MV DiveRACE Class X Is Finally Here – A New Chapter in the Similan Islands

It’s been a long time coming, but the wait is finally over. MV DiveRACE Class X is officially sailing in the Similan Islands!

After two years of construction, planning, building, testing, and what feels like an endless list of finishing touches, we’ve finally reached the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Our new liveaboard has welcomed her first divers onboard, and we couldn’t be more excited for the upcoming season.

For those who’ve been following the journey, you’ll know this project has been a big part of our lives for quite some time. From the early designs to watching the boat take shape over the past two years, there’s been plenty happening behind the scenes. And, as with any project of this size, things haven’t always gone exactly to plan!

But here we are, heading back out into the Andaman Sea, just in time for another incredible diving season.

With the Similan Islands liveaboard season just beginning, we thought it was time to properly introduce MV DiveRACE Class X and share what you can expect onboard.

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Meet MV DiveRACE Class X

MV DiveRACE Class X has been designed with one main purpose: to create a comfortable, enjoyable, and luxurious liveaboard experience for divers exploring Thailand’s Andaman Sea.

We’ve spent years working in the liveaboard industry, so we know how much the little details matter. A well-organised dive deck, comfortable places to relax, good food, and enough space to enjoy life onboard can make all the difference.

We wanted to bring that experience into the design of Class X, taking what we’ve learned over the years and finding ways to make things even better.

Of course, it’s one thing to have ideas on paper and another to bring them to life. Over two years of construction, there have been countless decisions along the way, from the layout of the dive deck to the smallest details inside the cabins. Some were straightforward, while others involved a little more head-scratching than we’d like to admit.

But seeing the finished result makes all those decisions worthwhile.

And while we could spend all day talking about the boat, we think the best way to appreciate her is to experience a few days onboard.

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Built for Divers, With Divers in Mind

Anyone who’s been on a liveaboard knows that life revolves around diving. Wake up, eat, dive, eat again, dive again, and somehow still find room for another meal. It’s a routine we’re very happy to get back to!

But when you’re spending several days at sea, comfort and practicality become just as important as the diving itself.

That’s why we’ve put so much thought into the layout and facilities of MV DiveRACE Class X. We wanted a boat where everything has its place, where diving preparations feel organised, and where guests can relax without feeling crowded.

A Dive Deck Designed Around Your Diving

A well-designed dive deck can make all the difference on a liveaboard, especially when you’re diving several times a day. On MV DiveRACE Class X, the spacious dive deck has been designed to give every diver room to prepare, organise their equipment, and get ready for the next adventure without feeling cramped or rushed.

There is ample personal storage to keep dive gear organised between dives, along with a dedicated camera station where underwater photographers can prepare, maintain, and take care of their equipment. Having a designated space for camera gear helps keep everything organised and accessible, so you can focus on capturing the incredible marine life rather than searching for your next piece of equipment.

From gearing up before a dive to rinsing and organising equipment afterwards, the layout prioritises practicality and an easy flow between activities. With multiple dives each day, these thoughtful details help make life on board more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable.

Whether you’re an experienced underwater photographer with a camera system to look after or a recreational diver who simply appreciates having space for everything, the dive deck is built to support the way divers actually dive.

The Workboats Supporting MV DiveRACE Class X

Alongside this, we’ve introduced two custom-built HDPE workboats, designed specifically around the needs of our diving operations. These boats will transport divers between Class X and the dive sites, making entries and pickups easier to manage throughout the trip.

One of the features we’re particularly pleased with is the longer boarding ladders, designed to make climbing back onboard more comfortable after a dive. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference, especially after a full day underwater.

The workboats were launched in January 2026 and have already completed their initial sea trials, marking another exciting milestone in the project. They’re a great example of how we’ve tried to put our years of diving experience into practical improvements.

Comfortable Cabins for Life at Sea

After a full day exploring the Similan Islands, having somewhere comfortable to retreat to makes all the difference. Whether it’s a quick afternoon nap between dives or a good night’s sleep before another early start, we’ve made sure comfort remains a priority aboard MV DiveRACE Class X.

Our accommodation includes four cabin types: Upper Deck Premium Cabin; Upper Deck Double or Twin Bed Cabin; Lower Deck Double or Twin Bed Cabin; and Lower Deck Single Bed Cabin. Offering different options to suit guests’ preferences and budgets. Whatever cabin you choose, the idea is simple: somewhere comfortable to recharge before the next underwater adventure.

Because while we all love an early morning dive, getting out of bed for it is much easier after a good night’s sleep!

