Hey, welcome to my Review of The Junk Liveaboard in Thailand! Is this really just a piece of junk and is it worth taking your wallet out? You’ll find this out in the review.
First, let me commend you for taking the time to do your research here. I know you want a vacation that will be fun and of course at a good budget deal. This is the right way to avoid making mistakes and to learn about the Junk Liveaboard lifestyle.
If you’re interested in knowing how I review products, here it is.
This review will give you an in-depth picture of everything you need to know as divers and snorkelers and non-swimmers. I’ll tell you what it is, who should go, what you can do, the pros and cons, whether it’s worth the price and much more.
I also have an amazing video of the Junk Liveaboard. Come and get a taste of what the much-talked-about diving is like in the Similan and Surin Islands of Thailand offered by The Junk tour guides.
Summary Review of the Junk Liveaboard
Product Name: The Junk Liveaboard
Destinations: Similan and Surin Islands in Thailand
Price: $147 + USD per day per person and depends on the cabin selection.
Discounts: Yes, watch for them
Main Sports Activity: Scuba Diving and snorkelling
Divers Rating: 5 Stars
Best For: Certified scuba divers of all levels and snorkelers, non-swimmers and families
Requirements: Divers need to have a minimum of Open Water certification
On-Board Scuba Diving Courses: PADI Advanced Open Water and Nitrox
Aquatic Highlights: Wreck and reefs, friendly whale sharks, octopuses, giant manta rays, frogfish, wrecks and reefs, shrimps, leopard sharks, scorpion fish and much more
Best Time to Go: For liveaboard diving and diving in general, late October to early May.
To see Manta Rays and Whale Sharks, you have a better chance in February to early May.
Water Temperature: 78-84°F/26-29°C. The season’s end is when it’s the warmest.
Summary: The Junk Liveaboard is definitely not a piece of junk. In fact, it’s a beautifully laid out historical vessel that gives you a sense of adventure. Snorkelling, diving, kayaking and land excursions in addition to all the mouth-watering meals, top-notch services are what you can expect.
Recommended: Yes
Disclosure: When you use the links on this page to make a purchase I may earn a small commission. Learn More.
The Junk Liveaboard boasts about giving you the ‘best liveaboard diving vacation’ experience due to its ‘high standard of service’. This also means having the best food on a liveaboard, awesome diving, and their guarantee that you will never go hungry.
They also say you will enjoy their ‘exceptional value for your money’.
Will The Junk Liveaboard take you to dive destinations suitable for your dive skills as a certified Open Water Diver?
Let’s find out…
Ready for a Safari Dive Adventure in Thailand?
The exotica remote Similan and Surin Islands in Thailand are rated among the top 10 dive destinations in the world.
Some beautiful sea creatures you can see diving from The Junk Liveaboard are tiger tail seahorses, large schools of barracudas, eels, bumphead parrotfish, large napoleon wrasse, frogfish, tiny nudibranchs, giant manta rays, friendly whale sharks and much more.
This is a trip I did years ago and it’s one I hope you will put on your bucket list. There are 3 ways to do this on the Islands:
- small dive boats
- day boats
- liveaboards.
Day boats, as the word implies, mean the divers return to the mainland or an island for land accommodations. These boats can still do the trip to remote dive sites but are just out for the day.
Watch the weather, if you book your dives going out on small dive boats. It’s a long boat ride and you still need to return to the mainland.
If you are serious about getting the best diving and snorkelling experiences, the best option is with a liveaboard.
In case you’re not familiar with what a liveaboard is…
What Is The Junk Liveaboard?
The Junk is a beautiful and unique historical sailing vessel liveaboard. Constructed in Malaysia in 1962, its original name is June Hong Chian Lee (meaning ‘respect wind, travel forever’).
During the 60s, the vessel was used as part of a merchant fleet trading along Burma to the Malaysia coastline. Then in 1998, in the hands of a new owner, it was converted to function as a liveaboard vessel for divers and snorkelers so they can live on it and dive from it.
