Similan ISLANDS

Where are the similan IsLands?

The number one Thailand liveaboard diving destination – the Similan Islands are situated along the Andaman Sea in the Indian Ocean, off the West Coast of Southern Thailand about 90km north-west of Phuket and part Thailand’s Phang Nga Province.

The name “Similan” originates from the Malay word “Sembilan”, which means ‘nine’ (9) - as the Similan Islands are an archipelago made up of nine islands covering an area of approx of 130km² (sea and land).  Each of the nine islands have Thai names, but are typically referred to by number – beginning with Island #1 in the south and ending with Island #9 in the north.

The Similan Islands (also known as ‘Mu Ko Similan’) were originally declared as a National Marine Park on the 1st of September 1982.  This marine sanctuary was then later expanded in 1998 by the Royal Forestry Department to also include the two islands of ‘Koh Bon’ and ‘Koh Tachai’ situated just north of the original nine Similan Islands.

Significantly, another more remote area further north - called the Surin Islands (also known as ‘Mu Ko Surin)’ had been designated a National Marine Park the year before on the 9th of July 1981.  It is this group of islands, which encompasses the world famous Thailand five star dive site Richelieu Rock – citied as one of the world’s top 10 dive spots and regarded as Thailand’s best dive site!

Today, Thailand liveaboard scuba divers partaking in the most popular 4 days/4 nights Similan liveaboard dive cruises will dive in both the Mu Ko Similan National Marine Park at the Similan Islands, Koh Bon (for possible Thailand Manta Ray dives) and Koh Tachai – as well as in the Mu Ko Surin National Park further north at Richelieu Rock (for possible Thailand Whale shark dives).

Widely regarded as one of Asia’s top liveaboard dive destinations, and certainly the best scuba diving Thailand has to offer – The Similan Islands & Richelieu Rock offer great value for money Thailand liveaboard diving, and are an affordable liveaboard dive destination for those thinking of going on Thailand diving vacation.

With the Similan Islands being labeled as the number one Thailand dive site, and ‘THE’ place to go for the best Thailand scuba diving – it is no surprise they have become extremely popular.  Consequently, there are a myriad of quality Similan liveaboard boats to choose from - with short Similan Islands diving liveaboard trips, highly recommended 4D/4N Similan-Richelieu diving liveaboard cruises and longer Similan/Burma liveaboard dive safaris all available.

How to get there

Although it is ‘possible’ to do Similan day trips – these are not really recommended, and to experience the true beauty of the Similan Islands – one ideally needs to go on a Thailand diving liveaboard safari via a Similan diving liveaboard boat.

The most popular Similan scuba diving liveaboard tours are the 4 days/4 nights Similan liveaboard dive cruises  – most of which are Khao Lak liveaboards, which depart from Tap Lamu, Khao Lak (two hours north of Phuket).  However, there are a few Phuket liveaboards offering Similans diving liveaboard trips that also depart from Chalong in Phuket.

Whether your Similan Islands diving liveaboard safari sets sail from Khao Lak or Phuket – one great thing about Similan diving liveaboard itineraries is that they usually always start and finish in the same place.  This makes planning your Thailand scuba diving liveaboard holiday a lot easier!

Phuket International Airport (which is only one hour by road from both Phuket and Khao Lak) is the closest Airport - and there are flights to Phuket from almost all of Thailand’s Airports, as well as International flights, which fly either directly into Phuket or Bangkok.

Logistics wise this makes things very easy for Thailand liveaboard divers.  You can either just fly directly into Phuket International Airport to join your Similan liveaboard diving tour.  Or alternatively you can fly into Bangkok, and then take a one-hour connecting flight to meet your Similan diving liveaboard cruise.

the best dive sites in thailand

Citied as one of the world’s top ten dive sites – The Similan islands are regarded as Thailand’s number one scuba diving destination, and the very best dive sites Thailand has to offer the discerning diver!

Although over half of Thailand’s coral reefs are found in the Andaman Sea - the most expansive, best developed and least tainted of these coral reefs are in the vicinity of the Similan Islands, which have a rich abundance and diversity of flora and fauna.  

Featuring 20+ top class dive sites, 210 types of coral, the greatest array & sheer number of tropical fish found anywhere in Thailand, sharks including Blacktip, Whitetip and Leopard sharks, endangered Green and Hawksbill sea turtles & some great Thailand macro marine life – and you can begin to see why Similan liveaboard diving cruises are a popular choice for Thailand divers!

The Similan Islands five star Thailand dive sites offer two contrasting types of diving. 

The east side of the islands is characterized by picturesque (postcard picture like) fine white sandy beaches, which gently slope down to depths of 30+ metres.  The sandy slopes accentuate the turquoise green waters above, and are decorated with splendid hard coral gardens - as well as occasional striking giant boulders adorned with brightly colored soft corals.

The west side of the islands is markedly different and is distinguished by spectacular huge underwater granite boulders towering up from depths of 40+ metres. These remarkable igneous rock formations offer thrilling Similan Islands scuba diving with impressive overhangs, archways, tunnels, canyons and countless swim throughs dressed sparingly with colorful soft corals and pretty sea fans.

So if a Similans diving liveaboard itinerary with easy to reach dive sites - featuring a large biodiversity in corals and marine life, beautiful topography both above and below the water, the world class dive site Richelieu Rock and maybe a chance (if you are very lucky??) of Manta Ray or Whale shark Thailand scuba diving all sounds appealing – then you will love liveaboard diving Thailand’s Similan Islands!

Highlights you can possibly see on a Similan Islands diving liveaboard safari include:

Leopard, Whitetip & Blacktip sharks, Turtles, Jenkins & Marble stingrays, Napoleon wrasse, Humphead parrotfish, many species of Moray eels, Frogfish, Seahorses, Cleaner & Ghost pipefish, Harlequin shrimp, Pineapple fish, Nudibranch, Garden eels and with a bit of luck the illusive Whale shark and Manta Ray.

With the Similans Islands being Thailand’s top dive destination, early booking Similan diving liveaboards is actively encouraged.  To take advantage of any Burma diving/Thailand liveaboard early booking discounts or advance booking Similan liveaboard discounts that may be available - please check out our Special Deals page.

The Similan Islands are an affordable private dive charter liveaboard destination.  So if you are a dive club or a large scuba diving group looking to charter your own private Thailand diving liveaboard, then please send us an enquiry below - as you could qualify for some fantastic group booking Similan liveaboard discounts and free liveaboard places with Thailand scuba diving liveaboard half/full charters!

Once in a while we may also have some surprisingly cheap last minute Thailand liveaboard deals available – offering last minute Similan liveaboard prices - so please have a look at our Special Deals page.