| Jungle Tours Southern Thailand |
Mark Webster’s Photo Workshops |
Tour Cost Colona VI |
Tour Cost M.V. Giamani |
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M.V. Colona VI provides air-conditioned accommodation and facilities for a maximum of 14 divers. With a choice of twin or double beds, each cabin comprises an en-suite bathroom, minibar and a large panoramic window. To further the comfort to our guests, the main deck provides a well designed seating area to relax in-between dives and the 50m² sundeck guarantees plenty of space for all. Her enthusiastic crew are dedicated to providing an unforgettable diving
experience. Embarkation is from Patong Bay in Phuket and her dive itineraries of 2 or 4 days can also be combined to include the most beautiful Andaman Sea diving in Thai waters.
Departing each Friday, the 2-day option incorporates 7 dives and visits Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. These sites are rated by many as the two top dive-sites in Southern Thailand and favourite for whaleshark encounters, particularly in February to April. You then continue to Ko Ha Yai with its amazing underwater cave and then onto the paradise of Phi Phi Island for a night dive. Here you can choose to sample the local nightlife or just relax on board watching a film or reading a book. On Sunday morning you make two dives around Phi Phi before continuing to Racha Noi for the final dive of the day.
Departing each Sunday, our 4-day itinerary offers diving to the famous Similan Islands. Consisting of 9 islands and situated approximately 100 km North West of Phuket, the Similans were declared a national Park in 1982. Hot spots for both Mantas and whalesharks, this dive itinerary also includes Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Koh Surin and Richelieu Rock just south of the Burmese border, before heading back through Ko Tachai and the Similans to complete your dive adventure. Totalling 15 dives, this itinerary visits some of the most beautiful coral reefs in Thailand.
We can also organise various standards of hotel accommodation in Phuket to complete your stay in this unique destination. Personalised jungle trips to the stunning Kao Sok National Park; the largest nature reserve in Southern Thailand, can also be added to your tour. Surrounded by wildlife, you can stay in tree houses within the rainforest and go canoeing, white water rafting and jungle trekking. Please contact us for our Jungle tour fact sheet with prices. Alternatively you can make your own flight arrangements and book only the boat section of your holiday with us.
The tours include accommodation on board Colona VI on full board basis (including tea, coffee, mineral water and snacks), all diving, dive guide, cylinders, weights, and transfers from/to Phuket Airport (or hotel) to Colona VI.
Gear hire, which must be requested in advance, is also available. Torches are supplied free of charge.
PADI courses are available if booked in advance. Please contact us for further details.
| Jungle Tours Southern Thailand |
Mark Webster’s Photo Workshops |
Tour Cost Colona VI |
Tour Cost M.V. Giamani |
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| Tour Cost ~ colona vi |
International & domestic flights are from £600
| Twin | Double | ||
| 2 day charter | Racha Yai, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Ko Ha Yai, Phi-Phi Island, Racha Noi | £273 | £291 |
| 4 day charter | Similans, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin, Richelieu Rock | £546 | £582 |
| 6 day combined charter | All of the above | £819 | £873 |
Prices are for guidance only.
Marine Park fees payable locally (Similan National Park fee Thai Bhat 400 +200 per day
Price based on accommodation on full board basis (inc. tea, coffee, mineral water & snacks), all diving, dive guide, cylinders, weight belt, & transfers to/from Phuket Airport.
| M.V. Giamani |
Built in 1998 and 22m, M.V. Giamani offers 3, 6 and 9 day charters to both the Thai and Burmese waters.
We have 2 Standard cabins and four Deluxe cabins. The two air conditioned standard cabins are situated on the upper deck behind the wheel house; these spacious cabins each have two single berths and share 1 bathroom.
On the main deck we have four Deluxe cabins, each cabin has three single berths, these cabins can also be booked by 2 people that do not wish to share with a third diver. Each deluxe cabin has it own air conditioning unit, en suite bathroom and the cabin door opens to spectacular sea views.
Enjoy the air conditioned saloon for watching a movie, playing back your digital images from that day’s dives, or browse through our extensive library of marine books.
