Please read our latest reviews below. Please feel free to write your own review.

brought to you by

Reviews in other languages:

More reviews

Más críticas

Weitere Bewertungen

Critiques supplémentaires

Altre recensioni

Well lets think about why we re-powered the boat, we wanted a more comfortable ride for our customers, lower emissions, reliability and to save money by reducing fuel consumption.

As the customers board, the boat looks almost the same as last season except the big shiny Suzuki’s purring quietly away at the back.

I often receive a few comments from customers who are boat enthusiasts like, “Nice engines mate”, “300’s, Wow”, you know the kind of comments… So I’m sitting at the back of the boat, waiting for someone to listen to my boat stories, but really no-one gives a damn.

It’s not until we move away that people start to notice the lack of engine noise and absence of exhaust smoke. Then I get the chance to tell them about the conversion and the improvements we’ve seen. Comparing her new Suzuki engines to the Yamahas from last year isn’t really possible, its like comparing a Ford Escort to a Mercedes, if you see what I mean, it’s just not possible!

Firstly, remember Scubafish is a 43ft boat (quite big), she’s now cruising at about 20-21 knots using about 90-100 ltrs/ hour with an amazing 31 knots with the throttle fully open. Good fun but very thirsty - doubling fuel consumption. Comparing this with the old two stroke Yamaha’s, we are saving an amazing 45-50%. Oh yes, technology!!!!

Secondly, reliability. This one is not so easy to answer, but I will try!
Gearboxes seem to be the weak link in all big outboard engines. When researching purchasing these engines, I talked at length about gearbox reliability with Derani Yachts and they seemed pretty confident. Imagine their surprise and mine, not to mention the disappointment, when the first gearbox seized after 36 hours of running time, then the second shortly after.

Derani pulled out all the stops to get boat up and running, for which I’m hugely grateful to Hakan, Marcus and the Derani team. Suzuki admitted there was a problem and we are now running modified gearboxes which seem, fingers crossed, to be running smoothly, as designed. I have added a picture of the damaged gearbox, so you can see the damage; I have further info and pictures outlining the problem if anyone is interested.
Apart from the initial problems with the gearboxes, the engines run like a dream, routine maintenance is carried out by ourselves and is very straight forward.

So after spending a hefty 2,000,000 baht am I happy? Yes!! The fuel saving alone will mean we can re-coup the full investment after about 2 seasons. The ride is now more comfortable for the divers due to the low-emissions and low noise, the Captian has a grin the size of the boat and the engineer sits waiting and waiting (no tinkering required!), also with a grin the size of the boat. Boys and their toys… Perfect!

Take part in the on-line Global Shark Assessment Survey.

The Global Shark Assessment is a project that aims to evaluate how shark populations have changed since the beginning of industrial-scale fishing, and make predictions about how these populations will respond to global climate change and to different methods of fishing and protection. They use scuba diver’s observations to census shark populations at different locations around the world.

With overwhelming evidence that shark populations have declined dramatically over the last 50 years, there are still places where some shark species are persisting and even thought to be thriving. Identification of these species and areas is an important step in determining the best method for recovery. In a time when the number of no-take zones and fishing restrictions are increasing, there is a need for acquiring data through alternative, non-extractive methods. All scuba divers/snorkelers that have been in the ocean can help with this effort.

Sharks are an essential component of marine ecosystems; yet, human pressure has put many species at dangerously low abundance levels. Determining what tools (e.g. Marine Protected Areas, coastal development, undisturbed nurseries, fishing regulations, etc.) are best for their survival will be essential for restoring, at least in part, these systems to their former resilience.

Who can help?

ANYONE that has ever dived or snorkeled in the ocean! All ocean going divers (professionals, recreational, and tourists) are candidates for this survey. The on-line survey should be filled out after each dive you make - even if you do not see any sharks. This survey is for dives that you have environmental and sightings information for (either you have just done this dive or it has been recorded in a logbook)- again it must include dives where you did and did not see sharks.

How can I help?

Fill in the online survey - it should only take a few minutes (1-2 minutes per area).

