If you have dived in Similan Islands before, please share your experiences: Dive spots you would recommend, which Dive Center you used, Fishes & Diving, Visibility, Currents, etc. Please post your comments in the section below, by doing so you will help fellow divers to plan their next trip
The Similans are remembered for their shapes: enormous granite blocks above the water, and ridges, channels and boulders below. A slow reef dive and a more exposed pinnacle can feel like two different destinations. That variety is the attraction, rather than a promise that every dive will deliver a manta ray.
The islands lie in the Andaman Sea off Thailand’s west coast. Liveaboards often combine them with Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and, farther north, Richelieu Rock in the separate Surin park. A trip sold as “Similan diving” therefore needs a closer look at its actual route.
Reef fish, schooling pelagics and small subjects give photographers plenty to work with. Coral condition varies by site and over time; older blanket descriptions of pristine coral everywhere are not a current reef assessment.
A northern Andaman dive diary
Kenneth Tan’s March 2016 film follows a Similan and Surin-area voyage, including Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. It is an archive of that trip, not a report of today’s reef conditions or boat availability. Watch on Vimeo.
In this page you will find more detailed information about scuba diving in Similan Islands.
Table of contents
Best Dive Review
Granite scenery and reef detail
Elephant Head Rock and Christmas Point are two well-known examples of the boulder landscapes. Their exposed setting can bring current and deeper profiles; they should not be presented as automatically easy dives for every beginner. Swim-throughs are optional features to assess with the guide, not an obligation.
Less exposed reef dives can provide a very different pace. A useful itinerary balances the more demanding sites with conditions suited to the group, rather than treating a famous name as a guarantee of access.
Individual site closures still apply
Status checked 13 November 2026: the national park’s seasonal opening does not mean every dive site is open. The DNP’s 2026 closure list names Hin Muan Deaw (Anita’s Reef), Ruan Gluay-Mai (East of Eden) and Fantasea Reef as closed without a published reopening date. Older dive reports and attractive reef photographs remain historical records, rather than permission to visit.
East of Eden’s restriction concerns the named site on island 7; it should not be read as a closure of every site around that island. DNP 2026 closure list, reproduced by Chumphon municipality.
Sites to put the geography in perspective
This selection is separate from the cruise itineraries above. Locations are surface planning references, not entry points or a guide for use underwater. Access, depth and the route around a site belong to the current local briefing. Koh Bon lies beyond the main Similan island group; Richelieu Rock is in the Surin park.
The linked site descriptions remain available if the map cannot load.
1 · Christmas Point
Granite formations near the north-west of island 9; exposed conditions can change the plan.
Location reference · checked 12 November 2026
2 · Deep Six
Boulders off the northern end of island 7, with deeper sections and current.
Location reference · checked 12 November 2026
3 · West of Eden
Reef and boulder scenery on island 7’s western side.
Location reference · checked 12 November 2026
4 · Koh Bon
A separate northern stop beyond the Similan island group; the pin represents the main ridge area.
Location reference · checked 12 November 2026
5 · Richelieu Rock
An offshore pinnacle in the Surin park, reached on selected northern programmes.
Location reference · checked 12 November 2026
How to dive Similan Islands?
Both day trips and liveaboards visit the Similans. A day boat suits a mainland holiday, while a liveaboard gives more time offshore and avoids repeating the land transfer each morning. Short trips may concentrate on the islands; longer routes can include northern pinnacles and Surin-area diving.
Khao Lak and the Thap Lamu area are common gateways, although the actual pier and pickup arrangements belong to the specific booking. A Phuket pickup can include a road transfer before boarding.
Camping and visitor bungalows on the islands are no longer an alternative. The park’s August 2026 clarification reaffirmed the closure of overnight stays on land dating from 2018. Accommodation is on the mainland or aboard the boat.
For a foreign-adult scuba day trip, operators commonly list 500 THB park admission plus 200 THB diving fee. Multi-day itineraries and visits to a second park require a route-specific total. Equipment, Nitrox and transfers may be additional.
