Thailand:
Phuket
Located 862 kilometres south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the 'Pearl of the Andaman'. Its natural features - rocky peninsulas, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil bays and tropical forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.
Phuket island borders Phang-nga Province to the north, and is connected to the mainland by two bridges. The other 3 sides are encircled by the Andaman Sea, and some great dive sites!
The climate of the island can be described as having two seasons - the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). The low season is between September and October as these are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is from November to February. Average temperatures ranges between 23°C and 33°C.
Sea Bees Dive Centre - Phuket
Sea Bees have been successfully operating in Phuket for more than 12 years, and they now have several outlets. The main office and teaching centre is conveniently located near Phuket's central harbour in Chalong Bay. Their modern facilities include an equipment sales showroom, equipment rental & servicing and modern filling station. The schooling centre is located just a few minutes away at the Palm Garden Resort, and offers air-conditioned class rooms as well as a 3m deep training pool. Adjacent to the dive centre is a cosy restaurant where you can enjoy vibrant Thai and international cuisine or have a chat and a beer with your dive buddies.
Your enjoyment and safety under water are the number one priority at Sea Bees. There is a maximum ratio of four divers to one guide. Of course, you and your buddy can also discover our beautiful dive sites on your own after a thorough briefing, if you prefer unguided diving.
Phuket's dive sites average between 18m - 30m depth, and the diving is pretty easy going - suitable for all abilities and ages. Drop-offs, small caves and wrecks are all present as well as bizarre rock formations and coral gardens. The marine life of the Andaman Sea is very varied, and offers amongst the many tropical fish also rare species such as sea horses and ghostpipe fish. Leopard sharks are frequent companions during our dives, and from time to time a manta ray can be seen in flight.
The dive sites in the Similan and Surin Islands are in general slightly deeper, and the fantastic visibility is not usually less than 30m. These dive spots are suitable for all diving levels and offer a large diversity of marine life. Coral fish, barracuda, sharks and during February & May even manta ray and whale sharks may be spotted.
Sea Bees Phuket : Our Day Boats
M/V Aragon
The 'M/V Aragon' is the newest edition in the Sea Bees fleet, having been completed in November 2006. The boat is used for day trips around Phuket Island, as well as short over night trips. Due to her slender construction and powerful engines she is able to reach distant destinations, such as Hin Daeng/Hin Muang and Phi Phi Islands in less time.
The cabins on the lower deck of the 'MV Aragon' offer guests comfortable overnight accommodation during our trips to the south of Thailand. There are 12 bunk beds total, divided in 6 cabins.
The spacious dive deck offers plenty of room for each diver and their gear, and our diving platform ensures a safe entry and exit from the water. There are two 32 sqm, partially shaded sun decks, two toilets and four showers. The bar at the back of the sundeck is a perfect place for relaxation in between dives, and the barkeeper mixes fresh milk and fruit shakes and even delicious 'sun downer' cocktails after the last dive. The thai cook serves delicious freshly prepared thai and international cuisine. All in all, a thoroughly thought through dive boat that lives up to the highest standards.
A complete first aid kit and oxygen unit are kept on board and readily available for emergency use if needed.
M/V Excalibur II
This 23m day boat currently ranks as one of the most comfortable and modern day trip boats in Thailand, combining both luxury and practicality. She provides plenty of room for a relaxed, safe & fun journey and her twin 320h hp engines provide swift transportation between Phuket's dive sites.
The 'Excalibur II' has a large diving platform with easy access in/out of the water and two fresh water showers. On the dive deck each diver has their own area with two filled tanks and a box in which to store dive gear easily below the benches. After diving, you can rinse your equipment in freshwater rinse tanks.
The saloon area is comfortably furnished with two sofas and there is a storage area for your belongings and power sockets for charging torches, cameras etc. Every day a delicious breakfast and lunch is prepared - always fresh, healthy and richly flavoured with local tastes. In front of the salon is another huge 22 square metre sundeck. It offers a relaxed and comfortable place where you can sunbathe or have a siesta in the shade.
On the top deck you will find a bar, with tables and a comfortable seating area. Our bartender will mix your favourite cocktails, with or without alcohol, or serve you whatever drink your heart desires.
A complete first aid kit and oxygen unit are kept on board and readily available for emergency use.
Accommodation in Phuket - The Palm Garden Resort
Sea Bees own dive resort, the Garden Palm Resort Phuket, is situated in a peaceful, tropical, garden environment just 300 metres from the Diving Centre.
Each room is comfortably furnished with air-conditioning & fan, hot water, TV with english channels, telephone, wireless internet connection, safe and mini bar. Each bungalow has its own private terrace, close to the pool. The pool area is perfect for relaxation, either under the waterfall, in the jacuzzi area or just catching some rays on a sun lounger.
The resort's cosy restaurant offers delicious meals & snacks and refreshing tropical cocktails. At the reception you can book tours, get advice from our friendly English speaking receptionists and rent motorbikes or cars.
| Single Room (1 person sharing) |
Twin/Double Room (2 sharing) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 nights | Extra night | 7 nights | Extra night | |
| 01 Nov 2008 - 30 Apr 2009 | £365 | £46 | £182 | £23 |
| 01 May 2009 - 31 Oct 2009 | £308 | £38 | £154 | £19 |
| Prices are per person. Prices exclude flights & meals, but include airport transfers. | ||||
| Diving Prices: | View Sea Bees Diving prices. (Adobe Reader PDF format). | |||
Live-aboards from Phuket
'Marco Polo'
Sea Bees flagship boat, the 'Marco Polo', provides live-aboard sailings from Phuket. She cruises for a week at a time, to the North-West Similan Islands and further North to Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and the famous Richelieu Rock.
The Similan Islands are a stunning group of nine Islands, north west of Phuket, famous for being one of the top dive destinations in the world and certainly the best in Asia. The diving here is simply amazing.
Marco Polo is 23 metres in length and accommodates a maximum of 14 divers in seven double cabins.
'Mermaid 1'
'Mermaid I' is a 28 metre, twin engine, steel hulled motor yacht. She holds 15 guests in seven twin/double cabins and one single cabin.
Mermaid 1 sails from Phuket, and offers the following itineraries:
• BURMA SAFARI - 9 nights. Sailing to Burma (Myanmar) and the Mergui Archipelago, this safari combines 22 dives in the Burma area with 8 dives in the Similan & Surin Islands - a total of 30 dives. A wonderful, action packed, dive safari offering the best of Thailand & Burma.
• ANDAMAN ISLANDS - 9 nights. This is an Exploration Cruise in the waters of The Andaman Islands! There are only 2 sailings scheduled each year.
'Mermaid 2'
'Mermaid II' is a 32 metre, twin engine, steel hulled motor yacht. One of the most comfortable dive boats in Thailand. Accommodates 16 guests in 8 deluxe cabins.
Mermaid II sails from Phuket, and offers the following itineraries:
• SIMILAN ISLANDS/RICHELIEU ROCK - 4 nights. Approximately 14 dives in total.
• HIN DAENG/MUANG & PHI PHI - 3 nights . Approximately 8 dives in total.
• ITINERARIES ABOVE, BACK-TO-BACK - 7 nights. Stay onboard the boat and do the two itineraries above. Approximately 22 dives in total.