The Junk liveaboard measures a stunning 33m/108 ft. long and 8m/26 ft. wide with impressive sails that are 330 sq meters. It’s my favourite desired liveaboard in Thailand when it comes to getting the aura of a romantic safari dive adventure.
When I first saw this unique sailing vessel, I fell in love with the wood. This vessel is mostly constructed out of Takien Tong, hard teak wood.
(Off the topic here, this vessel always makes me think of my historical home. It was built in 1875, in Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands. It has some original wood inside the house that comes from an old ship.)
The Junk comes with 12 experienced crew members who are English and Thai speaking and I must add, quite friendly and entertaining.
They claim to give you service with a smile and this they do well. You are welcomed the moment you step onto this vessel and are made to feel safe like it’s your home.
It’s simply different… this is a 140-ton three-mast junk and if you go back in time, you might envision yourself as a pirate. The dragon’s head is fascinating to look at too!
A movie tidbit… part of the filming of the James Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun (1974) and the Swiss Family Robinson (1960) took place on this world-famous sailing vessel.
Who Is The Junk Liveaboard For?
The Junk Liveaboard is great for anyone who is looking for some adventure mostly in the water. Of course, non-swimmers and families are welcome too.
Snorkelling can be done in open water so you need to feel comfortable doing this or you can reef snorkel.
Depending on the number of days you book, you can get anywhere from 13 to 18 dives. What a great way to get more diving experience from The Junk! The dives are suitable for all certified divers because there is very little current.
Thailand’s well-known dive destinations in the Similan and Surin Islands or in Chalong, Phuket are…
- Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock and Khao Lak Wrecks, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Haa, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, Similan Islands with Elephant Head Rock
You will definitely get your safari dive vacation on The Junk liveaboard. If you go in the right season (February to early May), there are opportunities to swim with large pelagic sea creatures like the giant manta rays and the friendly whale sharks.
The Most Notable Features of The Junk Liveaboard
So we all know now that liveaboards are going to be our home for the next 4 to 6 nights. What will life be like on this liveaboard?
The Spacious Cabins
If this liveaboard was fully booked, you might think 18 guests sounds like a lot of people on board, but this one is really quite different. I find it quite spacious and professionally designed so you don’t feel like you’re squeezed in.
The Junk is nicely laid out with a total of 6 air-conditioned cabins encompassed with clean ensuite washrooms and showers.
- Private double cabins with double bed (sleeps 2 per cabin).
- Triple cabins with 2 single beds and 1 berth (sleeps 3 per cabin). The 2 single beds can be made as 1 double bed.
- Quad cabins with 4 berths. These are bunk beds and can be changed to shared twins. Perfect for a family.
Bath towels and soap are conveniently provided for you.
Beautifully Designed Boat Layout
The boat has a decent-sized sundeck with sunbeds for you to lay on and have a leisurely nap or read a book letting you feel the refreshing ocean breeze. Their other activities on board are:
- Watching movies, visits to the library room where you can find other books to read and play games in their nicely air-conditioned salon
- Enjoying their dining area, both covered outdoors and indoors
- Filling your belly with their well-known first-class meals
- Snacking and yes, more snacks
- Lounging around with air-conditioning and watching TV
- Alcohol $
Mouth-Watering Foods
It’s true when The Junk’s crew says you will never go hungry because it’s all served buffet style!
You get 2 breakfasts, before and after the first dive in the morning.
- Lunch is a lovely mixture of their first-class Asian affair
- Dinner is seafood, meats and veggies and fresh salads before your night dive
- Snacks/desserts between meals (always open)
- Water, coffee, tea, juices, and sodas
- After dive alcohol $ at the bar
If you’re a vegan or have allergies to certain foods, just let the cooks know and they will look after you. My advice is to let them know at the time of booking so they can order ingredients ahead of time. In any event, they still prepare extra vegetarian dishes and ensure you have a delightful choice of a variety of dishes that work for your body.
The Diving
The Junk Liveaboard is also a member of PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and so you can rest assured your tour guides follow their safety dive standards.
