REEF continues to expand the Volunteer Fish Survey Project throughout the Central Indo-Pacific (CIP) reigon with our first-ever Field Survey to Thailand! Known as the "Land of Smiles", Thailand is only 8 degrees north of the Equator and is home to some of the most species-rich waters and reefs in the world. Our special 10-day charter aboard the Thailand Aggressor is not available during any other time of year. The boat will follow its North Andaman Sea itinerary, with chances to dive sites in areas such as the famous Richelieu Rock and Similan Islands. This is an excellent location to see hundreds of fish from damselfish and anemonefish to colorful dartfish, as well as large pelagics, plus Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, and Whitetip Reef Sharks!
Trip Type: Fish Survey - click here to learn more!
Pricing: Master or Deluxe Stateroom: $4,700 per person based on double occupancy
Accommodations: The Thailand Aggressor sleeps 16 passengers. There are 8 staterooms onboard, 3 Master Staterooms and 5 Deluxe Staterooms. Master Staterooms sleep 2 people and have 1 queen bed. Deluxe Staterooms sleep 2 people and have 2 twin beds which can be combined. All staterooms are air-conditioned and fitted with private toilets, showers, sinks and hair dryers.
Diving: The Thailand Aggressor liveaboard offers 4-5 dives per dive day, including night dives. Average water temperature is 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit. A 3mm wetsuit is recommended. All diving is done from outboard skiffs which can carry up to 9 guests each. 80 cubic foot tanks, weights and weight belts are included in the cost of the charter. All tanks have K-valves, no DIN valves are available.
Price Includes: The trip package includes 10 nights of double occupancy accommodation, 8 days of diving with up to 4-5 dives per day, including night dives, plus 1 half-day of diving, all meals throughout the week including breakfast cooked to order, buffet-style lunch and seated dinners, mid-morning and afternoon snacks each day, all beverages including local beer and wine, tanks, weights, and weight belts.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $350 per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar and REEF survey materials.
Additional Fees: The following costs are not included in the price paid to REEF. All flights, $140 park tax (subject to change), optional Nitrox, optional rental equipment, and optional souvenir purchases onboard. Gratuities for the crew are not included in the cost of the charter and are at each individual's discretion. Insurance is not included, however REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. More information about dive travel insurance is available here.
About the Trip Leader: Dr. Christy Pattengill-Semmens is REEF's Director of Science. Christy is an expert at Fish ID and has led dozens of REEF Field Surveys over the years to all of REEF's survey project regions.
How to Sign Up: To reserve your space or find out more, e-mail us at trips@REEF.org, or call us at 305-588-5869. A $1,000 deposit will be collected at the time of booking. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
How to Get There: Fly into Phuket International Airport (airport code HKT), the second largest airport hub in Thailand. There are numerous connecting flights from the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia offering daily service to Phuket via Bangkok, as well as direct flights from Dubai, Hong Kong, Seoul. Airlines offering service to Phuket include Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Thai Aiways, Asiana Airlines and Malaysia Airlines. Participants are responsible for booking their own airfare. REEF is not able to book air travel for participants.
Transfers: The Thailand Aggressor departs from Tap Lamu Pier, located 1.5 hours North of Phuket International Airport. Transfers are complimentary on the charter arrival and departure dates at the following pick up points: Phuket International Airport, Kantary Beach Hotel and Villa.