Diving the Similan Islands – Insight

Thailand – The Similan Islands.

The Similans are commonly rated as one of the top 10 dive destinations in the world. Comprising of nine granite uninhabited islands covered in a tropical jungle, washed by a clear blue Indian ocean the Similan Islands (also referred to simply as the Similans) provide some of the most beautiful and diverse dive destinations in Thailand. The Similans lie in a 25 km long north-south chain of islands, 50 km offshore from Khao Lak in the Phang Nga Province on the Andaman Sea,

The eastern fringes of the Similans feature pretty hard coral gardens in the shallows and sloping reef banks down to thirty meters or more. At some dive sites such as East of Eden, large bommies (coral heads) rise from the sea bed and are blanketed with soft corals, fan corals, and swarms of smaller tropical fish. East coast Similan Islands diving is relatively easy-going, allowing you plenty of time to explore the sites at your own leisurely pace.

The western side of the Similan Islands along with the north and south points, offers divers a more exciting experience as currents swirl around huge sunken granite boulders, which form a series of arches, tunnels and swim-throughs at sites such as Christmas Point and Elephant Head Rock. Growing on, and between, these enormous rocks you find a tapestry of colourful soft corals. In the channels between the boulders, sea fans can grow to some three metres across, and in such numbers that you cannot possibly swim through. The contrast between the east and west coasts and the variety of underwater topography is one of the reasons the Similan Islands are so popular – every dive offers you something different.

For underwater photographers and lovers of marine life, then diving in the Similan Islands is difficult to surpass for variety and abundance of tropical fish. Leopard sharks make appearances on a regular basis and you’ll also see white-tip reef sharks. It’s not a ‘big fish’ paradise, but it’s consistently great for sheer diversity of marine life. You may find anything from tiny ghost pipefish to turtles and giant bumphead parrotfish.

Although the tsunami of 2004 did affect a few of the reefs here, most are in excellent condition and many divers in the last seasons have commented to us that they could not see any reef damage.

Liveaboards leaving from Khao Lak are typically 4 day tours, and visit both the Similans and Surin Islands including Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock but are usually too fast, and can feel stressed. 5 Day Similan Liveaboards offer the best chance to experience the entire region and take a slower, more natural pace. Some shorter tours (2 or 3 day) visit the Similan Islands only. Day trips for diving and snorkeling are now becoming more common from Khao Lak.

-Khao Lak Diving

Choose the right dive center for the Similan Islands

Ever wonder what it would be like to jump into the water and look around 40m below the surface? The underwater world is mysterious and yet inviting, the experience of diving it provides and addictive sense of zen. There’s no better place to have your first dive experience than the Similan Islands, Thailand – with good conditions year round.

While there are a few dive centers based in Phuekt that still offer trips to the Similan Islands – they drive people 2-3 hours north to Khao Lak and then depart from there. Khao Lak is the real center of Similan Diving operations.

Most dive shops in Khao Lak offer SSI or PADI certifications. Many schools prefer SSI because it offers greater safety and flexibility, while others choose PADI. Beginners may choose to do some training in the swimming pool or in the sea. Also you can join a Similan liveaboard or simply do daytrips.

More advanced divers and those beginners who are confident in their abilities will also consider the local wrecks! Plenty of great marine life as well as incredible scenery. There is also some seriously awesome muck-diving.

Khao Lak offers an excellent choice of dive shops and also has a good range of accommodation to suit most tastes. It is also the closest jumping off point to the Similan Islands.

The Similan Islands, technically located in Phang Nga province, provide some of the best dive sites in the world. Protected within a marine national park, the nine islands are still pristine and rich with wildlife above and below the water. Most dive operators will take you ashore at one of the islands, where you can enjoy the powder-white beaches and see exotic birds and monkeys.

Under the waves, the colourful reefs and boulder formations are teeming with coral and a variety of marine life. Sometimes whale sharks are even spotted in the waters, as well as rays and other sharks. Visibility is good, varying from 30-50m. The best way to see the Similan Islands is by liveaboard, and most dive operators will allow you to do your Open Water dives from the boat if you’ve completed the paper and pool work ashore beforehand.

Not all dive instructors are the same, and some are downright scary. Likewise, equipment standards can vary, and you’ll want to make sure any shop you choose has quality equipment and maintains it properly and hygienically. You should also check into the insurance policy of the dive shop and enquire as to if you should purchase your own dive insurance for the hyperbaric chamber if you have an accident. Also see if there equipment is serviced by certified techinicians (they should be able to provide detailed information on this) and if their boats are insured.

Most the dive operations in Thailand are run by foreigners, which is just as well since Thais have a rather different approach to safety and responsibility, but you’ll find yourself diving with plenty of Thai staff who are their usual friendly easy-going selves.

-Similan Diving

Similan Islands – Where to learn Diving in Thailand

If you want to see clear view of deep blue sea, you may like to try scuba diving. Scuba diving means that you are swimming underwater for extended periods using a tool named Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, hence the acronym SCUBA. Many places required a diver license before someone start to dive, yet there are some places that is very beginner friendly. There are also some sites that provide short course and training dive for beginner.
For new and serious divers, Khao Lak in Thailand is most likely become one of their dream destination. Many people only think of it as a resort town with 40km of white sand beaches -  but for scuba divers it is the crown jewel of the Andaman Sea. True treasures of the Andaman Sea are actually found at famous dive sites such as Surin Islands, Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock and the local wrecks. The water is warm and clear. By diving into that sea, you might see large group of tropical fish, manta rays, and the awe-inspiring whale shark. All of it will give you one of the best scuba diving experiences. If you have plan for your next holiday to go there for diving, you should not forget to bring your underwater camera to capture every great moment you may not get in other place.

-Similan Diving

Snorkeling in Thailand – Video with Turtle

Just one of the many exciting things we encounter while snorkeling in the Similan ISlands

Video – Diving the Similan Islands

Nudibranchs are just one of the very cool things that we encounter while diving on the Similan Islands

Jellyfish in thailand – avoid “sting prevention cream”

As taken from the Wicked Diving Website….please repost!

 

 

The season has begun and diving is great! However some unscruplous marketers are trying to exploit people’s fears. Trying to sell divers, snorkelers and visitors some “magic cream” that prevents jellyfish stings – people can be put at risk of injury or death.

Avoid this cream, let any dive shop or retail outlet that supplies it know how they are endangering their clients and please avoid it at all costs!!!

If you think this is just opinion…please read the email below regarding this product. Written and signed by the world’s leaders in Jellyfish stings, envenomation and the head of DAN. I guess they might know a bit more than someone who makes and sells magic creams?

From: JOHN LIPPMANN
Sent: 03 November 2009
To:
Cc: ‘Lisa Gershwin’; ‘Andrew Jones’; ‘Peter Fenner’; ‘Dr. Kenneth D. Winkel’; somchai.bussarawit; potjaman; lthaikru
Subject: FW: Marketing of Safe Sea in Thailand

We have been following the recent renewed correspondence about the proposed marketing of Safe Sea in Thailand. As you are aware, there are a group of us, including some well-known medical and marine biological jellyfish experts, who have been closely monitoring the situation with dangerous jellyfish in Thailand and we are all very concerned about the introduction of Safe Sea at this point in time.

Let us re-state some important facts:

1. There is definitely at least one variety of potentially lethal box jellyfish found in Thai waters. This includes the Chironex species as well as other chirodropids, currently unidentified, but probably just as venomous . There is absolutely no doubt about this as we have received good photographic evidence of these jellyfish, and have extensive evidence from numerous cases over more than a 20 years of the distinctive scarring caused by the stings of these particular jellyfish.

2. There have been numerous documented deaths caused by jellyfish in Thailand over many years: we currently have an article in print with details of a number of documented deaths and “near-misses”. The death of the Swedish girl last year was certainly not an isolated case, although to date it was the one that received the broadest media attention. We also have a steadily increasing number of case reports of life-threatening stings, including those with permanent scarring as well as those producing Irukandji syndrome.

3. Substantial experience from northern Australia over many years has shown the importance of effective prevention strategies. To date these have included the wearing of protective clothing, suitable netting, appropriate signage and education. As a result, despite the presence of large numbers of dangerous jellyfish at certain times of the year, there are very few serious stings.

4. The Safe Sea may have been shown to be an effective barrier to the stings of certain species of jellyfish. However, it appears that there is absolutely no evidence that it is effective in the prevention of stings from life-threatening box-type jellyfish, especially Chironex.

5. We are further concerned that even if Safe Sea should someday be demonstrated to be “as effective” for Chironex-type box jellyfish as it claims for other species (i.e., 75% efficacy, in reducing the frequency and severity of stings), this is still unacceptably high for otherwise unprotected exposure to lethal species.

In light of the above, we consider it to be irresponsible and dangerous to promote an unproven product in an area where the consequences of using the product could prove fatal. It is likely that tourists and Thai locals would be lulled into what could well be a false sense of security by using Safe Sea instead of taking preventative measures that have proven to be effective. Severe stings or deaths occurring without added protection of these preventative measures we suggest could have ongoing consequences.

Receiving FDA approval from Thailand does not indicate that the product is effective against Chironex-type box jellyfish stings and can be misleading in this context.

For all the above reasons we implore you to refrain from marketing Safe Sea in Thailand until such time that it has been independently demonstrated to be effective against the potentially lethal species found there and it is established that this product effectively prevents envenomation when interacting with these species.

Sincerely,

John Lippmann OAM Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin Dr Peter Fenner AM
Executive Director Director MD (London), DRCOG, FACTM, FRCGP
DIVERS ALERT NETWORK (DAN) ASIA-PACIFIC Australian Marine Stinger Australian Marine Stinger Expert and author
PO Box 384 (49A Karnak Rd) Advisory Services
Ashburton VIC 3147
Australia Dr Ken Winkel Andrew Jones
Tel: +61-3-9886 9166; Fax: +61-3-9886 9155 Director Father of jellyfish sting survivor
www.danasiapacific.org Australian Venom Research Unit

Please feel free to contact us, DAN or any of the above with questions regarding this and other products promising to “prevent jellyfish stings”

-Similan Diving

Similan Liveaboard – Last Minute special

Here at Wicked Diving we are always on the lookout for special offers to give you – our guests.

Today we were given the opportunity to share this great value trip!

Trip Departs: Tuesday 20^th October 2009

Trip Returns: Saturday 24^th October 2009

Duration: 4 days & 4 nights

Destination: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Surin Islands and Bonsoong Wreck

Dives: 14

Standard Quad share cabin: Normal Price = 29,000 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 23,200 Baht per diver. (4 spaces available)

Standard Triple share cabin: Normal Price = 30,500 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 24,400 Baht per diver. (3 spaces available)

Standard Twin share cabin: Normal Price = 32,000 baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 25,600 Baht per diver (1 space sharing with male diver)

VIP Twin share cabin: Normal Price = 37,000 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 29,600 Baht per diver. (2 cabins/4 spaces available)

VIP Double bed cabin: Normal Price = 37,000 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 29,600 Baht per diver (1 cabin available).

If you would like to know more – contact us

The MV Queen Scuba is a 28m (92ft) vessel completed in 2003. She was built to be one of the more comfortable boats plying the Andaman Sea, and she has succeeded in that goal. One of the best things about this boat is the fact that she can take up to 21 guests–so those of you who like to travel in a fairly large group have other options now.

The boat is undergoing a slight redesign at this time, after one-year of operating in the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock. She has one master cabin and five “VIP” or deluxe cabins. These cabins offer double-bed accommodation for you traveling couples out there. She also has three cabins with single beds down below; two of them are for two people, and one is a triple. The cabins are priced according to comfort level-lower for the below deck cabins, slightly higher for the VIP cabins, and highest for the master. The highest comfort comes with a price as on most boats.

The Master cabin is the nicest room on the boat, of course, and the owner’s claim the nicest in all of Southeast Asia. That’s pretty tall claim, but the fact of the matter is that you can’t get much better as far as comfort goes. First come, first served! This cabin has a large king-sized bed, a large well-appointed ensuite bathroom with hot water, a DVD entertainment system with movies, a complimentary fruit basket, air conditioning, and panoramic ocean views.

The five VIP cabins all have a large double bed, a large ensuite bathroom with hot water, air conditioning, a complimentary fruit basket, and ocean views.

For you single gentlemen or ladies, the standard cabins are located below deck, but are still light and airy. They also feature ensuite facilities with hot water and air conditioning. One of the cabins take two persons, one of them takes three guests, and one of them takes four guests (perfect for a family). She takes a total of 21 persons on board.

If you would like to know more – contact us

The interior saloon is large enough to seat everyone on the boat, including crew, and features a DVD entertainment system and comfortable benches and low tables to sit and enjoy a drink. Most meals are served in the covered deck area just to the rear of the saloon. She has wooden tables and comfortable chairs where you’ll enjoy your meal with three other guests. Meals are served buffet style, with fresh breads, fruit, and wonderful Thai and Western dishes served up by the fabulous chef.

Dive deck and gear area

Going down the stairs from the top deck you’ll be on the cabin deck and this is where most of your time will be spent–gearing up for diving, the reason we’re here. The dive deck is spacious and well designed. No moving tanks around, all tanks are filled at their stations or the crew will handle the lifting. Put your gear together and forget about it. Two dinghies will transfer you to the dive sites, or we’ll jump off the mother ship. All pick-ups are done from the dinghies for your convenience. Since many of the dives are drift dives, this system is pretty common practice around here.

Divemaster or instructor staff on the boat do dive briefings. They are thorough and interesting, and will help you to have more fun underwater and to help you understand what you’re seeing. All dives are guided if you choose; there is always a divemaster available for you if you want one. If you don’t, that’s OK too, just dive with a buddy. If you are traveling alone, we’ll hook you up with a buddy.

If you would like to know more – contact us

The Queen Scuba realizes that Nitrox is the future of diving, here today, so full Enriched Air or Nitrox services are offered on board. And, for those of you not yet Nitrox certified, we offer these courses for your convenience. There are many options from a two-dive full certification in Nitrox to introductory dives for those not sure if they will like it or not. Of course there is plenty of normal air available as well.

If you would like to know more – contact us

The boat is outfitted with the latest in electronic marine equipment including GPS and radar for safety and ease of navigation. We have VHF radios, and mobile telephone communications equipment.

The Queen Scuba will be doing the standard four-day/ four-night trips, visiting all the best sites in Thailand’s Andaman Sea. She will dive in the nine fabulous Similan Islands, as well as Ko Bon, Ko Tachai, and Richelieu Rock.

Itinerary

4-days/ 4-nights: Similan and Richelieu
Departure	19:00 from Khao Lak 19:30 Arrive Thap Lamu 21:00: Depart for Similan Islands / Late supper	No diving
Day 1	Diving in Similan Islands National Park	~4 dives
Day 2	Diving at Koh Bon and Koh Tachai	~4 dives
Day 3	Diving at Richelieu Rock and Surin Islands	~4 dives
Day 4	Diving at Koh Bon, Bonsoon Wreck, depart for Thap Lamu, arrive Phuket approximately 18:00.	~2 dives
Note: For people departing the boat on the final day, transfers are provided to your hotel free of charge. You may not fly this evening due to flying after diving rules. Please note that itineraries are approximate and are subject to change due to conditions, tides, wind, current, and divemaster’s discretion.		~14 dives

The Queen Scuba does 4-day and 4-night trips from October – May every year. These trips visit Similan, Koh Bon, Tachai and Richelieu Rock. These trips will depart from, and return to Thap Lamu pier, 10kms south of Khao Lak.

Price includes accommodation on board, all meals, most drinks, divemaster services, tanks, weights, and belts. Price does not include personal diving equipment or national park fees. National park fees are 400 baht per person per entry (Similan and Surin), plus 200 baht per day. This is payable in Thai baht on the boat and is an additional charge imposed by the Thai Government as of November 15, 2001. A four-day trip is 1,600 THB. We never know what exactly the government will be doing from year to year, but this is the situation as it currently stands.

If you would like to know more – contact us

Similan Diving

Surin Islands

Special New Year’s Trip – Similan Islands Diving Liveaboard

Celebrate New Year’s Eve floating in the bay of tropical island on the Andaman sea. Watch the sun go down after a late afternoon dive and indulge in a delicious New Year’s eve dinner. Stay up late and get up to the sundeck just before midnight to count down the seconds together with the others onboard and with a glass of champagne in your hand. Look up and you will see a galaxy of stars above you as bright as you have ever seen to start the new year with (we don’t use fireworks on New Year’s eve – we haven’t found biodegradable firework yet). Sounds good? Then join us for our New Year’s Special Liveaboard trip with Wicked Diving. We offer you 4 days of great fun, special surprises and amazing diving all around the Similan Islands. Why not jump to the trip details and booking section?

We carry only 14 guests on our trips, so the groups are small with a relaxed pace and uncrowded dive sites. Each cabin is air-conditioned with sea views and fresh air. There are 3 toilet / hot shower units on the boat and there is a large gear up area and dive deck. A total of 5 boat crew will be waiting on your needs and we also provide at least one dive guide per 4 guests. You will be treated to the best in Thai hospitality!

When you dive with us you make a difference. Our boat and trucks use only locally produced Biodiesel so your money makes a difference in our community. Wicked uses only fair-trade, phosphate-free soaps and detergents on our boats and in our shops so that we don’t affect our environment around us. Your sheets and towels will be 100% fair-trade organic cotton. Also, 10% of all our profits go to local NGO’s as we continually strive to make the world around us better.

Our staff are among the most experienced and highly trained in all of Thailand. Our continual training programs assures you that all staff are current EFR (1st aid) and DAN Oxygen certified. Wicked Diving has not one but two Instructor Trainers and an experienced Dive Medic on staff. We are the evacuation and emergency center for the entire region. In addition we conduct our dives and courses in English, Swedish, German, Thai, Indonesian, Dutch, Belgian and French (and even American).

Elephant Head Rock – Thailand Dive Sites

Thailand is home to some great diving. The Similan Islands are frequently listed among the top 10 dive sites on earth.

It is no wonder that the best dive sites on the Similan Islands are good – damn good! Among the most famous and frequently cited as “incredible” is Elephant Head Rock. Located right int he Center of the islands – just off  Koh Similan.

Elephant Head Rock is home to some huge pelagic visitors as well as some incredible macro as well. If you imagine a  massive pile of boulders the size of houses that just keep going deeper and deeper into the depths – then you can imagine what this site is like.

Due to Dive profiles and the great features of this site – it’s best to visit in the morning. This usually means joining a Similan Liveaboard as the daytrips usually arrive a bit late.

with Depths to 30 meters and far beyond – Nitrox is also a good idea.

For more on Similan island Dive Sites

Christmas Liveaboard – Similan Islands Special

Merry Christmas!

What? Seems too early? Well our holiday trips fill up very quickly, so it’s best to register now!

23rd – 26th of December 2009 – 4 days

We carry only 12 guests on our trips, so the groups are small with a relaxed pace and uncrowded dive sites. Each cabin is air-conditioned with sea views and fresh air. There are 3 toilet / hot shower units on the boat and there is a large gear up area and dive deck. A total of 5 boat crew will be waiting on your needs and we also provide at least one dive guide per 4 guests. You will be treated to the best in Thai hospitality and European standards!

When you dive with us you make a difference. Our boat and trucks use only locally produced Biofuel so your money makes a difference in our community. Wicked uses only fair-trade, phosphate-free soaps and detergents on our boats and in our shops so that we don’t affect our environment around us. Your sheets and towels will be 100% fair-trade organic cotton. Also, 10% of all our profits go to local NGO’s as we continually strive to make the world around us better.

Join our staff for our great Christmas Special Liveaboard trip. Our staff are famous for turning these trips into something really special, with gifts, games and funny dress ups. The boat will be decorated in Christmas style and you can expect Santa to visit us again this year and he might even join us for a dive or two!  Let’s hope he leaves his reindeer at home this time. We always have good food on the trips but in addition our staff will prepare a special delicious Christmas dinner and a Christmas breakfast. And if you behave well on the trip, you might get a nice surprise gift from Wicked Diving. Why not jump to the trip details and booking section?