The boys on the boat returned last night and everyone says the trip was great. We have incredibly positive reviews from the feedback forms and are really excited about the next Similan Trip on November 30th. It looks to be a good trip with a combination of students and fun diving.
The weather on this last trip was perfect and the conditions stunning. The long range weather forecast still calls for great diving!
On this trip we had some awesome guests joining us! Team Italy sent a 4 person group to us! David was busy with his Advanced Open Water course …Klaus had a couple of great divers – Richard and Bent. Klaus is quite safe, so there was no chance of Bent getting bent. Marcel had a great time sorting out all the details and even doing a DSD!
On this trip sites included:
Honeymoon Bay
Anita’s Reef
Stonehenge
East of Eden
Eel Garden
Honeymoon bay (night dive)
Elephant Head Rock
Breakfast Bend
Bon Soong Wreck
Klaus is our Boat master and one of the best divers around.
He has worked in the industry for years and has certified hundreds of divers. With experience in factory schools on Koh Tao and in the gourmet diving of the Similans he brings a wealth of knowledge to each trip.
His several years working as a Videographer in the region has not only given him insight into each dive site, but also a keen eye for the little stuff.
He hates to sit still and will run around the boat making sure everything is safe, that guests are happy and things are clean. 
He is also a complete ham for the camera!
As a certified SSI Instructor he can conduct courses at all skill levels. He is also certified PADI Instructor.
He is patient, experienced and kind. He is also great fun and has endless stories about his experiences and should have you on the floor with tales of how much he loves Italy after the last world cup!
Khao Lak Diving
We’d like to introduce you to the cast and crew of the boat. We have many guests stars appearing every week, so stay tuned.
The Boat master, Head instructor and all around nice guy – Klaus runs the show. The boat very much reflects his personality with and eye to details, concern for safety and heaps of fun.
While he plays up for the camera you’ll find that he is attentive to all the details and will probably help you into the water, out of the water lead your dives, change your gear, fill your tanks and even massage your ego. If we were able to tap into his energy source, we’d be powering most of Thailand.
Klaus is originally from Bavaria, not Germany. Primary language is English, though he seems to understand American well enough.
Also on the boat is the Italian Stallion, David. He is a solid diver and often wears his hat while diving. He speaks Italian and wears speedo’s.
Ip, the most amazing engineer in the world, loves to race Klaus around the boat to see who can work harder. He also seems to sense when there is a camera and hits a pose everytime.
While not fluent in English, he does understand and he knows heaps about diving and gear so don’t be afraid to ask!
Of course the boat won’t go anywhere without a captain! Nout is very attentive to safety, watching very carefully the camera on the dive deck and watching for divers underwater. We’ve come to trust him and even though he is quiet – he is hilarious. All around solid guy.
The Cook, well, let’s just say you’ll never go hungry. When on the boat you won’t see Pa too much, she’s always working. If you pop your head down in the kitchen – this is what you’re most likely to see.
Hey – there’s Ip again! In addition to filling tanks, driving the dinghy, helping people into and out of the water, maintaining the boat – he will also help in the kitchen when there is a moment.
As the cook works so hard, we have made it a tradition on the boat for all staff to help serve meals and with the cleaning!
Jop is our snorkeling guide, political liason, all around eager beaver and great guide. He will spin around like a little toy if there is nothing to do. The amount of energy on this boat is amazing!
Often guest starring on the trips……
Marcel, the “Greatest Instructor in the Universe” is on many of the trips and is just dynamite.
Double dork madness with me! Always looking good in rubber….
Khao Lak Diving
Another perfect day.
33 degrees and blue skies.
30 meters+ visibility and smooth seas.
Forecast is for sunny with afternoon clouds and light rain (normal for us), 33 degrees every day and almost no wind.
We do expect a drop in visibility as last night was full moon.
Khao Lak Diving
Our fearless Instructor – Marcel.
He is the best – ever!
He is both thorough and fun. It’s a real pleasure to watch him teach as he has honed his skills to near perfection.
He also seems to be surrounded by beautiful women…
Well, he is the best….
Our most amazing guests! they get our prize for most frequent divers! They came to do an open water, stayed for Advanced course. Left for Koh Phi Phi and came back and even joined us for our Overnight trip.
