Into the Blue
As most of you know, John and I moved to Thailand primarily for the diving. On first arriving we went out with the two local dive outfits. When opportunity came to form a boat club using the traditional Thai long-tail, we took it not only for the reduction in the cost of diving but for the independence it gave us. A year ago we took another big step up; we bought our own dive boat. It is also traditional Thai but a fishing boat that was converted for use with tourists. Our partners in this venture, Ju and Devis, own the Armonia Village Resort and though they are not divers, they love being on the water and realized it would be a great resource to offer their customers. Perfect, paying guests cuts the cost of our diving way down for all the club members and we get to meet some very interesting people from all over the world.
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- Inside cabin for captains and inclement weather. Toilet room.
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- Freshly remodeled, just out of the boatyard.
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- After or first year we painted and improved the layout.
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- The bow.
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- Tank and prep area at the stern.
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- Tony and Sherri reading their equipment.
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- Tank storage.
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- These shelves (designed by me) made it possible to have coffee service.
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- Co-captain Mii
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- Co-captain Kai
Diving is the boat’s primary function. The islands we dive are about an hour and a half away; the ride is part of the pleasure of going out. We see the most amazing scenery and then the details are so often incredible. Scuba diving is truly like visiting an alien planet yet we don’t even need to leave home.
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- The islands as seen from our beach.
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- Koh Ngam Yai and Jennifer
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- “Let’s go diving.”
We also have the added fun of having our very own wreck to explore. It was deliberately sunk three years ago to create an artificial reef. It didn’t take long for the sea life to discover this WWII relic and it is now home to all manner of creatures including corals.
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- Thai navy boat Prab 741.
Snorkelers are a welcome addition to any trip out to the islands. Many of our dive sites offer amazing opportunities for snorkeler’s enjoyment. This area is so rich in diversity of fish and corals; it never ceases to amaze snorkelers and divers alike.
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- Pram
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- Nathan
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- Jennifer
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- Jane
On each trip we always do two dives which requires that we stay on the surface for at least an hour before heading down for the second dive. We always eat a light Thai food lunch but this is also a time to have fun.
Not all trips out are for diving and snorkeling. There is the occasional fishing trip and in the evenings there is squid fishing. The boat is rigged with special green lights which attract the squid to the boat area; it is just a matter of dropping a line (no pole required), bobbing it a little, then low-and-behold you’ve got a squid. Ju is an expert chef who will gladly cook the fresh squid when the boat gets back to shore.
So, when you make your trip to Thailand, come dive with us.
Jane Estes
John and Jane in Thailand 
Congratulations on the boat! Looks a lot more comfortabel then the other one. There is a Thai name on it, what does it mean? Can’t wait to come and visit you guys again. Gustave is ready to take his bubblemaker now, Daniel and I would love to get our diving certification too.
Kristel
March 30, 2015 at 4:35 pm
Hi you guys, we have been wondering what you have been up to. Need we ask. The new boat looks gorgeous. We miss Thailand so much and wonder when we will get back there. Mostly working hard in order to be able to afford the lifestyle in America. Something is wrong with this picture. Happy travels, Irene and Marian
Irene Michon
March 31, 2015 at 1:01 am