Sea Bees Diving Thailand - News Archive - 2007

	Assistant's Baptism on our 2-day safari to Hin Daeng/Hin Muang
	Yes indeed, there is always something going on here at Sea Bees. And we are very creative with looking for new ideas of what to do next. Our guides Kay and Florian had a very special idea what to do with our assistant Patrick who went on his first dive safari with us. So his baptism of fire was not to be missed on the Aragon trip to Phi Phi and Hin daeng/Hin Muang. South of Phi Phi they fixed an imaginary equator. All our assistants will have to pass the baptism in future on their first safari trip, but Patrick was the first lucky one. It all started after the night dive. A special cocktail was prepared, made with Bacardi, Vodka, Thai fish sauce, half a bottle of tabasco and crushed ice. A really special drink - maybe not promising a good taste but certainly a strong impact! Patrick had been instructed to show up on the dive deck with bathing suit, mask and snorkel. All of the guests, staff and crew were present, and all were very curious. Captain Rick gave the special cocktail to Patrick - through his snorkel!! But as it was our first attempt at the baptism not everything went quite like it should. The crushed ice stuck in Patrick's throat and he choked on it, so sadly it was not possible to feed him the whole drink. But you can probably guess that Patrick was not too sad about that given it's contents! After drinking he had to jump into the ocean and then get back on the boat without using the ladder. But still that wasn't all. Meanwhile everyone had gotten hold of a fin each and were standing in a circle. Positioned inside the circle Patrick had to try to avoid being hit with the fins on his backside. But he wasn't very successful as everybody did their best to clap him (good and hard!) for his performance. It was a lot of fun for nearly everybody, except maybe Patrick and his sore backside......

Marco Polo Trip 4-10 December 2007

Proposal of marriage under water

In the tropical Andaman Sea - during the third dive at Ko Bon Pinnacle - Adrian asked his Maxime the most pivotal question.

As you can imagine it was done in a special way. The question was written on his wrist slate! It was a big surpise and pleasure for Maxime.
And of course no proposal - even under water - can happen without a ring. Adrian was well prepared and the unusual circumstances didn't cause any problems when he put the ring on Maxime's finger. A very happy couple came back on board the Marco Polo.

Next evening - when all the guests came back from their Similan Tour - we presented flowers to them with our best wishes.

This special proposal of marriage was indeed the highlight but there are two more things we would like to tell you. At Ko Bon Pinnacle we saw mantas and leopard sharks, and we had a superb night dive at East of Eden.

under water wedding party at Sea Bees Diving

	On tour with Marco Polo
	On our last two tours to the Similan Islands there was lots to see and even more to celebrate. Diving the tropical Andaman Sea is always an adventure and a liveaboard trip on Marco Polo to the Similans is something special. Here is a short summand of what went on: - At Richelieu Rock - we saw our first Ornate Ghost Pipefish of the season. They really are camouflage masters. - On Batfish Bend we discovered 3 nudibranches of the family miamira magnifica. - On Hideaway and again at the Tuna Wreck Chris found an unusual sea snail which we could not put a name to. Pictures were taken and sent off for a classification. We are very curious. - During the night dive at Ko Similan & Turtle Rock we visited "Milton" the world's most famous moray. But it was not only underwater - on board the Marco Polo there was a lot going on too! Two birthday parties in one trip!! Jens and Sascha were the lucky ones. Not a bad way to celebrate this special day on a liveaboard in the tropical Andaman Sea. The party for Jens had already started at the harbour in Chalong and of course later on board we had a good time... The landlubbers don't want to miss wishing Jens all the best too, so congratulations! And we had another party too. Sascha our divemaster celebrated his special day on board the Marco Polo and all had a great time.

	New nationalparks - but also additional fees
	We like to inform you that as from now on the thai government has increased the number of nationalparks in the Andaman Sea. Surin Island ( Richeleiu Rock) and Hin Daeng/Hin Muang are declared as nationalparks and fees come effective immediately. This means that for our 6-day Marco Polo Tour to Similan & Surin the total fee now to be paid is 2000 Baht per person and for our 2-day safari to Hin Daeng/Hin Muang & Phi Phi 800 Baht per person.

Marco Polo Trip 13. - 19. November 2007
50 minutes diving with a whale shark

That was the absolute highlight on our Marco Polo Tour to Similan Islands!
Unbelievable, but during one of our dives at Richelieu Rock we got company from a whale shark, stayed with us for the whole dive - from decent to the safety stop. So we have been shoulder to shoulder with him for nearly 50 minutes. Indescribable and surely not a common experience at all.

