Similan Islands

Diving and snorkelling paradise


The Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea are easy to reach from Phuket and Khao Lak. Speedboats leave from Khao Lak (about 1.5 hours). It’s fine for a day trip and offers a glimpse of the breathtaking underwater world. However, lots of people have the same idea, so you won’t be snorkeling alone.

Day trips are also available from Phuket. But you’ll first have to take a minibus to Khao Lak.

For divers, I highly recommend a multi-day liveaboard trip to one of the world’s most beautiful dive sites!



Diving in the Similan and Surin Islands


Multi-day diving trips usually include Surin and, above all, the famous Richelieu Rock, as well as Kho Bon, in addition to the Similans.



The islands have been severely affected by climate change and the resulting widespread coral bleaching. The many divers, unfortunately often inexperienced or inconsiderate, also have a negative impact on marine life.


During the COVID pandemic, the islands were largely closed, which is said to have helped the dive sites recover!

COLLABORATIONS

These dive sites are especially recommended!

01

Elephant Rock

Spectacular, with depths of up to 70 m. Numerous small caves and swim-throughs. Currents can be strong in places, so this site is for experienced divers! There’s everything from turtles to reef sharks.

02

Anitas Reef

One of the best dive sites! A massive rock formation, soft and hard corals, rays and reef sharks. Suitable for deep dives. Good visibility and little current.

03

Beacon Point Dive Site


An excellent dive site for spotting different species of rays and reef sharks, as well as the beautiful leopard sharks. The Similans’ longest reef reaches a depth of 30 m and boasts the NP’s greatest diversity of coral!

04

Ko Tachai

A shallow reef on one side, and a gently sloping plateau down to 35 m on the other. Good visibility. Manta rays, whale sharks and reef sharks can be spotted here.

Surin Island and top dive sites north of the Similans


The Surin Islands, not far from the border with Myanmar, are less crowded than the Similans. The most spectacular dive site is definitely Richelieu Rock, where manta rays and whale sharks are regularly spotted! I’ve also seen whale sharks at Koh Bon
right next door.