A Place to Gather, Eat and Relax

The indoor lounge and dining area is the social heart of life onboard. It’s where guests come together between dives, share stories from underwater, review photographs, or simply enjoy a break from the sun.

Every dive brings something different to talk about, from an unexpected marine life encounter to the perfect photograph or a favourite moment from the day. The communal areas provide the space to share those experiences, get to know your fellow divers, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that makes liveaboard trips so special.

Make the Most of the Sundeck

There’s no better way to enjoy being out at sea than spending time on the sundeck. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the sunshine, enjoy the ocean views, and unwind between dives.

Whether you’re relaxing with a book, enjoying the sea breeze, or watching the changing scenery as the boat moves between dive sites, the sundeck offers a different perspective on life aboard. It’s also a great place to gather with fellow guests, enjoy a quiet moment, or simply appreciate being far from the everyday routine.

Good Diving Needs Good Food

With multiple dives a day, a healthy appetite comes with the territory. Food is an essential part of any liveaboard experience, helping keep everyone fuelled for long days in the water.

Mealtimes bring everyone together around the table to recharge, share stories, and get excited about what’s coming next. From the first meal of the day to dinner after the final dive, there’s always another opportunity to refuel and reconnect with the group.

Because a great liveaboard experience isn’t just about the number of dives you complete. It’s about the entire rhythm of life at sea: exploring incredible dive sites, enjoying good company, eating well, and having somewhere comfortable to relax when you surface.

On MV DiveRACE Class X, all these moments are part of the adventure.

It’s these moments that turn a few days at sea into something much more memorable.

Because as much as we love diving, some of the best liveaboard memories happen above the surface.

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Back to the Similan Islands and Beyond

Now for the part we’re really excited about: getting back underwater!

MV DiveRACE Class X will be operating Similan Islands liveaboard trips in Thailand’s Andaman Sea, visiting some of the country’s most famous diving destinations.

Our routes take divers through the beautiful Similan Islands and further north to Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock. Each location has its own character, and that’s what makes diving in this region so special.

The Similan Islands are known for their enormous granite boulders, colourful reefs, and incredible underwater landscapes. There’s something about descending alongside those huge rock formations that never gets old, even after hundreds of dives.

Further north, Koh Bon offers dramatic underwater topography and the possibility of encountering manta rays. Koh Tachai Pinnacle brings a different kind of excitement, with strong currents, schooling fish, and plenty of action when conditions are right.

And then there’s Richelieu Rock, a dive site that hardly needs an introduction. From tiny ghost pipefish hiding among the soft corals to huge schools of fish swirling around the pinnacle, there’s always something worth looking for.

We’ve been diving these sites for years, yet they still manage to surprise us. Sometimes it’s an unexpected encounter with a large pelagic, and other times it’s a tiny creature we’ve somehow never noticed before.

That’s the beauty of the Similan Islands. No two dives are ever quite the same, and there’s always a reason to go back.

It’s the kind of diving experience we love sharing with our guests, and exactly what Class X was built for.

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A Fresh Start for the 2026–2027 Similan Islands Season

The Similan Islands diving season runs from mid-October to mid-May, when the national parks open for visitors. It’s a time of year we always look forward to, especially after spending the monsoon months preparing for the season ahead.

There’s always something special about the start of a new diving season. Familiar dive sites suddenly feel exciting again, everyone has stories to share, and there’s that anticipation of what the ocean might have waiting for us.

Will the mantas make an appearance at Koh Bon? What surprises will we find at Richelieu Rock? And how many times will someone ask whether we’ve seen a whale shark yet?

Some things never change!

We’re looking forward to welcoming familiar faces back onboard, meeting new divers, and sharing another season of underwater adventures.

And this time, we’ll be doing it aboard Class X.

The Wait Is Over. Let’s Go Diving!

Getting MV DiveRACE Class X to this point has been quite a journey. Two years of construction have brought plenty of challenges, long days, and more decisions than we could possibly count. But there have also been some fantastic milestones along the way, and we’re incredibly proud of what everyone involved has achieved.

A huge thank you goes to the people who’ve worked tirelessly to bring Class X to life, and to everyone who’s followed and supported the project along the way.

Now, after all the planning and preparation, we’re ready to do what we do best.

Take divers out to sea, explore some incredible dive sites, enjoy good company, and make memories that last long after the trip ends.

MV DiveRACE Class X is finally here, and the Similan Islands are calling!

Ready to join us? Book your next Similan Islands liveaboard trip and learn more about MV DiveRACE Class X.

See you onboard!

The DiveRACE Team