We look forward to their next visit after – we reckon they’ll become divemasters before you know it!
After completing the last trip – we decided to post a few pictures of all that’s going on out on the Similans right now!
We had 14 lovely people staying on the trip and they really enjoyed it. Rave reviews all the way around. The Alserin family did diving and snorkeling. Team Ukraine also did mostly diving. While Our favorite guests – Stine and Sabrina did some serious diving as well.
Marcel, Klaus, Oscar, Davide and Jop were all onboard. Sadly, Jop got strep throat and went home early. he’s felling better now and is out diving as we speak! The cook, Captain and the Engineer all got us there safely and serenely.
Here is the cast and crew of this amazing adventure. Everyone is here except Marcel who is taking the picture! 14 guests. Plenty of friends were made on the boat and smiles for everyone (except the cook – she worked VERY hard to make everyone on the trip happy)
Sabrina and Stine were watching Turtles have lunch…
They break off hunks of coral to get the yummy tasty algae at the bottom.
At Koh bon there was a nice school of Snappers that really do stay close together!
We run these trips every Monday and Friday. 3 days, 2 nights and 9 dives. We also cater to snorkelers with your guide and different agenda. The food is amazing, plenty of time on the beach and heaps of great service.
If you are interested please drop us a line – pland@wickeddiving.com
Khao Lak Diving
| 17:30 | Pick up from your hotel by minibus and transfer to Tap Lamu |
| 19:30 | Boarding and boat departure |
| 20:00 | Dinner onboard en-route to Similans |
| Day 1 | |
| 07:00 | Wake up — light breakfast |
| 07:30 | Dive 1: Similan |
| 08:30 | Breakfast |
| 11:00 | Dive 2: Similan |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 14:30 | Dive 3: Similan |
| 16:00 | Snacks |
| 18:30 | Dive 4: Similan (Night Dive) |
| 20:00 | Dinner |
| Day 2 | |
| 07:00 | Wake up — light breakfast |
| 07:30 | Dive 5: Similan |
| 08:30 | Breakfast |
| 11:00 | Dive 6: Similan |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 14:30 | Dive 7: Koh Bon |
| 16:00 | Snacks |
| 18:30 | Dive 8: Koh Tachai (Night Dive) |
| 20:00 | Dinner |
| Day 3 | |
| 07:00 | Wake up — light breakfast |
| 07:30 | Dive 9: Richelieu Rock |
| 08:30 | Breakfast |
| 11:00 | Dive 10: Richelieu Rock |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 14:30 | Dive 11: Richelieu Rock |
| 16:00 | Snacks |
| 18:30 | Dive 12: Koh Tachai (Night Dive) |
| 20:00 | Dinner |
| Day 4 | |
| 07:00 | Wake up — light breakfast |
| 07:30 | Dive 13: Koh Bon |
| 08:30 | Breakfast |
| 10:30 | Dive 14: Koh Bon |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 14:30 | Arrival in Tap Lamu Please note: All times in this itinerary are estimates only. Times, dive sites and number of dives can change, depending on weather conditions and special requests or circumstances. |
The boat has heaps of space – 2 different sun decks….
(remember to click on the pictures for a larger image!)
The captain’s area is spacious and stocked full of the latest features…
Our crew and staff are always happy to help.
Even if we all do look a bit silly!
The back sun deck is the only place we allow smoking. Furthest away from the compressor intake and least annoying to everyone else.
Khao Lak Diving
We just finished trial runs on our new boat – the Netnawee (Eyes of the Sea) and it is great!
Plenty of space, great layout and easy access design…
Of course the crew is great (and always ready to pose!)
Here is Ip – our engineer – trying to look even cuter …
Here is the staff on the first trip
Marcel
Klaus
Keith (not staff, but close enough)
and David
(we will also have Oscar on this trip, but he showed up too late for his Calender picture…)
Marcel and the girls…
Khao Lak Diving
We have a great deal on s couple of upcoming trips on the Colona 6
MV Colona VI
Trip code: CO04
Trip departs: Friday 16th November, Patong, 8pm
Trip returns: Sunday 18th November, Patong, 6pm
Destination: Hin Daeng,
Duration: 2 days & 2 nights
Dives: 7
Normal Price per diver in Master cabin: 416US$
Last Minute Price…20% discount: 333US$ or 11,265 Thai baht.
