Frequently Asked QuestionsGeneral Questions – Health Questions – Food Questions – Equipment Questions
• What should I bring with me?
• What should I NOT bring with me?
• Can we put our valuables in a safety deposit box?
• What do I need If I do a Course?
• I can’t find my certification card. Can I still dive?
• I haven’t dived for a while. Can I do a dive before I go on the boat?
• Can you pick me up from the airport?
• Arrivals/Visa Questions?
• Do I get a dive guide?
• When is the best time to travel to Khao Lak?
• What are the conditions like on the Similan Islands
• Can I access ATM machines in Khao Lak?
• Alcohol and Diving?
• Psst…What about other intoxicants? A little “weed” never hurts…
• Where are the other guests from?
• Is there phone reception on board?
• Will I see more sites than if I were to do a liveaboard
• What Kind of products do you use that are Green?
• I am traveling alone – is that okay?
• Where is good for diving with Manta Rays?
• Will I see whale sharks?
• How deep are the dives?
• What are Similan National Marine Park Fee requirements?
• What are Similan National Marine Park Fees for?
• How many dives can I do in one day?
• Can I touch things?
• Is it okay to take souvenirs?
• Those turtles are cute – can I feed them?
• It’s just food, it’s okay if it oss it overboard.
• I am mad for fishing – is it okay? • What about Travel Insurance?
• Do I need vaccinations?
• Where are the nearest Hospitals?
• The nearest hyperbaric Chamber?
• What about My safety While diving with Wicked?
• If there is a Small medical problem?
• What about seasickness? • What kind of food is served?
• Is the food fresh?
• I have special dietary requirements – what should I do? • Do I need a wetsuit?
• I have my own diving equipment?
• Do you recommend I use a Dive Computer?
• Can I rent diving equipment?
• Can I recharge my torch, laptop, phone and camera?
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What should I bring with me?
Before the trip departs, we will need to see you diver certification card & log book. We understand that some people may not bring their log books with them, but we will try our best to confirm your experience level and number of dives. If you had 4 dives would you want your dive buddy to have 3000 dives?
We also strongly encourage these items:
sunscreen
swim wear
logbook
Insurance policy
shirt
shorts
sunglasses
hat
You always need less than you think. If you prefer to travel light, you can hire rental diving equipment on all day trips
What do I need If I do a Course?
Previous certification level. If you are hoping to do Rescue, we need to see Advanced Open Water and EFR/First Aid.
Doctors certificate that you are fit for diving (40 years and under: not older than 2 years. 40 years+: not older than 1 year)
What should I NOT bring with me?
You are just out for a day of diving – you don’t need much.
Can we put our valuables in a safety deposit box?
You are able to place any valuables you wish in our safe (within reason – it’s not THAT large).
We also have a storage area for your bags during your adventure. Feel secure that your goods are safe while you are traveling.
Certification?
You must bring proof of your current certification for presentation before departure.
I can’t find my certification card. Can I still dive?
If you’re a PADI or SSI diver we can check your details online, all we need from you is your full name, and your date of birth. If you’re certified with another diving organization then please let us know before arrival.
I haven’t dived for a while. Can I do a dive before I go on the boat?
Please! We love it if you ask this question. We are happy to offer this service to all guests. We can jump in our local pool in just a few minutes notice.
If you are certain that you can do the trip and remember everything – okay. If our very experienced staff feels otherwise you may be asked to do a “refresher” dive on the boat. This is great as you will be in a group of no more than two guests with our instructors. Of course there will be a small surcharge for this privilege. If our staff feels the course is mandatory – it shall be. No refunds or arguments please – safety first.
It is much better, both time and economically to do the Scuba Review on land before departure. Whether you do this back home before your trip begins, or with our staff right here – we are just pleased that you did one!
Can you pick me up from the airport?
Through our partners at Khao Lak Taxi, we are happy to help. We can arrange transportation anywhere within Southern Thailand. Krabi Airport, Phuket airport, Phuket, Surat Thani, Taplamu, Takuapa, Ranong. Just Ask!
Most European Countries and North Americans will receive a 30 day visa upon arrival and you must have a return flight ticket. Please double check with your local embassy or consulate if this is the case. Upon the day of your arrival, your passport must be valid at least 6 months!
Do I get a dive guide?
Yes. All our day trips are inclusive of dive guides holding professional diving certifications. In addition we offer our staff extensive safety training through our partner school Diver Safety.
Before each dive there will be detailed dive briefings and site maps.
If you are certified to dive as a buddy team and feel you do not need a guide – please reconsider. The service is free, we know the area intimately and know the conditions.
When is the best time to travel to Khao Lak?
There are 3 seasons in Khao Lak. The best time for a visit is between November and April. This is our “dry” season (during the day 30°- 33°C, during the night about 24°C), with a light east wind and wonderful conditions. May until the end of July is our “hot” season and we frequently get afternoon thunderstorms which can bring a lot of rain and can be therefore very refreshing. Our “wet” season runs from July through September with heavy rainfall and strong west winds. There is no scheduled diving during this time
What are the conditions like on the Similan Islands?
