Bali-Komodo FAQ's

General FAQ's for MV Queen Scuba.

Bali-Komodo, Indonesia FAQ's

Similan-Surin Islands, Thailand FAQ's

General FAQ's for MV Queen Scuba.

1: Can I pay with credit card for extra items onboard MV Queen Scuba?

2: Do you have Nitrox onboard MV Queen Scuba?

3: Can you organize some daily diving for me before/after my trip on MV Queen Scuba?

4: Can I bring my entire luggage onboard?

5: What power supply do you have onboard MV Queen Scuba?

6: What food do you serve onboard the liveaboard?

7: Do I need dive Insurance to join a dive trip onboard MV Queen Scuba?

1: Can I pay with credit card for extra items onboard MV Queen Scuba?

In Thailand we are able to accept credit card payments onboard MV Queen Scuba, please note there is a 3% charge.

At this time we are not able to accept credit card payments onboard MV Queen Scuba in Indonesia, although that should change soon.

If booking your liveaboard directly (not via agent) the credit card charge will not apply at time of booking, but does apply for charges once onboard MV Queen Scuba.

2: Do you have Nitrox onboard MV Queen Scuba?

Nitrox is available for divers that are certified to use Enriched Air.

Nitrox Courses are available onboard for those that wish to become certified as Nitrox divers.

In Thailand, we charge 250 baht per Nitrox dive or only 2000 baht if you wish to make every dive on Nitrox. In Indonesia, we charge 6 Euros per fill or 68 Euros for every dive on Nitrox.

For both locations, if you book at least 3 months before departure and pay in full at time of booking we offer Free Nitrox.

3: Can you organize some daily diving for me before/after my trip on MV Queen Scuba?

In Thailand and Indonesia, we can arrange daily scuba diving and courses for before or after your Liveaboard trip.

Click here for daily diving from Phuket, Thailand.

Click here for daily diving from Khao Lak, Thailand.

Click here for daily diving from Bali, Indonesia.

4: Can I bring my entire luggage onboard?

If you have a lot of extra luggage you do not require onboard please try to arrange to leave it in your hotel, presuming you are returning to the same hotel after the trip.

We can also arrange luggage storage in our offices in Phuket and Bali.

5: What power supply do you have onboard MV Queen Scuba?

MV Queen Scuba has 220 volts available 24 hours per day and international style plugs. If you are not sure if your electrical appliances will fit, please bring your own adaptors.

6: What food do you serve onboard the liveaboard?

We serve a variety of Thai, Indonesian and Western dishes. In addition to three hearty meals per day, there are lots of snacks and fruit always available throughout the day. If you are vegetarian or have any special dietary requests please let us know at the time of booking so we can cater to your needs.

7: Do I need dive Insurance to join a dive trip onboard MV Queen Scuba?

We strongly recommend you arrange travel insurance or insurance specifically for scuba diving activities before you come on the trip. In the unlikely event you had a diving accident evacuation and treatment in a hyperbaric chamber is very expensive.

We recommend Divers Alert Network for insurance specifically for divers:

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/

Bali-Komodo, Indonesia FAQ's

1: What kind of Visa do I need to visit Indonesia?

2: What is the best season for diving in Indonesia?

3: What diver certification level is required to dive in Komodo?

4: What is the temperature of the sea in Komodo and what wetsuit do you recommend?

5: What time do I need to arrive in Bali on the day the Liveaboard departs?

6: Do you include a free transfer to/from the boat in Bali?

7: What currency do you accept to pay for extra items onboard?

8: Can you help book a hotel for me in Bali?

9: What time does the Liveaboard return to Bali on the last day?

10: Is the National Park Fee included in the trip price in Indonesia?

1: What kind of Visa do I need to visit Indonesia?

VISA on ARRIVAL (VoA)

This facility is now available for nationals of the following countries:

Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Libya, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, People's Republic of China, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Citizens of these countries will be able to apply for a VoA valid for 30 days upon arrival by air in Bali, Jakarta and a few other international airports or by ship at a limited number of Indonesian seaports. A 30-day visa costs US$25 and is extendable for another 30 days . Be aware that Immigration officials calculate the 30-day period as follows: your arrival day is counted as your first day, and you must leave the country on the 30th. or 60th. day!

How to Obtain the "VISA on ARRIVAL" (VoA)

Travelers from the above countries must be in possession of a passport, which is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and the completed embarkation/disembarkation card they received from their airline. They must also be able to prove they have sufficient funds for their stay in Indonesia.

Arriving travelers with Visa-On-Arrival status have to go first to one of the "VoA Counters" to pay the appropriate fee and have their passports stamped with the VoA before proceeding to the Immigration Clearance Desk. An o official bank is part of the VoA service counters. Payment of visa fees can be made in all major currencies or by VISA or MASTERCARD.

