What's the diving like?
Granite boulders, deep blue water, manta cleaning stations, whale sharks in peak season, and 25–35 m visibility. Strong currents, thermoclines, and advanced sites like Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock. The national park is open only from October to May.
Why work here?
This is Thailand’s premier liveaboard hub. High tips, steady work in high season, and world-class diving. Ideal for instructors with experience, strong safety awareness, and excellent guest service skills. You’ll live on board most of the season, minimising costs and maximising earnings.
When do I apply?
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Liveaboards staff up early:
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Best time: July–September (for October reopening)
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Secondary hiring: December–January for mid-season replacements
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Most boats confirm crews before the park opens.
What's the pay like?
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Liveaboard Instructors / Guides: USD $1,500–2,800 /month (salary + trip tips)
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Land-based Instructors (Khao Lak): USD $1,000–1,600 /month (commissions + occasional LOB trips)
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Divemasters: USD $800–1,400 /month + tips
Tips heavily influence earnings; strong language skills significantly increase income.
What Visa is needed?
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Work requires a Non-Immigrant B Visa and Work Permit sponsored by a dive centre or liveaboard operator.
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Some divers work on tourist visas in practice, but this is not legal and carries risks.
Visa rules change. Confirm current requirements with Thai Immigration or your employer.
What’s the industry like?
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Languages: English (essential), German and French highly requested; Chinese and Spanish useful during group charters.
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Dive Focus: Liveaboard Guiding, AOW/Deep specialties, and guided advanced dives
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Main Agencies: PADI is the majority, with a few SSI.
Item | $USD | Local (THB) |
|---|---|---|
📱 SIM Card /month | $9 | 300 |
🛵 Scooter rental /month | $90-$130 | 3,000-4,000 |
🏠 Shared rent /month | $200-$350 | 7,000-12,000 |
🍜 Local Meal | $2.50-$4 | 80-120 |
🍺 Beer (bar) | $2.50-$4 | 80-140 |
☕ Coffee | $1.50-$3 | 50-100 |
Costs of Living (Dec 2025 avg)
What's life like at work?
Liveaboards mean early starts, 3–4 dives a day, tank fills, gear checks, briefings, and safety drills. You live on board for 3–7-day trips, repeating the cycle all season-long. Long days, minimal expenses.
Land-based Khao Lak work means day trips to the Similans, Richelieu Rock, and Koh Bon with 2–3 dives a day, streamlined logistics, and heavy European tourism.
How's life after work?
On land you’ll live simply in Khao Lak with cafés, cheap Thai food, beach bars, and quiet nights. On liveaboards evenings are spent onboard editing photos, chatting with guests, and resting between dive days.
Is it for me?
Similan/Surin suits instructors and DMs who want high-level guiding, strong earnings, and world-class diving. Not ideal for those seeking nightlife or a relaxed schedule. This is intense, seasonal, professional diving.
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