How much diving do you want to do?
Some divers are happy doing 2-tank dives a day from small dive boats and call it a day. Why not take advantage of the option of 4 dives a day that’s offered on The Junk liveaboard?
Your pre-dive orientation takes place on the liveaboard which is presented by your tour guide who is either a Dive Master or a Dive Instructor.
Diving takes place from their motorized dinghy (shown in the video above) which can be a lot of fun and getting into the water is an easy backroll. You also don’t have to swim back to the dinghy because the operator picks you up. A crew member assists you back into the dinghy when your dive is completed.
All divers must bring the following:
- The minimum is the Open Water Diver Certification
- Your dive logbook (a minimum of 10 logged dives)
- Diver’s Accident Insurance with medical evacuation
- Dive computer
- Underwater camera if you want to review your memories
- Medical Certification in case they ask you for it
The Junk Liveaboard’s standard services for water guests come with the following:
- Snorkel tour guide
- DiveMaster for every 6 divers
- Pre-dive orientation
- Night dives
- 12-liter aluminum tanks, weight belts, and lead weights
- Surface marker buoys (SMB)
- DIN/INT Adapters
- Motorized dinghy
- Station to charge your batteries
- Roomy dive deck shaded
- Deck towels
- Showers (warm)
- Dive books and fish identification cards
- Crate to store your dive gear and accessories
- Setup area
One of the services I feel is helpful from the Junk Liveaboard is that they offer the PADI Advanced Open Water and Nitrox courses which are excellent if you want to improve your dive skills.
The Junk Liveaboard‘s Other Activities/Services
A crew member will pick you up at the airport, take you to the liveaboard and look after you on your return.
You get a dry run of their emergency procedure.
In addition to scuba diving, all of The Junk’s itineraries offer you snorkelling, kayaking, and land excursions so you can walk along the beautiful white sandy beaches of the Similan and Surin and other Islands.
Sadly, they do not have a spa or a massage salon.
If you’re prone to seasickness or have ear issues, they have tablets and ear drops to help you. (I suggest you still bring your own, in case they have a small inventory).
They also help you get fitted with your rental dive gear if you don’t bring your own and help carry your tank onto the dinghy.
What Guests Are Saying About The Junk Liveaboard
When I do reviews, one of the things I like to research is what some guests say. Clearly, their experiences with The Junk Liveaboard were enjoyable and memorable. Some are even repeated guests.
I know from my experience many years ago on my adventuresome dive holiday on this liveaboard, that there is a real calling to go back…
Are The Junk Liveaboard Prices Reasonable?
This review is based on The Junk Liveaboard’s destinations which are the Similan and Surin Islands. There are many other liveaboards going to similar dive locations. No matter which liveaboard you choose, there are always extra costs like:
The mandatory park fees are anywhere from $35 – $65.
The Junk Liveaboard’s rate is $147 + USD a day per person and depends on the cabin selection. Of course, the prices are subject to changes.
It’s what I consider an average rate. This liveaboard is the only vessel in my opinion, that adds adventure because of its history. Gear rentals are reasonably priced but can quickly add up which may affect your vacation budget.
NOTE: However, this liveaboard offers promotional rates so keep an eye out for them!
The cheapest price I can find is the MV Dolphin Queen liveaboard (I haven’t done a review) at $99 + USD a day per person. If you’re looking for the budget price, this would be it.
The Junk Liveaboard’s Options
About the options, if you’re looking to keep your costs down, I suggest bringing your own scuba gear. I know this can be a hassle but the advantage of bringing them with you is you are familiar with them.
To pay for the options on the Junk Liveaboard, they will take VISA, Cash, USD, THB, and EUR on board for the following:
- Rental gear for diving and snorkelling
- 15-litre tanks
- Nitrox
- Advanced Open Water Course
- Nitrox Course
- Tips (I highly recommend tipping the crew members, they work hard)
- Beer and wine
How To Book The Junk Liveaboard
If you’re a diver, I’m sure you have heard of PADI, in fact, you may already be a certified PADI diver like me.