Then, forward this survey to as many divers or dive shops that you can. The more people that fill out this survey, the more we will know about the sharks people see.

What are the results so far?

To see the number of surveys filled out by location and percentage of shark sightings by location please visit the results page.

The Global Shark Assessment - background

Sharks are in trouble worldwide - For these animals to survive, we need
to reduce fishing effort by half and have a global ban on shark finning.

Dr. Myers and colleagues launched the Global Shark Assessment in October of 2003 to assess how global shark populations have changed since the beginning of industrial scale fishing, and to make predictions about how these populations will respond to global climate change and to different methods of fishing.

Sharks (and other elasmobranches) are vulnerable to fishing pressure because they are long-lived, slow to mature, and produce few offspring compared with most other fish. Hence, directed fishing can much more quickly decimate sharks than other fish species.

Sharks are also often taken as bycatch in multi-species fisheries in which the target species are quick to replenish themselves while the sharks are not. This occurs in pelagic longline fisheries that target highly productive tuna species, but catch great numbers of sharks. It also occurs along southeastern U.S. coast where there is a bottom longline fishery that is targeted at sharks, but that catches many different shark species with different vulnerabilities to over-fishing. In these fisheries, the slow-to-reproduce shark species may be fished to extinction, while the more productive fishes continue to drive the industry.

“We need to find out how general shark declines are across all the world’s oceans,” says Myers. As fishing pressure is intense everywhere, the situation he and researcher Julia Baum detected in the Gulf of Mexico may prove to be part of a general phenomena.

Currently, there exist both substantial amounts of unanalyzed data on sharks and a large number of dedicated shark biologists. However, these two key resources have not, as yet, been utilized to their full potential. The Global Shark Assessment will put the data and biological experts together with a team of modeling and statistical experts to produce a global assessment, with an emphasis on producing results in a form that is accessible to decision makers.

Specifically, the Global Shark Assessment will:

The potential benefits of shark conservation are great. In protecting a host of large, charismatic, but particularly vulnerable species, shark conservation offers the opportunity to protect not just sharks, but the myriad other species and ecosystems with which and in which sharks interact. Hence, at stake are not merely sharks, but our still vastly misunderstood marine realm.

“It will be impossible to set management and restoration goals for these shark species without a clear understanding of how much we have lost. Our studies provide this missing baseline,” says Baum.

Take part in the on-line Global Shark Assessment Survey.

Project AWARE Foundation honors dive operators around the world who display commitment and excellence in their efforts to protect underwater environments within business operations and their community.

Project AWARE Foundation Chairman, Dr. Drew Richardson recognizes the importance of the scuba diving community taking its part on protection of global ecosystems.

“The Environment Achievement Award is about rewarding vision, excellence and pursuit of conservation. More importantly, this award ensures the enjoyment of underwater environments for future generations,”

states Richardson.

“Project Aware recognises that Scubafish and Narima Diving operate in an environmentally responsible manner and demonstrate an outstanding commitment to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Project Aware is pleased to award them the Project Aware Environmental Achievement Award for 2007.”

Background:
Scubafish is a small, eco-friendly, PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive Resort located near the National Marine Park in Kantiang Bay in the South of Ko Lanta. Narima Diving is a PADI Dive Centre set within the Narima Resort, a beautifully designed, eco-chic resort located within natural rain forest that has been growing on the island for thousands of years. All bungalows have been constructed from natural, ecological materials that blend well into the surroundings and construction was planned around the existing trees. It’s hard to spot the resort from the sea as it seems to disappear into the natural rainforest backdrop. Sustainable tourism methods are utilised to provide low-impact, simple and environmentally conscious accommodation.

Scubafish and Narima Diving offer 3 key areas for Diver Education:

• PADI 5 Star, Gold Palm IDC Training Facility
• Liquid Lense - Underwater Digital Imaging Academy
• Aqualogy - Marine Education Centre

Our reputation stems from high quality personal service, dedication to the marine environment and our love of the aquatic world. We offer a unique diving experience to divers visiting Ko Lanta, Thailand.

In response to dramatic changes in our local reef health (specifically Hin Muang), we set out to make environmental awareness and conservation our main goal. In 2007, we introduced AQUALOGY – Marine Education Centre. Founded as a joint project between Scubafish and Aqualogy’s Marine Scientists, Aqualogy provides a variety of courses and marine education to divers on holiday, and is also a base for Coral Reef Research and Reef Monitoring Projects. We work with ReefCheck to supply research and data to contribute to their Global Reef Monitoring Project.

We focus on the importance of conserving underwater environments, and how we can, through education and action, make a difference to the world we live in. Aqualogy is involved in a number of marine conservation, research and local community projects. We believe that we are in a unique position to be able to actively put something back into the environment in which we live. Environmental education and awareness materials help us to educate, divers, non-divers and locals in the importance of protecting our oceans and reefs.

Current Environmental Awareness Recognition:
• Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award
• Project AWARE - Go ECO Operator
• Project AWARE – CoralWatch Operator
• Green Fins Member
• ReefCheck Training Facility
• EU Responsible Tourism Award - Scubafish and Narima Diving were 2 of only 9 Dive Centres in Thailand recognised as meeting European Standards for Sustainable Tourism Management in Thailand.

Environmentally Aware Diver Education offered:

• PADI - AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Specialty Course
• PADI - Whale Shark Awareness Diver Specialty Course
• ReefCheck - Discover ReefCheck Course
• ReefCheck - EcoDiver Course
• Aqualogy - Tropical Reef Diver Course
• Aqualogy – Discover Marine Habitats
• Aqualogy – Discover Fish Ecology
• Aqualogy – Discover Zoology
• Aqualogy – Discover Oceanography
• Aqualogy Reef Plus Course – Sharks & Rays (Cartilaginous Fish)
• Aqualogy Reef Plus Course – Venomous Species
• Aqualogy Reef Plus Course – Coral Life
• Aqualogy Reef Plus Course – Tropical Reef Fish (Bony Fish)

Community Project Involvement and Initiatives:

Project CleanUp – We’re actively involved in regular Beach and Reef Clean Up Projects. We regularly schedule community beach clean-ups and get the local kids, residents and tourists involved. We participate in Project AWARE Beach Clean-Ups and encourage all our divers to pick up any litter they see on the beaches or on the reefs.

Sustainable Tourism Standards - Scubafish and Narima Diving were 2 of only 9 Dive Centres in Thailand recognised as meeting European Standards for Sustainable Tourism Management in Thailand.

Project Swim – We are initiating a project in conjunction with our Thai Divemaster and a European swimming Instructor to teach kids from the local community to swim. We take this opportunity to impart a reef-conscious outlook and emphasize the need to protect the marine environment. Many local families rely heavily on fishing, so it is easy to present the huge positive benefit in preserving the environment they depend on.

Public Awareness Education:

• Explanations displayed in Thai about
o responsible diving practices,
o responsible waste management practices,
o responsible boat mooring practices
o reef-conscious diving and buoyancy practices.
• Presentations given to locals about benefits of recycling, reducing plastic and polystyrene overuses
• Support of local recycling initiatives

Child Participation:

We get all our Bubblemakers involved in CoralWatch reef-health monitoring. They love taking the slates diving and gaining a sense of satisfaction in contributing towards conserving our coral reefs.

Boat & Dive Briefings and Information:

• Active encouragement all our staff and divers to take an active interest in protecting the marine life they observe whilst diving.
• Information on display from Project Aware Go ECO and Greenfins that details, in English and Thai:
o responsible diving practices,
o responsible waste management practices,
o responsible boat mooring practices
o reef-conscious diving and buoyancy practices.
• Environmentally-informative briefings on the boat and before each dive which include information about:
o waste management on the boat
o marine life interaction - demonstrating to interact in a passive, low-impact way
o fish ID information
o information about threats to various costal and underwater environments and habitats so that everyone who takes part in one of our trips becomes interested and aware of the issues surrounding the need for conservation and preservation.
• Marine Scientists onboard to give presentations on marine eco-systems, marine habitats, threats and conservation action required.
• We require a buoyancy check dive be completed by ever diver wishing to participate in reef monitoring or marine biology dives or courses

Advocacy:

Daily Dive Site Data Collection Project - Our Daily Data Collection project involves collecting daily information about water temperature, current and fish data. We hope to learn and observe seasonal patterns in different species, local to our area.

