Diving in the Similan Islands
Similans National Park
Without question, Similan Islands diving is the best that Thailand has to offer. No other region offers such a number of excellent sites and such wonderful diving as can be found in this protected national park . The Similans are a scattering of tiny verdant islands fringed with white sand beaches and surrounded by some of the area's richest waters.
Liveaboard boats cruise around this picturesque scene stopping at the choicest sites to allow divers to explore at their leisure all the marine life that abounds: leopard sharks, white tip and black tip reef sharks, batfish, moray eels, snappers, barracudas, triggerfish, surgeonfish and unicornfish.
Huge granite boulders rest mightily on the sea bed and provide an imposing backdrop to all the fish action as well as being the canvas upon which is painted a riot of colourful soft corals and sponges. Hard corals are also present in big numbers with impressive table corals and staghorn corals being the most prevalent.
Given the diversity and convenience of such wonderful dive sites it is little wonder that the Similans continue to be a popular choice for discerning divers, many of whom return year after year.
Highlights
Christmas Point - This is a dive site which in many ways typifies Similan scuba diving since it is dominated by the enormous granite boulders, arches and swim-throughs that make diving here unlike anywhere else. Using the walls as substrate, soft corals and huge sea fans proliferate and act as the backdrop to the passing sharks, jacks and fusiliers. A dive site with impressive and unique topography, there are plenty of reasons to look forward to Christmas Point.
Elephant Head Rock - Named after the rock that sits out of the water and, to the imaginative mind, resembles a Pachydermal cranium, this is another Similan dive site where the stunning topography is the chief feature - with more penetrable holes than a Swiss cheese factory. Around this inspiring underwater scene you can check out all the resident sea-life including groupers, turtles, trevallies and reef sharks. Sometimes a little bit tricky with current but always exciting, Elephant Head Rock is another 'must do' site when diving the Similans.
Koh Bon - Although not a Similan island, Koh Bon is part of the national park and is only an hour or so away so it is worth special mention as one of the best dives sites in Thailand for manta rays. In addition to mantas there are also frequent appearances by leopard sharks, eagle rays and black tip reef sharks. The Koh Bon area is not, however, only about pelagics since critters are numerous and varied which makes night diving here exceptional.
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How to Dive Similan
When choosing your Similan diving trip there is really no substitute for a liveaboard. There is no other way to visit all 25 or so scattered sites at your leisure. Furthermore there is such a range of liveaboards in the area that there is something for just about every taste and budget. Almost every liveaboard we recommend (certainly the longer ones) include a visit to Koh Bon. So whether you are seeking a rough-and-ready backpacker trip or a deluxe, 5 star cruise then you will find what you want in our Thailand liveaboards section.
You can, however get a taste of the Similans by doing one of more day trips from Khao Lak or Phuket. The journey times are greater (45 or 90 km away, respectively) for a smaller reward, but if you are short on time or don't fancy staying on a boat for a few nights, then this may be the choice for you. You can check out our day trip packages, which can be both with or without accommodation, in our Khao Lak day trip and Phuket day trip pages.
Diving Season
October to May is the high season and is the period during which the liveaboards operate, although there are a small number of cruises throughout the year. The most constant weather patterns, and therefore the most stable conditions, tend to be between November and April.
Reef Summary
Great for: Small animals, underwater photography, snorkelling, visibility, dive value-for-money and advanced divers
Not so great for: Non-diving activities
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 20 - 40m
Currents: Moderate
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 26 - 29°C
Experience Level: Intermediate - advanced
Number of dive sites: >25
Access: Liveaboards and day trips from Phuket
Recommended length of stay: 4 - 6 days
Dive Site Descriptions
If you want to read more detailed descriptions please read our Similans dive sites:
• Koh Similan tourist information
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• Similan and Surin Islands - Thailand
• Scuba diving vacation enquiries
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