In January 2018, Diviac, the #1 dedicated dive travel expert became PADI Travel your ultimate dive travel agency worldwide. They are now part of the PADI family.
All of their professional consultants are also divers and so they understand what you are looking for and will provide guidance to find and book your liveaboard or dive resorts/dive centers worldwide.
Booking your dive and snorkel vacation on The Junk thru PADI Travel is quick and easy with only 4 steps. Let them know if you have allergies to certain foods and they will notify The Junk Liveaboard of your needs.
Step 1: Go to PADI Travel’s website.
Step 2: Choose your desired itinerary.
Step 3: Select your cabin.
Step 4: Fill out the simple form.
Disclosure: When you use the links on this page to make a purchase I may earn a small commission. Learn More.
Cancelling and Changing Your Junk Liveaboard Booking
PADI Travel understands that unexpected things can happen and so they work with you and give you time when you make your booking.
While you still have to give them your credit card information, the good news is they give you 48 hours before they process your card. They also give you a friendly reminder of the expiration date of your FREE cancellation at the time of your booking.
Changes to your booking can be done via email or thru their LIVE CHAT.
At the end of the free cancellation, “The Junk’s” Payment And Cancellation Terms come into play (see below)
The Junk Liveaboard Payment And Cancellation Terms
This liveaboard payment schedule and cancellation terms are pretty much standard with other liveaboards. What you read below is self-explanatory.
What I Like About The Junk Liveaboard
- The feeling of freedom and adventure
- Safari diving
- They offer promotional rates
- The rental gear is in excellent condition
- Diving from dinghies makes it easy to enter the water
- Excellent service with a smile
- Everything is clean
- Comfortable beds
- Tasty and eye-appealing meals
- Never go hungry
- Safety is their #1 priority
- Pricing is cheaper than staying at a resort and booking from a dive center
- Impressive real testimonials
What I Don’t Like About The Junk Liveaboard
I was honestly 100% happy with everything I did and received from The Junk liveaboard but hey, not everything is perfect. For instance, they have:
- No Internet
- No rental of full-length wetsuits
- No PADI Open Water Certification course.
NOTE: If you want to learn to scuba dive just book with a local dive shop before you board this liveaboard and do at least 10 dives. (You have to do 4 open water dives to get this certification and so it will only take you 5 days to do this if you really want it!)
How To Get On The Junk Liveaboard
Phuket International is your arrival and departure airport leaving no complication or confusion.
If you’re staying in a hotel in Patong, Karon, Rawai and Chalong areas, The Junk has transfers to and from the boat.
NOTE: You will be required to fill out a standard diver’s Medical Statement, Liability Release and Express Assumption of Risk Agreement and Safe Diving Practises.
My Final Opinion of The Junk Liveaboard
My overall ranking of this liveaboard is 5 stars!
Here are some reasons why…
- The Junk Liveaboard delivers on its promises. For some reason, when I’m on holiday I want to eat more… I did precisely that and gained a few pounds with no regrets.
- There are repeat guests on this liveaboard and families are welcome.
- Even though there was no internet, there is more time to socialize with other guests and make friends.
- The dive sites are excellent for certified new and novice divers.
- The sailing masts are amazing and if you have never been on a sailboat, The Junk liveaboard will give you a safari vacation.
- Did I get exceptional value for my money? YES, ABSOLUTELY AND MORE!
About the shorty, I got cold the first couple of days because of the good rainfall but after that, the sea warmed up nicely.
Disclosure: When you use the links on this page to make a purchase I may earn a small commission. Learn More.
If you have been on The Junk Liveaboard and would like to share your experiences or have comments or questions, I really would like to hear from you.
I hope you found this review useful and thanks for reading it!
Monica
Wow this was a very interesting review. I went scuba diving a few times to Cozumel where I went and explored there. It was kind of the same thing but everything was a lot different since it was a trip I did myself. I learned to Scuba dive before going and did not buy my own equipment. Just used the equipment that was provided but it was one of my favorite experiences ever.
