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 480 Diver Reviews for Liveaboards - Similan Islands
Adrian
Australian
Review score: 9/10
Dived: 18 Apr 2025
Wonderful dive sites. Well organised. They are obviously very familiar with getting large groups of divers in and out of the water for up to 4 dives p...
Patrik
Australian
Review score: 9/10
Dived: 12 Apr 2025
My first liveaboard dive trip and it did not disappoint. Great captain and crew, and the food was fantastic. The dive team from KSA were professional ...
Leon
Dutch
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 07 Apr 2025
Again a great experience! Great team on board, from captain, cook, boat boys and dive crew! They are all fully commit to give you a really great dive ...
Karl G.
German
Review score: 8/10
Dived: 05 Apr 2025
a great trip with a little family atmosphere. Well planed dive trips and drop offs. Tight schedule for those who love to get as many dives as possible...
Shaun
Singaporean
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 28 Mar 2025
We are a couple, came here for 3D2N and to get our PADI AOWC. Tun was a great instructor, and the crew was very friendly and helpful. Buffet breakfast...
Patricia
Spanish
Review score: 9/10
Dived: 27 Mar 2025
Great experience! Would definitely recommend and repeat...
Stewart
British
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 21 Mar 2025
Don’t go anywhere else. Everything is amazing on this vessel. Staff are amazing and are there to help and assist before you even realise something ...
Matthew
American
Review score: 9/10
Dived: 21 Mar 2025
Great experience for my first liveaboard. Very organized ship; everything from the initial transfer to the ship, to the diving, and then the transfer...
Bkw
Australian
Review score: 9/10
Dived: 20 Mar 2025
It was a great experience with great people on board. Great food with great service. The crew were all happy and hardworking people, and always on wat...
S-san
Japanese
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 16 Mar 2025
It was the most enjoyable cruise.
The boat was clean and the showers had plenty of water.
The food is good and the staff is friendly.
The diving ...
Blue Reef Snapper
British
Review score: 8/10
Dived: 14 Mar 2025
It's always bonus when everyone clicks and gets on well with one another. This was a great trip, the diving was superb, the boat was clean, and the fo...
Pauline
Swiss
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 12 Mar 2025
It's difficult to tell which part was the best. The organisation, the food, the staff, the dive sites.. everything is perfect, I only have wonderful m...
