Customer review from Liveaboard.com
“Unforgettable diving experience – a crew that felt like family! From the very first moment at Sea Dragon Dive Center, we were greeted with warmth, professionalism, and a sense of joy that set the tone for the entire trip. Boarding the MV Explorer was flawless – every logistical detail had been thought through, and everything worked like clockwork. The crew truly made this trip unforgettable. Each and every member was fantastic – kind, helpful, and deeply committed to our safety and experience. Special greetings to the team member who celebrated his birthday with us – what a moment to share at sea! Cruise Supervisor Ori was simply fabulous – always clear, informative, and full of humor. She created a perfect balance between professionalism and light-hearted atmosphere. Marc, our dive master, was pure magic – his phenomenal patience, empathy, and passion for diving made each briefing and dive a delight. The captain was exceptionally competent and safety-focused. We felt 100% secure under his guidance, even when the sea turned a bit playful. The cook was an absolute gem – warm-hearted and full of charm, her food kept us smiling (and going back for seconds)! And the rest of the crew? Just fabulous. Quiet, helpful, and always one step ahead. As for the diving: despite the end-of-season conditions (some rain, plankton, and a hint of melancholia), the underwater world was stunning – billions of fish, vibrant reefs, and playful surprises like a baby shark! The moody weather was more than made up for by the warmth on board and the energy of the team. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Thank you, Sea Dragon and MV Explorer crew – we left the boat with full hearts, tired smiles, and stories we’ll treasure forever. Highly recommended without hesitation – we’ll be back!”
Recommended for: The crew & the dive master(s). The entire atmosphere. The food.
Customer Review By Paul Daniel S, from: Germany scored the MV Explorer Liveaboard 9.2 out of 10; Review courtesy of Liveaboard.com, for all 80 reviews and information click here: MV Explorer Liveaboard .
Is The MV Explorer Liveaboard Right For You?
⚡ Quick Facts
(or equivalent)
✓ Best For:
- ✓Intermediate divers looking to build experience
- ✓Social divers who enjoy meeting new people
- ✓Travelers who prefer to rent equipment rather than bring their own
- ✓Divers seeking multi-day immersive experiences
✗ Not Ideal For:
- ✗Those who prefer day trips or shore-based diving
- ✗Divers seeking extreme or technical diving challenges
🎯 Perfect If You Want...
- •Similan Islands diving
- •Whale shark encounters at Richelieu Rock
- •Manta ray cleaning stations
- •Budget-friendly Southeast Asian diving
SDE Liveaboard Rating – Boat Features for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
On reviewing the MV Explorer Liveaboard, it scores 50% on the SDE Liveaboard Rating – Boat Features, as it has 5 of 10 key boat features (see below).
The MV Explorer Liveaboard has free WIFI internet onboard, which means you can stay up to date with your emails and social media whilst on your dive trip.
In addition, it provides charging stations for phones, laptops, torches and underwater cameras so your batteries are always topped up, and your dive kit is always ready for the next dive.
A review of the list of Boat Features found on the MV Explorer Liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with a specific feature, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
- Charging stations
- Dedicated crew
- Paid airport transfer, no hotel transfer
Click here to show boat features not found
The boat features that are not found on the MV Explorer Liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with this feature, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
- Audio & video entertainment
- Indoor saloon
- Nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio
- Smart Voyager accreditation
- Towels (Deck towels: Not available, Beach towels: Not available)
Boat FAQs for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
Does the MV Explorer Liveaboard have WiFi internet?
Does the MV Explorer Liveaboard have an air conditioned saloon?
Does the MV Explorer Liveaboard have an indoor saloon?
Does the MV Explorer Liveaboard have a sun deck or leisure deck?
Does the MV Explorer Liveaboard have an observation deck?
What onboard entertainment is available on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is there a boutique or souvenir shop on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is the MV Explorer Liveaboard family friendly?
Is the MV Explorer Liveaboard available for private charter?
What type of crew works on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
What is the crew to guest ratio on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Does the MV Explorer Liveaboard have Smart Voyager accreditation?
Boat information:
- You will need to bring your own beach and deck towels for your trip on the MV Explorer liveaboard, as they are not provided onboard. Click Beach Towels or Deck Towels to find liveaboards that offer these onboard.
