Des nouvelles croisières écoresponsables en Thaïlande et Birmanie

Particulièrement adapté aux plongeurs passionnés et aux photographes sous-marins

L’expérience Smiling Seahorse

Réalisez les vacances plongée de vos rêves !

Depuis 2012, The Smiling Seahorse vous guide vers les plus beaux sanctuaires de la mer d’Andaman. À bord du MV Smiling Seahorse— navire moderne construit sur mesure en 2018 —, profitez d’espaces généreux et d’un confort pensé par et pour les plongeurs.

Des célèbres réserves thaïlandaises des îles Similan, des îles Surin en passant par Richelieu Rock, jusqu’aux pinacles préservés de l’archipel Mergui en Birmanie (Myanmar), nous vous ouvrons les portes d’un véritable paradis sous-marin. Facilement accessible depuis la Thaïlande, ce dédale sauvage de plus de 800 îles est resté hors du temps, loin des circuits touristiques traditionnels.

Entre plages désertes, mouillages isolés dans des baies émeraude et immersions spectaculaires, l’aventure sera tout aussi inoubliable sur l’eau que sous la surface !

Jusque dans les années 90, les Burma Banks n’étaient connus que de quelques pêcheurs, mais leur emplacement exact n’était pas vraiment connu. Les plongeurs en quête de sites exceptionnels ont commencé à visiter ces sites plus régulièrement. Auparavant, le Myanmar n’était pas une destination très touristique, il est maintenant devenu une destination de plus en plus populaire pour ceux qui recherchent une expérience de plongée vraiment exclusive.

Le MV Smiling Seahorse a tout ce dont vous avez besoin : un personnel amical, un confort et un service exceptionnels pour des plongées à couper le souffle…

Nos destinations sont exclusives, nous n’aimons pas vous emmener plonger sur des sites de plongée très fréquentés.
Lorsque nous allons à Richelieu Rock ou à un autre site de plongée de renommée mondiale, nous faisons de notre mieux pour programmer les plongées en dehors des moments d’affluence et plongeons toujours par petit groupe de 4 plongeurs maximum + 1 guide avec des intervalles de quelques minutes avant le groupe suivant.

Vous reviendrez de chacune de vos plongées avec des histoires à raconter et de nouvelles espèces à rechercher dans nos encyclopédies de poissons, les petits poissons grenouilles, des poissons fantômes, des hippocampes et grands requins-baleines et bien sûr les raies manta !

Nous aimons gâter nos clients avec une cuisine délicieuse (européenne, asiatique et barbecue) et des services personnalisés, c’est pourquoi nous ne prenons que 16 passagers sur notre bateau. En plus des plongées inoubliables, nous pouvons également organiser de nombreuses activités supplémentaires, et pourquoi pas partir en canoë à proximité de la forêt de mangroves ou visiter l’une des nombreuses plages de sable blanc et plonger dans ses eaux cristallines ?

Découvrez les produits éco-responsables que nous proposons sur notre bateau !
Découvrez les produits éco-responsables que nous proposons sur notre bateau !
Nous offrons à nos invités des bouteilles réutilisables pour éviter les déchets plastiques de toutes sortes
Nous offrons à nos invités des bouteilles réutilisables pour éviter les déchets plastiques de toutes sortes

Notre engagement pour la conservation du milieu marin

​Les promesses du Smiling Seahorse :
 
  • se conformer aux principes des « palmes vertes » Green Fins
  • encourager les pratiques de plongée écoresponsables
  • réduire/réutiliser/recycler autant que possible
  • offrir des produits respectueux des récifs : tels que nos savons, shampoings et après-shampooings bio rechargeables et sans danger pour les récifs.
  • demander à tous nos employés de contribuer aux efforts de conservation des océans
  • ​soutenir la recherche en sciences marines et les projets de nettoyage des océans

Nous faisons partie du Manta Trust Operator Wall of Fame – une communauté d’opérateurs touristiques présentés pour leur engagement bleu envers la conservation de la manta et le tourisme durable de plongée et de plongée en apnée.

En savoir plus sur notre page
conservation du milieu marin

Manta Trust Operator Wall of Fame. Un bateau de croisière de plongée écoresponsable

Notre Bateau: Le "MV Smiling Seahorse"

MV Smiling Seahorse a effectué son premier voyage en novembre 2018. Nous avons brisé le moule en choisissant de construire un bateau spécialisé conçu par et pour les plongeurs au lieu de convertir un bateau de pêche comme cela est très courant dans cette région. Sa coque en acier est beaucoup plus adaptée pour affronter facilement les vagues qu’une coque en bois et ses 2 moteurs supérieurs permettent au MV Smiling Seahorse de s’aventurer plus loin dans l’inconnu. Bien que le bateau soit plus grand que son prédécesseur, mesurant 25 m de long et 6,4 m de large, ses 8 cabines et salles de bains réparties sur 4 ponts accueillent toujours un maximum de 16 personnes. Plus d’espace pour le même nombre de personnes augmente définitivement le niveau de confort et de liberté pendant votre croisière.

Notre salle photo et nos plongées Blackwater font de nous le choix idéal pour les photographes sous-marins.

Notre équipe de bord

Avec seulement 16 passagers, nous offrons un ratio exceptionnel de près d’un membre d’équipage par plongeur !

Nos directeurs de croisière sont les plus expérimentés de la région. Nous comptons 4 moniteurs de plongée à bord pour garantir un maximum de 4 plongeurs par groupe.

En plus de notre équipe de plongée, un équipage local dévoué de 9 marins est à vos petits soins:

  • Le capitaine (un vrai loup de mer) et 2 mécaniciens : Ils assurent une navigation de précision et le bon fonctionnement du navire.

  • Nos 2 chefs, Choui et Boom : Les artisans d’une cuisine variée et appétissante, souvent saluée comme l’un des plus beaux souvenirs du voyage.

  • May, Pong, Mot et Champ sur le pont : Toujours prévenants, souriants et proactifs, ils se rendent rapidement indispensables pour faire de votre séjour un moment de pure détente.

Qu'allez-vous manger au Smiling Seahorse ?

Lorsqu’une croisière est rythmée par « Plonger, Manger, Dormir ! », les repas sont aussi importants que ce que l’on voit sous l’eau ! 

Nos 2 chefs Choui et Boom remplissent l’air d’arômes alléchants 4 fois par jour. 

 

Nous vous guidons vers les meilleurs sites de plongée et vous offrons des cabines des plus confortables, mais c’est bien notre chef qui suscite le plus de compliments !

Français et Thaïlandais partagent le même amour de la gastronomie ; nous avons donc associé nos savoir-faire pour proposer une cuisine à la fois thaïe et internationale, pour régaler toutes les papilles.

 

Tenez-nous informés de toute restriction alimentaire!

Ce que l'on dit de nous… (et on n'est pas peu fiers)

