Diving in the Similan Islands
Koh Similan Islands is the most beautiful group of dive sites for Thailand liveaboards diving and one of the best areas for diving in the world. Nowhere else in the world will one find such diverse environments in such a small area. They comprise nine granite islands covered in tropical jungle, washed by a clear blue tropical ocean and blessed with fine beaches. They lie in a 25 km long north-south chain, 65 km offshore from Phang Nga Province in the Andaman Sea. The Similan Islands achieved national park status in 1982 and are fully protected.
The eastern side features hard coral gardens which slope dramatically from the surface down to 30m. At several sites large coral bommies rise from the bottom and are covered with soft corals, sea fans, and an enormous amount of unusual fish. East coast Similan diving is relatively easy and navigation simple, allowing one to explore at leisure.
The western side and north and south points can offer faster paced, more exhilarating diving as currents swirl around the huge granite boulders. These smooth, rounded boulders make dramatic formations, overhangs and swim-throughs. The drama of just looking up through the clear water at these huge rocks is satisfaction enough for some divers, as there are few places on earth like this. Growing on these boulders are some of the most colourful soft corals imaginable. In the larger passages or channels between the boulders, the fans can grow to 3m, and are often so tightly bunched that it makes it impossible to swim through.
If you enjoy watching and photographing small fish, the Similan Islands are hard to beat for the sheer numbers and varieties of tropical fish. Leopard Sharks make appearances on a regular basis and we also see Whitetip and Blacktip Sharks. Similan liveaboards remain the most popular choice to dive these islands.
Diving Season
You can dive at the Similan Islands by day trip from October to May, but the best diving conditions exist from November to April.
Liveaboards season runs from early October to mid May, but there are a limited number of cruises all year round.
Similan Scuba Diving Reef Basics
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 20 - 40m
Currents: Moderate
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 26 - 29°C
Experience Level: Intermediate - advanced
PADI Course Compatibility: Great for Underwater Photography and Deep Diving
Distance: ~90 km northwest of Phuket (5 hours), 65 km west of Khao Lak (3 hours, or 1½ hours by speed boat)
Access: Similan dive liveaboards from Phuket, Khao Lak and Ranong; Khao Lak diving day trips or from Phuket
Similan Islands Diving Sites
More detailed information on the dive sites of Similan Islands:
Dive The World Recommendations: Christmas Point, Elephant Head Rock and East of Eden.
Other dive sites that can be dived on Similan Islands liveaboards:
Use our short form to grab your options for
 Similan diving enquiries
Map of Similan Islands
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