Reef Surveys - We participate in the ReefCheck EcoAction programme and contribute to their global survey of Reef Health. We also offer Discover ReefCheck and ReefCheck - EcoDiver courses, for an introduction to (and certification in) reef monitoring and surveying techniques.

Permanent Transact Line Project - To enhance our commitment to ReefCheck we are building a permanent Transact Line to enable ReefCheck dives to be conducted more easily and to provide more consistent data for their worldwide reef-surveying project.

Research Projects:

Project Whale Shark - We are working to create a Lanta Whale Shark Sightings Database, so that we can track if the same individuals return each year and if they follow a path between dive sites in our area. You can also take the PADI Whale Shark Awareness Course. This course gives an introduction to the world’s largest fish and will familiarise you with the proper techniques for diving with Whale Sharks so as to cause minimal impact on the sharks’ habitat and behaviour.

Artificial Reef Project - we start this project by running tests to see if this area can support an artificial reef. We hope that by creating new sheltered areas for reefs to grow will promote the continued sustainability of the diversity of marine life we see in our area. We plan to submerge various test materials at varying locations and depths to see which materials perform the best. Over a period of time, we can monitor potential coral growth at each location to determine the best artificial reef scenario. Video and photo logs will be kept alongside data sheets and monitoring data.

Action

Good Mooring Practices - To reduce impact on the environment, increase boat performance and ultimately save money on operation costs, our boat has been fitted with the very first set of highly efficient, low emission’s Suzuki V6 DF300’s in Thailand. The Shallow-V hull design combined with the big, efficient, high output Suzuki engines, mean that as well as smoother, faster journeys, we now have 65% lower emissions than the EPA 2006 Standards.
We set up moorings for our boats in a bay in the south of Lanta. This puts us closer to the dive sites, therefore making our journey times considerably shorter, which means less fuel used.

Recycling & Waste Management - On board we provide bags to help us recycle refuse, and display posters to advocate reducing impact on the environment.

Reef & Costal Conservation Projects - House Reef Mapping Project - Ko Lanta is a fairly unusual island in this area, in that it does not have a coral reef around the island. Here in Kantiang Bay, in the South of Ko Lanta, we are one of the only beaches in Ko Lanta to have any coral reef growth. We have conducted some exploratory dives on these reefs and have observed some extremely interesting macro life. There are colonies of nudibranches that we have never seen on other dive sites in the area, as well as many species of juvenile fish, small rays and anemones. There are even some small Gorgonian Sea Fans and Table Corals.
One of our projects for 2007-08 is to effectively map this area and identify as many of the species that inhabit it, as we can.

Community Conservation Projects - Underwater Reef Clean-Ups are a regular part of our dive season. We are working on a project to rejuvenate our recently discovered House Reef in Kantiang Bay. Currently, there is a promising amount of reef growth, however many fishing lines and debris are disturbing the reef from flourishing as it should.

Our Lanta Community Project is an ongoing commitment to give something back to the community we are part of. We educate community members about the importance of conserving underwater environments. Also, learning to swim is not something that every child automatically learns, despite living on a small island. It is our aim to provide swimming lessons to local schools and communities .

Volunteer Projects

Fishing is a huge part of many family’s lives on Koh Lanta. The key to success in protecting the environment, is to create a new generation of ambassadors who themselves see the value of caring about the environment. In a community where almost everyone learns about fishing, an education in eco-awareness and marine life conservation, can only be a positive combination. In order for plentiful fish stocks to be available for future generations, it is essential for us to look after reefs, where the juvenile fish can shelter, right now.