Two ways to explore the northern Andaman
These operator examples show the difference between a Similan-focused cruise and a longer northern circuit. Pins represent islands, harbour areas and regional stops, not underwater entry points. Lines show itinerary order, not navigable tracks. Weather, access and the confirmed departure programme govern the actual route.
The route descriptions below remain available if the map cannot load.
Bavaria Trip A · 3 nights, up to 10 dives
The published programme begins at Thap Lamu, concentrates on the Similan island group and returns passengers by day boat. The final transfer is shown as a dashed line.
- 1 · Thap Lamu: evening boarding.
- 2 · Island 4 area, then 3 · Island 7 area: first diving day.
- 4 · Island 8 area: second diving day, with Elephant Head Rock among the possible dives.
- 5 · Island 9 area: final two scheduled dives.
- 1 · Thap Lamu: return by day boat.
Bavaria Trip A programme, checked 12 November 2026. Island-area pins do not promise a particular mooring or beach landing.
The Junk · 4 nights, up to 14 dives
This is the operator’s Thap Lamu example. Its joining instructions also allow Chalong for some departures, so the booked pier must be checked separately. The final coastal wreck choice depends on conditions; the pin marks a region, not a guaranteed named wreck.
- 1 · Thap Lamu: evening boarding.
- 4 · Similan island group: first diving day.
- 6 · Koh Bon and 7 · Koh Tachai.
- 8 · Surin Islands and 9 · Richelieu Rock.
- 10 · Khao Lak coastal wreck area, then 1 · Thap Lamu.
The Junk four-night programme, checked 12 November 2026.
Island-area references checked against geographic listings; exact site selection belongs to the operator’s briefing. Ko Similan · Ko Payu
Where to stay?
I usually use this website to book in advance my hotels in Similan Islands as they usually have the lowest rates I find. I like it because it's free to cancel and change the dates.
Best time to dive in Similan Islands
The park reopened on 15 October 2026. The main access season is normally around mid-October to mid-May, subject to official announcements and day-to-day conditions. The former November-to-April dates on this page were outdated.
December onward often brings more settled Andaman weather, but March is not guaranteed to be wind-free or to have the best visibility. The most useful booking decision combines the operating season with the chosen boat’s real departure schedule and your flexibility for weather changes.
Top liveaboards in Similan Islands according to divers reviews
Dive courses
Entry requirements vary by boat and site. Some itineraries accept Open Water divers with suitable recent experience, while exposed or deeper dives may need more training and confidence in current. The operator’s minimum certification, recent-diving requirement and any private-guide policy should be clear before booking.
Thailand’s published 2025 rules restrict underwater camera use to Advanced Open Water certification or at least 40 logged dives. This is a camera rule, not a blanket minimum of 40 dives for all recreational diving. A refresher before boarding can be a good use of a mainland day after a long break.
Scuba Diving conditions
Conditions are site-specific. Elephant Head Rock and Christmas Point can have moderate to strong current, so the old description of almost all Similan diving as easy and shallow was misleading. The planned depth and route should stay within each diver’s training and the conditions on the day.
Water is usually warm, with operators describing roughly 26–30°C depending on site and depth, but thermoclines and repeated dives can make extra exposure protection welcome. Visibility can change; a published range is not a promise for a particular departure.
Snorkelling in Similan Islands
Dedicated snorkelling trips visit selected shallow-water areas and authorised beaches. A scuba liveaboard may have a different timetable and may not provide continuous snorkelling supervision. A non-diver needs an explicit answer about the planned activities, equipment, lifejackets and shore access.
Thailand’s published rules require snorkellers to wear lifejackets unless they hold a recognised freediving certification. The operator’s briefing and park restrictions still determine where entry is appropriate.
Fishes and Coral
Whale shark
An occasional visitor on northern Andaman itineraries. A whale-shark sighting is possible, but the islands and their reefs offer plenty without one.
Leopard shark
The spotted adult zebra shark is usually called a leopard shark in Thailand. Its long tail and sandy colouring are worth noticing on an Andaman encounter.
Manta ray
Koh Bon is a notable manta stop on some extended Similan routes. It is a separate itinerary choice, and an encounter remains a matter of conditions and luck.
