200-1600 THB per diver
If any crew member made a significant impression, a specific tip of 300-500 THB is appreciated.
Local Currency Preference: It is preferred to tip in local currency, Thai Baht, as it avoids currency exchange issues.
The boat does offer Wi-Fi access, however it is limited, and dependent on the location, there may be days without signal.
Thailand uses power outlets of types A, B, C, and O, with a standard voltage of 220V and frequency of 50Hz.
Plug Types and Compatibility
Thailand features four main types of electrical outlets:
- Type A: Two flat parallel pins, commonly used in the U.S., Canada, and Japan. These are ungrounded.
- Type B: Similar to
- Type A but with an additional round grounding pin. Type A plugs can fit into Type B sockets.
- Type C: Two round pins, standard in Europe and many other countries. Compatible with Type E and F plugs.
- Type O: Unique to Thailand, with two round pins and a larger grounding hole. Type C plugs can also fit into Type O sockets.
Most outlets in Thailand are hybrid sockets, meaning they can accommodate multiple plug types
The Manta Queen Fleet is proud to offer the best tasting Thai-European Fusion Cuisine, freshly prepared by their onboard chefs.
All meals onboard are served buffet style freshly cooked from the onboard kitchen, and can be adjusted for vegetarian/vegan divers as well.
Water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, Fresh Fruit & snacks are available throughout the day.
Please specify food allergies and dietary requirements upon booking, most can be accommodated
All Divers will require:
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
- Regulator with pressure gauge
- Buoyancy compensator (BCD)
- Dive Computer
- Tanks (Included)
- Weights (Included)
- A 2mm shorty or 3/2mm full wetsuit is recommended.Â
- Divers are recommended to carry SMB’s
Other recommended non-diving items:
- Windbreaker (something warm to put on after the dive)
- Microfiber towel for drying off in between dives
- If you’re prone to seasickness, we recommend bringing bands/tablets/etc.Â
- Re-Useable water bottle
- Reefsafe Sunscreen
- Some local currency for tips (Thai Baht)
You can choose to either rent gear directly through Manta Queen or rentals can be arranged through the Diving Locker.
Please note that Computers are mandatory for each diver.
Manta Queen Rental Prices (Must be booked in advance)
Equipment Package (2500 BAHT):Â Â Mares Rover BCD, Mares Regulator, Fins, Mask, 3mm Shorty Wetsuit, & Torch
- Computer Rental (1000 BAHT)
Diving Locker Rental prices:
- BCD/Regulator/Shorty Wetsuit Package $100
- Dive Computer $50
If you are renting gear through us, you will be responsible for transporting there and back. Gear is to be picked up no earlier than February 8th and returned no later than February 20th (unless otherwise arranged)





