Dive Sites of the Similans
Koh Similan is the most beautiful and diverse group of dive sites in Thailand and liveaboards at these islands are some of the most popular diving cruises in the world. 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 Islands 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 three metres, and are often so tightly bunched that it makes it impossible to swim through.
If you enjoy watching and photographing small fish, then diving at the Similans 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. Although the tsunami of 2004 did damage some of the reefs here, most are still in good condition and still well worth a visit.
How to Dive The Similans
Similan liveaboards remain the best choice to dive at these islands. There are well over 25 dive sites here, spread over quite a large area and far from the mainland. So, to truly experience all that they have to offer at a relaxed pace, we strongly recommend you choose a safari liveaboard to Similan Islands.
If you are short of time or prefer diving from the shore, then there are many day trips packages, with and without accommodation, to choose from. Check out the options in the blue boxes on the right hand side of this page.
As a final alternative, there are a number of overnight trips that offer diving opportunities at the Similan Islands. These operate with daily speedboats from the mainland that run you out to a main diving boat that you can sleep on. You can disembark whenever you like. These trips are cheap and very popular with budget travellers, but have constant disruptions for re-fuelling and passenger transfers, and are therefore the least pleasant way to experience the Similans.
Diving Season
You can dive at the Similans by day or overnight trip from October to May, but the best diving conditions exist from November to April.
The Similan liveaboard season runs from early October to mid May, but there are a limited number of cruises all year round.
Similan Islands Reef Basics
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
Distance: ~90 km northwest of Phuket (5 hours), 65 km west of Khao Lak (3 hours, or 1½ hours by speed boat)
Access: Similan diving liveaboards and day trips from Phuket
Recommended length of stay: 4 - 6 days
Dive Sites
More detailed information on the diving sites of Similan Islands:
Dive The World Recommendations: Christmas Point, Elephant Head Rock and Batfish Bend.
Other dive sites that can be dived on Similan liveaboards:
Use our short form to grab your options for
 Thailand scuba diving enquiries
Map of Similan Islands
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