Publié sur Google Google
Magda Kapusta profile picture
Magda Kapusta
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
My diving cruise with The Smiling Seahorse was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Everything was extremely well organized and seamless, making the entire vacation completely stress-free and enjoyable. The crew was exceptional — professional, friendly, attentive, and always making sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. The food was amazing throughout the trip, with great variety and quality at every meal. The boat itself is excellent: very comfortable, well maintained, and thoughtfully designed for divers. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, and the common areas are very well organized, giving everyone plenty of space to relax between dives. What truly made the experience unforgettable was the incredible selection of dive spots. Every dive offered something special, with beautiful marine life, stunning coral reefs, and perfectly planned itineraries. Overall, this was a full enjoyment vacation and one of the best liveaboard experiences I’ve had. I highly recommend The Smiling Seahorse to anyone looking for a perfectly organized diving adventure with a fantastic crew and unforgettable diving.
Publié sur Google Google
Laura Forsyth profile picture
Laura Forsyth
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
Another vote for the Smiling Seahorse - it's a very good boat. Purpose built for serious diving, the thought and care put into it by its owner and crew really shows. Everything you need is available, easy to access, well maintained and functional, without anything extraneous or funky. There is a devotion to diving, to underwater photography, to the marine life, to the history and natural history of the Similan Islands and Burma, to the guest experience and developing our skills. Our group did the week-long South to North Andaman Sea trip in January 2026, and each day was better than the one before. The diving is exceptional, with healthy corals and masses and masses of fish, even before we got to the climax of Richelieu Rock. They include an black water dive on each trip, a truly unique opportunity. We received tremendous support from the dive guides and the crew alike, who gracefully and respectfully accommodated everyone's needs. Even the little things - one of the deck crew noticed that the little strap connecting the dust cap to my regulator was close to breaking off and offered to repair it. He did a beautiful job and I'll be reminded of his generosity and kindness each time I dive that reg. Our guide, James, has years of experience, like many masters, conveyed his knowledge with simplicity and clarity (and humor - whew!). I became a better diver following his example. I keep remembering the happy anticipation of standing at the stern, all kitted up, waiting for the captain's signal to jump. Next trip - Burma. The cabins are simple and comfortable, although you may want to bring a pad if you're not a fan of firm beds. A/C and hot water in each cabin - all good. Everyone in our group, from the experts with many thousands of dives to the recently certified, to a couple of non-diving spouses, loved the Smiling Seahorse!
Publié sur Google Google
Nadine Fischer profile picture
Nadine Fischer
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
We had an amazing time on the Smiling Seahorse liveaboard in Thailand. Everything was well organized, relaxed, and very professional. Our dive guide Julien was fantastic. He showed us beautiful dive sites and even pointed out tiny nudibranchs we would never have seen ourselves. His eye for detail made every dive special. The food was excellent, and the crew was incredibly friendly and helpful, especially when assisting with dive gear. Overall, a wonderful experience – It was our 2nd trip and we will definitely come again!
Publié sur Google Google
Udi Nehab profile picture
Udi Nehab
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
An Unforgettable Week Underwater! I just wrapped up a phenomenal week-long liveaboard trip in the Similan Islands with The Smiling Seahorse team, and I cannot recommend them enough. The dives were absolutely gorgeous, but what really set the experience apart was Julian’s amazing spotting skills—he has an incredible eye and made sure we didn't miss a thing. The entire crew was attentive, professional, and always right there to assist with all of our needs, making the whole week completely seamless. On top of the world-class diving, the food was fantastic. Everything was incredibly tasty, and they offered a great variety of dishes that really hit the spot after a long day in the water. Five stars across the board—if you're looking for a top-tier liveaboard operation, this is the team to go with!
Publié sur Google Google
Tsachi Yeshurun profile picture
Tsachi Yeshurun
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
I went for a 9 day dive safari in Myanmar, the mergui archipelago, with the smiling seahorse. One of the unique experiences I had. My first (and second and third) Blackwater dive, dives I will never forget. The staff are wonderful, the dive guides are amazing, they actually care and put in a lot of extra effort and the ship crew were helpful and nice. I dove with Julian, the dive master, who I would dive with anywhere anytime, and we enjoyed the presence of camille, the owner, who lit up the place with her positive energies. I've been on fancier boats, but I enjoyed this one much better.
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Lee Waggener profile picture
Lee Waggener
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