For more information on Visa's for Indonesia, please contact the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your country.

2: What is the best season for diving in Indonesia?

As Indonesia is such a large country, it is possible to dive all year around depending on the area of Indonesia. The best season for diving in Komodo is June-October, which is when MV Queen Scuba offers trips to this destination.

3: What diver certification level is required to dive in Komodo?

We accept all levels of divers onboard, we try to offer dive sites that are suitable for the guests diving experience and abilities. However, some of the dive sites on this trip have strong currents, our dive crew will give a detailed briefing before each dive, if they believe a site is beyond your diving capabilities they will advise you and do their best to provide an alternative site if possible.

If you are an Open Water Level diver, we recommend you complete the Advanced Open Water Diver Certification during the liveaboard trip.

4: What is the temperature of the sea in Komodo and what wetsuit do you recommend?

The Flores Sea with its usually clear blue waters, great visibility has water temperatures of approx 26-28 degrees (northern dive locations) – a 3-5 mm Shorty is okay with most guests comfortable with a 3-5mm long. The Sumba Sea (southern dive locations) has an average temperature of approx 22-24 degrees – the awesome diving let's you forget about the cooler waters! Think about a 5mm long possibly adding a vest or renting a Shorty to go over the top if you feel the cold. Hood, gloves and booties are strongly recommended for these cooler waters.

5: What time do I need to arrive in Bali on the day the Liveaboard departs?

If you are planning to arrive in Bali the day the boat departs please arrive at Denpasar airport no later than 1pm, we have a free transfer from the airport to MV Queen Scuba at 2pm. You should allow an hour from flight landing for clearing customs and Immigrations and collecting your bags.

The meeting point at Denpasar airport in the Black Canyon Restaurant/Bar. Our staff will be here at 2pm with your name sign.

If you arrive early morning and do not wish to wait until the free transfer at 2pm, we can arrange a transfer to our office for a small additional charge.

6: Do you include a free transfer to/from the boat in Bali?

Yes, we provide a free transfer at set times from Southern Bali.

The following areas are included in the price. Airport, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Kuta Beach, Seminyak, Benoa, Sanur Beach

Transfers from Ubud, Padangbai, Candi Desa, Amed, Tulamben will cost €20.

Transfers from Lovina Beach, Permuteran and northern points will cost €30

Transfer times are as follows:

7: What currency do you accept to pay for extra items onboard?

In Indonesia please pay for any extra services onboard in Indonesian Rupiah or US$.

8: Can you help book a hotel for me in Bali?

We are more than happy to help with hotel arrangements if required, just let us know what level of hotel your require (2 Star- 5 Star), what area you would like to stay in and what dates you require for accommodation, we will do the rest.

9: What time does the Liveaboard return to Bali on the last day?

MV Queen Scuba will return during the night, we will disembark after breakfast on Sunday morning, about 9am. We will provide transfer to you next destination Bali, southern areas of Bali the transfer is free of charge. For other areas extra fee applies.

We can have you at the airport by 10am. Please remember to leave 24 hours from your last dive before flying. The last dive will be complete by 3pm the previous day.

10: Is the National Park Fee included in the trip price in Indonesia?

The Port and Park Fee is not included in the trip price. This is 60 Euros per person. This amount will be converted to Indonesian Rupiah using exchange rates at the time. Please have enough Indonesian Rupiah to pay this onboard in cash.

Similan-Surin Islands, Thailand FAQ's

1: What kind of Visa do I need to visit Thailand?

2: What is the best season for diving in Thailand?

3: What diver certification level is required to dive in Similan Islands?

4: What is the temperature of the sea in the Andaman Sea and what type of wetsuit do you recommend?

5: What time do I need to arrive in Phuket on the day the Liveaboard departs?

6: Do you include a free transfer to/from the boat in Phuket/Khao Lak?

7: What currency do you accept to pay for extra items onboard?

8: Can you help book a hotel for me in Phuket/Khao Lak?

9: What time does the Liveaboard return to port on the last day?

10: Is the National Park Fee included in the trip price in Thailand?

1: What kind of Visa do I need to visit Thailand?

Visa's are not required for Nationals of United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, USA and all EU Countries excepted those noted below, for touristic stays of up to 30 days (if entering via an international airport) or 15 days (if entering by land from a neighbouring country), provided they hold valid passports, sufficient funds (10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family) and confirmed airline tickets to leave Thailand within the time allowed by their visa, except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Romania and Malta who do need to obtain a visa before travelling to Thailand;
2. nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who may apply for visas on arrival for stays of up to 15 days. A fee of 300 baht is payable for this visa.