Thailand has been on my wish list for a long time and I see that diving in the Similan and Surin Islands from The Junk would be good for a new diver like me. I’ll definitely be reading this again. Thanks!
I would like to see a review of Cozumel too.
Hey Chris,
Thanks for reading! Cozumel eh? That’s a great place to dive! I was there a couple of years ago. Nice easy drift diving. All my dive trips, I do on my own, lol… my friends who dive are now too busy.
I know you will absolutely love diving on The Junk in Similan and Surin Islands of Thailand. I hope you will do that trip. Glad you have it in your wish list.
Sure, I’ll definitely write up a review on Cozumel and it is in my To Do list.
Monica
I remember when I was a kid, my parents took me and my brother to Mexico. We went sNuba diving. It is where you’re under water but instead of the tank being on your back it is connected to a raft on the water’s surface. I remember it being so fun.
We went snorkeling around sunken ships around Aruba as well. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the gigantic ship and wanting a closer look.
After that, I got hooked into scuba diving! I have never lived on and dived from a liveaboard. I just recently started doing some research on this which is how I stumbled onto your site. My family and I are thinking of making a trip to Thailand or maybe to the Caribbean this winter.
I’m quite intrigued on your review of The Junk liveaboard. They seem to be very professional and take pride in their services. I’m going to discuss this further with my family and see what they want to do.
If this is what they want to do, then I’ll be in touch. I’ll keep this bookmarked.
Thanks very much.
Hi Melissa,
Thank you for reading my review!
I have never tried sNuba diving. I have friends who have and they definitely had a lot of fun doing that. Sounds like I really need to do this!
I can definitely see how you got hooked into scuba diving… there’s a lot of history and great stories on sunken ships. Sometimes, I get this eerie feeling when I’m down exploring them.
I’m happy to hear you and your family are thinking of Thailand for your next winter vacation. Please let me know if you have any questions.
I also have an articles on diving in the Caribbean, in case you’re interested in reading it:
https://joyofscubadiving.com/5…
Thank you for bookmarking this review and I hope to hear back from you.
Regards,
Monica
A very entertaining and informative website. I really liked the tips section, in particular maintaining buoyancy when diving.
You really were helpful with the different courses that are available and that is where I’m at. I’ve been doing researches to see what kind of things I can do when I become a scuba diver. I have a friend who is a diver and she mentioned she usually dives from liveaboards when she goes to Asia.
I’m wondering what is the first thing I need to know? I can definitely swim.
Thanks
Hi Dell,
Thank you and I’m glad you enjoyed reading my review and found some of my other articles helpful.
I’m not sure if you read this, but I suggest taking a quick read on my article:
https://joyofscubadiving.com/w…
This will give you a good insight to what is required to learn how to dive.
I hope this helps you. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Regards,
Monica
What you say is really interesting me. I go to Thailand a few times. I didn’t hear any about The Junk Liveaboard. I go to dive by traveling by ship. But you provide me a different way to enjoy a vacation and all the details about the junk and the price. If I go to Thailand next, I will consider having a nice vacation on The Junk Liveaboard.
Hi CT,
Thank you for reading my review and I’m very happy to hear you found it interesting.
Living and diving from a liveaboard, especially The Junk liveaboard, will definitely give you a wonderful and memorable experience. It takes you away from large crowds and takes you on a beautiful and scenic safari journey to the remote Similan and Surin Islands. You will love those gigantic sailing masts.
It’s definitely worthwhile putting The Junk Liveaboard in your To Do list for your next vacation.
Thank you for mentioning you will ‘consider having a nice vacation on The Junk Liveaboard’, the next time you go to Thailand. That’s AWESOME!
Regards,
Monica
The different packages look great! The junk looks very comfortable. Years ago I did some island hopping and day trips out of Hong Kong on junks and was always impressed with the roominess. It looks like you’ll get great Thai food on these liveaboards.
One question, are any of these making it up to the Burma Banks? There used to be great stories of diving with the silvertip sharks there.
Thanks a lot for a beautiful presentation!