Safe, clean, friendly staff always willing to help, easy on and off the boat, good dive sites. Guides are awesome. The dive crew very accommodating. Nice camera room. Keep the same tank entire trip. Some sites we went in small groups in a dingy. The return the dingy would slowly pull you back. Thankful we did nit have to struggle getting back in the dingy Some times we would just float back to the boat. We were divided into groups so everyone wasn’t getting ready at the same time. Plenty of food and snacks. Only complaint is the chairs and beds are hard as cement. Compared to the good stuff that was nothing. I would for sure go again.
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Ray Busard profile picture
Ray Busard
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
We did seven days on the Smiling Seahorse level over. The crew the boat everything was amazing. The divers did 20+ dives and as a snooker we did four snorkels, which was totally unexpected and so delightful. Took us to some of the best Dive spots in the world and the pictures proved that’s true. The food on board was over the top!! I would recommend this trip to anybody around the world!
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ליאור ארד profile picture
ליאור ארד
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
I just returned from a week-long liveaboard with the club, and the experience was simply outstanding. The entire team demonstrated high professionalism throughout, with in-depth safety briefings and modern, well-maintained equipment. A special thanks to our amazing dive guides: James, Velika, Katie, and Mint. Each of them brought great energy and uncompromising expertise. Thanks to them, we felt in safe hands during every dive, and they knew exactly how to lead us to the most beautiful spots in the pristine sites we visited. The boat was very comfortable, and the excellent food between dives rounded out the experience perfectly. This is without a doubt a top-tier diving club, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a week of peace and world-class diving!"
Publié sur Google Google
Itai Stadler profile picture
Itai Stadler
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
An outstanding liveaboard experience from start to finish. The hospitality on The Smiling Seahorse is truly exceptional — warm, attentive, and genuine, making you feel welcome and taken care of at every moment. The dive sites were beautiful and well chosen, offering a great variety and excellent conditions. Each dive felt thoughtfully planned to maximize both safety and enjoyment. What really sets this liveaboard apart is the extraordinary professionalism of the crew and dive instructors. Their experience, calm approach, and attention to detail were evident throughout the trip. Briefings were clear and thorough, underwater guidance was excellent, and safety was always the top priority — without ever taking away from the fun. Highly recommended for anyone looking for high-quality diving combined with top-level service and professionalism. I would gladly dive with them again.
Publié sur Google Google
Yossie Bar profile picture
Yossie Bar
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
It was amazing!!! Katie the diving guide is absolutely magnificent, friendly, crazy in a good way... The team is just extraordinary! Humble, helping wherever they can, the food is delicious and also satisfying, the boys helps greatly every time you come up from a dive... The guides are funny and resourceful... It was really just a perfect time.
Publié sur Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Magda K profile picture
Magda K
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5vérifié
Fantastic ! My diving cruise with The Smiling Seahorse was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Everything was extremely well organized and seamless, making the entire vacation completely stress-free and enjoyable. The crew was exceptional — professional, friendly, attentive, and always making sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. The food was amazing throughout the trip, with great variety and quality at every meal. The boat itself is excellent: very comfortable, well maintained, and thoughtfully designed for divers. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, and the common areas are very well organized, giving everyone plenty of space to relax between dives. What truly made the experience unforgettable was the incredible selection of dive spots. Every dive offered something special, with beautiful marine life, stunning coral reefs, and perfectly planned itineraries. Overall, this was a full enjoyment vacation and one of the best liveaboard experiences I’ve had. I highly recommend The Smiling Seahorse to anyone looking for a perfectly organized diving adventure with a fantastic crew and unforgettable diving.
Publié sur Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
ScenicPath profile picture
ScenicPath
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5vérifié
A well-run boat with a fantastic crew and dive staff - highly recommended! Another vote for the Smiling Seahorse - a very good boat. Purpose built for serious diving, the thought and care put into it by its owner and crew really shows. Everything you need is available, easy to access, well maintained and functional, without anything extraneous or funky. There is a devotion to diving, to underwater photography, to the marine life, to the history and natural history of the Similan Islands and Burma, to the guest experience and developing our skills. Our group did the week-long South to North Andaman Sea trip in January 2026, and each day was better than the one before. The diving is exceptional, with healthy corals and masses and masses of fish, even before we got to the climax of Richelieu Rock. They include an black water dive on each trip, a truly unique opportunity. We received tremendous support from the dive guides and the crew alike, who gracefully and respectfully accommodated everyone's needs. Even the little things - one of the deck crew noticed that the little strap connecting the dust cap to my regulator was close to breaking off and offered to repair it. He did a beautiful job and I'll be reminded of his generosity and kindness each time I dive that reg. Our guide, James, has years of experience, like many masters, conveyed his knowledge with simplicity and clarity (and humor - whew!). I became a better diver following his example. I keep remembering the happy anticipation of standing at the stern, all kitted up, waiting for the captain's signal to jump. Next trip - Burma. The cabins are simple and comfortable, although you may want to bring a pad if you're not a fan of firm beds. A/C and hot water in each cabin - all good. Everyone in our group, from the experts with many thousands of dives to the recently certified, to a couple of non-diving spouses, loved the Smiling Seahorse!
