MV Gentle Giant Overview
For divers who would like to go to all of Thailand’s best dive sites in one trip, MV Gentle Giant is the boat for you. That’s because instead of focussing on the north (Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock) or south (Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Haa, Phi Phi & Phuket) Gentle Giant goes to them all in one 5-day, 5-night trip.
Since a full renovation in 2017, Gentle Giant now has just 10 cabins, each accommodating no more than two guests in comfort. All of the cabins have a private en suite bathroom, window, door that opens out onto the deck, air conditioning and a mini safe/security box. There are also several areas where you can relax on board, alone or with others. These include the sundeck, dining area and saloon lounge. The boat is large enough to offer comfort, stability and space to move around. But it’s also small enough to ensure that guests socialise, fuel isn’t wasted and it’s manoeuvrable.
The sundeck is large, and there are several sun loungers and bean bags. You can top up your suntan or enjoy the clear star-filled night sky. The upper deck has the master cabin and two standard cabins. Also on the upper deck is the dining area, where delicious meals are enjoyed and dive briefings held. And let’s not forget the lounge saloon that has air-conditioning, a TV, and sofa. Guests usually use this room for showing photos and videos, but some come in to watch a movie or to just get out of the heat for a bit.
Gentle Giant’s main deck has the large deluxe cabin at the front, and six standard cabins. In the middle of the main deck is the kitchen, where the chefs make delicious food that will ensure you never go hungry. The meals are served buffet style, and vegetarians need not worry about missing out. If you have any other special dietary requirements, just let us know. Soft drinks, tea, coffee & water are all included in the price, and beer is available for competitive rates. At the rear of the main deck is the dive platform. This area is crucial in making a diving liveaboard boat good or bad. A well-designed dive platform gives everyone space, and ensures that immediately before & after each dive the you feel safe and happy. Gentle Giant doesn’t disappoint here!
What makes Gentle Giant even more special is the itinerary. Every other Thailand liveaboard diving boat has trips to The Similans & Richelieu Rock or to the southern islands of Koh Haa & Hin Daeng. But Gentle Giant goes to both areas every trip. This means that you don’t have to choose one place or the other, or spend too long on your Thailand diving cruise to include them all. Starting from Phuket in the evening, the boat goes north through the night to the Similans, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock, then three days later returns south to Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Haa, Phi Phi and Phuket’s Shark Point & King Cruiser Wreck. It really is the perfect itinerary. And this is all made better by the awesome team of international dive staff and local crew. Their service, experience and patience makes every trip more enjoyable.
Please note that a few other websites sell Gentle Giant's trips but shows them as 6D/5N to mislead you into thinking it's better value. The boat departs in the evening and diving starts the next morning. Although each trip does span six calendar dates, the trips are in fact five days & five nights, not six days & five nights.