Our popular cushion relax area from MV Colona VI has been repeated on MV Giamani giving you plenty of space to read a book, enjoy the views and chat about the thrilling dives of that day.
The dive deck is spacious with camera tables and rinse tanks making this an
ideal boat for serious photographers.
On the main deck all meals are served buffet style, the food is plentiful and diverse, Thai cuisine and International dishes are served, special diets can be catered for if we know in advance.
Our ice making machine ensures you can enjoy chilled drinks while watching the sun set and our onboard freezers means ice cream can be enjoyed after a hot day in Tropical Thailand, Myanmar or Indonesia. MV Giamani has a full complement of safety equipment making her a spacious, safe and diver friendly boat.
| Jungle Tours Southern Thailand |
Mark Webster’s Photo Workshops |
Tour Cost Colona VI |
Tour Cost M.V. Giamani |
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| Tour Cost ~ M.V. Giamani |
International & domestic flights are from £600
| Standard | Delexe | ||
| 4 day charter | Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock | £510 | £582 |
| 6 day charter | Similans, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin, Richelieu Rock | £764 | £873 |
| 9 day charter | Similans, Koh Tachai, Surin, Richelieu Rock, High Rock, Shark Cave, Burma Banks, Black Rock, Faraway Bank, Western Rocky | £1228 | £1391 |
Prices are for guidance only.
National Park fee payable locally.
Price based on accommodation on full board basis (including tea, coffee, mineral water and snacks), all diving, dive guide, cylinders, weight belt, weights, and transfers to/from Phuket Airport.
| Availability ~ COLONA VI 2009 | ||||
| 2 DAY CRUISE | 4 DAY CRUISE | |||
| 01 | SPECIAL 6 NIGHTS | 31 Oct - 6 Nov | 14 | |
| 02 | 7 - 9 Nov | 9 - 13 Nov | 14 | |
| 04 | 14 - 20 Nov | 14 | ||
| 05 | 21 - 23 Nov | 14 | 23 - 27 Nov | 14 |
| 07 | 28 - 30 Nov | 14 | 30 Nov - 4 Dec | 14 |
| 09 | SPECIAL 6 NIGHTS | 5 - 11 Dec | 14 | |
| 10 | 12 - 14 Dec | 14 | 14 - 18 Dec | 14 |
| 12 | SPECIAL 6 NIGHTS | 20 - 26 Dec | 1 | |
| 13 | SPECIAL 6 NIGHTS | 27 Dec - 2 Jan | 14 | |
| 14 | 2 - 4 Jan | 14 | 4 - 8 Jan | 12 |
| 16 | 9 - 11 Jan | 11 - 15 Jan | 14 | |
| 18 | SPECIAL 6 NIGHTS | 14 | 16 - 22 Jan | 14 |
| 19 | 23 - 25 Jan | 25 - 29 Jan | 14 | |
| 21 | 30 Jan - 1 Feb | 14 | 1 - 5 Jan | 14 |
| 23 | SPECIAL 6 NIGHTS | 6 - 12 Feb | 14 | |
| 24 | 13 - 15 Feb | 14 | 15 - 19 Feb | 14 |
| 26 | 20 - 22 Feb | 22 - 26 Feb | ||
| 28 | SPECIAL 6 NIGHTS | 27 Feb - 5 March | 14 | |
| 29 | 6 - 8 March | 14 | 8 - 12 March | 14 |
| 31 | 13 - 15 March | 15 - 19 March | 14 | |
| 33 | SPECIAL 6 NIGHTS | 14 | 20 - 26 March | 14 |
| 34 | 27 - 29 March | 14 | 29 Mar - 2 Apr | 14 |
| 36 | 3 - 5 Apr | 5 - 9 Apr | 12 | |
| 38 | SPECIAL 6 NIGHTS | 14 | 10 - 16 Apr | 14 |
| 39 | 17 - 19 Apr | 19 - 23 Apr | 14 | |
| 41 | 24 - 26 Apr | 14 | 26 - 30 Apr | 14 |
| 43 | SPECIAL 6 NIGHTS | 1 - 7 May | 14 | |
| Jungle Tours Southern Thailand |
Mark Webster’s Photo Workshops |
Tour Cost Colona VI |
Tour Cost M.V. Giamani |
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Similan Islands
This collection of nine islands were declared a Marine National Park in 1982 as protection from the ravages of over fishing by trawlers and the more destructive method of dynamiting. The topography of the islands is granitic with huge boulders lining the shores which extend below water to many of the dive sites. Above the water line the islands are covered with lush rain forest and are worth a visit for the wildlife that they harbour. Two of the islands have fully staffed offices of the Royal Forestry Department whose rangers patrol the islands to enforce the park rules. It is possible to stay overnight on some of these islands, although accommodation is somewhat rudimentary or limited to camping.