Please check with the dive sites section of Similans.net for a very detailed description of the various dives sites.
What about Travel Insurance?
We strongly recommend that you apply for travel insurance. Accidents do happen. This is unrelated to diving. Just like anywhere and anything in life you never know what will happen.
We also recommend an additional diving insurance
DAN
www.daneurope.org
www.danasiapacific.org
www.diversalertnetwork.org
www.dansouthafrica.org
If you do not have diving insurance, please thoroughly check your travel insurance whether it covers evacuation and treatments in the recompression chamber in case of emergency.
We do have insurance in case of accidents, both diving and non-diving. It covers accidents and treatments in Thailand, but does not cover evacuations and repatriations.
Do I need vaccinations?
Shortly before your departure, it is advised to see a tropical disease doctor to double check for outbreaks. Or send us an email for advice. If you are traveling to South Thailand, you do not need Malaria vaccination. Your Tetanus vaccination should be up to date. Many of the areas we visit and stay in are quite safe and you should not OVER-anticipate problems.
Where are the nearest Hospitals?
Thailand has a very excellent health system. Privately run hospitals have, at a minimum, European standards and all are ISO certified. The closest hospital to the Similan Islands is the Takuapa Hospital (just outside Khao Lak). Here in Khao Lak we offer 24 hour Ambulance Service
The most modern hospital in the region is 75 minutes from Taplamu (the pier). Phuket International Hospital runs one of the most modern Recompression chambers in South East Asia as partners with SSS Hyperbaric Network – the only internationally recognized hyperbaric chambers in Thailand.
The nearest hyperbaric Chamber?
As noted above, the nearest chambers are on Phuket Island. The best and safest is the chamber located at Phuket International Hospital. It is operated by SSS Hyperbaric Network – the only internationally recognized hyperbaric chambers in Thailand. There are 2 more chambers, one large one run by the government of Thailand and a very small one used primarily for cosmetic surgery.
What about My safety While diving with Wicked?
3 of Wicked Staff are the Evacuation organizers for SSS Hyperbaric Network. They are all trained as Dive Medics, Emergency Medics and Remote location medics. In addition they all have experience dealing with and performing evacuations for all schools under all conditions. Rest assured that we are always ready. All staff are trained to the highest standards by Diver Safety and while we hope to never see you as a patient, our medical staff are on call 24 hour a day.
What happens if there is an accident?
In addition to have the most thoroughly trained staff in Thailand – we have many hours of 100% oxygen on the boat. Our emergency oxygen kits provide demand Inhalator valves, Non-rebreather masks and supplemental oxygen.
All staff are trained as DAN oxygen Providers, DAN hazardous Marine Life Injury, DAN Onsite Neurological Exams, Emergency First Responders and our Tour leaders all have satellite phones for direct contact (regardless of conditions) with local and international medical facilities.
Our partners, Diver Safety also offer the only evacuation service for the Similan and Surin Islands. You will always be in the best possible care.
If there is a Small medical problem?
There are several small drug stores and doctors in the area and they cover the medical need of the local people and also for the visitors. The local doctor in Khao Lak is quite affordable (100-200 Baht) So it is often a great way to achieve peace of mind without breaking the bank.
What about seasickness?
Seasickness can affect some people badly, and others not at all. It can affect some people sometimes and no affect them others. The dive season in the Similan Islands features generally calm seas. Mother Nature is always out there! So conditions can change. We do carry mild medication for these instances, as well as naturopathic solutions.
What kind of food is served?
We usually serve three very delicious dishes – one meat, one vegetable and one spicy. In addition to Thai Rice and noodles.
Is the food fresh?
The meals are prepared fresh each morning.
I have special dietary requirements – what should I do?
Tell us in advance. We are easily able to offer Vegetarian, Vegan, Lactose intolerant, Halal and Kosher Meals. If you have specific food allergies – no problem – as long as we know about it ahead of time!
Several of our staff have food requirements, so please don’t be afraid to ask!
How to pay?
The trips can be paid online before arrival through our secure online server (a deposit is required). Any balance due before departure can be paid in cash or credit card. Please note that all credit card transactions are liable to have a 3-5% surcharge due to exorbitant fees charged by Thai Banks.
Can I access ATM machines in Khao Lak?
Oh boy can you! There are three within 100 meters of our shop. You can easily access Maestro, Cirrus, Visa, and Master Card. If you are wondering about other cards/systems, just send us a note and we’ll walk over and look
Do I need cash on the day trips?
There is very little to spend money on – a small gratuity for the staff and crew.
Alcohol and Diving?
They don’t mix. If we smell alcohol on your breath or you behave as if you are intoxicated – no diving. No refund. Simple.
Psst…What about other intoxicants? A little “weed” never hurts…
NO. If we smell or have reason to believe that anyone is high, on anything other than nitrogen, you are done. Diving is over. If we choose to, you will not be diving anymore that trip, and Wicked does not offer refunds in these instances.
Your safety and those of the people around depends on you making clear decision. Anything that affects you ability to make clear decisions is STRONGLY discouraged.