- The MV Explorer liveaboard offers an airport transfer, which incurs an additional cost on top of your liveaboard trip, but they do not offer a hotel transfer. Click Hotel Transfers to find liveaboards that offer this service.
- The MV Explorer liveaboard also includes port fees in the cost of the liveaboard.
- The MV Explorer liveaboard has optional additional charges on top of the cost of the trip, these additional optional charges include gratuities.
- The MV Explorer liveaboard has additional required charges on top of the cost of the trip, these additional costs that you are required to pay include national park fees.
- The MV Explorer liveaboard has a dedicated crew onboard, which includes both local and international crew.
- The MV Explorer liveaboard has dedicated family cabins designed for parents and children sharing together (see the cabin options below), even though it is not specifically tagged as a family friendly cruise in the features. Click Liveaboards With Family Cabins if you want to see other boats with family cabins, or Family Friendly Cruises if you prefer trips that are marketed more broadly for families.
- The MV Explorer liveaboard is available for private charter, making it a great option for scuba diving clubs, groups of friends, underwater photography teams, and families who want the whole boat to themselves. With up to 8 cabins available, your group can enjoy an exclusive itinerary, flexible dive schedule, and the privacy of a full-boat charter; click liveaboards available for private charter to compare this liveaboard with other boats that are available for private charter.
- The MV Explorer liveaboard is not specifically listed as a budget-friendly option, and is better suited to divers who are happy to pay more for upgraded comfort, premium facilities, and a higher overall experience while exploring Thailand’s dive sites; if your priority is keeping costs down, you can check current discounts using discounted liveaboards, or click Budget Friendly Liveaboards to compare this vessel with other liveaboards that are marketed as more budget-friendly.
Video Highlights for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
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SDE Liveaboard Rating – Cabin Features for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
On reviewing the MV Explorer Liveaboard, it scores 50% on the SDE Liveaboard Rating – Cabin Features, as it has 5 of 10 key cabin features (see below).
The MV Explorer Liveaboard includes air-conditioned cabins, which keeps your cabin cool and comfortable between dives and whilst you sleep at night. In addition, it includes additional cabin luxuries such as cabin towels and complimentary toiletries, which means you can pack lighter and enjoy a more relaxed trip.
What’s more, it has en-suite bathrooms, which adds hotel-style convenience to life on board. You’ll also find it includes seaview cabins so you wake up to an ocean view.
A review of the list of Cabin Features found on the MV Explorer Liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with a specific feature, click the feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature.
Click here to show cabin features not found
The cabin features that are not found on the MV Explorer Liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with this feature, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
Cabin FAQs for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
Do cabins on the MV Explorer Liveaboard have en-suite bathrooms?
Is there air-conditioning in the cabins on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Are there family cabins on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Are there balcony or sea-view cabins on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is there a hair dryer in the cabins on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Do cabins on the MV Explorer Liveaboard have a safe box?
Is there a TV in the cabins on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Are the cabins non-smoking on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Are towels and toiletries provided on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
How many guests and cabins does the MV Explorer Liveaboard have?
Cabin information:
- The MV Explorer Liveaboard provides cabin towels, which are included in the cost of your liveaboard trip.
- The MV Explorer Liveaboard does not offer a laundry service. If you would like this service onboard, click Laundry service to find liveaboards that provide it.
- The MV Explorer Liveaboard does not offer a pressing service. If you would like this service onboard, click Pressing service to find liveaboards that provide it.
- The MV Explorer Liveaboard provides complimentary toiletries, which are included in the cost of your liveaboard trip.
- The MV Explorer Liveaboard has dedicated family cabins designed for parents and children to share together; you can see these layouts in the cabin types section below. It is not specifically tagged as a family friendly cruise in the features, so if you’d like more boats with this type of cabin, look at Liveaboards With Family Cabins, or browse Family Friendly Cruises if you want trips that are marketed more broadly for families.
-
The MV Explorer Liveaboard includes the following cabin types:
- 4 Double cabins with ensuite bathrooms
- 4 Double/Twin cabins with ensuite bathrooms
SDE Liveaboard Rating – Diving Features for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
On reviewing the MV Explorer Liveaboard, it scores 100% on the SDE Liveaboard Rating – Diving Features, as it has 10 of 10 key diving features (see below).