Moray eels
A head tucked into a reef crevice can be as captivating as an animal in the blue. Several moray species occur here; the illustration represents the group.
Napoleon wrasse
This substantial reef fish has a distinctive forehead and thick lips. Operators document it on northern routes around Koh Bon and Surin.
Barracuda
A sleek silver silhouette to watch for around the granite boulders and in open water. A passing school can change the whole feel of a dive.
Representative illustrations, not photographs of local sightings. New whale shark, leopard shark, manta and clownfish artwork was generated with AI for Divezone in November 2026; other illustrations are reused from Divezone’s existing collection.
Coral condition varies by site and over time. Good buoyancy leaves room for the reef’s smaller residents: nudibranchs, shrimps and other details are often the reward for slowing down.
Diving Safety
If you are planning an upcoming dive trip or travelling to Similan Islands, it is a really good idea to invest in travel insurance for scuba diving, because you never know what could happen and when you might need it (because accidents do happen!). I recommend this diving insurance as they offer worldwide coverage and focus on providing scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.
Similan diving questions
Is a liveaboard compulsory?
No. Day boats also operate. A liveaboard changes the time spent offshore and the route possibilities; it is not the only way to dive here.
Will a short trip include Richelieu Rock?
Not necessarily. It is farther north in the Surin park area. The confirmed departure itinerary should name it if it is important to your choice.
Are all the sites suitable for a new diver?
No. Some sheltered dives can suit less experienced divers, while exposed boulder sites can have substantial current and depth. The operator needs an accurate picture of your training and recent experience.
Share your Similan dive experience
Sources and access information
DNP overnight-stay clarification · October 2026 reopening · Diving activity rules · Elephant Head Rock · Christmas Point · Day-trip fees
Photos Similan Islands
Travel Guide
Now that you know all about the underwater world, you might want to start planning your scuba holiday! Check out our Similan Islands Travel Review for information about how to get there, activities and excursions, where to stay, and more.
Diving Reviews for this region
Dive spots reviews in Similan Islands
Liveaboard Reviews in Similan Islands
Andaman Tritan
Andaman Tritan images from Sunrise Divers’ identified boat gallery. Undated photographs of the documented configuration.
MV Pawara
Pawara photo gallery: operator imagery supplied through LiveAboard.com. Photos are undated; the confirmed cabin allocation governs your booking.
MV Oktavia
Historical Oktavia images supplied through LiveAboard.com. They do not depict a verified current Orca Oktavia configuration.
South Siam 3
The 30 meters South Siam 3, also called Somboon 3, is a liveaboard operating in Thailand. Indeed, the dive boat offers flexible itineraries including the best dive sites of Thailand such as the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Tachai, Surin and Richelieu Rock
South Siam 4
Thailand · Similan Islands & Richelieu Rock · Updated 9 November 2026
Gentle Giant
Gentle Giant makes room for both halves of Thailand’s Andaman Sea. Her four-night cruises concentrate on the Similans and northern pinnacles; selected six-night journeys continue south to Koh Haa and Hin Daeng–Hin Muang. That longer trip is the interes
The Junk
Three masts, a wooden hull and a history that began with charcoal rather than scuba tanks: The Junk brings a little romance to a Thai diving holiday. The appeal goes well beyond a photogenic silhouette. Eighteen guests share six ensuite cabins, and the
Sawasdee Fasai
Sawasdee Fasai is a good boat for divers who like a full day underwater and room to spread out afterwards. Four nights carry the trip from the Similans’ granite scenery to the northern pinnacles, with Richelieu Rock given a full day in the sample progr
MV Smiling Seahorse
Photos: Smiling Seahorse operator gallery via LiveAboard.com.
Thailand Master (The Phinisi)
Photos: Thailand Master operator gallery via LiveAboard.com.
Hello,
we’ve found your diving centre via Internet. We are in Thailand since few days till about 20th of Aug and we would like to dive a little bit. Now we are staying in Ranong but we are able to transfer ourselves to Similans. Both of us are certfificated divers (PADI Rescue Diver and Deep Diver)in cold polish lakes so visibility under one meter is not frightened :).
We are aware this is not a high season but it will be great if you are able to offer us some nice divings (with turtles for example
) in nearby to Surin Islands in reasonable price. I will be greatful with your answer.
KR
Gabi
0048500477007
Hi, I am looking to do the open water course at Similian island site end of this august. Above you have mentioned that the diving season is from Sep end to April. Can we still go during aug end?
You can check with diving school wicked divers. It depends on the season and this is different every year
History of ear problems and scuba dinivg?Hi, I want to start scuba dinivg but I have a history of ear problems and I’m worried I won’t be able to. I did a try dive today and that was fine, but I don’t want to invest loads in dinivg if it turns out I can’t dive very deep or that I’ll get ear infections so often I’ll miss out on loads of dives.I get ear infections quite a lot and (possibly TMI) tend to get lots of waxy buildup so that occasionally I can’t hear very well in one ear. I’ve also been told that my ear canals (or whatever they’re called) are very narrow. However my ears are fine on a plane, and don’t hurt at all when ascending or descending.Am I going to be able to scuba dive? Please help because sign up for the course is in two days >_
If you did a dive today you can probably dive, even if your canals may be more narrow. Always equalize slowly, this is the mail reason people get ear problems. They descend too quickly. ONe day I can descend quicker than the other, so I listen to my ears very carefully. Mostly of the time I do it the other way around
Clean your ears with water pressure instead of cottonsticks. Have a good dive!
Your post captures the issue pecflrtey!
I have never scuba dive, and is hoping to get certified when I visit the Similan Islands. Just wondering if you can advise me if the islands is a good place for beginners like me. Thanks so much in advance.
Dawn
If you are a beginner, it’s heaven! Good conditions, good visibility, easy diving. Koh tao is nice as well, cute little island close to koh samui. Diving is cheaper on Koh Tao but Similan is more attractive. Enjoy!
We dived with Wicked divers, excellent diving school. We did a three day liveaboard and the staff and service was wicked (costs around 450 euro for 10 dives and equipment). You can bargain a little so try
The tsunami and coral bleaching did change the Similan islands though; the islands are stunning but the diving is not as I remembered because of less beautiful colors….. visibility is great, we saw turtles and other nice things. I’m sure within 20 years it will be back in the top ten best dive sites in the world, but for now I prefer Marsa alam, Red sea.
The Similan islands are wonderfull, specially the norh part from island number 7 to the surin islands!!
Liveaboard recommmended khao Lak Explorer Liveaboards
Hi!
First of all, great blog!
We are located in Singapore and looking for a place in the area (Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines) to go diving. We did our PADI open water and have gone diving once since (Tioman and Dayang Island Malaysia).
So I consider us quite beginners.
I read on other sites that Similan is more for advanced divers.. would you agree? And if so, is it still the best place to go diving if we cannot decent much lower than 18meters?
I don’t want to end up going to lesser diving spots, making Similan not the best chose after all. E.g. I was comparing to Koh Tao as it’s claimed to be easier (less currents)..
So many options and opinions – help :)!
Cheers
Doris
Similan and Koh Tao are both easy, so open waters welcome!
Hola!
In February we’re going to Thailand and so we’d love to dive in the Similan Islands… But, how should we book the trip? Is it easy to book a trip in Thailand or is it better if we do this in advance? And could you recommend a good tour operator or a life aboard? We’ll be very thankful for answers
Saludos!
You can walk in Any diveshop there! So in advance is not necessary….and you can try to get a little discount
we dove with wicked diving, the live a board was great. Good staff en superior food. The coral has bleached though, so I remember koh similar as more colorful and more impressive. But it’s still nice!
okey, thanks!
so we’ll go to a dive shop… from where is it the easiest way to go to the Similan Islands? 
From krabi, go to khao lak. This is where you’ll find wicked divers. From krabi to khan lak will take about 4 hours and will cost around 500-600 baht. You can also go with local bus. The islands are beautiful, but the coral has bleached and was damaged by the tsunami. It’s still good diving though, but not as it used to be
what would you recommend? Richelieu Rocks or Similand Islands? It’s so hard to decide!
