“MV Saifon” was originally a Thai fishing vessel. She was reconstructed in 2002 in an 11 month project. Most of the other dive boat conversions in the area are just adding some tank holders and a few seats to a fishing boat, resulting in an adequate dive boat but not a great one. Robert did not want to do this; he wanted a custom built dive boat, so with the help of Max Foster (a past partner) and the now retired Captain, Sombat Visetsuwan, they stripped her down to the shell.

Then, they re-designed her and built her as a dive boat. Every year she is raised up on the slip for maintenance and overhaul. We also take this opportunity to continually improve her. We now have  a second compressor. This means that no matter how many people want to do multiple dives we will always have enough air for them. The latest improvement was to put Nitrox mixing capabilities on board so if you are qualified to use Nitrox, or want to become so, just ask.

Every day she goes out, depending on conditions and customer requirements, to the Near & Far Islands as well as the Wrecks. Apart from being a great dive boat the MV Saifon also caters for customers who want to just relax and sunbathe or do a little snorkeling. Our professional Instructors on board can take you on your first ever dive or, if you are qualified, guide you around the reefs and Wrecks.

We also do a special ‘Introduction to Scuba’ on board. If you have joined the boat as a passenger but then decide you would like to “have a go” our Instructors will give you a briefing on the basics of scuba diving then take you on one dive. In the morning we serve Thai doughnuts and fruit. At lunch time we have a buffet of Western and Thai (not too spicy) food. The food is freshly prepared and of very good quality.

On the trip home we have some more snacks, consisting of ham or tuna fish sandwiches, or a chicken breast burgers or hot dogs. We sell cold cokes and beer for the way home or all day if you are not diving. You can have coffee, tea and fresh water throughout the day, all included in the price.