VELA Liveaboard Charts a New Course for Thailand’s Diving Tourism Amid the Rise of Quality Travel Experiences

Thailand’s diving tourism industry is entering a significant turning point in 2026, as global travel trends increasingly shift toward quality-driven experiences. Today’s travelers are no longer looking solely for beautiful dive sites; they are seeking holistic, premium experiences that combine adventure with comfort and lifestyle. As a result, the liveaboard diving segment overnight dive cruises must adapt to meet evolving expectations, particularly from younger travelers who prioritize lifestyle experiences and social media content creation, as well as high-spending travelers seeking more exclusive journeys.

At the same time, rising fuel prices influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have become a key challenge for operators, as fuel remains one of the largest operational costs for liveaboard vessels. Against this shifting industry landscape, we spoke with Porrapat Roengprasertwit, Chief Executive Officer of VELA Company Limited, the owner of VELA Liveaboard, a luxury diving vessel that is redefining standards in Thailand’s liveaboard tourism sector.

Porrapat explains that the direction of Thailand’s diving tourism industry has clearly shifted from mass tourism toward a more quality-focused model. Today’s travelers expect much more from a liveaboard experience than just diving.

“Guests want a complete experience onboard,” she says. “Luxury vessels therefore tend to perform better than traditional dive boats that have been operating for many years, as modern Thai travelers are placing increasing value on comfort, thoughtful design, and attention to detail.”

Despite the industry’s positive outlook, operators must also navigate rising costs. The current geopolitical situation has pushed fuel prices up by nearly 50 percent, increasing from around THB 30 per liter to approximately THB 50. As a result, VELA Liveaboard has implemented a fuel surcharge, a common practice in international dive tourism.

“Fortunately, most guests understand the situation,” Porrapat notes. “It has not significantly affected travel decisions, and the overall outlook for the business remains positive.”

VELA Liveaboard itself was born from a personal vision. Porrapat explains that the concept came from her own experiences diving on other boats, where she often felt that the onboard environment did not fully provide the comfort divers truly needed.

Her goal was to create a vessel that functions as a “comfort space” for divers a place where guests can rest well, eat well, and feel completely at ease.

“We want guests to feel as if they are at home while they are on the boat,” she says.

This philosophy became the core design principle behind VELA, positioning the vessel not merely as transportation to dive sites but as a destination in itself.

The development of the vessel took approximately two to three years of design and construction, with the boat entering full operations about one year ago. During its early phase, the company has focused primarily on Thai customers, gathering feedback and refining the service experience. However, the company plans to expand its reach to international travelers in the near future, as demand from overseas markets has already begun to emerge.

The rise of younger travelers has also influenced the vessel’s design and service approach. According to Porrapat, younger generations place strong emphasis on content creation, particularly photography and social media sharing.

Features such as large panoramic windows and a beautifully designed salon have therefore become key selling points, allowing guests to capture visually striking moments during their journey.

VELA’s target market consequently spans multiple segments from younger travelers looking to try diving and capture memorable experiences with friends, to affluent guests who seek relaxation and luxury alongside diving activities, rather than focusing exclusively on diving itself.

The vessel operates across both sides of Thailand’s seas. During the Andaman Sea’s seasonal closure, VELA relocates to the Gulf of Thailand, offering routes to Chumphon, Koh Tao, and Losin. When the Andaman season opens, charter guests can choose between North Andaman and South Andaman itineraries, or even extended combination trips.

Looking ahead, the company is also exploring the possibility of expanding routes to Myanmar, catering to international travelers seeking longer and more adventurous journeys. One potential route would begin in Phuket, passing through major dive sites before continuing toward Myanmar waters.

When asked about her personal favorite dive site in Thailand, Porrapat answers without hesitation: Losin Pinnacle.

Located off the coast of Pattani province, Losin is a remote underwater rock formation known for its rich marine biodiversity and vibrant coral ecosystems. Due to its distance from shore, the site can only be accessed via liveaboard vessels, as speedboats or fishing boats would face significant challenges reaching the area.

“Losin remains incredibly pristine,” she explains. “It is only diveable for a few months each year when weather conditions are calm. Because of this, the marine ecosystem remains very healthy.”

The site is known for its abundance of hard corals and the chance to encounter large pelagic species, including whale sharks, manta rays, giant trevally, and sailfish.

“Although it’s remote and the journey can be long, the water clarity is extraordinary because it is open sea. Losin is truly a dive site every diver should experience at least once in their lifetime,” she says.

For those interested in experiencing VELA Liveaboard’s premium diving journeys, the company will be participating in Thailand Dive Expo 2026. Visitors to the booth can explore various dive trip packages and enjoy a variety of activities, including prize giveaways, a photo sticker booth, and interactive games. There may even be opportunities to win a dive trip for guests who visit the booth.

The event will also serve as an important opportunity to showcase Thailand’s diving potential to international audiences.

“I would like to invite everyone who loves the ocean whether experienced divers or those curious about starting their diving journey to come visit the expo,” Porrapat says.

“You’ll gain insights and inspiration from conversations with experienced divers and professionals in the industry. Even if you’re not ready to book a trip immediately, the event feels like a gathering of the diving community, where everyone shares their passion for the ocean. Seeing the beauty of the underwater world might just inspire your next adventure.”