The MV Explorer Liveaboard offers a spacious dive deck for easy kitting up and also uses dive tenders to put you right on the best sites. In addition, Photographers are looked after, with a camera station and a separate rinse for underwater cameras. What’s more, After a dive you can rinse off using warm outside showers, which keep you, your hair and your wetsuit fresh and clean from saltwater.
DIN adaptors are carried onboard, so whether you dive on a DIN or yoke regulator you will be supported on the MV Explorer Liveaboard. You’ll also find Technical diving is supported on the MV Explorer Liveaboard, so you can plan deeper or more advanced dives when scheduled. Also, Sidemount diving is supported on the MV Explorer Liveaboard, which is useful if you prefer to carry cylinders on your side.
On deck you have rinse hoses and a shaded diving area, so your kit and cameras can be washed and kept out of the sun. Plus, The MV Explorer Liveaboard was custom built for diving, so the layout, dive deck and facilities are all set up with scuba divers in mind. On top of that, Nitrox is available onboard as a paid extra, so you can choose to dive with nitrox on the dives that matter most. The Enriched Air Nitrox is normally EAN32 or 32% oxygen.
A review of the list of diving features found on the MV Explorer Liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with a specific feature, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature.
Diving FAQs for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
Does the MV Explorer Liveaboard have nitrox onboard?
Is the MV Explorer Liveaboard custom built for diving?
What level of experience is required and what diver certification is required for the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
How many logged dives do you need for the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Can I get certified on board the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Does the MV Explorer Liveaboard have a camera area and camera rinse?
Are there facilities for photographers onboard the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Do I need DIN or yoke on the MV Explorer Liveaboard, and are adaptors available?
How are water entries and exits handled on the MV Explorer Liveaboard? Are tenders used?
What rental gear is available on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Are scuba courses available onboard the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is a nitrox course available onboard the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
What itineraries does the MV Explorer Liveaboard run?
What sea creatures can you see on the MV Explorer Liveaboard
The MV Explorer Liveaboard does not currently list specific marine life for its dive sites, please check the itinerary notes.
Dive information:
- Diver certification level required: Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
- Number of logged dives required: Minimum 3-5 logged dives
- Itinerary options on the MV Explorer liveaboard are currently: 4 Days/3 Nights, 6 Days/5 Nights, 9 Days/8 Nights, 14 Days/13 Nights
- The diving package to include all the dives on the itinerary of your choice is included in the cost of the liveaboard trip.
- The MV Explorer liveaboard offers diving insurance, which is an optional extra charge. Click Diving insurance to find other liveaboards that offer free, or as a paid extra, diving insurance.
- The MV Explorer liveaboard offers a private dive guide, which is an optional extra charge. Click Private dive guide to find other liveaboards that offer free, or as a paid extra, a private dive guide.
- The MV Explorer liveaboard offers scuba diving courses, and in particular a nitrox course, which are an optional extra charge. Click Scuba diving courses or Nitrox course to find other liveaboards that offer scuba courses onboard.
Tip: click any of the linked items above to find other dive liveaboards with the same option.
SDE Liveaboard Rating – Food Features for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
On reviewing the MV Explorer Liveaboard, it scores 50% on the SDE Liveaboard Rating – Food Features, as it has 5 of 10 total food & dining features (see below).
The MV Explorer Liveaboard offers options for specific dietary requirements; add these in special requests on step 2 of the booking form (limit to religious beliefs or food allergies). It also includes vegetarian and vegan choices on the menu. In addition, it has the benefit of fully inclusive meals, which includes breakfast, lunch and evening meals.
A review of the list of Onboard Food & Dining Features found on the MV Explorer Liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with a specific feature, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
- Dietary requirements
- Full-board option (Free)
- Local food
Click here to show onboard food features not found
The onboard food features that are not found on the MV Explorer Liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with this feature, click the feature below to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
- Al fresco dining
- Beach BBQ
- Fine cuisine
- Snacks all day
- Western food
Dining FAQs for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
What meal plan does the MV Explorer Liveaboard offer?
Are dietary requirements accommodated on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Are vegetarian and vegan options available on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is al fresco dining available on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Does the MV Explorer Liveaboard include a beach BBQ?
