Quick Facts

Destination: Thailand

Route: Phuket & Similan and Surin Islands

Dates: 26th March - 6th April 2028

Type of trip: Women's liveaboard and land adventure

Duration: 6 nights liveaboard + 5 nights hotel = 11 nights/12 days

Fly in/out:  Phuket Airport (HKT)

Dive experience: Open Water certification (or equivalent), 10 logged dives

Group size: 17

Get ready for the ultimate adventure as we return to Thailand for the THIRD time - and this will be our best one yet!

Our signature Thailand Above and Below Adventure blends incredible scuba diving, tropical island vibes and vibrant culture, with a major upgrade: we’ll be staying right in the heart of Phuket Old Town for the second portion of this trip. Think colourful streets, buzzing markets, amazing food, and endless spots to explore, with plenty of time after diving to wander, shop, and fill your suitcase with unique finds!

From colourful reefs and turquoise water to vibrant cultural experiences and unforgettable adventures above the surface, this is so much more than 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.

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! 

Midtown Ratsada Hotel Phuket

After 5 days of diving, it’s time to soak up the culture of Thailand, experiencing everything Phuket has to offer above the surface. Our base for this part of the trip is the stylish Midtown Ratsada hotel, perfectly located in the heart of Phuket Old Town.

Set among colourful streets, vibrant markets and some of the island’s best food spots, this location puts you right in the middle of the action. Step outside and you’re instantly immersed in local culture - from boutique shopping and street food to lively evening markets - giving you the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation after your diving adventure.

This trip is suitable for beginner divers who hold their Open Water certification, or equivalent, with a minimum of 10 logged dives. You will be entering the water back roll from a dinghy. 

Diving conditions in and around the Andaman Sea are generally suitable for all levels of divers. However, some sites that we will visit are subject to strong currents and surge and may be challenging for inexperienced divers. You will receive detailed dive briefings so you that your guide can help make each dive site as accessible as possible.

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!

Your host for the unforgettable adventure is Charlotte, our Girls that Scuba Social Media Manager - this will be her 2nd time returning to the Phuket and the Similan & Surin Islands with us!

Charlotte has hosted over 10 GTS trips and met hundreds of Trippers over the years, and if you've joined a trip with her before then you know how much she loves combining a dive trip with fun land activities - especially if it involves a viewpoint, shopping or delicious food!

Fun fact: Charlotte is a resident of Indonesia and lives on the tiny island of Gili Trawangan where she owns 4 beautiful Airbnb villa's - she's the girl to go to if you are looking to book a tropical beach retreat 🏝️

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 Thap Lamu 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!

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!