News
Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report: Prologue
The Similan Islands are a group of nine islands situated in the Andaman Sea, some 60km west of Khao Lak, or roughly 90km north north west of Phuket, Thailand. It was supposed to have been one of Jacques Cousteau’s favourite diving locations. The liveaboard trip I was about to embark on was for six nights with five days of diving; there would be four dives a day except the last day when there were to be only three, so nineteen dives in all. It would also include the Islands of Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock; the island of Koh Surin was no longer visited due to the Tsunami’s damage to the reefs. I was to be accompanied on the trip with two of my dive buddies from the UK, Neville and Sharky.
We were collected from our accommodation in Kata Beach, Phuket, at around 5pm by a minibus and taken to the offices of the boat owner at Chalong. We were there to congregate with the rest of the divers and the tour leaders. We filled in the usual liability waivers and waited for everyone to turn up. Once we were all together, we walked 400m to the pier. Waiting for the pier bus I savoured the air; the last time I would experience these smells for a week, also the last time I would be on terra firma. The pier bus turned up and took us and our equipment down the very long pier to the awaiting boat, the Jonathan Cruiser. We all clambered aboard and headed for the meeting/eating area on the middle deck.
Ear-ly problems
The liveaboard’s normal tour guide, Alex, had had an ear infection and had been told to stay out of the water. Luckily for everyone, Mats and his girlfriend had booked themselves on this trip. Mats had previously been the guide a few years ago for a couple of seasons, before returning to Sweden, and he knew the sites well.
The journey got under way the minute we were all aboard. The sun was now setting and we said goodbye to land. Mats then went through the boat and dive briefing with everyone. Free tea, coffee, water and toast all day, anytime you wanted it, would be available; other drinks you had to pay for. There would only be time for tea and toast during the first dive briefing at 7:30 every morning however, as the first dive of the day would be at 8am – eek! Then breakfast would be served once everyone had surfaced and were back safely on the boat. The next dive would be at 11am, followed by lunch, then the next dive 3pm (or 2:30pm if we were to do a dusk dive at 5:30pm instead of a night dive at 7pm), followed by the evening meal. After the briefing we were shown to our cabins. Neville and Sharky shared, leaving me with Alex (a different Alex from the poorly dive guide Alex). I asked if he snored; he said he didn’t, which is good because I can’t sleep in the same room as someone who snores! I think due to the proximity of the sea it was a good thing he didn’t snore, as he may have found himself inadvertently swimming at 2am. He seemed quite happy that I took over most of the cupboard space with my camera equipment (well he didn’t say anything, anyway). We sat around and got to know some of the other divers for a while, trying to work out which beach was which, as we steamed up the west coast of Phuket .
We were on our way, steaming through the night. The only thing to do now was sleep, as we were going to be up early the next morning.
Read Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report: Day 1 here.
Who We Are
BTM Travel is a boutique dive travel agency based in Munich, Germany, led by a passionate team of seasoned diving professionals.
- Marcel Wilpernig, our founder, has explored nearly every corner of the underwater world and brings over a decade of experience in the diving industry.
- Tim De Deygere, our product manager, made the bold leap from a successful law career to follow his true passion—diving.
- Simona Hlavova is the backbone of BTM Travel, ensuring smooth operations with her expertise in administration and sales.
While a significant portion of our clientele comes from Germany, our reach extends globally—from Bangladesh to California. BTM Travel is closely connected to Behind the Mask, an underwater videography network that inspires us to bring divers to the world’s most breathtaking ocean destinations.
What We Do
BTM Travel specializes in group diving adventures and tailored big animal experiences:
- Group Travel: We organize intimate trips to premier dive spots, led by expert photographers or wildlife guides for an unforgettable adventure. The vibe? Laid-back and adrenaline-filled.
- Tailor-Made Trips: For seasoned divers, we craft bespoke itineraries, offering insider tips on where to go, when to go, and what to expect. Our expertise ensures realistic expectations and unforgettable experiences.
Our focus lies on big animal diving, delivering the thrill of encounters with marine giants. While we love macro and reef diving, we know our true strength lies in providing high-octane experiences for adventurers.
What Makes Us Different
We take a fresh look at traditional diving industry practices, challenging outdated habits to better serve modern-day customers.
- Authenticity First: We only recommend destinations we trust, avoiding overselling places that don’t offer great value or quality.
- Heartfelt Advice: Our honest approach resonates with clients, building lasting relationships and unforgettable journeys.
Our Mission
Helping divers explore the places we love is not just our job—it’s our passion. Our goal is to remain small, authentic, and dedicated to delivering exceptional dive travel experiences.
Find Out More
For more information about itineraries, destinations, and bespoke dive adventures, contact BTM Travel:
Email: marcel@behind-the-mask.com
Call: +49 (0) 176 55771225
Website: www.behind-the-mask.com/group-trips
News
Dive into Adventure: Limited Space Available for January Socorro Liveaboard Trip with Oyster Diving
Socorro Giant Mantas, Sharks and Dolphins – 8-16th January 2025
Oyster Diving is offering an unforgettable opportunity to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary dive destinations – Socorro Island. With only one male space left for this January’s liveaboard adventure, divers are invited to join an exclusive trip to explore the waters of Socorro, renowned for its remarkable marine life and incredible dive experiences.
Unmatched Diving in Socorro
Socorro is home to a unique population of giant oceanic mantas that actively seek interaction with divers and snorkelers, making it one of the best places in the world to encounter these majestic creatures. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – the waters surrounding Socorro are also teeming with marine life, including schooling hammerheads and silky sharks, over 10 other species of sharks, playful bottlenose dolphins that love to interact with divers, large schools of pelagic fish, and, during the season, humpback whales.
Luxury Aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie
Diving in such an extraordinary location is made even more special by the Nautilus Belle Amie. Launched in 2015, this modern, spacious liveaboard yacht is designed with divers in mind, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout the trip. The boat offers various suite options, including twin rooms and superior double suites, all with the ambiance of a boutique hotel. Divers will spend 8 days aboard the Belle Amie, with all meals, guided dives, and soft drinks included.
Pricing and Availability
This exclusive Socorro liveaboard trip is available for the following prices:
- Twin Room (2 people sharing a Stateroom): £3360 per person
- Superior Double Suite (2 people sharing): £3860 per person
Both prices include Socorro Island fees. A port fee of $35 is payable upon arrival.
Additional Costs:
- Return economy flights: Approx. £1,000 – £1,300 per person (prices confirmed prior to booking)
- One night hotel B&B accommodation before the liveaboard: Approx. £100 per person
Book Now
With only one spot left, this opportunity to explore Socorro’s spectacular underwater world is sure to fill up fast. Interested divers are encouraged to get in touch with Oyster Diving Holidays to secure their place today.
For more information and bookings, please contact:
Oyster Diving Holidays
Phone: 0800 699 0243
Email: info@oysterdiving.com
Don’t miss your chance to dive with mantas, sharks, dolphins, and humpbacks in one of the world’s most pristine marine environments!
-
News2 months agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News2 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News2 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News2 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation2 months agoBook Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months agoDive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News2 months ago2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced