The Junk
THLTJ
ABOUT THIS LIVEABOARD
Manta Trust Cruise
Join The Junk and the Manta Trust on our special Manta Expedition itinerary exploring the very best diving in Thailand.
The Manta Trust is a UK & US-registered charity that coordinates global mobulid research & conservation efforts with the goal of a sustainable future for the oceans, where manta rays & their relatives thrive in healthy, diverse marine ecosystems.
As part of the mission to raise awareness and provide education on manta ray conservation, the Manta Trust has teamed up with The Junk to provide ‘Manta Expeditions’—a series of liveaboard dive trips that focus specifically on getting our guests in close proximity to manta rays, whilst imparting expert knowledge and skills.
Dive with JAMIE MONMANEERAT, the winner of Miss Scuba International 2012 & project leader of the Thailand Manta Project. With a maximum of 18 divers aboard The Junk, you are assured of personal service & uncrowded diving. This 10-night and 11-day itinerary will start in Phuket and travel to the Surin Islands, the Similan Islands, Koh Bon and further to Richelieu Rock, before returning back & visiting the Southern Anderman Sea. These areas are considered the best diving in Thailand & makes the top ten dive lists in the world. You can expect to see Manta Rays, beautiful soft purple corals at Richelieu Rock and many types of Pelagic Fish, with even a Whaleshark dropping in now and again. With experienced dive guides & no-decompression service, you will have a memorable trip.
BOAT FEATURES
Boat Specifications
- Length: 33 meters (108ft)
- Beam: 8.5m (27ft)
- Cruising speed 7 Knots
- Chinese "Junk" style sailing ship with three masts
Boat Fixtures
- 380 Hp main engine with back up
- Full-service galley, freezer, and refrigerator storage
- Two 50kW each, generators; each capable of supplying the yachts needs independently
Other Features
- Main deck heads ( toilets)
- Freshwater dispenser
Dive Facilities
- Two SCUBA air compressors
- Nitrox available
- Multi use dive and living deck with storage for dive gear
- Scuba diving equipment - BCD, regulators, mask, fins, snorkel, 3mm shorty wetsuit, underwater torches and computers for hire
- Weights, weight belts, 12L (80 cu. Ft) aluminum tanks with standard yoke valves included
- Two tender dinghies with outboard motors for scuba diving
Boat Amenties
- Sun deck combined with dive deck area
- Roomy, air-conditioned saloon
- 220V with 2 round pin sockets (European style). Please make sure you bring universal adapters with you if necessary.
BOAT SAFETY
- Life jackets for all passengers and crew
- Complete First Aid Kit and medical supplies
- Emergency Oxygen System with 100% demand regulator
- Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)
- Fire and Smoke Detection Systems
- Fire extinguishers and Fire Fighting Equipment
- Life rafts & rescue craft
- Full Complement of Safety and Rescue Equipment
- Emergency flares
- Radar
- Magnetic Compass
- Depth sounders
- Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
- Multiple VHF radios
- Satellite Phone (where necessary)
- CB Radios
- EPIRB Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
BOAT INCLUSIONS
General Inclusions
Air-conditioned cabin with en-suite, towels and linen
Local tax (on booking cost only)
Guided diving
All meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner + snacks
12L aluminium dive tank (yoke valves), weights and weight belt
Transfers from Phuket Airport (IATA code HKT). to either Thap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak or Sea Dream Guest House, Patong is included. International flights should arrive before 15.00hr as there is only one transfer at 15.30pm and valid only for the day of embarkation. Return transfers to Phuket Airport are also included for the day of disembarkation. Allow 2-3 hours for international & 2 hours for domestic flight departure times.
Accommodation based on two sharing (twin or double) or Triple or Quad share, depending on your cabin choice (single use extra).
Our Exclusive Inclusions
Type of Meals
All Siren Fleet yachts provide their guests with a choice of international and Asian cuisine served in a buffet-style, in the dining area. The vessel can cater to special dietary requirements (within reason), please inform on booking about your requirements, well in advance. Also, a selection of fresh fruit and some tasty treats are readily available, should you feel peckish in between meal times.
Drinks
A well-selected range of carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, black, green and herbal teas are available at all times, as well as instant and fresh brewed coffee. Guests may also select local beer, wine or spirits from the bar for an additional fee.
BOAT EXCLUSIONS
General Exclusions
No Visas (responsibility of traveller)
Rental diving equipment - BCD, Mask, fins, shorkel, Dive computer, underwater torch - pre-book possible when booking, payment on board
Activity indemity form will need to be signed, any medical costs assoicated are to be covered by the traveller
Park fees are paid directly on board
Crew and Guide gratuities
Any Extra Services which may include but not limited to: onboard calls, laundry,massage, special services
Any Optional Activities which may include but not limited to: Dive Courses, excursions
Optional Alcohol - Beer , wine, spirits & cocktails
Rates subject to change
Travel and Diving Insurance is for the traveller to organise before travel (must be shown on board)- Your diving insurance must cover all of your scuba diving and snorkelling activities, including the costs for recompression chamber treatment and emergency air evacuation.
No International or domestic flights are included
No internet connection - due to the remote location no connection is possible. Roaming feature on most phones will only work in certain areas due to the remoteness.
Taxes and Surcharges
Any airport taxes on arrival or departure
Marine & National Park Fees - $65USD per person for the six-night itinerary's, $50USD per person for the four-night itinerary. Payable on board - (rate subject to change).
VESSEL IMAGES
REVIEWS
Coming Soon
Departure and Return Date
10/03/2022 - 20/03/2022
Length Of Cruise
10 nights/ 11 days
Destination Description
Similan Islands including Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock PLUS the delights of the South Andaman Sea.
Diving Description
All dives are guided and you can choose your own buddy on board or will be allocated one by the dive crew. Diving will be from the tender, with computers mandatory. The yacht offers up to four dives per day (3 on the last day) including night dives. 12L (80 cubic ft.) tanks, weight belts and weights are provided( other equipment can be rented). All diving onboard The Junk should be within the limits and standards of the training agency that certified you. All dives should be planned no-decompression dives.
Diving Weather Temp
The Junk operates between November & April in the Anderman Sea. (Outside of this time the area is closed). This is the best time of year for visibility and the water is warm sitting around 28 degrees. A 3 mm short wetsuit can be worn, but if you feel the cold a full length wetsuit of 5 mm would suit better. This is also the season for Manta Rays and Whalesharks.
Diver Level
Open Water & higher