Explore Similan Islands

Nestled in the heart of the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands are a true diver's paradise, offering an enchanting underwater experience that is unparalleled. These nine islands, part of the Mu Koh Similan National Park, boast some of the most vibrant marine life in Thailand. Divers can expect to be mesmerized by an array of colorful tropical species, along with the thrill of encountering majestic manta rays and elusive whale sharks. The islands are mostly uninhabited and protected, providing a sanctuary for nesting turtles, adding to the region's natural allure.

Exploration here is best done via liveaboard, offering divers of all skill levels access to the range of underwater splendors. From dramatic sloping reefs on the eastern side to awe-inspiring rocky boulder formations in the west, the underwater topography is diverse and captivating. Dive sites feature tunnels, caves, and swim-throughs created by submerged granite boulders. Whether you're just starting or are an experienced diver, the clear waters and excellent conditions make the Similan Islands an unmissable destination.

While day trips from Phuket or Khao Lak are simple and convenient, dedicating a few days on a liveaboard offers a deeper connection to the region's pristine environment. The best time to visit is between February and April when conditions are ideal, ensuring you experience the islands at their finest. This remarkable destination, with its unparalleled diving opportunities, truly stands out as a treasure of the Andaman Sea, beckoning divers from all over the world.

Places to Explore

Richelieu Rock

The beautiful Andaman Sea that surrounds the Similan and Surin Islands is a world-class diving destination near Phang-nga province.. It’s in the heart of Thailand’s rich tropical ocean that is teeming with vast volumes of diverse marine life of all sizes. The area boasts iconic dive sites, including Koh Tachai and Koh Bon, but the one that towers above all is Richelieu Rock. Having been referred to in the past as a “whaleshark magnet”, this exciting site is a must for those who are on the hunt for the ocean’s largest fish.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Elephant Head Rock

Located in the middle of the sea between islands 7 and 8 in the Similan Islands, this reef dive site stands out in the middle of the sea. It was named after the shape of the rock sticking out of the water, which resembles the head of an elephant. The point is made up of huge layers of granite, dotted with numerous channels and swim-throughs that create a mystical landscape. The tide is good, and you can expect the feeding scene of the crabs, sharks and big fish in the early morning. In the shallow water, you can often find oversized trevally targeting small fish. This is one of the most dynamic dive sites in the Similan Islands.

3,483
Logs
2,864
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Three Trees

This point is located northeast of the 9th island in the Similan Islands. It is named after the three large trees that are used to mark the entry, from a shallow depth of about 5 meters to a reef slope of about 18 meters, beyond which there is a pure white sandy area dotted with isolated roots. Offshore, there are beautiful rocky areas with schools of soft corals, where you can see large fish. Because the tide splits on the island, the tide is clear and you can enjoy drift dives when the tide is strong.

3,792
Logs
3,057
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ North Point

As the name suggests, North Point is the northernmost dive site in the Similan Islands, located on the north side of Island 9. The terrain is varied, with massive granite overlaps forming large walls, channels, and swim-throughs.

2,233
Logs
1,804
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Christmas Point

Christmas Point is located on the western corner of Island 9 in the Similan Islands. It is named after the root of the thornbeam (English name: Christmas tree worm) that grows in clusters. Intricate rock formations eroded by tidal currents create channels and swim-throughs that provide dynamic terrain. Be careful out in the deep area along the rocks, as the tide is fast in some conditions.

2,282
Logs
1,885
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Boulder City

Huge, bizarre boulders underwater that make it look like a city. You can easily find stream shadows if you want to. It leads a mouring-line down to 18m.

342
Logs
296
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Honeymoon Bay

Totally shallow dive site if you stay on the island. Afterwards it is a steep sloping reef down to 30m depth. There can be a current. The shallow area is good for snorkeling, training courses, and night dives.

2,162
Logs
1,756
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Barracuda Point/Batfish Bend

This is a reef dive at the southern tip of Similan Island 5. There may be some current, making this a drift dive. This dive goes between rocks and also come to a small overhang.

237
Logs
191
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Anita’s Reef

A soothing dive site on the east side of islands 5 and 6 in the Similan Islands. This site is a rolling reef slope along the edge of the island from a shallow depth of 5-6m to around 25m.

695
Logs
620
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
22.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Princess Bay

Princess Bay is an easy bay dive. The reef edge is very beautiful. This site is good for beginners, courses, and snorkelers. This is a slightly sloping reef with a max depth of approx. 20m.

367
Logs
319
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Stonehenge

This dive site is located at the northernmost tip of island 4. Many big rocks (boulders) where you can dive in between. Please note that there is almost always a current running at this dive site.

2,015
Logs
1,543
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ West of Eden

A topographic dive site on the west side of Island 7 in the Similan Islands. It is centered around three huge rocks that are the highlight of the dive with coral slopes on either side. Soft corals, such as sea fans and sea hawks, are growing in the wall and in the deep area off the rocky coast. These areas are home to hard corals such as Hanaya rhinoceros and a wide variety of other creatures.

5,059
Logs
3,906
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ East of Eden

East of Eden is on the east side of island 7. This dive site was closed by the administration of the national park to be able to regenerate. Very beautiful coral landscapes are found here. Check from time to time to see when the dive site will be opened again.

276
Logs
245
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Deep Six

Located at the north end of the 7th island in the Similan Islands, this dive site is along the northern apex of an elongated island from north to south. Visibility is clear and the granite boulders, eroded by the tidal currents, form several steps from the bottom.

2,558
Logs
2,110
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Turtle Rock

The dive site Turtle Rock is located on the west side of island no. 8, Koh Similan. The dive site owes its name to a granite rock that looks like a turtle.

5,325
Logs
4,165
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Donald Duck Bay

An easy dive site on Island 8. You can dive in or out of the bay through a channel. You can only dive with little current, otherwise, you can only dive one way as a drift dive. In the shallow area it is very rocky then gets sandy in the deeper depths.

1,606
Logs
1,351
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Similan Islands

As a whole, expect an array of colorful reef diving spots all over the islands. Of the 25 or so dive sites in the Similan Islands, most feature fantastic hard and soft coral reefs overflowing with life, which explains is popularity. Many sites also feature impressive underwater structures, such as swim-throughs, tunnels and caves, making cave diving another possibility for qualified thrill-seekers.

Wall diving is also just as epic due to intensely dramatic underwater seascapes, in addition to some exceptional deep diving sites that are more suited to experienced divers. Plenty of encrusted pinnacles are peppered around the entirety of this underwater wonderland, and with many of such sites exposed to the open ocean, they can experience currents, making for some exhilarating drift dives.

Though it’s not super-popular here, wreck diving is possible in the area, with the most famous being the Tuna Wreck, which was sunk in 2003 to serve as an artificial reef structure.

The best Months to dive in Similan Islands

Scuba diving is possible year-round in the region, as the area benefits from a warm tropical climate. November to May is the main liveaboard season, while day and overnight trips run from October to May.

The best season to dive is normally between February and April, when calm seas are the norm, and visibility is at its clearest, ranging between 25-40 meters. Rainfall is also rare in these months, and sunny, clear skies are pretty much guaranteed daily. Air and water temperatures fluctuate between 26°C-30°C (79°F-86°F) all year, with the latter peaking between February and May.

As currents increase around the end of February, pelagics like mantas and whalesharks are attracted to the dive sites, so be  sure to visit during this time to have a higher chance of bumping into them.

Be aware that the Similan Islands are open for diving from October 15th until May 15th annually, so be sure to book your trip within this time frame, as they’re closed for the rest of the year.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions