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Ａ：Anyone with a certification above Open Water can join our tours. Depending on conditions at sea there may be high waves or strong currents so we recommended that customers have dived at least 20 times or more. Those that haven't can still join, as long as they have the skills below.
If you do not meet the above conditions please contact the staff at Hoboya Similan, who will decide whether you can join depending on the number of staff available and the grouping of other customers. If the person guiding on the day feels that there could be an inconvenience to other customers or decides that it could be dangerous after comparing your skills and conditions at sea, you may be asked to dive with a different group or told not to dive (refunds will not be offered). We appreciate your understanding. If you are unsure about the above skills or have not dived in a while, we strongly recommended that you book a private guide. Please note that minors will require the consent of a parent or guardian.
Ａ： During on season, the wind and waves off the Similan Islands are generally calm on most days and the weather is stable. But of course, we are dealing with nature so if a low pressure approaches or strong winds are blowing at sea far away, there may be some surge. However, at night we dock in sheltered areas off the islands that waves cannot reach so the ship doesn't sway much. Please don't worry beccause many passengers prone to seasickness have joined our tours before. If you are concerned about seasickness, we suggest that you choose a tour on a bigger ship or try an overnight short cruise . Seasickness tablets are available on our cruise ships but if you get ill quite badly, it may be more effective if you speak to a doctor or take stronger medication such as Aneron (SSP Co., Ltd) that is sold in Japan.
Ａ：If you are alone, there is no problem at all. However, the cabins on most cruise ships are designed for more than two people so you will be required to share with others (usually of the same sex as yourself). If you really want your own cabin, there will be an additional charge. We appreciate your understanding. Depending on the ship you board, the cost of joining alone can be a little expensive. For more information please refer to the web page of the cruise you wish to join or get in touch with the staff at Hoboya Similan.
Ａ：There are no particularly difficult diving skills required to join our Similan Islands dive cruises but if you are worried about performing the basic skills below, we recommend a private guide.
Our specialist guides will check your skills and if necessary, offer advice on how to improve and support your diving. You can also book a private guide in groups but in that case the private guide fee will have to be divided and paid for by all group members. If you want to spend a lot of time taking photos without inconveniencing other customers, dive freely at your own pace or are joining as a couple, then we recommend a private guide. Please note that the number or private guides is limited and there may be times when we cannot take private guide bookings, for example when it's crowded or it's peak season. We appreciate your understanding.
Ａ：The area around the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock is open ocean so there is some constant current. As we approach the spring tide they can get strong but apart from some dive sites we go drift diving, which involves being transported by the water movement so there is no continuous swimming against the current Please don't worry because many female divers and older divers join our tours. If we are diving in strong currents, for example at some submerged rocky reefs or sites where drift diving is difficult, we follow a dive plan and ascend or descend in a way that allows us to maintain physical strength, or avoid the currents by making use of sheltered areas behind rocks. As long as you are healthy and can follow your guide's instructions, you should be able to enjoy your dives without any problem. If it's likely that currents will be strong, your guide will inform you in advance so that you can decide whether to dive after thinking about conditions at sea and your physical condition. Please note that if you decide not to dive, we cannot give you a refund. We appreciate your understanding.