Normal Price per diver in Twin share cabin: 396US$
As always, we are happy to celebrate how much fish life we have-
Another species of Parrotfish has been identified on the Similan Islands.
Scientists from Thailand and the USA have described a new species of parrotfish from the eastern Indian Ocean.
The description of the new species, named Scarus maculipinna, is published in a paper by Mark Westneat, Ukkrit Satapoomin and John Randall in a recent issue of the journal Zootaxa. (it’s 58 pages long)
Scarus maculipinna is distinguished from other members of the genus in having 14 pectoral rays, four median predorsal scales, three rows of scales on the cheek with the lower row having one or two scales, and a colour pattern consisting of the following: initial phase with dark dorsal part of body, pale ventral part with three narrow white stripes; yellowish snout, iris of eye and pectoral fin base; three distinctive black spots, one on the anterior dorsal fin, one on the anterior anal fin from the third anal spine to the second anal ray, and a small one at the base of the anterior pectoral fin ray; terminal-male phase with a complex colour pattern of blue-green, pink, and yellow with dark saddle extending from the postorbital region to the fourth dorsal spine and slanting anteroventrally to just behind the pectoral-fin base; head with a broad blue-green stripe on snout that divides to form a branch through the upper eye, continuing a short distance beyond, and a branch through the lower eye, extending onto the opercle; chin and suborbital region pinkish yellow with a short transverse blue-green chin strap; an irregular blue-green zone ventrally on the head that continues broadly onto the side of the chest and anterior abdomen; body blue dorsally posterior to dark saddle, a midlateral blue-green stripe on the caudal peduncle that joins a large blue-green crescent in caudal fin.
The new species is found in shallow water (3-15 m), primarily on reef crest and slope habitats with high coral cover.
It is known from the reefs of Surin and Similan Islands of Thailand and the Mentawai Islands off the southwest coast of Sumatra
t 
One of our favorite boats – the West Coast Explorer is having a great deal on the next trip. It departs on Tuesday, so you better hurry!
For only 17,500 you can go on this great trip!!!
In the past week we have had sightings of Whale Sharks at Richelieu Rock, and Manta Rays at Koh Bon! Both sites are on the itinerary for the Explorer.
If you are in the region and would like to see the Similans, this is an incredible opportunity.
Your friends from Khao Lak,
Wicked
Stine and Sabrina just did their Open Water Course as well! they decided to stay even longer and get their Advanced Open Water Certification! Marcel taught the course and said it was great fun.
Afterwards they headed of to Krabi. Again, we are happy to have taught such great students and to see the joy on their faces at the end of each day. They will be missed and we hope the rest of their travels are as fun as here!
Khao Lak Diving
Our boat is finally in the water! She has been tinkered with and caressed and given attention. Now the renamed “Shalaam One” is ready to attack!
Shalaam Wan is a Whaleshark in Thai.
She has 600 horsepower, so clips along at a good pace. We hope to make our normal travel time to the Similans 70 Minutes. They are 32 Nautical miles off shore (50km)
She has heaps of space inside not only for divers, but snorkelers too! Currently registered for 35 people, we will only be taking a maximum of 14 divers on the boat.
Our basic schedule for the Similan Overnight trips.
Depart from Taplamu (Khao Lak Pier)
09:00 Every Monday and Friday
Return to Taplamu Pier
3 Days in Paradise
Starting with a visit to the famous Honeymoon Bay, followed by afternoon on the beaches. A short boat trip along the Western Side of Koh Pabu to Deep Six. Then Back for sunset, dinner and the incredible stars of the Andaman Sea
Day 2
Your second day is a little more flexible—morning on the beach, exploring or just sleeping in! If you prefer a more active morning, join us for a visit to Stonehenge. Late morning we will pick everyone up for a journey to Eel Garden, a delicious lunch while we drift towards the most famous of all the Similan sites—East of Eden. We return to the beaches, relaxation and a night dive for those that wish to join us.
Day 3
Sadly, we pack up, and head to the Northern most islands. Stopping at Elephant Head rock, Breakfast Bend and home. But and enjoy the Andaman sunset on one of our beaches…But wait, we stop at one of secret sites—Bon Soong wreck—the staff favorite.