Publié sur Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
izacassia profile picture
izacassia
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5vérifié
Best scuba diving Safari in Thailand These guys are incredible! 7 days of diving from the south to the north of the Andaman Sea. The staff are incredibly helpful and the food and atmosphere was great. Special thanks to Velika, our guide, that showed us many sea creatures from the micro (picachu) to the large (white tip shark). It was an adventure! Highly recommended.
Publié sur Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
yiftah s profile picture
yiftah s
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5vérifié
The smiling seahorse experience Amazing crew, beautiful dives and unbelievable atmosphere... Had the best two weeks of my life! ❤️❤️❤️
Publié sur Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Udi N profile picture
Udi N
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5vérifié
An Unforgettable Week Underwater! ​I just wrapped up a phenomenal week-long liveaboard trip in the Similan Islands with The Smiling Seahorse team, and I cannot recommend them enough. The dives were absolutely gorgeous, but what really set the experience apart was Julian’s amazing spotting skills—he has an incredible eye and made sure we didn't miss a thing. ​The entire crew was attentive, professional, and always right there to assist with all of our needs, making the whole week completely seamless. On top of the world-class diving, the food was fantastic. Everything was incredibly tasty, and they offered a great variety of dishes that really hit the spot after a long day in the water. Five stars across the board—if you're looking for a top-tier liveaboard operation, this is the team to go with!
Publié sur Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Alon kedar profile picture
Alon kedar
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5vérifié
מעל ומבר צללתי אתם באירגון של buddy divers היה נפלא מעל ומעבר לציפיות. הארגון היה מעולה, הצוות מקצועי, תומך ועוזר כל הדרך מלבישת הסנפירים לפני ועד עזרה בכל צורך. תודה גדולה למדריכת צלילה בשם ג׳וי היה נהדר. אלון
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Oren K profile picture
Oren K
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5vérifié
Wonderful experience with the Smiling Seahorse After 9 wonderful days of a diving safari in Myanmar on the Smiling Seahorse liveaboard, I have to say that it’s been a long time since I’ve come across people who are so professional at what they do. The dive guide team is top notch! The crew that takes care of the boat and the diving equipment is extremely professional, always thinking about every single detail and showing endless care for the guests. The boat feels very homely and warm, and it’s especially well suited for underwater photographers. Simply pure pleasure incredible diving, warmth, and love for the guests both above and below the water. Oren Kidron
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עדי א profile picture
עדי א
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5vérifié
Don’t miss this liveaboard trip! The trip was amazing! I had so much fun and I really didn’t want it to end. Velica my guide was the nicest, so caring and professional and fun to dive with, and made me feel very safe. All the stuff was very friendly, professional and personal, and made the whole experience something I’ll never forget. The boat was comfortable and clean, the food was delicious, and the overall vibe on board was relaxed and fun. Beautiful dive sites and amazing dives. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for an unforgettable diving adventure. I would definitely dive with them again!
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Yossie Feldman profile picture
Yossie Feldman
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5vérifié
Amazing experience, go!!! It was amazing!!! Katie the diving guide is absolutely magnificent, friendly, crazy in a good way... The team is just extraordinary! Humble, helping wherever they can, the food is delicious and also satisfying, the boys helps greatly every time you come up from a dive... The guides are funny and resourceful... It was really just a perfect time.
Publié sur Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Are R profile picture
Are R
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5vérifié
Amazing company to go diving with. They picked us up at Koh Phayam even though they are based in Ranong, and helped us organize our transport onwards from Ranong after the trip. James organizes everything with a steady hand and a twinkle in the eye. You will not be bored during briefings on the smiling sea horse. Our guide, Veli Ka, was just amazing as well. So full of knowledge and safe and fun to dive with. All the crew were really nice - seems like a great work environment. The boat itself was really comfortable with a big lounge, sun deck, AC rooms with private bathrooms. Not crowded at all. The food was mouth watering as well. 5 stars!