On the eastern shores of the islands, which are sheltered from the ravages of the summer monsoon winds, you will find reef structures constructed entirely from coral. Many of the reefs comprise massive boulders or outcrops of granite which form the base for hard and soft corals to adhere to. The jumbles of boulders are truly massive and create all sorts of magnificent swim throughs, gullies and caves to be explored.
Surin Islands
The Surin islands lie a further 60km north from Koh Similan, just a few kilometres from the border with Burma. This area is again a Marine National Park established in 1981 and consists of five granite islands and two rocky islets. The larger islands are covered in lush primary rain forest and also have extensive areas of mangroves in their sheltered bays. There is a Royal Forestry Department headquarters and small exhibition centre on Koh Surin Tai and even a telephone box which rather shatters the illusion of island solitude! Another 14km to the east and still closer to the Burmese border is the famous Richelieu Rock, renowned for it’s whale shark encounters. Below water the topography in Surin is similar to the Similans and there are stunning shallow water coral reefs here, particularly at Koh Torinla which has a magnificent staghorn reef. These islands are the last area in Thailand you can encounter the Moken sea gypsies who live most of the year in small precarious house boats and subsist on the fruits of the sea.
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Ley lie some 48km south east of the island of Phuket and are a popular tourist destination and so don’t have quite the same atmosphere of the uninhabited islands. However, the islands are also part of the Marine National Park system and the diving, particularly around the offshore limestone karsts, is equally good. There is even a wreck dive here, that of the King Cruiser car ferry lost in 1997 which is fast becoming engulfed by marine life.
Pushing another 45km to the south of Koh Phi Phi brings you to the two submerged reefs of Hin Daeng (Red Rock) and Hin Muang (Purple Rock). These are a series of pinnacles which have been named after the colour of the soft corals (Red Rock) and carpet anemones (Purple Rock) which cover them. These are open water sites which attract many pelagics and sharks and are a popular destination in the spring months when the increase in plankton attracts mantas and whale sharks.
The Mergui Archipelago comprises more than 800 islands stretching 320 kilometres north from the southern Burmese border with Thailand. The diving to the south of this area in Thailand's Surin and Similan islands is well established and the potential of the Mergui islands has become increasingly popular for live aboards operating in this area. The majority of these islands are uninhabited and until early this century were known only for their remoteness, selection of wild animals and potential for attack by pirates. The independence of Burma (or Myanmar as the country is now known) in 1948 brought with it isolationist policies and the closure of strategic areas which has preserved these islands and reefs until recently. The only inhabitants you are likely to encounter are the Moken (sea gypsies), who have communities in the southern islands, and the occasional Burmese long tail fishing boat who travel hair raising distances offshore in their fragile craft.
The sunrise over your first island anchorage reveals soaring hills capped by dense rain forest fringed by perfect white sandy beaches most of which have not endured a single tourist footprint. These islands are still wild in the truest sense, inhabited by elephants, black bears, rhinos, monkeys, sea eagles, brahminy kites and hornbills, any number of snakes and insects and even leopards and tigers. There are even reports of both elephants and rhinoceros swimming between islands, so be prepared for the unexpected!
