Similans Liveaboard - a World Class Similans Scuba Safari
Consisting of nine magnificent and un-inhabited islands that run from north to the south off of the coast of the kingdom of Thailand, the Similan Islands National Park has quickly become one of the top ten diving destinations in the world. Most easily accessed by Similans Liveaboard, the diving around the Similans and further north to the destinations of Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and world famous Richelieu Rock are widely regarded as the crown jewels of diving in Thailand. Thailand Diving is an experience that should not be missed by those divers seeking the best diving in all of Southeast Asia.
What characterizes the Similan Islands as a world class diving destination is the choice of dive sites and diving conditions it provides to divers of every skill level. Dive sites on the eastern side of the islands are characterized by an almost overwhelming symphony of color, it is like being part of a beautiful Monet landscape. Imagine white sand slopes, brilliantly colored anemones, crystal clear bays, monolithic rock formations, combined with an explosion of fish life and you should have the picture. This is a macro photographer’s dream world come true and the photo opportunities are boundless.
West facing dive sites are decidedly different than those on the east side of the islands, and will certainly provide a challenge for the more discerning diver looking for an adrenaline filled dive. Massive granite boulder’s covered with anemones and soft corals litter the white sandy bottom. Many of these monoliths plummet far beyond recreational diving limits. These dives are certainly deep and not for inexperienced divers. Currents here are much stronger as well, providing an ample and rich supply of food for the larger pelagic’s such as Giant Mantas and the ever elusive Whale Shark. There is also an abundance of macro life to be found. Inspect the over hangs of coral bombies for shrimp, crabs, and a variety of frog fish. Frog fish, although masters of disguise can be found by those with keen eyes and lots of patience.
The diving season in the Similans is from October to early May, every year. It is during this time that the seas are glass like, the visibility is at its very best, and the large pelagic’s, Whale Sharks and Manta Rays, are making their annual migrations to feed on yearly plankton blooms. The water temperature around the Similans varies between 27 and 29 degrees Celsius, so most divers wear a 3 mm wetsuit. Depending on environmental factors the visibility ranges from 10 to 40 meters. Diving the nine islands of this archipelago is often combined with a few days diving the increasingly popular dive sites of the Mergui archipelago, which is further north in Burma. The Similan Islands National Park closes from May to October when western Thailand is experiencing the southeastern monsoons.
Thailand is one of the top dive travel destinations in the world and has something to offer to divers of every experience level. Planning your dive holiday in advance is a must when visiting this destination. The Similan Islands are in a protected national park and space on a quality Similan Islands Liveaboard is limited. Reserve your space months in advance. We recommend diving on Similan Liveaboards rather than by a day trip because there is so much to see. One day is not enough to truly experience the totality of this world class diving destination, but it is an option for those limited on time. Macro to massive the Similans justifiably rank as one of the absolute best dive destinations to be found anywhere on the planet.