Richelieu rock is prettig close to the islands, and it’s a great dive. If you get the chance to visit the bigger islands, do it. It’s really nice! Enjoy!!!
Hi,
I am planning on beginning scuba in Similan Islands during a few days of an upcoming trip.
I will be travelling alone. Any suggestions, pointers, things to look out for? Thanks
Hi,
I am planning on beginning scuba in Similan Islands during a few days of an upcoming trip.
I will be travelling alone. Any suggestions, pointers, things to look out for? Thanks
Hi
Looking for 3 or 4 days diving between 24/4/15 to the 2/5/15 for 1 person
Liveaboard Similans
The cheapest u can find
Hi guys,
My wife and i plan to visit both Koh Surin/Similan next february 2016. it will be very kind if you could share your feelings and feedbacks about what you have seen during yours serverals dives.
i’m looking forward to read you.
thks,
I am coming to Phuket to get married on Jan 20 2017, I plan to stay there for a week or two.
I am an beginner PADI open water. logged only 12 dives so far (Canada, Australia , Phi Phi, Honduras, Grand Cayman Island, Cuba, 2 dives at each site).
I plan to dive in Simian island and have a few questions:
1) I heard to dive in Simian island, you need to be intermediate diver and have at least 50 dives, is that true?
2) I heard west side is choppy and more difficult, east side is calm.
Is there any packages that can cover only the easy calm areas?
3) Because my wife won’t dive, I may only be able to do a one night live aboard, can one night package cover all the easy calm areas?
Both us can get sea sick, how is the sea condition for live aboard in around Jan 25? will it make a huge difference if we wait until Feb 1?
4) If we book a hotel on Simian island, can we do just the day trips and provide roughly the same coverage as live aboard? (how long is the travel time)
Hello I came to Phuket for my first time ever and got very lucky to swim with a large whale share at Koh Bon plus phuket is just the funniest place ever especially if your single lol
Awesome experience there!
Went to this beauty Similan Islands, May 2018 for diving and it was just handsome!
One journey of Diving and had a good time with the SSS Phuket Crew which are very professional and young guys who want to give us smile all the day !
I’ve seen Mantay Ray, See Turtles, corals … Cannot forgot this cool time because the visibility was perfect !
Enjoy !
I thought a live aboard was really nice and I enjoyed the live a board. However, most of the reef is dead as far as hard corals. They had a El Niño I think 10 years ago that really cooked the coral. Most of the palagics are gone. Also, soft corals were healthy but like I said all the hard corals are pretty much gone.
Hi Rick! Thank you for reading Divezone and taking the time to leave a review about diving the Similan Islands. I’m sorry to hear that the reefs are disappointing. Thailand has set up new regulations which hopefully will help let the reef recover. I don’t think El Nino years ago is the sole reason for this situation… prehaps over-diving, over-fishing and other issues like that caused this sad situation.
It’s important in 2019 to be responsible divers and look for quality dive centers rather than the cheapest ones… the future of our reefs depends largely on us. This blog post might interest you: https://divezone.net/blog/10-tips-to-be-a-responsible-scuba-diver.htm#dive
Wishing you a happy new year and the best and safest bubbles for the future!
I dived Similan & Surin National Parks earlier this year (second week of Jan 2020) with the Deep Andaman Queen liveaboard. The diving was intense (14 dives in 3.5 days) but fun. Diving in Similans was more about the topography of the dive sites – the giant boulders form an impressive backdrop for the marine life. It is true that there has been coral damage but there is still a lot to see. Moving on Koh Tachai & Koh Bon which are part of the Similans park was superb. Loads of glassfish everywhere as well as snappers and barracuda. I was lucky to even spot a whale shark at Koh Bon. The highlights came towards the end; Richilieu Rock was fantastic even though we had poor visibility. We had the dreaded ‘green monster’ – cold plankton rich waters which worsened viz but attracted lot of sealife. Even then the coral and fish life at Richileu was a marvel. Definitely not too be missed. We finished off the last dives at Boon Soog Wreck which was like being in a fish soup. Overall the diving was very enjoyable; this was my first liveaboard experience and the crew and vessel delivered making it an unforgettable trip.