Through local meetings with community leaders, and by educating the local children who will be our future generation of underwater conservationists, we hope to make a difference that can be seen by the local community. By contributing in this way, we hope that the future of both our cultural heritage and the natural beauty of our oceans, can survive.

The Manta’s that visit Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are almost certainly coming to be cleaned, as we investigated whilst diving with them over the last few days. At first, we observed the rays slowing down as they approached the reef - this is where the cleaner fish can be found in abundance. Then, once the wrasse realised that they were allowed to clean the Mantas, they swam inside the gills, close to the mouth and all over the ray’s body, to feed on the organisms that parasitize the giant. Hopefully the rays enjoy this treatment for some more time so we can enjoy the marveling at this fantastic Manta display!

It is also believed that Manta Rays and Whale Sharks use Hin Daeng and Hin Munag as a navigation point as they cruise around the tropics.

This really is the time of the year for the big stuff, with yet more Manta Rays cruising around Hin Daeng, south of Ko Lanta. This Manta was around 6m from wingtip to wingtip and stayed with us for the whole dive. Footage courtesy of Liquid Lense & Scubafish.

We hope you enjoy sharing our favourite underwater memories!

Diving Ko Lanta:

Please take a look to see what the different dive sites are actually like!

Since being founded in 2004, Greenfins have been dedicated to protecting the reef’s of Thailand through raising awareness and teaching Reef Watch methods for ongoing monitoring. In support of the International Year of the Reef (IYOR) 2008 we are pushing for a direct involvement of all communities within Thailand to adopt responsibility and commit to looking after the reefs and reduce our daily impacts on the marine environment.

Greenfins Code of Conduct:

Mission: “To protect and conserve coral reefs by establishing and implementing environmentally friendly guidelines to promote a sustainable diving tourism industry.”

As a Green Fins Member We Are Expected To:

Adapted from The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) “Environmentally Friendly Standards for Dive Operations”

Please contact us if you would prefer to be sent a printed copy.

LIQUID LENSE is proud to announce the launch of their Digital Imaging Academy - the first of its kind in Asia!

LIQUID LENSE opened the shutter on a whole new world of underwater digital image capture earlier this month. With a range of Underwater Photography and Videography courses designed to suit every level, they are sure to inspire a new generation of divers to create captivating underwater images.

“Developing courses that teach practical and intuitive imaging techniques to divers is something we’ve known is important for years. With the development of digital technology and the accessibility of consumer underwater housing systems, there’s a whole new generation of enthusiastic photographers and videographers out there, eager to release their creative potential”

said Saffron Kiddy – Liquid Lense founder.

Whether you are interested in a few tips to help improve your underwater photos, or aspire to become a professional underwater videographer, the Liquid Lense academy is the perfect place. Experienced professionals will take you by the hand and guide you through the world of digital underwater photography & film, with practical underwater exercises, tips & tricks and helpful feedback sessions to enable you to produce fantastic underwater images in no time at all.

“You’ve made our life-long dream come true, challenging us to do even better than we believed possible”

said Inger and Roor from Norway - some of Liquid Lense’s first students.

Based on the beautiful island of Ko Lanta, Thailand and surrounded by the breath-taking Andaman Sea, you can learn how to create fantastic underwater images through their range of fun and intuitive courses. The Andaman Sea is home to the most diverse collection of marine life in the world, providing superb diving and excellent underwater photography. The warm waters, great visibility and range of dive sites mean that, whether you’re new to diving or a pro, you’re sure to find plenty to enjoy. The Andaman sea is famous for its healthy reefs, diverse marine life, caverns, drop offs and sea mounts as well as visiting Whale Sharks and Mantas that are spotted regularly by divers in the area.

Accomplished Underwater Photographer - Tara Noble-Singh commented:

“there are so many divers who are keen to document their underwater experiences, yet there is very little support or information available to divers who want to learn how to get the most out of their camera systems. I think the exciting new range of courses offered by Liquid Lense is a huge advance in the world of underwater digital imaging.”

