Whale Shark
(Rhincodon typus)
Similan Islands Liveaboard Diving
The Similan Islands is a small and remote archipelago 60km off the west coast of Thailand, not far from the border with Burma (Myanmar). It is by far the best place for scuba diving in Thailand, and many regard it as among the best in the world. This is reinforced by the large number of dive sites that can be enjoyed by all levels of scuba diver, and reached by both day trips and liveaboard diving safari cruises.
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The warm and clear seawater is easy to dive in for up to four hours per day and attracts lots of colourful and interesting marine life species of all shapes and sizes. What many come to the Similans for is the opportunity to dive with Whale Sharks and Manta Rays. Although sightings are far from guaranteed, from February to April there is usually a fair chance of spotting them. In fact, the best place to see large pelagic species such as sharks and rays is the two uninhabited islands & one underwater pinnacle just a bit north of The Similan Islands. Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock are the country’s three prime dive sites, and teeming with exotic fish, invertebrates and even the occasional marine reptile. The Similan Islands & Koh Bon are part of the Similan Island National Marine Park, and Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock are in the Surin Islands National Marine Park.
It’s possible for those who have never dived before to try Similan Islands Liveaboard diving, but equally possible for those who are diving professionals or very experienced to enjoy a deep, drift or deco dive while spending time underwater with species not found anywhere else in the world. However, the majority of Similan diving passengers who visit the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock are certified scuba divers with some experience at depth and in mild to medium currents. Most of our customers are AOW (Advanced Open Water) or higher, but there are generally more Open Water Divers than Divemasters.
What makes the Similan (& Surin) National Marine Parks so special? The distance from the mainland ensures that there is no pollution in the air or water, everyone feels ‘away from it all,’ but it’s not too far away in case of an emergency or to go there by day trip. The reefs are in excellent condition, and there are enough dive sites to accommodate all the Similan Island Liveaboard boats during the high season. It’s also quite easy on most dives to keep everyone happy. At most Similan & Surin Islands dive sites, it’s possible to drop experienced and professional divers off for a deep and exciting dive then move just a few hundred meters to let the less-experienced divers enter the water at a less-challenging point. 45 minutes to an hour later, everyone is ready to get back on the boat with plenty to talk about and smiles. When taking everything into account, such as value, great diving for everyone, and the logistics & options for getting there and back, there really is very little to beat the Similan Islands (and its neighbouring dive sites) in Thailand.
For Similan liveaboard diving and day trip diving go here www.similandivingtours.com
Conditions at Similan Islands
Depths
5 - 40+ metres
16.4 - 131.2+ ft
Temperature
26 - 29 °C
78.8 - 84.2 °F
Currents
Weak - Medium
Visibility
5 - 30+ metres
16.4 - 98.4+ ft
Surface
Normally calm on the eastern side. The western side can be choppy.
When to dive at Similan Islands
Best Times:
November to April
The national marine parks are closed for the Indian Ocean monsoon season, from May 16th to October 14th. Therefore, they're open from October 15th to May 15th. Sea & weather conditions are best from December to March.
What type of dive site is Similan Islands
Coral reef, Swim-through
The Similan Islands is made up of 8 uninhabited islands. On its western side, the dive sites are mostly granite boulders. On the eastern side, which is more protected, the dive sites are sloping coral reefs, and easily dived by all levels of diver.
Where is Similan Islands?
The Similan Islands are on Thailand's western coast, in the Andaman Sea. The nearest pier or harbour on the mainland is at least 60 kilometres away.
How to get to Similan Islands
Most scuba divers visit the Similan Islands as part of a scuba diving safari, also known as a liveaboard cruise. These are normally 4 days & 4 nights in length but can be shorter or longer. They nearly all leave from Khao Lak, but some leave from Phuket and a few from Ranong.
Day trips to the Similan Islands are possible, but these depart from Khao Lak. It's not practical to join a Similan Islands day trip from Phuket.
Who can dive at Similan Islands
PADI Open Water equivalent or higher.
Minimum 4 logged dives.
All levels of certified scuba diver can enjoy safe fun dives at The Similan Islands. Until 2018 it was possible to learn to dive at The Similan Islands, but this has been prohibited now. There are at least 12 dive sites, which vary in difficulty level, but Open Water divers can safely visit almost all of them. Experienced and professional divers need not worry, because almost every dive site has plenty of marine life and many offer the opportunity to descend below 30 metres.
What marine life can you see at Similan Islands?
There is a wide range of marine life to be seen at The Similans. Larger pelagic species (Whale Sharks & Manta Rays) tend to visit the northern sites more than the Similans, but they do come from time to time. Reef fish, reptiles, invertebrates and more can all be seen at the Similans, from near the surface down to as deep as you are certified to dive to.
You can also see
Summary of Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are home to Thailand's best and most popular dive sites. The remote location ensures clear water and healthy marine life. But it's so far away that you need to embark on a long voyage to get there. Also, being suitable for all levels of scuba diver enables new and experienced divers to enjoy the dives here.
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Liveaboard Dive Boats That Visit Similan Islands
Latest Reviews Average Rating 9.1/10 Based on 337 Diver Reviews for Liveaboards - Similan Islands
JMarschner
German
Review score: 9/10
Dived: 13 Mar 2023
We had a two day trip with the Lapat and we would do it again anytime! The crew was charming and welcoming and very helpful in every regard. The equip...
Lindsey
American
Review score: 5/10
Dived: 11 Mar 2023
I’ve done 8 liveaboards all over the world at various price points (including the budget, bare-bones kind) and this boat was by far the most uncomfo...
Robyn
American
Review score: 9/10
Dived: 11 Mar 2023
Jamie was so helpful and communicative while we planned our trip. Definitely recommend booking with him. The camic has a great staff of dive guides, i...
Jon
American
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 10 Mar 2023
Absolutely amazing experience with the friendly boat crew and amazing dive teams. This was my 1st Liveaboard and didn’t 6nts and couldn’t have as...
azotov
Russian
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 09 Mar 2023
I definitely recommend Andaman. My wife and I were on a four day trip (13 dives). It was unforgettable. The Similan Islands are a great place to dive ...
Bebu
Spanish
Review score: 9/10
Dived: 06 Mar 2023
Super experiencia de principio a fin. Jamie siempre disponible para cualquier cosa (thanks so much Jamie!!!). El equipo de Sea Dragon igualmente, en e...
Carole
French
Review score: 9/10
Dived: 06 Mar 2023
Très bonne ambiance sur le bateau, super équipe d'encadrement, l'équipage aux petits soins, de belles plongées, des briefings au top et plein d'hu...
PSU
German
Review score: 3/10
Dived: 01 Mar 2023
I was picked up on time and taken to the dive center. There I was able to pack my diving gear in my bag and put the suitcase down safely. With the div...
PSU
German
Review score: 7/10
Dived: 24 Feb 2023
In February/March 2023 I did two liveaboards on different ships. I was picked up from the airport on time and taken to the diving center. There I was ...
Uli
German
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 24 Feb 2023
Really enjoyed the trip. There was great food and great diving!...
Thomas
German
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 19 Feb 2023
Perfect trip and surely exceeding expectations. 10 out of 10 for organisation, client orientation, crew, food, dive masters, boat, cabin, simply every...
Johnehr
American
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 17 Feb 2023
Great time for our first live aboard. The crew was very attentive to everyone’s needs throughout the trip. The food and boat were great, it wasn...
