Situated almost a hundred kilometers northwest of Phuket, the Similan Islands (pronounced SIM-E-LAN) are without a doubt Thailand’s premier diving location. The Similan Islands consists of nine granite islands running from north to south, over a distance of around twenty five kilometers. The islands were granted Marine National Park status in 1982 and cover an area of 140 km2. The most popular method for visiting the Similan Islands is on board a Liveaboard dive boat, where trips of up to six days allow passengers to experience all of natural wonders these islands have to offer both above and below the water.

These are two main types of underwater landscapes that divers can experience here, firstly, the sloping fringing coral reefs that extend out  from the islands, and secondly sites consisting of huge granite boulders usually found in deeper, more exposed waters. These two different reef types offer divers a fantastic chance to view a vast array of marine life, from tiny sea horses, to giant Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. The Similan Islands due to these exposed oceanic location are exposed to strong currents, particularly on the western side, where much of the deeper dive sites are situated, sites like Elephant Head Rock and Christmas Point are prime examples.

These strong currents bring in nutrient rich waters, which in turn attract larger marine predators such as sharks, barracudas, trevally and tuna. The eastern side of the Similan’s is where the more gentle sloping coral reefs can be found, with sites such as East of Eden providing world class sites with conditions suitable for every level of diver. The best thing about the Similan Islands is that every dive offers the divers something different, and there is always something for everyone, whether you are after sharks and turtles or nudibranches and gobies.

It is said that there is close to one thousand different species of marine life in the Similan’s, and it’s not hard to believe, when you enter the water.

There are several different methods of diving the Similan Islands, but by for the best and the most popular is by Liveaboard boat. With the sheer number of world class dive sites, and the distance between one site and other, liveaboard diving is the best option. Most liveaboard trips travel up through the Similan Islands, to Koh Bon , Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock , before returning via the Similan’s  to Phuket, the trips are usually 4 days and 4 nights, but longer and shorter options are also available. Over the last few years, several Phuket based dive operators have started offering Similan day trips are a good option for divers who don’t have the time for a full liveaboard trip.

The other option, for who want some luxury is by chartering your own boat, and exploring these magnificent islands at your own pace. Charter boat options include speedboats, luxury yachts and diving liveaboard vessels. Please contact us with your requirement, and we will help to arrange your trip to this paradise.

Most of the liveaboard and day trip boats run up to the Similan Islands between October and May, with the best months from November to April. Conditions will deteriorate during the monsoon months August-September, but several companies do offer trips throughout the year. In the last two years the Manta Rays at Koh Bon have been there for almost the entire season, and Whale Shark sightings have been at their highest between March and April.

During the rainy season Phuket still offers great diving and trips can be arranged to Racha Yai and Noi, Phi Phi Islands and the King Cruiser ship wreck.

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