Joe
Hi Joe,
Thank you for reading my review.
The MV Bavaria liveaboard does the trip along the Burma. They take divers out to the Mergui Archipelago, Black Rock where they can see sharks like the silvertips, black tips and whitetips.
I must admit, the Thai food was excellent… and I think of it quite often. The dives were too, enough to actually me put this vacation back on my bucket list.
Monica
I’ve never been scuba diving, only snorkeling and it was fun. I’ve been thinking of learning to dive and want to do this first before I go to Thailand next year. I hear the Similan Islands are the best places to dive there and I’m excited to know the dive sites are good for new divers.
I looked at PADI’s site too. Is there anything I need to know before I do this? Scuba diving seems a bit scary to do, you never know what can happen in the water. I want to do this trip on the liveaboard after I am a certified diver.
Hi Ty,
I’m really happy to hear you are going to do the scuba dive course. PADI is excellent and their training is for recreational divers which is what I am. I’m sure you already know about their eLearning and so you can easily do the theory study at home and in your own time.
Because you are already a comfortable snorkeler, learning to dive will be easy for you. You just to have relax.
I recommend reading my article https://joyofscubadiving.com/b… because it will give you lots of great tips on what is expected to learn how to dive. This will get you started. The entry-level PADI Open Water Diver Course is lots of fun.
You will definitely enjoy diving on “The Junk” Liveaboard. The crew members will really look after you. You will get lots of dives in from just one dive vacation so remember to bring your new dive log book and write up your stories.
Let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to hearing about your dive stories.
Thanks for reading my review!
Monica
Hi Monica, I love this review. You covered every detail to make it simple for me to understand.
I am not a diver but my friend is and we travel a lot so I’m always looking for vacation places to go. Thailand happens to be on our bucket list.
A great review and very informative. Thanks, I’ll keep this bookmarked.
Hi Tracy,
I’m glad my review is easy to understand. Thank you for reading it.
Awesome, thanks for bookmarking this and I look forward to seeing you back.
Monica
HI Monica,
I really enjoyed the reading!
The whole family just did the 2 stars diving course, and now we are planning to go diving in Thailand. We still didn’t book anything, thank God:) I would have missed this beautiful trip on the Junk Liveaboard. I will show this article to my family so we can take a decision and book our diving trip. It may be a bit late for September. Do you think there will still be places available in this period of the year?
Thank you!
Hi Daniella,
Congratulations to your entire family for doing the Open Water Diver Certification Course.
Thank you for reading the review and I’m excited to hear you are interested in diving from “The Junk” Liveaboard. Your family will absolutely love the diving and the experience of being on this huge sailboat. Service is excellent and their Thai food is the best… seriously!
I just checked the itineraries and this is what I found:
September 2, Oct 5, Oct 12 are only 2 nights which is the Southern Explorer – the Chalong, Phuket itinerary.
If you want the Similan and Surin itinerary (there are 4 spots still available):
October 15 – 6 nights
October 21 – 4 nights
October 25 – 6 nights
November 1 – 6 nights is all booked
November 12 – 4 nights
November 16 – 6 nights
November 23 – 6 nights
November 30 for 4 nights is all booked
I hope this helps you and your family make a decision. Let me know if you have any questions.
Monica
I’ve been looking at doing some diving with a liveaboard in Thailand. The Junk looks like a lot of fun.
I’ve been to Thailand once before but did my dives with a dive resort which I enjoyed very much. This time I want to do something different. Liveaboards are new to me.
My problem is I get seasick easily and I worry about being on a boat for a long time. Do you think I will have feelings of seasickness on this liveaboard?
Hi Terri,
I’m glad you’re interested in The Junk liveaboard. This one is really different because of all the large sails and unique wood structures.
About the feeling of being seasick… it depends on the weather.
I’m like you. I always feel seasick even on a small boat and liveaboards are no different for me, even in relatively calm waters.
I take the chewable non-drowsy Ginger Gravol or some other seasickness tablets. Just make sure to take the seasickness tablet at least 30 minutes before you board the boat.