The topside island charms also extend below these nutrient rich waters which offer a dazzling diversity of flora and fauna from mantis shrimps to mantas and whale sharks. The topography and coral formations are similar to those found further south in Thailand but there are still numerous sites that remain to be explored. On many sites the density of coral growth and invertebrate life means that there is little room to rest a finger, but when you do watch out that you don't choose a scorpion fish instead of the rock surface - they are literally everywhere in vast numbers, a real contrast to "maybe" finding one during a dive in areas like the Red Sea. The macro life here is stunning and it is all too easy to be come absorbed in a small patch of reef and miss what is happening around you or in the open water off the reef. Seeing sharks, large bull rays, eagle rays and dense shoals of fish is common on many dives - so keeping an eye on the open water is essential to see what has come to investigate these strange noisy creatures on the reef.
Information:
Most of the major airlines have routes to Bangkok with one or more connections en route. Thai Airlines flies direct from London – there is a connecting flight to Phuket.
The north east monsoon between October and May presents the best diving conditions with mostly calm seas and water temperatures of 28º C.
Visas: Not required for visits up to 30 days
Currency: Thai Baht - all major credit cards and travellers cheques widely accepted.
Language: Thai but English widely spoken
Voltage: 220v European style two pin.
Please note that the standard valve fittings that we have onboard MV Giamani & MV Colona VI are of the INTERNATIONAL type for both the 12 litre and 15 litre tanks.
Similan National Park Fee: $29
Mergui Archipelago fee: $140 (bring 4 passport size photos, four photo copies of the main page of your passport and four copies of the page with your Thai entry visa – this is for the Myanmar entry permit).
Bangkok departure tax: $30 ~ All payable on site.
Tourism Authority of Thailand: Tel. 0171 499 7679 Fax. 0171 629 5519
www.tourismthailand.org www.photec.co.uk
| Jungle Tours Southern Thailand |
Mark Webster’s Photo Workshops |
Tour Cost Colona VI |
Tour Cost M.V. Giamani |
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| Jungle Tours ~ Southern Thailand |
This adventure programme guides to some of the most interesting spots of Khao Sok National Park, the largest area of rain forest remaining in South Thailand. Accommodation is basic and not suitable for those looking for a comfortable stay.
Phuket - Khao Sok National Park -/L/D *
Following the west coast of Phuket the mainland is reached. Stop for a visit to one of the numerous waterfalls and have lunch in a beach-side restaurant before crossing through the mountains to Khao Sok rain forest, the largest national park in South Thailand. After arriving take a ride down the river in an inflated tyre or explore the surroundings. Accommodation in simple bungalows with private bathroom and no electricity.
Khao Sok National Park B/L/D *
After breakfast drive to the man-made reservoir for a boat trip across the lake to reach its remoter parts. Start for a trek of 11/2 hours, that leads along a beautiful creek to a cave deep in the forest with time for exploring the subterraneous river. Return to the lake for accommodation on floating bamboo huts hidden in a small bay amidst tropical rain forest. Communal toilet and bathroom are built on the shore.
Khao Sok National Park - Phuket B/L/- *
Return by boat the next morning and pass through agricultural used areas to visit a mountain retreat offering a beautiful view to the distant Phang Nga Bay. Stop at a temple built inside a limestone cave enshrining numerous Buddha images and reach Phuket island in the evening for end at HKT Airport or the Chosen hotel.
Air-conditioned land transportation. English speaking tour guide, all transfers, excursions and entrances fees as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation in simple bungalows with private toilet/bathroom on Day 1 and with communal toilet/bathroom on Day 2, locally prepared full board.
Drinks and meals not mentioned in the above itinerary, tips for guide and drivers, personal expenses.
This adventure program combines a night on raft houses in Khao Sok with two nights in an island resort with time for exploring an uninhabited island and relaxing on a remote beach.
