Similan Islands Dive Cruise

Known locally as Mu Ko Similan, the amazing Similan Islands are the most beautiful and diverse dive destination in Thailand, and also one of the best ten dive destinations in the world, according to the National Geographic Society. Located off the coast of Phang Nga Province, just 65 Km west of Khao Lak and 135 Km north-west of Krabi, this archipelago in the Andaman Sea is a true paradise for diving, a "must" for divers and snorkellers. It consists of a 25 Km long chain of nine stunning and pristine islands and several granite rocks that barely break the sea surface. The imposing structures and the insulation offshore of Similan make these islands real centres of attraction for marine life, with huge shoals of plankton and baitfish that attracting predatory fish from many miles away. Here are frequent sightings of Manta Rays, Dolphins, Black Tip and White Tip Reef Shark as well as large and harmless Whale Sharks. The stunning coral reefs are populated by a lot of fish species including Angelfish, Unicornfish, Butterflyfish, Parrotfish, Pufferfish, Jackfish, Sea Snakes and a huge variety of invertebrates, such as Octopus, Cuttlefish, Squid, and Crabs. The beauty of the Similan Islands is also due to the great variety of its stunning coral reefs. Underwater the scenery is really dramatic with large granite boulders covered with gardens of colourful anemones, barrel sponges, superb gorgonian sea fans, soft and hard coral in the most varied forms, like deer staghorn, leaves and mushrooms. The Park has generally two different kinds of diving with more than 25 dive sites. The eastern side is characterized by a gentle slope with coral reefs interspersed by numerous sandbanks dotted with boulders. Here are most of the stunning beaches, diving and snorkelling sites. The western side is steeper with huge granite formations that dropping directly into ocean and numerous channels where can swim through. East of Eden is the most famous dive site in the east, just off southeast coast of Koh Payu, and Elephant Head Rock closed to southern tip of Koh Hin Pusar is one of best on the western site. Fantasy Reef, probably the most beautiful site on the western side, has been closed to all diving activities after its condition had significantly deteriorated. Richelieu Rock, which is considered the most important of all dive sites in the Similan Islands, in reality it is part of Surin National Park but nevertheless it is normally inserted as destination in the diving cruises to the archipelago.
Similan Liveaboard Diving Tours - The Similan Park is located off Andaman Sea coast in Phang Nga Province, just 65 Km west of Khao Lak and 135 Km north-west of Krabi. The nearest access to the Similan Islands is Thap Lamu, a small fishing village located just 15 Km from Khao Lak. Given the distance from the mainland this diving destination is better explored with multi-day cruises on boats adapted for diving. Comfortable dive boats allow you to dive in these wonderful sites for several days with multiple daily diving. The dive cruises to the archipelago run daily from the middle of October to the middle of May, during the monsoon season the Park is closed due rough sea. A lot of specialized agencies and  scuba centers organize liveaboard cruises to the Similan Islands. The organizers also provide the transportation by minivan from your hotel in Khao Lak, Krabi or Phuket.  Cruises are available by a minimum of 4 days / 3 nights up to a full week. The costs depend on the chosen boat, by diving equipment and services on board, indicatively ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 THB per day per person. Discounts are provided for cruise passengers who do not make diving. The price includes the transfer by minivan from your hotel in Krabi area to the piers, accommodation in cabins, tanks, weights and weight-belts, assistance by dive guides, insurance and all meals on board; are excluded personal diving gear, Nitrox and Marine Park fees, 1,800 THB diver/1,000 THB non diver.Read More