Merdeka 3

For relaxing trips to different locations, with scuba diving included, Merdeka 3 ticks all of the boxes! Instead of sailing from Khao Lak to the Similan Islands and offering four dives per day, every day, Merdeka 3 offers trips on the south & east sides of Phuket that include scuba diving, but also offer much more. There’s kayaking, beach visits, snorkelling, massage and alcoholic drinks all included in the trip price. You can even try out scuba diving for free if you have never done it before.

The boat has 6 cabins, which all have air-conditiong & private en suite bathrooms. Four have large sea-view windows. The other two have sofas.

The 31-metre boat has staggered decks, giving it a nice character & style. The middle of the boat has 4 cabins on its lower deck, and the chill-out and massage area above. This area is shaded, but gives panoramic views and a wonderful sea breeze. The rear of the boat’s upper deck is where the guests chill and socialise, and enjoy the delicious meals and beer & cocktails which are free of charge. Below this area is where the other two guest cabins are located. The front of the boat has a large sunbathing deck, and below that are the kitchen and staff quarters.

Merdeka 3 offers the best trips, for divers and non-divers. It avoids the crowds, by visiting dive spots before the day trip boats arrive from Phuket, thus ensuring most times that you will have the dive sites to yourselves. Then later in the day the other activities include visiting caves & beaches on uninhabited islands, or enjoying Koh Phi Phi’s nightlife. Most liveaboard boats in the area go north-west of Phuket to The Similan Islands, but Merdeka 3 goes in the opposite direction and visits areas which are normally only dived by day trip boats. Therefore, by avoiding the crowds you get the best experience. During the high season Merdeka 3 goes to Koh Haa & Hin Daeng, as well as Koh Phi Phi. Then during the low season it goes to The Racha/Raya Islands & Koh Phi Phi. Trips are 5D/4N in length, leaving every Monday morning and coming back on Friday lunchtime.