Diving the Similan Islands

About Similan Diving

The Similan Islands are renowned as one of the ten best dive spots in the world. This is not referring to a single dive site, or a single wreck…this is due to the 50+ named dives sites, the incredible diversity of marine life and the variety of styles available to divers.

Located 50 Km (35 miles) of the west coast of Thailand – The Similan Islands  are easily accessible. Khao Lak is the departure point for daytrips, overnight tours and Similan liveaboards as it is the main pier and the closest point of land. Easily reached are also the Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock and even some great wrecks that can easily be reached by longtail from Khao Lak.

The diving and snorkeling consists of vast reefs of pristine corals on the protected East coast of the Similans. There is incredible diving and encounters with huge marine life on the deep boulder sites on the West coast of the Similan Islands. At the top and bottom of the islands, where these different styles of sites meet, one finds opportunities for such amazing marine life as Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Sharks, Napolean Wrasse and more.

While there can be currents – the Similan Islands are accessible to all levels of divers. Choosing the right dive center can assure the visitor of the idyllic experience. Experienced staff and intimate knowledge of the area make the choices easy. For the experienced diver – the deep sites with their strong currents and huge fish make are clear favorites. For the avid fish fanatic as well as the beginning divers, the gently sloping reefs tend to have minimal currents and incredible biodiversity.

The islands can be reached by liveaboards, Khao Lak Diving daytrips and snorkeling boats. It is very important to note that the islands are closed from May1st to November 1st each year. It is both unsafe – due to heavy monsoons, and illegal to visit the park during this closure.

Day trip Diving

Diving Day Trips to the Similan Islands with speed boats from Khao Lak. This day trip is for guests who don’t have the time to do a liveaboard safari or for those of you who wish to enjoy the comfort of a resort each evening in Khao Lak. Most daily trips to the Similan Islands cater to both diving and snorkeling. Accommodation is available on some of the Similan Islands for a spectacular 2 days & 1 night overstay diving package. Plan far in advance for that as spaces are limited!!!

Similan Liveaboard Diving

There are several Similan Liveaboards departing from Khao Lak. There are some of the most luxurious boats in the world all the way down to very bare-bones boats catering to backpackers (lacking beds they sleep on the decks).

Trips range from 1 night tours to 7 or more days. To get a basic sampling of the Similan Islands, try at least a 3 day tour. If you would like a rich experience and sample all the region has to offer, then a 5 day Similan Liveaboard trip is perfect.

The real benefit of liveaboard trips over day trips is the chance to see more of the islands and truly enjoy the evenings on the Andaman sea. There are generally more dives per day and the chance to get to know your fellow divers. In addition getting to know your staff also means they can better cater to your needs. On good Similan Liveaboard tours you will also get the chance to visit the islands, snorkel and experience the islands first hand.

Wicked Diving

Wicked Diving is a small dive center based in Khao Lak, Thailand. As an ecologically award-winning operation, Wicked Diving is proud to offer a full selection of both PADI and SSI courses – from trying out diving for the very fist time to Instructor Training Courses. The only Similan Diving center with a Dive Medic, 2 Instructor Trainers on staff offers guests the highest standards and safety.

Operating two ecologically friendly liveaboards and also longtails, Similan Diving just got easier. Not only that Wicked Diving works with local charities to improve both the marine environment and communities. Not satisfied with donating 10% of profits, staff of this Khao Lak Diving center also actively participate in projects in the region.

For more details on our services and offers – don’t hesitate to visit our web site: wickeddiving.com

Feel free to contact Wicked Diving by email: info@wickeddiving.com

Similan Scuba Diving

Thailand has one of the world’s most diverse marine habitats, with more than 300 major reef groups covering an area of over 4,500 square miles. From pinnacles and submerged rocks, through to stunning coral gardens and sheer walls, the scuba diving in Thailand has something to offer scuba divers of all levels of experience. It is this diversity in marine habitats and diving environments which attracts so many divers to the waters around Thailand every year, and today the region is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations.

Similan Scuba Diving

There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centers, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.

It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Khao Lak and the nearby Khao Lak with the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving from Khao Lak is of the highest standard, and the surrounding dive sites host a plethora of great diving. Similan Islands Scuba Diving is frequently listed as one of the ten best diving opportunities on earth. The are also underwater treasures that lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Surin Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia’s finest dive sites.

The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world’s most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from introducing people to scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to o Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centers and divers. However the dive sites are very overwhelmed and the diving here is often referred to as “champagne diving” – all bubbles.

Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Shark fin Reef are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Koh Lipe Krabi, Phi Phi and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centers. For a good reference try the Best Dive Sites in Thailand.

Today, Thailand is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches, the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.

The Best Dive Sites in Thailand – Our Choices

Where is the best diving in Thailand?

Thailand is a very large country with coastline stretching from Burma (Myanmar) to Malaysia along the west side on the Andaman Sea. On the Eastern coast, the coast line stretches, un broken from Malaysia, all the way around the Gulf of Thailand to Cambodia. There are hundreds of islands, dozens of regions to dive and numerous dive centers to choose from. Here is a careful selection of the best dive sites in Thailand

Richelieu Rock
The most famous dive site in Thailand is Richelieu Rock. Often cited as one of the 10 best dive sties in the world – Richelieu Rock is simply stunning. A solitary pinnacle rising from the depths of the Andaman sea to just below the surface – this site has so many elements to its majesty. The large pelagics – Manta Rays and Whale Sharks are not to be missed. But the macro as well – the tiny shrimps, nudibranchs, pipefish, seahorses and more also delight and enthrall.

Richelieu Rock can be reached by liveaboards and daytrips departing from Khao Lak. The liveaboards should be booked ahead due to the popularity. Daytrips can be arranged upon arrival in Khao Lak – however during the peak holidays it is advisable to book ahead.

The Similan Islands h

ave also been cited as one the best dive sites in the world. With more than 30 named dive sites, plus the nearby Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and of course – Richleieu Rock – it is paradise for the avid diver. It is too difficult to actually name just one site out of the dozens that makes the Similan Island Marine Park so special. There are the deep boulder drops on the Western side. The gentle sloping reefs of the Easter coast and the dynamic site where the two mix. Turtles, sharks and massive schools fo reef fish swirl around the divers. The reefs are home to hundreds of species of coral, sponges and are an explosion of colors.

The Similan Islands are only 50km from Khao Lak – so easily reached by speedboat each day. Again – plan ahead if visiting during the holiday season. Similan Liveaboards depart almost everyday, though with only one ecologically friendly boat – we see no need to choose!

Hin daeng/Hin Muang
Best visited from Phi phi islands. Like Richelieu rock, these rocks, rising from the deep were once home to many large pelagics. Sadly a couple of years ago Phuket fisherman went in with cyanide and killed of a large portion of the site. Marine life has been returning, but it has not returned to it’s once majestic splendor.
Hin Daeng and Hin Muang have the closest to real drop-offs that Thailand offers.. Together they are some very good dive sites and provide some of the most stunning diving in the area. The depths and currents make these sites suitable for advanced divers. The long distance from the nearest point of land (Phi Phi) makes these less commonly dived.
Hin Daeng (‘Red Rock’) and Hin Muang (‘Purple Rock’) are named after the beautiful red and purple soft corals that, until recently, covered the pinnacles.

Hin Daeng protrudes about 3 meters above the water, but below, it drops straight down to more than 70 meters on the southern side. It gets its name from the beautiful red corals that populate most of the dive site. Hin Muang is completely submerged and derives its name from the vast number of purple corals covering the pinnacle. Some giant morays can be seen amongst the cracks and crevices and large leopard sharks can sometimes be found on the deep ridges.

Koh Lipe

One of the last world class pinnacles left in the Andaman sea. 8 mile rock is a submerged pinnacle roughly 8 miles due south of Koh Lipe. Noted for the large pelagics that cruise past, devil, manta and eagle rays are common, along with leopard shark, giant barracuda and groupers. Sighting for whale sharks have actually been up over the whole of the Lipe group of islands, with most sightings coming at 8 mile rock.

The rock itself starts at roughly 15m and at its deepest is over 50m. Densely covered in purple, blue and red soft tree coral, all common reef species can be found here in great abundance and size. Visibility can be up to 45m vertically and over 30m horizontally. Caution must be applied when diving 8 mile rock due to very strong currents that can lead to thee dive being canceled. The site can be dived comfortably dependent on current patterns so consult the local dive operators for the best information.

Koh Tao

The most popular place to learn to dive in all of Asia Pacific, after Cairns in Australia, Koh Tao has some good beginner dive sites and some great apres-dive action. If you want to dive and party, then this is the place to come. Many times it appears that it’s actually a place to party and dive. The short travel times from the shore to the dive sites – typically half an hour or less – make diving extremely convenient. While the diving is not as spectacular as the Similans, (no manta rays here, very little living coral, almost no turtles), there are occasionaly encounters with sharks to be had at Chumphon Pinnacle and also, if you’re very lucky, whale sharks too.

Because Koh Tao is in the Gulf Of Thailand, it’s possible to dive all year round. The weather gets crappy around October/November.