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Diving on the MV Pawara liveaboard in Thailand
The MV Pawara, a 36-meter/118 feet long Thailand liveaboard, custom-made for diving was refurbished in 2016. It accommodates 22 guests. The MV Pawara takes you to Thailand’s best diving sites which includes the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock. Explicitly refitted for scuba divers, the liveaboard goes on a cruise for four days and four nights and is fitted with large hull stabilizers, which have improved the comfort levels in the boat as rolling in livelier waters are significantly reduced.
This luxury liveaboard which goes on a cruise from October to May is fitted with first-class amenities that accommodate all its 22 guests. The boat has 12 cabins that comprise budget cabins on the lower deck and shared bathrooms. There are two master cabins located on the main deck. There are 4 Deluxe cabins on the same deck equipped with bunk style beds, same as budget cabins that are on the lower deck. Other cabins are en-suite and are fully air-conditioned. The MV Pawara also has a big lounge area with TV, DVD, karaoke, and where guests can play games. There are an outdoor dining area and a shaded sun deck, perfect for relaxing after diving.
The MV Pawara has a large dive deck along with facilities that make diving comfortable for divers. For EANx certified divers, the MV Pawara makes Nitrox available.
Guests are served buffet style three delicious main meals daily. The meals include a pre-breakfast of toast and coffee and tea while snacks are served in the afternoon to keep the divers strengthened throughout the day. The meals are a combination of western and local cuisine and guests with special dietary requests are catered to as well.
With the safety of divers and other guests a priority, the MV Pawara has fire extinguishers, life jackets, first aid station, oxygen tanks, life rafts, and vests.
While diving can be done all year long, the best time to go is between January and March, when the average air temperature is between 27C/80F and 34C/93F.
The diving trip on the MV Pawara is four days and four nights with guests departing from Tablamu Pier in Khao Lak. The guests depart for the MV Pawara by 5 pm on the departure date and arrive by 7:30 pm, where they are briefed, checked into their rooms with light dinner provided.
There are four dives on the first day, which takes place at the Similan Islands. On the second day, a total of four dives occurs at Similan Islands and Koh Bon. A total of four dives on the third day takes place at Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock while on the final day, there are two dives in the Boon Soong Wreck before guests are brought back to Phuket via Tablamu Pier.
Things we like:
- Many divers commended Bento for his 10 years on board Pawara and because he ran everything smoothly and well planned.
- Some people noted that the liveaboard was in excellent condition with full amenities for a awesome diving experience.
- Some people said in the evening they would hold board game night to pass the time.
Things we don't like:
- Some divers were taken back because their trip was hampered due to a monsoon.
- Many people noted that they served fish on a daily basis and a little variety would not hurt.
- A problem…
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2016 |
| Max Divers | 24 |
| Price Range | Mid-range |
| Trip Length | < 5 Nights |
| Internet | Yes (free) |
| Nitrox | Yes (free) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | No |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |

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