Expected dive sites
Stonehenge
East Of Eden
All dive sites and itineraries are subject to change at the discretion of the boat master. These are variables based upon weather conditions, visibility and all around well-being of our guests.
Just joining us from the old U.S. Of A…are Buck and Mike. Buck has dived in quite a few areas and is quite keen on seeing more and better spots.
Mike is doing his open water referral course with us. He did his course work and theory in San Francisco at Bamboo Reef and is doing his dives here on the Similan Islands.
Mike is finishing his diving today! so we hope to see some pictures later on.
Either way – more members of the diving family.
We hope to see more of them in the near future
.
Khao Lak Diving
We jut had two more guests diving with us….Kristian and Jorgen. Kristian was visiting from Sweden and Jorgen is living and working in Bangkok. Where else to go? The Similan Islands….
After visit a visit to Bon Soong wreck they were quite excited to see the Similans. As you can see conditions were good and they had a great time.
After a few years out of the water they both seem to have just….well….jumped right in!
Hopefully we’ll see them again soon!
Khao Lak Diving
Oops!
Actually I left it there for the picture, but you can see that the seas were calm and the water warm for the dive on Bon Soong.
This weeks little family:
Mark, Turid, Stine and Sabrina all went out for a great afternoon’s diving.
Lunch on the boat.
Stress? Not here…
They saw no less than 7 Leopard Sharks (though it may have been the same 7 different times). But Bon Soong never disappoints. It’s a great site for the little stuff, nudibranchs, juvenile angel fish, puffers and very frequently sharks.
Captain Jack never fails either. He’s both a positive influence and friendly guy. What more can we say? It is such a relief to have a great captain. It always makes me happy to get a hug from him – even if he is in his underpants!
Khao Lak Diving
Mark had a great days diving! So did everyone else, but he seems very happy indeed?
The weather was nice, the dives were nice and Stine & Sabrina are Open Water divers!
I guess this is why we live here.
If only it was like this every day
Khao Lak Diving
Sabrina and Stine joined us for their Open Water course. We were very happy to have them join us. Anna taught the course with flair and passion. The girls were very impressed with her skills.
We are officially teaching courses and looking forward to many many more this season.
Anna taught this course on her birthday! What a trooper. She even dressed up for Halloween, won first prize at Happy Snapper and still taught the girls! That’s Quality!
Sabrina’s first step into the ocean!
They are fully certified. The Best Danish open Water students this year!
They Joined us today for an extra days diving on Bon Soong wreck and saw 7 Leopard Sharks. So they’ve seen Turtles, Sharks and some pretty silly looking staff! But they made it through anyways!
We were honored to be able to teach their course and wish them many more happy dives!
Khao Lak Diving
Keith died. Before he even got on the boat.
He was a choking victim and died on something he swallowed.
We are sad.
If only there had been some medically trained students around who could help.
They are not so eager to help, because he “regurgitated” banana all over them. At least they wore gloves.
Anna is teaching a Rescue course, and today was the First aid/CPR portion of the course. Tomorrow keith dies in the ocean. He might die in the Swimming pool. I am not sure where he will die…
Khao Lak Diving
Sabrina and Stine just got back and it was a great day out! Great conditions and great diving…
You can see here that Dive 1 was in Donald Duck Bay…
Tomorrow – more certified Open Water divers….
If they pass the test!
Khao Lak Diving
It’s great….
The diving season is underway…
Trip report tonight from Anna’s open water class, Marcel’s Advanced Course and our friend from Palm Springs – Mark.
Khao Lak Diving
Thailand Liveaboards
Safe Diving
Whale Shark Conservation
Halloween in Khao Lak – 2007, Wicked Diving
As we are a bit far from the costume shops – we have to improvise.
Here is Keith dressed up as….well…a mummy/scooter accident. Kjerstie is helping him
At the Happy Snapper Bar – they had a costume contest. Between us we took 4 of the 5 prizes!!!
Keith came in second place!
Kjerstie and Anna took first place!
The shopstress with the most skills in Khao Lak – Aom, came in 4th place! Her birthday was yesterday, so a pretty good couple of days!
Of course my outfit “didn’t have pockets” so we are trying to track down some pictures of that….
Wait for more updates on this evening of silliness!
