Thailand Liveaboards

The Similan Islands are located 100km Northwest of Phuket and are best dived by joining a liveaboard out of Phuket. With snow-white beaches set against picturesque granite outcrops above the water and spectacular dive sites in often crystal clear water below, it is not surprising that the Similan Islands are ranked as one of the finest dive destinations in the world.

Declared a National Park in 1982, the Similans are comprised of nine islands, which run roughly North to South, and numerous smaller rock outcroppings. Please note that the islands are a seasonal destination and are only available to dive between October and May each year.

Similan Island itinerary dive sites

Nearly all of the nine islands the make up the Similans are defined on their western sides by huge underwater rock formations, eroded over the millennia by the action of the sea. These stone giants are home to an amazing variety of marine life and provide divers with swim through passages, caves and gorges. The East side of the Similan Islands support thriving reefs with some 500 species of hard and soft corals and an amazing variety of marine life that includes leopard sharks, guitar rays and manta rays.

Koh Bon is an island located 18km northeast of the Similan islands. Surrounded by reefs, the west tip of Koh Bon has established a reputation for its manta rays that may breed off the island. Whale sharks are also occasionally seen off Koh Bon. Diving down the west ridge divers may encounter big schools of trevallies and tunas as well as marble rays and leopard sharks. On the way back to the shallows schools of yellow snappers and oriental sweet lips make Koh Bon one of the best dive sites in Thailand.

Koh Tachai is located north of Koh Bon. The dive site is surrounded by granite boulders, which support big gorgonian fans and barrel sponges. Divers regularly encounter sleeping leopard sharks and rays in the reefs sand base, whilst the top of the reef supports an incredible variety of hard and soft corals.

Richelieu Rock is a submerged pinnacle located 12km east of the Surin islands.  Only one metre of the rock appears above sea level at low tides. Below sea level the dive site opens up in to one of the worlds finest dive sites. There are schools of barracudas, big-eye trevallies and batfish clouding the pinnacle. Sergeant majors, long nose emperors, snappers, rainbow runners and cobias provide extra colour to the dive. Big potato cod, marble rays and schools of over two hundred blue spotted stingrays are regularly seen. Rare white spotted shovelnose rays and whale sharks are the highlight for many divers on Richelieu rock. The latter are typically seen from February to April.

Diving in the Similan, Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock or Hin Daeng, Hin Muang and Phi Phi.

Accessed by liveaboard, the Similan Islands lay claim to some of the finest dive sites in Thailand.  Thriving reefs with abundant hard and soft corals highlight the dramatic terrain. The islands' east and west coasts provide contrasting styles of diving within a relatively small area. The East coast is marked by fine coral reefs, whilst the west coast offers dramatic drift diving through granite outcrops.

North of the Similan Islands the dive sites of Ko Bon, Ko Tachai and Richelieu Rock enjoy a deserved reputation for their big pelagic sightings. Richelieu Rock in particular attracts both whale sharks and manta rays in good numbers over the diving season.

Liveaboard itineraries to these dive sites are offered on MV Scuba Adventure and MV Mermaid II, operating from Phuket.

To view a sample itinerary please click here >

Diving Itineraries to Burma and the Andaman Islands

Those looking for a longer adventure, which not only takes in the best of the Similan Islands, but heads further north to less travelled waters can look at the 9 and 10 night itineraries offered by Mermaid I, departing from Phuket.

Dives such as North East Little Torres, Black Rock and Fan Forrest Pinnacles offer everything for the macro lover and for those looking for the larger species.  Frequent sightings of numerous reef and pelagic shark species as well as sea horses and ghost pipe fish provide something for everyone.  Trip commences from Phuket.

To view a sample itinerary please click here >

Climate

Phuket and Krabi do have a high and low season (monsoon season May to October) but do not be put off by guidebooks that may advise you against travelling to Thailand between May - October. Low season is often a great time to be in Thailand, the temperatures are more manageable, there are fewer visitors, prices are less expensive and June - August usually offers great visibility for diving. It rains, but not consistently and often just at night so you can make the most of the sunshine during the day.

Most of the year the temperature is between 28 - 34 F & humidity is 80%.

Water temperature is stable around 27 - 30°C.

In Water Protection

Generally, a 3mm wetsuit is suitable throughout the year. Some divers only wear a thermal skin. However, this would leave you exposed to any thermoclines and may not be suitable for repetitive dives on liveaboards.  Please ensure you take a hooded vest or extra layer and ew recommend a long suit for the extra protection it affords.

Flight Information

Prices are based on flights with Thai International, flying via Bangkok.  Flights are also available with other airlines, including Singapore Airlines.

Flight time: Approx. 16 hours, with a change in either Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur depending on the airline you are travelling with.  Daily flights are available and stopovers in Singapore and Bangkok can also be easily added to your holiday package.

Departure tax:  N/A at present

Passports

Passengers travelling to Thailand must have six months valid on their passport from the date of return to the UK.

Visas

British citizens do not require a visa for tourism stays of less than 30 days. For longer stays, please check the FCO website.  Other nationalities should consult their consular office.

Vaccinations

Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure by consulting your local GP or travel clinic.  Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider.  There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Thailand, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice about malaria, and different prophylaxis available.

There are no offers at this time.