Quick Facts
Destinations: Similan & Surin Islands liveaboard + Phuket land tour, Thailand
Dates: 24th April - 5th May 2027
Type of trip: Women liveaboard and land-based tour
Duration: 6 nights liveaboard + 5 nights hotel = 11 nights/12 days
Fly in/out: Phuket International Airport HKT
Get ready for the ultimate adventure as we explore Thailand Above and Below 2.0! Our 2027 trip is the perfect blend of incredible scuba diving, tropical island vibes, and authentic land based experiences. From colourful coral reefs and warm turquoise waters to vibrant local culture, food, and unforgettable excursions - this is not your average dive trip!
The Phinisi
Our floating home for the first 6 nights is none other than the mighty Phinisi – one of the most loved scuba liveaboards in Thailand and a firm favourite with the Girls that Scuba community. After experiencing it firsthand on our previous trip, we knew we had to come back!
The Phinisi has got everything we need: a relaxed, comfortable vibe, fabulous dive amenities, and plenty of space for all 18 of our lucky guests to hang out between dives and soak up everything the Similan & Surin Islands have to offer.
And of course, it wouldn’t be complete without the unbelievable Thai hospitality and the friendliest crew you’ll ever meet, always ready with a smile, a helping hand, and the best post-dive snacks!
Baan Krating Phuket Resort
After 5 days of diving its time to jump into the culture of Thailand and experience what Phuket has to offer above water. Our base for our explorations is the stunning adults only Baan Krating Phuket beachfront resort on intimate Nai Harn Beach.
Tucked away in a quiet corner along Ao Sane Beach, this rustic traditional Thai inspired resort puts you at one with nature with calming sounds of the ocean and rich green mountainous scenery as the backdrop.
Onboard The Phinisi
Choose from a range of comfortable cabin options including double bed/twin share, twin rooms, and quad rooms.
All cabins are air-conditioned and feature en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, storage space for personal belongings, and daily housekeeping. Rooms are thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality, providing a relaxed space to rest after a full day of diving.
Your Jungle Bungalow
Each room is a private bungalow nestled in tropical gardens, featuring two comfortable single beds, a private bathroom, air conditioning, a mini fridge, and a private terrace to relax after your dives. You’ll be surrounded by nature with the beach just steps away.
Wi-Fi is available in public areas, and daily housekeeping is included. It’s a peaceful and scenic spot to unwind and connect with your fellow divers after a day of exploring.
Welcome to Thailand!
Arrive at Phuket International Airport, or arrive early at a hotel in Phuket, ready for your transfer to Thap Lamu Pier. Boarding begins at 7:00 PM, where you’ll be welcomed aboard The Phinisi and shown to your cabin.
After settling in, we’ll gather for a welcome briefing to introduce the crew, review the itinerary, and go over safety procedures, followed by a relaxed onboard dinner as we prepare for the adventure ahead and get to know your GTS tribe!
Diving the Surin & Similan Islands
Over the next five days, we’ll cruise through some of Thailand’s most spectacular marine parks, starting with the Surin Islands and making our way up to the iconic Similan Islands.
Conditions and itinerary permitting, you’ll enjoy up to four dives a day, exploring vibrant coral reefs, dramatic swim-throughs, and diverse marine life.
Between dives, relax with freshly prepared meals and snacks, soak up the sun on the deck, and enjoy the laid-back rhythm of life at sea. There will also be time to unwind with a book, take in the views, and visit a beach along the way.
Final Dives & Return to Port
Our last full day onboard begins with two final morning dives to soak up the magic of the Similan Islands one last time. After surfacing, we’ll begin the journey back to Chalong Pier.
Spend the afternoon packing up your gear, relaxing on the sun deck, or catching up on some well-earned rest as we cruise back toward Phuket. That evening, we’ll anchor in port and enjoy one final night onboard The Phinisi.
Farewell & Onward to Phuket
Enjoy your final breakfast onboard with The Phinisi crew before saying your goodbyes and disembarking at 10:00 AM, and meet your new local guide!
From there, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Phuket for the next five nights. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy - relax by the pool, explore the local shops and cafes, or wander through a vibrant nearby market.