But there were more shark encounters. During our second dive at Koh Bangu - Island no. 9 - we were lucky enough to watch them performing courtship rituals.

Of course we have seen lots of other facinating marine life during this week in the Andaman Sea as well. But we can't and we don't want to name them all. Only one more we like to mention: our tourguide Chris "discovered" at Richelieu Rock a roundspot frogfish.

All our guests from this Marco Polo trip had a great time and every one of us takes home his own impression and memories and for sure will keep this trip in good memory for a long time.

Spotfin Frogfish

Early manta encounter in Surin National-park

Unusual, because normally the mantas don't show up so early at the wonderful islands Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, which are located between Similan and Richelieu Rock.

But we appreciate very much to see them already now on our day-trip with MC Stingray and all guests were really thrilled to watch the elegant and fascinating mantas.
It is always a special and exciting experience and turns every dive in a real highlight.

We look forward to meeting them again.

Sea Bees Khao Lak is expanding

On the first of December another Sea Bees Office in Khao Lak is going to open it's doors. Located in the newly rebuild Laguna Resort.

This is our 2nd branch in Khao Lak - beside our dive center, which is located in Palm Garden Resort - after the one in Le Meridien Khao Lak, which has been established in 2005.

We are very happy about the new opening coming up at as it enables us to enhance our local service even more. Khao Lak is the perfect starting point for daytrips to Similan Islands and 3-day dive safaris to Richelieu Rock, Koh Tachai and Koh Bon. The fascinating underwater-world of the Andaman Sea lies "just in front of the door".

Sea Bees doubled up

Marco Polo Trip 6. - 12. November 2007

High season has arrived. Dive safari boat 'MV Marco Polo' now goes to the Similans every week, to explore the fascinationg underwater world of the Andaman Sea.
Departure is every Tuesday evening and arrival 6 days and 22 dives later with many new impressions.

Here the highlights of the last tour:

- Manta rays, manta rays, manta rays
all guests were lucky enough to meet fascinating soaring manta rays. A wonderful and impressing encounter and experience.

- Sascha our divemaster passed his "trade test" in Yamaha Bay. His challenge was to find a giant red frogfish!! In a depth of 13 metres he succeeded. Congratulations, Sascha!
We are now very curious what challenge is waiting for you to pass your master degree.

- The 1. Marco Polo Poker Night
Pokerfaces from England, USA and Germany joined the tournament and everybody was willing to win and of course playing straight-faced.
But like always: only one could succeed!
The winner of the 1. Marco Polo Poker Night was: Richard. Congratulations!!
And guess - what country does Richard come from? Of course, the United States.

Sascha's giant red frog fish

Pick up the trash

On the 1st of November a great Clean Up took place.
The 17. Patong Beach Clean Up was again a big success. This annual event is sponsored by the Phuket Marine Biological Center, the Patong District Community and some other official departments.

The diving equipment was provided by different Dive Centres, which also sent their staff and customers to help cleaning up. We from Sea Bees as well participated again and our "new assistants" Mario, Patrik and Sven - were surprised about the amount of debris.

A total of 19 teams, each with 4 divers, and 19 long tail boats were participating at the Patong Beach Clean Up. The time for removing debris was limited to 4 hours and 2 dives, and at the end the teams collected a total of more than 1.000 kg of garbage. Unbelievable what they came up with!. Fishing net, ropes, metal, rubber pipes, wood, lots of beverage bottles (glass and plastic) and cans as well. Furthermore six anchors.

In the evening - after all work was done - a party took place, where everybody had a good time.

... hopefully we will all see each other next year again.

First Marco Polo Team is coming back

Our first tour to the Similan Islands has already offered a lot of interesting things to see, as the underwater world of the Andaman Sea showed itself at its best. To name just a few highlights we encountered leopard and white tip reef sharks as well as spanish dancers, and we were also lucky enough to watch three large marbled stingrays performing courtship rituals.

In addition the calm sea and the amazing visibility of up to 30 metres made the dive safari an unforgettable experience.

Of course every one of us takes home his own impressions and memories from the Similan Tour on Marco Polo, but we all agreed that it was an exceptional dive holiday.

Liveaboard Similans Thailand

Dive Show 2007 Birmingham

That’s how our Quality Divers booth looked like. So see you next year in Birmingham??

