Similan Dive Sites - overview

The Similan Islands are often mentioned as some of the best in the world. In 1992 they were actually listed as one of the top ten sites in the world. Now, we live here and love the area and the sites are really good, even after several years of diving them, but there are other places that are better. That's true.

BUT
We don't believe that there are many quite so convenient (Phuket Airport is less than one hour South of Khao Lak), with such good hospitality (Thailand) or in such a nice location (Khao Lak is gorgeous). The quality of life while staying here is incredible. Great food, jungle trekking, 50 Km of beaches, warm tropical waters and resorts annually winning Best in Asia, or Best in World awards.

The islands themselves....

The name Similan was derived from the Malaysian word for number nine, “Sembilan” as this little archipelago is made up of nine islands. Although the islands have local names, they are usually referred to by their respective numbers from south to north.

The Similans were designated as the 43rd national park of Thailand in 1982, covering an area of 128 km2, including Koh Bon and the two rocky outcrops of Shark Fin Reef and Hin Pusa. In 1998, another 12 km2 of Koh Tachai was added to the park, expanding the total area to 140 km2, of which only 15 km2 is land. The islands are uninhabited with the exception of Island 4 and 8, where the national park offices are located.

The nine islands offer a myriad of experiences, activities and breathtaking views to all visitors whether their striking white beaches or scattered magnificent boulders. However, the most outstanding scenes are found under the waves including spectacular coral growth and diverse marine life, making the islands the ideal playground for all divers.
More than 3000 different types of fish and over 500 unique corals have been identified and catalogued to date. According to experts on this region, there still exists a great quantity of undiscovered marine life – a challenge for all underwater photographers to become the first to document and perhaps even name a new species.

Basic Info

The Similan National Park is located 49 km west of the Phang-Nga coast. The Similans lie on the eastern side of the Andaman Sea in the Indian Ocean. The closest Port Is Taplamu, and the closest point of land is Thai Muang National Park. (Both are just a few minutes south of Khao Lak)

The topography of the Similans greatly differs between the eastern and western sides of the islands. The Monsoons come in from the west and bring high waves and debris. The Eastern sides of the Similans are protected from these - so the corals and sandy beaches.

The Eastern side of the Similans bring in huge rounds of applause and give us the big double whammy of great reefs as well as the huge scenery of the Western sides. Here you'll find the protected coves and beaches with plenty of coral. Our fields of soft corals, and an abundance of hard coral fields that slope down from the beach to 35 to 40 meters underwater. Add all the reef fish make this scenery just about perfect. Then just for kicks sprinkle in a few pelagics coming in to hunt and you have some world-class diving!

Some of the sites here that are worth mentioning - East of Eden, Breakfast Bend, Beacon Reef (North and South) and Anita's Reef are accessible to all level of divers. We usually combine one of the deeper morning dives with one of the reef dives.


With The Western side famed for it's large stacked granite boulders creating dramatic elevated formations, tunnels, swim-throughs, archways and very impressive granite seascapes. Not to mention huge fish! you will find these to be the more challenging diving in addition to the deeper dives. But here you're more likely to find our Napolean Wrasse, Bumphead Parrotfish, Grey Reef Sharks, Manta Rays and other pelagics. The most famous sites - Deep Six, Elephant Head Rock, Stonehenge, Fantasy Reef, Christmas Point are all perennial favorites and feature some of the amazing dives that make this area famous.
These can be challenging if there is current or if the visibility is poor. We prefer to take more experienced divers here. Due to depth and challenges, these sites will be done in the morning.

Clear water, mild temperatures and abundant plankton enable the development of vast, healthy coral reef formations in the Similans. Seasonal monsoons keep the regional waters circulating and assure the healthy and vibrant corals that have made this region famous.

Climate and Seas
The southwest monsoon from the Indian Ocean has a greater effect on the Andaman Sea than the northeast monsoon. From May to October, the southwest monsoon brings rain and high waves, with the heaviest rains occurring in September. The northeast monsoon takes place from November to April. At this time, the Andaman Sea is the calmest because the monsoon is blocked by the mainland. This is also known as the travelling season. The average temperature is 27°c year round, with 83% relative humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms are the norm in Khao Lak - often referred to as Nature's Air-Conditioning.

The Similan National Park office operates from November 15th to May 15th annually. Sometimes wind and waves can be strong and high at the beginning and the end of travelling season. Please check weather and sea forecasts before arrival.

With more than 40 named dive sites to choose from and a huge variety of dive styles - the Similans are bound to please.


Just like the Similans, nearby dives to really consider are Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and for something completely different - check out our local wrecks (Bon Soong and Premchai) as well as the newly discovered reef off Thai Muang.

Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have. If you didn't figure it out, we are fish nerds and love the area - and showing off the area even more!