What dining style is used on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
What cuisine is served on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Are snacks provided on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
SDE Liveaboard Rating – Drinks & Refreshments for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
On reviewing the MV Explorer Liveaboard, it scores 70% on the SDE Liveaboard Rating - Drinks & Refreshment Features, as it has 7 of 10 total drink & refreshment features (see below). The MV Explorer Liveaboard has a bar where beer and wine are available to purchase. In addition, this liveaboard includes drinking water, soft drinks, and tea & coffee in the trip price.
A review of the list of Onboard Drink Features found on the MV Explorer Liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with a specific feature, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
- Alcoholic beverages (Paid extra)
- Bar
- Beer available
- Drinking water (Free)
- Soft drinks (Free)
- Tea & coffee (Free)
- Wine available
Show onboard drink features not found
The onboard drink features that are not found on the MV Explorer Liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with this feature, click the feature below to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
- Fine wines selection (enhanced wine offering)
- Free wine w/dinner
- Welcome cocktails
Drinks & Refreshments FAQs for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
Which drinks are included on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is there a bar onboard the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is alcohol available on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Are soft drinks included on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Are tea and coffee included on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is drinking water included on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is wine with dinner included on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Are welcome cocktails offered on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Can I bring my own alcohol on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
How do I pay for drinks onboard the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Included in the price of your liveaboard trip:
- Drinking water
- Soft drinks
- Tea & coffee
SDE Liveaboard Rating – Non-Diver Companion Rating for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
On reviewing the MV Explorer Liveaboard, it scores 20% on the SDE Liveaboard Rating - Non-Diver Companion Rating, as it has 2 of 10 total non-diver companion features (see below).
Yes, the MV Explorer Liveaboard is suitable for non-divers, with activities such as snorkelling. These keep everyone involved between dives and make the trip enjoyable for partners or friends who prefer to stay above the surface. In addition, Snorkel gear is included on the MV Explorer Liveaboard, handy for reef time between dives or as an activity with non-divers.
A review of the list of Non-Diver Companion Rating features found on the MV Explorer Liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with a specific feature, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
- Included Non-diver (snorkeler) friendly
- Included Snorkel gear (Free)
Show other onboard activities not found
The other onboard activities that are not found on the MV Explorer Liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with this feature, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
- Not included Fishing
- Not included Glass bottom boat
- Not included Jacuzzi / hot tub
- Not included Kayaks on-board
- Not included Library
- Not included Stand up paddleboard
- Not included Naturalist itineraries
- Not included Wellness facilities
Other Activities FAQs for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
Are kayaks available on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Are stand up paddleboards available on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is snorkel gear provided on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is there a jacuzzi or hot tub on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is the MV Explorer Liveaboard suitable for non-divers?
Is there a naturalist guide or naturalist itinerary on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is there a library on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is yoga offered on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Are wellness services available on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Are jet skis available on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is water skiing available on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is wakeboarding available on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is fishing offered on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is there a glass bottom boat on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Are land excursions included on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Included in the price of the liveaboard trip:
- Snorkel Gear
SDE Liveaboard Rating – Underwater Photographer Features for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
On reviewing the MV Explorer Liveaboard, it scores 80% on the SDE Underwater Photographer Rating, as it has 4 of 5 key photographer facilities (see below).
The MV Explorer Liveaboard has a dedicated camera station close to the dive deck, which lets you gear up quickly, check your housing and swap batteries or memory cards between dives. In addition, it offers a separate rinse tank for underwater cameras, helping to keep salt, sand and defog from dive gear away from your delicate housings and ports.
What’s more, it provides dedicated charging stations for cameras, strobes, torches and laptops so your batteries are always topped up and ready for the next dive. You’ll also find it has free WiFi internet onboard, which makes it easier to back up RAW files to the cloud and share images with friends and family while you are at sea.
A review of the underwater photographer facilities found on the MV Explorer Liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with a specific facility, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this facility:
Click here to show photographer facilities not found
Underwater photographer FAQs for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
Is there a dedicated camera room on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Does the MV Explorer Liveaboard have a dedicated camera table or workstation?
Are there charging stations for cameras and batteries on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is there a separate rinse tank for underwater cameras on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Does the MV Explorer Liveaboard have WiFi for backing up and sharing photos?
Is the MV Explorer Liveaboard a good choice for serious underwater photographers?
SDE Liveaboard Rating – Technical Diving Features for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
On reviewing the MV Explorer Liveaboard, it scores 66% on the SDE Tech Diving Rating, as it has 2 of 3 key technical diving features (see below).