We hope that you take this decision very seriously. If you chose to dive with an operation that allows such behavior, are you diving with someone that cares about your life?
Should I use a wetsuit?
Up to you! The water is not too cold, though we do get occasional thermoclines that can drop the water to 26, our normal temperature, year-round is 28° C. In addition to the thermal protection we can get, though uncommon, jellyfish and other irritants in the water, so at a minimum 3mm-5mm is recommended.
Got your own diving equipment?
Is your regulator DIN or INT? – we are able to supply adapters, just let us know! We are always happy to help. Not sure which one you have? Drop a line and we will sort it out for you.
Do you recommend I use a Dive Computer?
All guides use computers and we strongly encourage you to use one as well. There is NO DECOMPRESSION diving on any of our boats and NO SHARING OF COMPUTERS. If you would like to arrange the rental of a computer for your dive trip – please feel free to ask!
Can I rent diving equipment?
You can rent diving equipment from us. We use new equipment and are proud to show you the service records of all equipment and tanks. For Daytrips the cost is built into the trips. For liveabord trips – The cost for a full set of gear is quite reasonable – 300 Baht per day. We also offer rentals of lights, cameras, video and computers.
Can I recharge my torch, laptop, phone and camera?
Yes, the voltage is 220. And is on from 06.00 to 24.00
Where are the other guests from?
Wicked Diving is a very eclectic mix of people and nationalities. English is used as our common language for briefings and courses. You will frequently hear Swedish, German and Dutch
Rather than assume the other guests on our trips are German, or English or Swedish, assume they are divers or snorkelers who want to learn more about the marine life. We will also, no matter the nationality or orientation, present you and all the guests with a smooth, enjoyable and memorable holiday
Can we put our valuables in a safety deposit box?
You are able to place any valuables you wish in our safe (within reason – it’s not THAT large).
Is there phone reception on board?
To many the idea of being on a boat in the middle of nowhere and out of contact with the pressures of the modern world is a little slice of heaven, there are others who do need to be in contact, whether for business or personal reasons. Mobile phone coverage is about 50% of the Similans, and about 10% of the Koh Tachai/Richelieu Trips.
Will I see more sites than if I join a liveaboard?
Not really. But you have the freedom to choose your sites and schedule. You will also be free to skip a day or two, just lay on the beach, or join one of our bicycle tours. But you can also see many other sites as well – our local wrecks of Bon Soong and Premcahi are famous for the marine life. But also our local fresh water dive sites.
What Kind of products do you use that are Green?
Our soaps and detergents are all free-trade, organic and phosphate-free. This means that any grey water from the showers, sinks and kitchen on our liveaboard will be rapidly broken down and absorbed by the environment. In addition they are very high quality and fun to use. Of course we use these in the shop as well, so be assured that everything is safe.
When you dive with wicked – you make a difference.
I am traveling alone – is that okay?
There are plenty of single divers. You will be assured of a dive buddy and a great time.
Where is good for diving with Manta Rays?
Manta Rays are stunning and exquisite creatures. They are not endangered, but they are also not common. We do see them at several different sites. These sites tend to be the deeper sites, but you never know!
The most common sightings are at Koh Bon and Koh Tachai. But in the last 5 years we have seen Manta Rays at almost every site in the Similan Islands.
Will I see whale sharks?
These wonderful and increasingly rare creatures are amazing. Not us, nor anyone else can assure of seeing them. Whale Sharks have become increasingly uncommon and please don’t expect them. If you do, enjoy the amazing experience and celebrate. We do Research project in late march and April of each year.
How deep are the dives?
As deep as your certification. We visit several different sites. Of course each site has many options. We choose each site on each trip according to skill levels. We are not here to challenge or intimidate you, so please don’t feel overwhelmed. Our very experienced staff can do each dive site at different levels.
What are National Marine Park Fee requirements?
The Similan Marine National Park Entry Fee of 400 Baht per person per each entry for both divers and non divers and National Park Fee for divers of 200 Baht per diver per day (diver only). (Prices may change without prior notice from the Thai Forestry department).
What are National Marine Park Fees for?
These fees got to the maintenance and upkeep of this, and other less visited parks. It pays for the buoys, subsidizes the Thai entry Fees, pays for the protection and monitoring of the usage and damage (did you know several sites are off limits to divers?)
How many dives can I do in one day?
On our Day trips we do 2 tanks. One before lunch and a second dive after lunch. Wicked Diving encourages you to dive at your comfort level. Please remember that you are on vacation and there is no need to stress or hurry.
Is it okay to take souvenirs?
Yes Pictures are great. You may be able to purchase items at the National Park Headquarters on Islands #4. If you take sheels, or other items you will be fined and possibly arrested. And you’ll piss us off.
Those turtles are cute – can I feed them?
No. If you do – you’ll kill them.
It’s just food, it’s okay if it oss it overboard.
No
I am mad for fishing – is it okay?
In your own country in your own area – yes. Hunting Safaris are frowned upon – what is the difference?