Hope this helps and thanks for reading.
Monica
Wow awesome post! I didn’t realize vacations like this existed. I really want to dive, but I’ve never tried it. I love snorkeling, but diving scares me a little. Do you have any advice for a beginner that would love to try this? I think the junk liveaboard is over my head but would love to do that someday!
Hi Michael,
If you love snorkeling, you already like being in water so that is a plus already.
Here are some articles of mine, that I know will help you…
The first one is about why divers love diving so much.
https://joyofscubadiving.com/why-is-scuba-diving-fun-find-out-why-divers-love-it-so-much
The second one will give you tips on what you need to know to learn to scuba dive and receive your Open Water Diver Certification.
https://joyofscubadiving.com/best-scuba-diving-tips-for-beginners-getting-certified
The Junk Liveaboard is for people who are already certified divers from the entry level Open Water Diver Course to the Advanced courses.
Yes, I would wait until after you have your entry-level course and have even done an extra 15 dives before booking The Junk liveaboard.
Hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Monica
Great site! I love snorkelling, but I’ve always been afraid to scuba dive. My Wife is begging me and The Junk liveaboard seems awesome! Do you think it’s over my head, if I’ve never dove before? Any suggestions to get over my fear?
We plan on taking a trip to Honduras next Summer, do you know any good locations out there?
If you love snorkelling, it’s like the next step to learning to scuba dive. There are of course differences…
I have included some articles for you to read. The first one is why divers love diving so much.
https://joyofscubadiving.com/why-is-scuba-diving-fun-find-out-why-divers-love-it-so-much
This second article will give you tips on what you need to know to learn to scuba dive and receive your Open Water Diver Certification.
https://joyofscubadiving.com/best-scuba-diving-tips-for-beginners-getting-certified
The third article is if you are still uncertain but want to give it a try, then I suggest doing the PADI Discover Scuba which you can do at any dive resort anywhere in the world. You can do this in a day.
https://joyofscubadiving.com/how-to-learn-to-scuba-dive-for-beginners-padi-discover-scuba-dive-course
If you decide you want to learn to scuba dive, my suggestion is to do this with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors). I am a PADI diver myself.
There are 2 parts to getting your entry-level Open Water Diver Certification. The first is your theory learning and this you can easily do online with PADI’s eLearning. You have a year to do this. So you learn the theory online, do some quizzes and the final exam. The best part is you can do this at home and any time.
The 2nd part is to either book with your local dive shop and meet up with a PADI dive instructor there. Your instructor will explain the scuba gear and how to breathe, etc. and demonstrate all the skills in shallow water or pool. After you are comfortable in shallow water, your instructor will take you to open water where you demonstrate the skills you learned. You do 4 open water dives with your instructor.
Or… you can get a referral from PADI after completing your eLearning and do the 2nd part at a resort in Roatan, Honduras next year. You meet with an instructor there.
Located on the south side of Roatan, Honduras is a dive resort and you can find it here…
https://travel.padi.com/dive-r…
There is a liveaboard in Roatan, Honduaras and they take snorkelers and entry level certified Open Water Divers.
https://travel.padi.com/liveab…?tap_a=16170-775a1a&tap_s=130919-20b080
I hope all this information helps you make some decisions.
Monica
This is a great article for people who love the ocean like me. I have been to Phuket once during my honeymoon and can’t wait to go back. My wife and I love snorkeling. We have never done scuba diving before but we love to try. Do they offer PADI open water dive certification course too for first timers like us? The video of what we can see during a dive is awesome!
Hi Ian,
The Island of Phuket is very beautiful with lots of things to do there and a great place to go for a honeymoon.
Because you and your wife enjoy snorkelling, I’m sure you will both enjoy diving. The entry level, PADI Open Water Diver certification course is not offered on The Junk Liveaboard. They offer the Advanced course.
I think you will be interested in reading this article below and it will give you lots of information on how to get your entry level certification..
https://joyofscubadiving.com/w…
Please let me know if you have any questions on it.
Monica