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Dive Review of Sea Bees/MV Genesis I in
Thailand/Khao Lak

Sea Bees/MV Genesis I, Nov, 2011,

by Bob Penhearow, ON, CA (Sr. Reviewer Sr. Reviewer 10 reports). Report 6372.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 3 stars Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 4 stars Environmental Sensitivity 3 stars
Dive Operation 3 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 4 stars
Beginners 3 stars
Advanced 4 stars
Comments This brief report is divided into three sections: Resort, Dive Sites and Liveaboard experience.

Intro
Arrived from India via KL to Phuket. Met by 'Oi" a cheery lady taxi driver. One hour later I arrived at the resort. Rested the first day, then on to the liveaboard for a 3-day back to back trip - 6-day total - to the Surin Islands and then to the Similan Islands.

I Palm Beach Resort - Highly Recommended
The resort is well run by Boby the resort manageress. Food is excellent, accommodation good with a/c and en-suite for each room. The staff attitude and helpfulness is outstanding. Will certainly return again if diving from Koah Lak. The Sea bees dive shop is on site.

II Dive Sites - 15 Dives

a) Surin islands - Good
Surin Pk is great!

b) Richelieu Rock - Outstanding!
4-dives, perhaps the best ever dive site in my limited experience. Loved every moment. Clouds of fish: Large Trigger fish, large Groupers, large Barracudas, Cuttle fish, large Morey Eels, Scorpion, Fusiliers, Sergeant Majors, Glassfish, Shrimps - It simply rained fish! The rock configurations are fascinating. I can see why this site is ranked in the global top 10. Must return!

c) Similan Islands - Good
Octopus, Turtle, Sweet Lips, Morey Eels, Scorpions, Bat Fish, Stingray etc- current moderate.

III Liveaboard - MV Genesis I
Overall a good experience, the food is outstanding and the crew excellent!

However, the boat lacked simple basic maintenance. As an example one ofthe toilets had no running water for the wash basin. There were only two toilets on the boat. Tape was on one of the a/c units and the fans were not functioning in two of the cabins. General neglect marred a rather good experience. The primary concern for me was the no shoe policy which is fine if there are no slip surfaces. However, the surface was very slippery especially going from the main deck to the upper deck via a rather steep steel ladder. I injured my legs on more than one occasion. Will not return to this boat until this reported safety issue is addressed.

Overall, the Surin & Similans are great, will certainly return especially to Richelieu!!

Hope the above helps.
Websites Sea Bees   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 101-250 dives
Where else diving Canada, Florida, Cuba, DM, St. Lucia, Red Sea, Madagascar, Mauritius, Sipadan, Philippines (Anilao, Boracay, Malapascua)
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas
Water Temp 26-28°C / 79-82°F Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility - Ft/ - M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile no
Enforced diving restrictions Depended upon D/M: Depth & 500 psi
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 3 stars Tropical Fish 4 stars
Small Critters 2 stars Large Fish 3 stars
Large Pelagics N/A

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 3 stars Boat Facilities 3 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 4 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments Designated Bucket & Charge Station on Boat
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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