Marco Polo
Vibrant and sociable liveaboard offering expertly-run dive cruises to the Similan Islands
per person
per person
Overview
- Operated by the highly-regarded Sea Bees dive centre
- Sociable atmosphere on board, with emphasis on communal spaces
- Choose of itinerary durations, ranging from three to seven-days
- Up to four dives a day and free nitrox for certified divers
Marco Polo is a welcoming liveaboard whose itineraries showcase the very best of Thailand’s Andaman Sea. Owned and operated by the well-established Sea Bees dive centre, this vessel builds on many years of experience throughout its operations, guaranteeing a superior service that is safe, professional, and most of all, fun. Accommodating just 12 guests, Marco Polo is a sociable liveaboard, welcoming divers and non-divers alike in its comfortable communal areas - including a playfully nicknamed ‘party deck’ - and whisking them away on epic Andaman Sea adventures.
Upcoming trips
Cabins
- If you are a solo traveller, we aim to allocate shared cabins on a same-sex basis.
- Non-shareable cabins can not be shared with another single traveler outside your party. A single occupancy surcharge will be applied.
Amenities
Boat
Dive facilities
- If you are a solo traveller, we aim to allocate shared cabins on a same-sex basis.
- Non-shareable cabins can not be shared with another single traveler outside your party. A single occupancy surcharge will be applied.
Vessel
Vessel information
Marco Polo is a bright and cheerful liveaboard operating out of Tap Lamu, Khao Lak, between November and April. Newly renovated in 2021, Marco Polo boasts a vibrant aesthetic and genuine charm, is crewed by a professional and attentive crew, and offers exceptional value-for-money. With just 12 guests accommodated in six cabins, the vessel feels spacious yet still delivers a cosy, sociable atmosphere. This communal vibe is what Marco Polo is all about, offering a ‘party deck’ and discounts for non-divers.
Marco Polo is the flagship vessel of Sea Bees - one of Thailand’s oldest and best-known dive centres. Every week, Marco Polo embarks on two liveaboard cruises to showcase the reefs and marine life around the Similan Islands - as well as heading north towards the world-famous Richelieu Rock - allowing guests to experience the best scuba diving Thailand has to offer. Built in 1997, this vessel has been one of Sea Bees’ most popular offerings for many years, with numerous divers returning time and time again to experience its delights - with some guests joining for more than 20 different trips!
Onboard Marco Polo
The 23-metre Marco Polo accommodates a maximum of 12 guests in six comfortable cabins which also feature direct access to the outer deck. The vessel’s aptly-named ‘Party Deck’ offers plenty of room for relaxation with a cool, shady area leading on to a good sized salon. Inside the salon, guests will find a TV where they can view the day’s underwater footage or simply relax and listen to music. Marco Polo’s sun deck is situated above the salon, offering plenty of opportunity to work on your tan while relaxing on comfortable bean bags. Freshly-cooked meals are served in the salon and party deck, and feature a mix of International and tempting Thai cuisine.
Diving from Ambai
The Marco Polo was custom built for diving, and offers a large covered dive deck with camera rinse tanks and ample space for kitting up and storing gear. Divers can enjoy up to 22 dives, including night dives, in the amazing dive areas of Similan Islands, Surin and the whale shark hotspot of Richelieu Rock. Free nitrox 32% is available on board for certified divers, and a range of SSI courses can also be arranged, including Advanced Open Water and Nitrox Speciality. The boat stocks 12 litre tanks and the compressor station is located below-deck, providing virtually noise-free tank fills.
Top tips
- The best chances of spotting whale sharks and manta rays usually occur towards the end of the season, around the months of March and April.
- Bring a little extra cash for national park fees, alcoholic drinks, and rental equipment if you require it.