Visa Note

•  The total duration of stay in Thailand for persons who enter Thailand without a visa cannot exceed 90 days during any six-month period, counting from the date of first entry.
(b) If you intend on staying in Thailand for longer than 30 days you must obtain a Tourist visa for stays of up to 60 days.
(c) Nationals not mentioned above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements

2: What is the best season for diving in Thailand?

It is possible to dive all year round in Thailand as the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea have different monsoon seasons. MV Queen Scuba operates in the Andaman Sea from November until April every year. The Similan Islands are a national park and are only open during this period. This is the high season on the Andaman coast and the time for the best sea conditions.

From May to October MV Queen Scuba offers liveaboard trips in Indonesia.

Click here for MV Queen Scuba Bali-Komodo information.

All year long we can offer daily diving from Phuket. Coral Grand Divers also has dive centers in Koh Samui and Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand, which provides diving all year round.

Click here for information about diving from Phuket.

Click here for information about diving in Koh Tao.

Click here for information about diving in Koh Samui.

3: What diver certification level is required to dive in Similan Islands?

We accept all levels of divers onboard, we try to offer dive sites that are suitable for the guests diving experience and abilities.

If you are an Open Water Level diver, we recommend you complete the Advanced Open Water Diver Certification during the liveaboard trip.

4: What is the temperature of the sea in the Andaman Sea and what type of wetsuit do you recommend?

The Andaman Sea is usually around 26 degrees Celsius, so very warm. Some people dive without a wetsuit; the majority of people are comfortable with a 3-5mm Shorty wetsuit. For those divers that feel the cold easily after repeated diving a long suit can be a good idea.

5: What time do I need to arrive in Phuket on the day the Liveaboard departs?

If you plan to arrive at Phuket International airport on the day the boat departs please get a flight that arrives by 3:30pm. This will allow you time to clear Customs and Immigration and collect your bags. The meeting point at Phuket airport is the Bill Bentley Pub from 16:45-17:15.

If you arriving much earlier and do not wish to wait for the free transfer at 16:45-17:15 we can arrange an additional transfer to our office in Patong for a small charge. You can leave your bags in our office and explore the shops, restaurants and spas of Patong Beach until the transfer departs our office at 16:00.

It is also possible to arrive later than 15:30pm, but if you miss the free transfer at 16:45-17:15, a private transfer will need to be arranged to take you to MV Queen Scuba with an additional charge.

6: Do you include a free transfer to/from the boat in Phuket/Khao Lak?

Yes, we include a free transfer to MV Queen Scuba on the day departs from all areas of Phuket Island and Khao Lak area. The free transfer is at fixed times. If you need a transfer at a different time this can be arranged for an additional charge.

Phuket and Khao Lak transfer times as follows:

Phuket Town: 16:15-16:45

Chalong bay: 16:00-16:30

Rawai and Nai Harn Beach area: 16:00-16:30

Kata Beach: 15:15-15:45

Karon Beach: `15:00-15:30

Patong Beach: 16:00-16:30

Kamala and Surin Beaches: 16:15-16:45

Phuket International Airport: 16:45-17:15

JW Marriot: 16:45-17:15

Khao Lak area: 18:00-18:30

7: What currency do you accept to pay for extra items onboard?

If paying for additional items onboard using cash we prefer Thai Baht. However, other major currencies can be accepted using the boats exchange rate for that cruise.

8: Can you help book a hotel for me in Phuket/Khao Lak?

We are more than happy to help with hotel arrangements if required, just let us know what level of hotel your require (2 Star- 5 Star), what area you would like to stay in and what dates you require for accommodation, we will do the rest.

Coral Grand Divers also has its own guesthouse offering budget accommodation in the heart of Patong.

Click here of photos and prices of Coral Grand Inn, Paton, Phuket.

9: What time does the Liveaboard return to port on the last day?

MV Queen Scuba returns to Thap Lamu port which is just south of Khao Lak at approx 2pm. We can have you at your Khao Lak hotel by 15:00, Phuket Airport by 15:30 and most Phuket hotels by 16:00.

Please note if you are planning to fly on the day the boat returns, while we can get you to the airport by 15:30, if we are delayed due to unforeseen circumstances we do not accept responsibility if you miss your flight. Take a late flight or fly the next days to minimize the risk of missing your flight. The last day of the liveaboard trip includes two dives before returning to port, you will need to miss these dives if flying that day. Remember to leave 24 hours after your last dive before flying.

10: Is the National Park Fee included in the trip price in Thailand?

The National Park fees are not included in the cruise price. The park fees must be paid onboard in cash, Thai Baht only. The price of a 4 day/4 night trip is 1600 Thai Baht for divers. The price for 5 day/5 night trip is 1800 Thai Baht for divers. Price for non-divers is 800 Baht for 4D and 5D trips.