If you plan to do technical diving, the MV Explorer Liveaboard supports it, but before you finalise your trip, check the typical dive depths, available gases, and whether stage and decompression cylinders are supported on your chosen itinerary. In addition, If you dive sidemount, the MV Explorer Liveaboard supports it, but when planning your dives check cylinder options and the deck set-up, so your configuration is comfortable and properly supported for the dives planned.
A review of the technical diving features found on the MV Explorer Liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with a specific feature, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature.
Click to show tech diving features not found
The technical diving features that are not found on the MV Explorer Liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with this feature, click the feature below to open a new window with a collection of liveaboards that have this feature.
Tech diving FAQs for the MV Explorer Liveaboard
Is sidemount diving supported on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is technical diving supported on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
Is rebreather diving supported on the MV Explorer Liveaboard?
All Thailand's Discounted Liveaboard Deals & Last Minute Discounts
MV Explorer Liveaboard Included in the Price
When you book the MV Explorer dive liveaboard, your cruise price includes key items for an amazing dive safari in Thailand. All your meals are included, so you can focus on diving.
These inclusions provide excellent value and a hassle-free cruise experience. Below is everything included in your MV Explorer liveaboard fare.
A review of the list of features 'included' in the price of the MV Explorer liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with a specific feature included in the price, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
- Included Cabin towels
- Included Complimentary toiletries
- Included Diving package
- Included Drinking water
- Included Full-board meal plan (All meals)
- Included Land excursions
- Included Night dives
- Included Port fees
- Included Rental gear
- Included Snacks
- Included Snorkel Gear
- Included Snorkelling guide
- Included Soft drinks
- Included Tea & coffee
- Included VAT
- Included WiFi internet
Show features not included in the price
The other features that are not included on the MV Explorer liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with this feature, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
- Not included Accommodation
- Not included Airport transfers
- Not included Nitrox
- Not included Snorkel equipment
- Not included Beer
- Not included Wine with dinner
- Not included Dive guide
- Not included Diving equipment
MV Explorer Liveaboard Optional Paid Extras
Enhance your MV Explorer charter with these optional upgrades available for an additional cost. Nitrox helps extend your bottom time at the sites around Thailand.
These extras let you tailor the trip to your preferences. See the list below.
A review of the list of 'optional extras' charged on top of the price for the MV Explorer liveaboard. Click a feature to find liveaboards including this in the price:
- Included Airport transfer
- Included Alcoholic beverages
- Included Diving insurance
- Included Gratuities
- Included Nitrox
- Included Nitrox course
- Included Private dive guide
- Included Scuba diving courses
MV Explorer Liveaboard Required Paid Extras
Please note some essential costs are not included in the base price of the MV Explorer dive cruise and must be paid additionally. Marine park fees help protect the reefs you will dive in Thailand.
Budget for these mandatory costs when planning your liveaboard trip. See the list below.
A review of the list of 'required extras' not included in the price for the MV Explorer liveaboard. Click a feature to find liveaboards where this is covered in the price (when applicable):
- Included National park fees
MV Explorer Liveaboard Vessel Details
- Length: 25.0m (82.0ft)
- Beam: 7.0m (23.0ft)
- Max guests: 16
- Cabins: 8
- Bathrooms: 9
MV Explorer Liveaboard Boat Navigation and Safety
Navigation and safety aboard the MV Explorer Liveaboard are built around dependable positioning and rapid response.
A review of the full list of navigation and safety features for the MV Explorer Liveaboard. MV Explorer Liveaboard scores 82% on the SDE Liveaboard Rating for navigation & safety, which means it has 14 out of 17 navigation & safety features (see below for the features that are missing from this liveaboard).
- Included Bilge Pump Alarm
- Included Crew Trained in First Aid
- Included Depth Sounder
- Included Emergency Flares
- Included Emergency Rafts
- Included Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
- Included First Aid Kits
- Included Fishfinder
- Included GPS
- Included Life Vests
- Included Oxygen
- Included Radar
- Included Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
- Included Satellite & Mobile Phones
Show features not found
The mv explorer liveaboard boat navigation and safety that are not found on the MV Explorer Liveaboard:
- Not included E.P.I.R.B. Distress System
- Not included Engine room CCTV
- Not included Search light