Surat Thani - Khao Sok National Park -/L/D *
Pick up from the morning train at Surat Thani station and drive to the water reservoir that covers almost 10% of Khao Sok National Park, one of the most important connected areas of tropical rain forest in Southern Thailand. Start for a boat trip across the huge lake passing bizarre limestone cliffs and sunken trees. Go on a trek of about 3 hours along a beautiful creek to a cave deep in the forest with time for exploring the subterranean river. Return to the lake for accommodation on floating bamboo huts hidden in a small bay amidst tropical rain forest. Communal toilet and bathroom are built on the shore.
Khao Sok National Park - Phra Thong Island B/L/D *
Return by boat the next morning and pass through mountainous landscape to the coast, to go on to Phra Thong Island. Reach one of the lst unspoiled islands on the Andaman Coast by boat, a trip of one hour through the lush green mangrove forests. Rest of the day at leisure to discover the 11 km long Golden Buddha Beach. Accommodation in simple bungalows with private bathroom.
Phra Thong Island B/L/D *
Start I the morning for a full-day trip to neighbouring Japan Island. Walk through the forest across the spine of the island. Continue on to a beautiful beach for swimming and sunbathing. Visit a local fishing village on the way back and stop at a small island for snorkelling. Return to the bungalows for accommodation in the evening.
Phra Thong Island - Phuket/Krabi B/L/- *
After breakfast departure by boat to the coast, visit a beautiful waterfall before returning to Phuket or Krabi along the coastal road. tour ends at HKT airport or the chosen hotel in Krabi or Phuket.
Air-conditioned land transportation, English speaking tour guide, all transfers, excursions and entrance fees as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation in simple bungalows with private toilet/bathroom, locally prepared full board.
Drinks and meals not mentioned in the above itinerary, tips for guide and drivers, personal expenses.
Adventure tour to the mountains of Khao Luang including 3 days of fascinating and highly challenging trekking to the highest mountain top of Southern Thailand. Good condition is absolutely necessary.
Bookings are subject to confirmation by the village head as only one group at a time is allowed to Khao Luang due to limited accommodation.
Phuket, Krabi or Surat Thani - Khiriwong -/L/D *
Pick up from hotel, airport or station in Phuket, Krabi or Surat Thani to go to Nakhon Sri Thammarat. Visit the restored Wat Mahadhat, a temple built in the 7th century and watch a performance of shadow play, one of the southern arts. Leave the town after lunch to go to Khiriwong Village on the foot of Khao Luang Mountain. Dinner with the guest family and overnight in their house.
Khiriwong - Khao Luang National Park B/L/D *
Wake up early to see morning life in the village. After breakfast walk through the village, that exists for more than 200 years. Enjoy a local lunch before departure through fruit orchards laid out in the natural forest. The partly steep and shadowy trail passes waterfalls and streams to reach the end of the “Som Rom Gardens” where the simple hut for the first night is situated at 600 m above sea level. (Walking time is approx 3-4 hours)
Khao Luang National Park B/L/D *
Early morning departure on the wet and slippery trail through dense virgin jungle to reach the tree fern valley at 800 m. Lunch and steep climb to the cloud forest that starts at 1400 m to reach the summit at 1835 m in the evening. Overnight in tents on top of Khao Luang Mountain. (Walking time is approx. 6-8 hours)
Khao Luang National Park - Khiriwong B/L/D *
Wake up after a cold night to have breakfast and descend on the same way. Lunch in the forest and evening return to Khiriwong Village for dinner with the guest family and overnight in their house. (Walking time is approx. 6-8 hours)
Khiriwong - Surat Thani, Krabi or Phuket B/L/- *
Enjoy a local breakfast before departure for Surat Thani, Krabi or Phuket for end at hotel, airport or station.
we are happy to arrange a stop off in Bangkok where you can explore the culture from the fascinating temples to the night markets. Flights, transfers and hotel accommodation can all be booked with Oonasdivers. Please call us for prices.
As government taxes and service charges are not under our control, but subject to government regulation, we cannot guarantee any rate. Any adjustment of government tax, service charge or any newly introduced tax will be applied as prescribed by the government.
Guests are advised to reduce their luggage to the absolute minimum, but strong shoes, swimming suit, torch, raincoat, mosquito repellent, sun lotion and a second set of clothes should be brought along.