Thai Food Tour Experience
Today is all about tasting your way through Phuket’s rich culinary culture. You’ll be picked up from the hotel around 10:00 AM and join your local English-speaking guide for a delicious food tour experience.
From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, you’ll explore a local street vendours and food spots, learn about traditional ingredients, and sample a variety of authentic Thai dishes at handpicked spots around town.
After the tour, you’ll be dropped back at your hotel with a happy belly and new foodie knowledge.
Thai Cooking Class Experience
Get hands-on with Thai cuisine today as you dive into a fun and interactive cooking class.
You'll be picked up from the hotel at 11:00 AM and head to the cooking school, where you’ll learn to prepare four traditional Thai dishes with guidance from an English-speaking instructor.
After cooking, enjoy your creations for lunch in a relaxed setting. The class lasts around 3-4 hours, and you’ll be dropped back at the hotel in the afternoon, perfectly satisfied and ready to impress friends and family back home with your new culinary skills!
Free Day to Explore or Unwind
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you want to relax by the hotel pool, visit a local spa for a traditional Thai massage, or explore the colourful streets of Phuket Old Town, the choice is entirely yours.
You might check out a nearby beach, browse local markets for souvenirs, or grab a coffee at one of the town’s trendy cafes.
After a week full of adventure, this is your time to recharge, reflect, or dive into something new before we wrap up the trip.
Temple Visit & Spa Day
Enjoy a peaceful and culturally rich day as we explore the spiritual and relaxing side of Phuket.
You’ll be picked up from the hotel at 10:00 AM by your local English-speaking guide and begin the day with a visit to one of Phuket’s iconic temples.
After taking in the beauty and history, we’ll head to the unique Kruvit Raft restaurant for a scenic waterfront lunch.
In the afternoon, unwind with a 2.5–3 hour spa package at Mookda Authentic Thai Spa, designed to leave you feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated.
You’ll return to the hotel in the late afternoon, refreshed and restored!
Farewell & Departures
It’s time to say goodbye after an unforgettable adventure in Thailand. Depending on your flight time, you’ll be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Phuket International Airport for your journey home.
We hope you leave feeling inspired, recharged, and full of amazing memories - until next time!
11 nights accommodation - 6 on Liveaboard, 5 in hotel
3 meals a day plus snacks on the liveaboard, breakfast and lunch on above land tour (minus the free day)
Up to 4 guided dives a day for the boat portion of the trip
Diving tanks, weights and weight belts
All activities mentioned in Itinerary
All transfers including Phuket airport pick up and drop off on first and last day
Multilingual guides on board and on land
A wonderful GTS Host
Flights in and out of Phuket (HKT)
Dive equipment (all is available to rent onboard)
Nitrox (available for an additional fee)
Dive and travel insurance (both are mandatory for this trip)
Marine, park and port fees : 65 USD per trip, to be paid on board
Tips are not compulsory in Thailand, but we do recommend 10% to be paid by cash in Thai Baht or USD
Alcoholic beverages
Diving conditions in and around the Andaman Sea are generally suitable for all levels of divers. However, some sites are subject to strong currents and surge and may be challenging for inexperienced divers.
We advise divers wishing to join this trip to have Open Water certification, or equivalent, with a minimum of 10 logged dives. You will be entering the water back roll from a dinghy.
The world-famous diving of the Similan and Surin Islands are considered to be the best dive sites in Thailand. The variety of underwater landscapes, rich marine life, clear water, and of course the beautiful island landscapes, are ideal for anyone in search of a dive-tastic liveaboard trip!
Water temperatures are around 26-29c and visibility is usually very good!
New to Girls that Scuba trips? Find out more about our trips, the Girls that Scuba difference, along with the respect and openness we ask for on these experiences as well as any requirements. Read our full Girls that Scuba Trips Community Norms and FAQs.
This is a fairly relaxed trip, with plenty to do, but not too packed in. There will be a good amount of downtime on the land portion, enabling you to really relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or markets in between activities. The liveaboard portion is also not too hectic and you can choose to dive up to 4 dives a day, as many or as little as you want!
A trip of 18 like-minded women, who most probably will not know each other before you arrive, this is the perfect trip for you if you are looking to make some dive friends, explore a new place and have everything organised for you!