Quality Divers - Association of First Class Dive Operators.

	Sea Bees congratulates the ETC Graduating Class 2007
	The Ecotourisme Training Center is a non-profit training program for Thai nationals supported from many sides. Formed in response to the 2004 Tsunami they started teaching and training young thai people to achieve a PADI Divemaster grade. The nine month program, which also includes English Language and Computer Skills enables the students to seek professional employment in the dive industry. We from Sea Bees had also the wish to support the young people on their way into a new future. In cooperation with the ETC the Dive Training takes place at the Sea Bees Academy and the first jumps into the ocean are done from our boats. In these days the 2nd Graduation Class - existing of 17 students - celebrates their final examinations. Many congratulations! We are sure that all of them like the first year students will find a job..

	Congratulations to Volker our new SSI Certifier
	Congratulations to Volker, our Dive Centre Manager, for passing his exam. Many of you know him very well. He is one of the few german speaking Certifier in Thailand in total there are only four who have this degree. Now he is authorized to conduct and approve SSI Dive Instructor examinations. After a one week intensive training at Khao Tao he obtained his certificate. And of course, there was a big celebration party.

Four new bungalows at Palm Garden Resort Khao Lak

Construction works is taking place in our Dive Resort Khao Lak, which opened just two years ago.
Just in time for the new season ten bungalows with a total of twenty rooms will be available. Spend an unforgettable holiday in our cosy resort.
Beside that it is a great place to go on a daytrip on our catamaran MC Stingray which cruises to the Similan Islands. How about combining our two destinations Phuket and Khao Lak in your next holiday?
Georg our hotel and dive centre manager looks forward to welcome you.

Diving & Yoga. New offer in our Palm Garden Resort Phuket

Why yoga you may ask? The decision for building a new Yoga Pavillon in our Palm Garden Resort and offering special yoga classes was very well considerated.
Diving and yoga have very much in common. For both sports breathing is very important. The right breathing technique and knowing how to control and influence it is of a great significance.
Furthermore yoga is relaxing, increases body power and balance. A great addition to diving.
Roxanne, a professional yoga teacher, will be in charge of the classes and also pilates and thai massage will be offered. Just take a chance on your next holiday while staying with us. For more information contact us.

Construction works are progressing and soon our new Sala will be opened for yoga and pilates classes.
In addition extensive renovation works are taking place in our Resort. All rooms get a new aircondition, the tropical garden a new illumination and all a new paint coating.
Everything to make you feel comfortable. Hard working all over the place...

	Dive 2007 \| Quality Divers welcomes you
	For the first time Quality Divers, the association of First Class Dive Operators, will be present with its own booth at the Dive 2007, which is taking place from October 13th to 14th at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham. Each one of the 11 members worldwide assures outstanding quality, high safety standards and excellent customer service. Only the best diving centre of each selected country is accepted as Quality Divers member. Take your chance to get first hand information of the individual dive centres, the locations and the premium facilities. they offer. Excellence around the world for a wonderful holiday and an exceptional diving experience.

Two new Quality Divers Dive Centres

Quality Divers, the association of First Class Dive Operators welcomes two new members.

Yucatek Divers in Playa del Carmen/Mexico and Manta Ray Bay on Yap/Mikronesien. From now on 11 members worldwide belong to this cooperation of individual dive centres.

All of them assure outstanding quality, high safety standards and excellent customer service.

Highly trained, internationally experienced personnel and professional dive guides guarantee a first class diving holiday. More infos under www.quality-divers.com

Sea Bees Diving now SSI Centre

Our diving guides Born and Florian

Recently we received the international SSI award.
From September on Sea Bees Academy will offer - besides CMAS and PADI - the complete range of courses from beginner to professional in accordance with SSI Standards.
Courses take place in our training centres at the Palm Garden Resorts Phuket and Khao Lak.
Modern multimedia classrooms and the 3m deep trainingpool which are integrated in the tropical resort settings make learning easy and enjoyable.

The MC Stingray - now even faster to the Similan Islands

Like every year our boats spend their holidays in the shipyard. But this time there is something special to tell about one of our daytrip boats.
The MC Stingray gets two new more powerful 1100 PS MAN engines, which means an additional 40% higher capacity.
Now the Similan Islands - one of the top ten dive locations in the world - can be reached in less than 2 hours from Khao Lak. With highest comfort the MC Stingray gets you even faster to your dive destination.