Manta Queen 5 Liveaboard Overview

Torben Lonne
By Torben Lonne – Editor and Co-founder at DIVEIN.com
Manta Queen 5 liveaboard boat at anchor near a forested island in Thailand
Another vessel in the Manta Queen fleet, with a sun deck up top for surface intervals between dives.
The Manta Queen 5 liveaboard moored at sea, blue hull and white upper decks
That dark blue hull and stacked upper decks are what to look for when the Manta Queen 5 picks up divers at anchor in Thailand.
Turquoise water framing granite boulders and a white sand beach on a tropical island
The kind of view that makes the case for slowing down mid-trip, since a few minutes floating here beats rushing to the next dive site.
Bunk cabin aboard the Manta Queen 5 with a reading shelf and a folded towel swan on the bed
Cabins aboard the Manta Queen 5 are compact, but the crew still dresses every bed with a fresh flower for arrival day.
Two reef cuttlefish displaying courtship colors on a coral reef
Reef cuttlefish like this pair are a common macro sighting on Thailand liveaboard dives, shifting color and texture as they interact.
Covered dining deck with bench seating aboard the Manta Queen 5 liveaboard underway
Meals and dive briefings happen on this covered deck aboard the Manta Queen 5, benches lined up for the whole group.
An ornate ghost pipefish camouflaged against a whip coral
Ornate ghost pipefish are a prized macro find, their frilly appendages built to vanish against soft coral and crinoids.
A pair of patterned harlequin shrimp perched together on a Thai reef
Harlequin shrimp are a favorite find for macro shooters, and sightings like this are one reason divers book liveaboards in Thai waters.
A leopard shark rests on the seabed near coral outcrops
Leopard sharks are common, harmless residents of Thailand's reefs, often spotted lying motionless on the sand between dives.
A peacock mantis shrimp with bright blue eyes and green fan-like claws faces the camera
The peacock mantis shrimp's punch is famous among divers, strong enough to crack a snail shell, making it a favorite macro subject.
A crab stands on white sand with turquoise water and clouds behind it
Beach stops between dive sites give guests a chance to spot local crabs and stretch their legs on the sand.
A pink nudibranch carries an emperor shrimp near yellow soft coral
Emperor shrimp often hitch a ride on nudibranchs like this one, turning a single find into two photo subjects at once.
The empty sun deck of the Manta Queen 5 liveaboard with hills in the background
The sun deck gives guests a place to dry off and take in the scenery between dive briefings.
The wheelhouse of a liveaboard boat displaying a Khaolak Scuba Adventures logo
This liveaboard runs under the Khaolak Scuba Adventures banner, the branding visible on the wheelhouse as guests board.
A twin bunk cabin with blue bedding, an access ladder and gear stowed below
Twin cabins like this one are the budget option on Manta Queen 5, with practical under-bunk storage for dive gear and day bags.

Where to book

The Manta Queen 5 liveaboard is a good choice when diving the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, and the Boonsung wreck just off the coast of Khao Lak. This 23-meter liveaboard gives great value for the money and plenty of diving on three days and four nights trip.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Disclosure: We are reader supported, and may earn affiliate commissions when you buy through us.

Things we like:

  • Many people were happy with the diving instructors as they delivered a stellar brief addresses all the concerns that the divers may have had and also made the new divers ready for what to expect on their first outing.
  • Divers said that the locations picked out for them by the diving master was indicative of the wealth of knowledge he possesses.
  • Many people said the atmosphere was great and they got to make new friends from all over the world.
  • Many people said they would return to the Manta Queen 5 for another awesome experience.

Things we don't like:

  • Some people stated that roof leaked when it rained and the boat needed some maintenance.
  • Some people were taken back by the gas smell that entered their cabins from the engine room.

Where to book

Manta Queen 5 liveaboard boat at anchor near a forested island in Thailand
PADI TravelSecure online bookingLiveaboard.comNo booking fees

Diving on the Manta Queen 5 liveaboard in Thailand

For sailing to the best dive sites in Thailand in an easy an relaxed manner, the MV Manta Queen 5 is an excellent choice. Unlike its sister ships in the Manta Queen fleet, this diving safari boat goes on a cruise to the Similan Islands and Koh Bon. The boat is perfect for divers who want relatively easy and enjoyable diving along with the opportunity to see Manta Rays without having to pay extra and travel further to Koh Tachai and the Richelieu Rock.

The MV Manta Queen 5 is 26 meters/85 feet long and accommodates up to 20 guests. The boat was recently renovated to make the eleven twin-bunk cabins comfortable for the guests. Also, there is free Wi-Fi available.

With clean and fully air-conditioned cabins, guests are bound to enjoy the trip. The boat has a sizable, covered outdoor dining room and relaxation area, where guests are briefed and where meals are served. Most guests aboard the MV Manta Queen 5 spend their non-diving/relaxation time in socializing with each other or gaze out at the wonderful views from the sundeck which is at the top of the boat.

Food in the boat is served buffet style several times a day, and this includes a light meal on the evening of the departure day. Snacks and fruit are also offered to guests in between dives. Things like tea and coffee, drinking water are always free. The boat comes with five dive staff and six boat crew members to make the cruise to be stress-free.

Safety is most important on any diving safari, but the dive team and crew aboard Manta Queen 5 also try to make the cruises as much fun as possible. It’s all very relaxed and enjoyable for everyone on board.

The MV Manta Queen 5 comes with dive tanks for divers with all levels of experience and certification. The boat offers non-divers the opportunity to learn diving with the PADI Open Water Diver Course. There is a wide range of other courses available, all taught by qualified and experienced PADI instructors.

The MV Manta Queen 5 goes on a cruise for three days and three nights with as much as 11 dives. The boat leaves in the evening on the day of departure. The guests are checked in by 4 pm and are then briefed before cabins are allocated. There are four dives per day for the first two days, with three dives on the final day before the boat returns to Khao Lak mid/late afternoon.

Key facts
Year built:2013
Max divers:22
Rental equip:Yes ($)
Camera station:No
Internet:Yes (free)
Min logged dives:No minimum
Nitrox:Yes (free)
Aircon:Yes
Trip length:< 5 Nights
Price range:Mid-range

Where to book

Manta Queen 5 liveaboard boat at anchor near a forested island in Thailand
PADI TravelSecure online bookingLiveaboard.comNo booking fees
Get an email when there's a new comment
Notify of
guest
0 Comments

Most read this week:

About this image

Related to: