Kristian, the videographer at Wicked Diving, Thailand, took this footage on a recent trip on the Similan Islands Liveaboard.
This was a great day for Manta’s, as there were 5 more on the same dive!!! It was even better …as this was New Year’s!
Manta Ray at Similan Islands with Wicked Diving, Khao Lak from Wicked Diving on Vimeo.
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liveaboard, similan islands, similan marine life | Tagged: khao lak diving, manta ray, Similan, similan diving, similan islands, similan liveaboard, thailand diving | 
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Posted by Similan Islands Diving
If you never thought that staying on a boat with 12 strangers for a whole week, far away from civilization and nothing else to do except diving, exploring uninhabited islands, eating and sleeping would be a great and exciting experience…then read on!
Your very first day on the Similan Liveaboard will immediately change your perspective about living aboard – meeting the crew and staff, the slow cruise across the Andaman Sea and the incredible ocean along the way!
Plenty Of Diving! Plenty of time to explore the islands!
With time underwater throughout the day – as well as the opportunity to snorkel, visit the beaches and relax under the skies of the Andaman sea…this is why you would want to be here? You will certainly enjoy every minute, every second in and on the ocean. You will even enjoy the time in bed too!
Everything and everyone is relaxed
Imagine waking-up with the sunrise, listening to the sound of the waves and knowing that Manta Rays could just be right under you – isn’t that a great nature wake-up call? Walk out of your cabin to see the sun rising over the mountains of Thailand, look to your left and see uninhabited islands and long winding reefs and look to the west and knwo the next piece of land is India! Even if you are not the typical morning person – this is a great way wake up!
And during the day you don’t have to care about anything except remembering all the incredible creatures you have seen under water to fill up your logbook or look for the names in one of the encyclopedias on board. The staff takes care of the rest.
The good thing about Great Similan Liveaboards – time to relax and enjoy. 3 different Sundecks, cabin space and the galley to snack in. Lots of room to ponder life and think about fish 
People – just like you!
It is a real pleasure to find new friends while on a an expedition! People who are interested in enjoying life, experiencing Thailand and the Islands like no one else and of course – love diving!
Watching the sun set over the Indian ocean while the waves gently lap at the side of the boat. 12 other people relaxing with you…chatting about the incredible marine life and beaches you all saw that day.
Yes…Life can be good…
Leave a Comment » | liveaboard, similan islands | Tagged: khao lak, khao lak scuba, liveaboard, Similan, similan islands, similan liveaboard, similan scuba | Permalink
Posted by Similan Islands Diving
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
Leave a Comment » | liveaboard, similan islands | Tagged: best diving, khao lak diving, scuba thailand, Similan, similan diving, similan islands, similan liveaboard | Permalink
Posted by Similan Islands Diving
Similan Liveaboard Boats
In planning your next SCUBA diving holiday to Thailand and you’re not sure where to go or what to do, then consider going on a Similan Liveaboard diving trip. What is a Liveaboard diving trip? Well, it doesn’t matter if you have 10 or 500 dives under your weight belt; anyone that loves to dive and relax will absolutely love to relax on board of a Dive vessel.
Liveaboard diving trips are quickly becoming the most popular ways of comfortably experiencing diving in locations around the Similan Islands. Liveaboard vessels are exactly that, live on board and you’re eating and breathing diving. Everything is focused on diving, snorkeling or relaxing. You eat, sleep, dive three to four times a day, and you’ll travel from dive site to dive site, seeing the most beautiful places in the region. Similan Islands Liveaboards can offer dive sites usually hard to reach by daily diving boats, making it interesting to visit remote islands or reefs. Liveaboards dive vessels give you a wider range of destinations than day trips and more dives per day. Similan Liveaboard vessels typically range from 18m/60ft to 40m/120 ft in length or larger and offer the ability to cover a wide and extended diving range as opposed to a day charter, which returns to dock each night. If you’re into large crowds or you like solitude and tranquility, you don’t have to worry. There is a vessel for everyone’s needs.
Trip lengths of Similan liveaboard vacation typically range from three to 6 or more days. Most vessels depart the dock in the afternoon or evening, as the distances involved usually require overnight travel. When you awake in the morning, you’re on that breathtaking location and diving commences. While there are 50+ named divvy sites in the Similan Islands – a trip of 3-5 days will usually visit the main sites.
Most liveaboard boats are designed to serve all of your diving needs, as well to provide you a high level of comfort while on board. Similan Diving Liveaboard vacations cater to their customers by providing excellent meals and snacks (who doesn’t love Thai food!); clean and comfortable sleeping quarters; plenty of hot water showers; many boats have photo/video stations for equipment and editing; tanks with air or Nitrox and weights for every dive; and plenty of professional crew members to guarantee your comfort. Live aboard diving trips are about diving and there is no shortage of that. Typically, depending on where you’re diving, you can get up to 5 dives a day if you’re up to it. The average is 3-4 dives per day. For safety reasons, it’s best to make 4 your maximum number of dives.
Liveaboard dive trips are about relaxing as well. Many vessels have lounging decks to work on your suntan, read, or simply catch up on your sleep if you are escaping a stressful job. Whether you want to make only two dives per day, eat heartily, and relax, or make six or more dives a day and pass out in your cabin from exhaustion and get up the next day and do it again, Liveaboard trips can accommodate. A few boats make an effort to visit the beaches and visit the local fauna.
Similan Liveaboard captains and crew are intimately knowledgeable, professional and educated in safety, diving and the area, so each diving opportunity is guaranteed to be spectacular and most of the time just about you and your fellow passengers. You don’t spend time sharing, searching and hunting for a dive spot or waste time trying to find out where you need to go for a good dive. The only thing you need to worry about is getting there as quick as you can, suiting up for the next dive and making sure your camera is ready to go.
No, Liveaboard vacations are nothing like cruise vessels, going into a different port every day or night for sightseeing. They are not meant for a casual visit. If you want to see the Similan (and Surin) Islands – then these trips are for you! As mentioned, Similan Liveaboards are about diving and relaxing on the vessel. Every person on that vessel has the same interest as you! DIVING!. If you’re interested in visiting the islands or area where your Liveaboard is taking place, schedule time either before or after to take in the sights and enjoy the local culture. Best is after so you have enough time between your dives and your flight.
If you think Similan Liveaboards are only for the rich and luxurious – you can wrong! Some boats cater to a wealthy clientele and their prices reflect that. But the Similan Islands are home to many boats ranging form Luxury to simple boats catering to backpackers. Great deals can be had, but always check on basic safety features – like liferafts, satellite phones, radar. If they don’t have these…the boats are a little too budget!!!
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Posted by Similan Islands Diving
If you never thought that staying on a boat with 12 strangers for a whole week, far away from civilization and nothing else to do except diving, exploring uninhabited islands, eating and sleeping would be a great and exciting experience…then read on!
Your very first day on the Similan Liveaboard will immediately change your perspective about living aboard – meeting the crew and staff, the slow cruise across the Andaman Sea and the incredible ocean along the way!
Plenty Of Diving! Plenty of time to explore the islands!
With time underwater throughout the day – as well as the opportunity to snorkel, visit the beaches and relax under the skies of the Andaman sea…this is why you would want to be here? You will certainly enjoy every minute, every second in and on the ocean. You will even enjoy the time in bed too!
Everything and everyone is relaxed
Imagine waking-up with the sunrise, listening to the sound of the waves and knowing that Manta Rays could just be right under you – isn’t that a great nature wake-up call? Walk out of your cabin to see the sun rising over the mountains of Thailand, look to your left and see uninhabited islands and long winding reefs and look to the west and knwo the next piece of land is India! Even if you are not the typical morning person – this is a great way wake up!
And during the day you don’t have to care about anything except remembering all the incredible creatures you have seen under water to fill up your logbook or look for the names in one of the encyclopedias on board. The staff takes care of the rest.
The good thing about Great Similan Liveaboards – time to relax and enjoy. 3 different Sundecks, cabin space and the galley to snack in. Lots of room to ponder life and think about fish
People – just like you!
It is a real pleasure to find new friends while on a an expedition! People who are interested in enjoying life, experiencing Thailand and the Islands like no one else and of course – love diving!
Watching the sun set over the Indian ocean while the waves gently lap at the side of the boat. 12 other people relaxing with you…chatting about the incredible marine life and beaches you all saw that day.
Yes…Life can be good…
Leave a Comment » | day trip, liveaboard, similan islands | Tagged: diving, khao lak, Similan, similan diving, similan islands, similan liveaboard, similan scuba, thailand, wicked diving | Permalink
Posted by Similan Islands Diving
If you never thought that staying on a boat with 12 strangers for a whole week, far away from civilization and nothing else to do except diving, exploring uninhabited islands, eating and sleeping would be a great and exciting experience…then read on!
Your very first day on the Similan Liveaboard will immediately change your perspective about living aboard – meeting the crew and staff, the slow cruise across the Andaman Sea and the incredible ocean along the way!
Plenty Of Diving! Plenty of time to explore the islands!
With time underwater throughout the day – as well as the opportunity to snorkel, visit the beaches and relax under the skies of the Andaman sea…this is why you would want to be here? You will certainly enjoy every minute, every second in and on the ocean. You will even enjoy the time in bed too!
Everything and everyone is relaxed
Imagine waking-up with the sunrise, listening to the sound of the waves and knowing that Manta Rays could just be right under you – isn’t that a great nature wake-up call? Walk out of your cabin to see the sun rising over the mountains of Thailand, look to your left and see uninhabited islands and long winding reefs and look to the west and knwo the next piece of land is India! Even if you are not the typical morning person – this is a great way wake up!
And during the day you don’t have to care about anything except remembering all the incredible creatures you have seen under water to fill up your logbook or look for the names in one of the encyclopedias on board. The staff takes care of the rest.
The good thing about Great Similan Liveaboards – time to relax and enjoy. 3 different Sundecks, cabin space and the galley to snack in. Lots of room to ponder life and think about fish
People – just like you!
It is a real pleasure to find new friends while on a an expedition! People who are interested in enjoying life, experiencing Thailand and the Islands like no one else and of course – love diving!
Watching the sun set over the Indian ocean while the waves gently lap at the side of the boat. 12 other people relaxing with you…chatting about the incredible marine life and beaches you all saw that day.
Yes…Life can be good…
Leave a Comment » | liveaboard, similan islands | Tagged: dive thailand, khao lak diving, khao lak liveaboard, scuba thailand, Similan, similan diving, similan islands, similan liveaboard | Permalink
Posted by Similan Islands Diving
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.
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Posted by Similan Islands Diving
We just got this right off the Fax from our friends in Phuket….
Departing the evening of January 3rd, there are still a few spaces available!!!! this time of year – that’s a great option!
Contact us as soon as you can to find out more about this deal!
Similan Liveaboard - Last Minute special
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Posted by Similan Islands Diving
Similan Diving