With its quick results and lower costs, the digital revolution is making photography and film the perfect underwater activity for those wanting to add an extra dimension to their diving. Furthermore, as you improve and record your progress, you gain improved bouyancy control and instinctivly become more aware of marine animal behaviour and species interaction – this in turn contributes to your ability to capture great shots.

“We hope to encourage an awareness of the need to protect our ocean’s reefs”

said Saffron Kiddy from Liquid Lense.

“In the past, Underwater Photographers have been given a bad name for sacrificing the need for passive interaction with marine species in the persuit of a great shot, or for damaging fragile coral reef eco-systems by using the reef to steady heavy camera systems. Liquid Lense’s courses are all about capturing the natural beauty of our oceans and preserving them for generations to come. We insist on perfecting bouyancy control and have adopted a strict no-touching policy. Our students are already seeing the benefits of this in their own diving abilities and we hope to use bouyancy control as a firm foundation for a new generation of digital underwater photographers and videographers.”

Incorporating and going beyond the PADI Speciality courses (as well as adding extra flexibility with its modular system), the Liquid Lense certification aims to set a new standard in the world of underwater digital photography and film.

Photo Courses offered by Liquid Lense start with a 1-day Go Photo course. They also offer 2-day and 4-day courses. The 4-day, 6-dive LL Photographer Plus course, covers camera and housing set-up, care and maintenance; basic and advanced camera techniques; practical underwater exercises & post-production practical training.

Video courses range from the entry level, 1-day Moviemaker course to a 7-day, 9-dive LL Videograper Plus course, covering camera & housing set-up, care and maintenacnce; film-making styles and techniques; practical underwater exercises, advanced buoyancy and post-production practical training.

All courses include camera and equipment rental, course materials, dives to Lanta’s top dive destinations and certification. Accommodation can also be arranged with good package deal rates. Course groups are small and start dates are flexible to suit your needs.

For further information about LIQUID LENSE please visit www.liquidlense.co.uk or email info@liquidlense.co.uk.

About LIQUID LENSE

With courses from complete beginner to accomplished professional, LIQUID LENSE offers superb diving opportunities for fabulous underwater images. Take an Underwater Photography or Digital Film course to capture your imagination & secure your memories forever.

The Digital Imaging Academy is located in the south of Ko Lanta, with easy access to some of the best dive sites on the west coast of Thailand.

LIQUID LENSE is part of SCUBAFISH - a small, eco-friendly, PADI 5 Star, Gold Palm, IDC Centre located on Kantiang Beach in the South of Ko Lanta, Thailand. Offering expert guidance and instruction with an emphasis on relaxed and personal service both above & below the water, we are ideally located to offer shorter journey times to some of the best dive sites in Thailand.
SCUBAFISH is also home to AQUALOGY - Reef Education and Marine Biology Centre.

www.scuba-fish.com, www.liquidlense.co.uk, www.aqualogy.org

Derani Yachts, based in Boat Lagoon, Phuket are making the conversion. Thailands premier Suzuki marine dealers have commited themselves to the new engines due to increasing demand for large outboard powered boats. With knowlegable and experienced staff at hand to answer any questions, Derani Yachts and Suzuki marine are proving to be the perfect partnership in high output, low emissions engines! Information was dealt with promptly and directly, plus having years of combined marine experience have given me the confidence to convert my dive cruiser to the new, and lets face it, expensive technology. Hakan Lange, Managing Director of Derani yachts is fully confident of Suzuki’s new DF300 in our fully commercial role!

My excitement cannot be contained! Promising reduced emissions, improved fuel consumption and huge power will propel MY Scubafish to an estimated top speed of 35 knots, economically cruising at around 24 knots, making her the biggest, fastest, smoothest high speed dive cruiser of all, definitely in Ko Lanta and possibly Thailand.

Information after sea trials (max speed, fuel consumption, cruising speed and eventually reliability considerations), photos of MY Scubafish modifications and recorded statistics will of course be available as the project gains pace and most importantly feedback from the real critiques, our divers!

For now, Good Diving! Mr D