Diving Similan Islands

Marine life in the Similan Islands

Marine life on the dive sites of the Similan Islands is truly abundant. Over 200 species of hard corals have been counted here, painting the fields of boulders in stunningly vibrant colours. To the east, coral gardens are found in as little as 16 feet (5 m) of water making for excellent beginner scuba diving spots and even snorkelling sites. Large table corals and staghorn corals attract shoals of snapper and black damsels. To the west, many larger species can be seen, including oceanic whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, leopard sharks, and barracuda, while Whale sharks and manta rays provide the cherry on top. In between rock crevices, moray eels lie in wait, while overhangs and ledges provide shelter for several species including triggerfish, unicornfish and surgeonfish.

Best dive sites in the Similan Islands

Boulder City lies 1 km off the east coast of Koh Payan, and it is also subject to fairly strong currents. Some very large granite boulders sit upon a sandy bottom, forming chains of submerged boulders. This site is frequently visited by manta rays, and even whale sharks, attracted by the plankton carried by strong currents. Soft corals grow in patches on the boulders, and are home to numerous macro species including nudibranchs.

Elephant Head Rock is a greatly enjoyable dive site with various tunnels and swim-throughs. This is quite a deep site, reaching a maximum depth of 165 feet (50 m), and where you will find leopard and oceanic whitetip sharks. Mantis shrimps can be found at deeper depths, while both hawksbill and olive ridley sea turtles usually remain in shallower areas.

Best time to dive in the Similan Islands

Scuba diving season lasts from November to early May for most liveaboards that operate here, the warmest months being February and May. Water temperatures are 84 Fahrenheit (29°C) at their warmest, dropping to 79 Fahrenheit (26°C) during rainy season. Visibility remains a very clear 65 to 130 feet (20 to 40 m) throughout the year, while currents are at their strongest during February. This creates some fantastic drift dives while also attracting very big pelagic species.

Experience level for diving the Similan Islands

To gain the fullest experience diving in the Similan Islands, it is recommended that scuba divers have a little more experience. These islands are classed as intermediate to advanced because of the exposed nature of dive sites to the west.

How do I get to the Similan Islands

Thailand liveaboard vessels offer divers great access to teh Similan Island and will usually depart from either Phuket of Khao Lak. The best way to reach Khao Lak is to drive along the beautiful coastal road from Phuket International Airport. Many liveaboards will arrange a vehicle to pick you up directly from the airport, but it is also possible to rent a car or catch a shuttle bus. The journey is relatively short, taking no more than 2 hours and usually around an hour and a half.

Many international services are now available direct to Phuket Airport, although most long-haul flights will require a connection. Bangkok is usually where most connecting flights are caught, but depending on where you initially departed, it is possible to fly through Hong Kong, Singapore or Sydney.