Khao Lak Weather - November

It has been GREAT weather around Khao Lak and the Similan Islands.

The skies are clear and the water just gorgeous. Here is this afternoon from the view point.

Looking the other direction I could see the Similan Islands (but the picture looked really lame).

Reports from the liveaboard say - great conditions on the islands.

The afternoon thunderstorm is on the way (can hear the rumbling). Means it will cool the day off (31/90 right now - cool down to 29/87) for evening. Just perfect!

our Similan Liveaboard gets back in a few hours. The next trip is sold out, but there are still 2 spaces left on the November 14th departure. Get them spaces while you can!!!!




-Similan Diving

Khao Lak Weather - July

Just Thought I'd do a quick update on the weather! It's been raining over the past weeks...but now Khao Lak is a real delight! warm and clear skies today. Cool nights with the ocean breezes


A few more days like this and we get antsy to go diving again!


Sadly - the forecast is for clouds and rain in the next few days. That's okay - there is a reason it's called "rain forest". Also means all the waterfalls are full and the beaches empty.



-Similan Diving

Similan Islands - Best Time to visit?

At Wicked Diving many people ask us :

"When is the best time to visit the Similan Islands?"

November through May

The weather makes diving and visiting the Similan Islands unsafe from Late May through Late October.

For this reason: The Similan Island National Park is closed from May 15th to November 1st of each year. It is illegal to visit the park at other times.

"Why is the best time to visit the Similan Islands November through May?"

The Similan Islands are deeply intertwined with the monsoon season. This weather pattern brings the monsoonal winds and storms from the South West (from the Indian Ocean). The monsoons start in May and last until Ocotber. This also means during Novemebr through May that the weather is not affected by these patterns and conditions are good - bordering on great!

From November through May the winds, generally, come from the North East and East. We are protected by the small mountains to the East and the Similan Islands are very nice. In Early November we still get a few puffs of weather or wind from ofshore, and there can be a day or two where it gets rough. But the days are generally 3o-32 outside (high 80's) and the evenings are perfect at 27 (high 70's). The gentle winds make it sucha nice time to visit.

It is also winter for everyone in Europe and America! No better way to vacation?

From January until April the weather gets calmer and calmer until the sea is like a mirror and the days getting hotter and hotter. By April we can get days of 36-37 (high 90's), but it always cools down at night. In fact the mountains provide air-conditioning! Yes, in the afternoons or evening the cooling action can cause sudden cloud bursts and we will get 5-10 minutes of rain that drops the temperature!

Due to the currents and plankton blooms, Febraury and March are the best times to dive the Similan Islands. The waters are calm, the visibility is great and we have lots of passing pelagics (Manta Rays!), while the reef fish are starting their mating!

Visiting the Similan Islands In July?

Sorry, bad idea!

As the Similan Islands are directly in the path of the monsoon weather pattern, it can be extremely dangerous to visit. Large waves, winds, sudden squalls and major storms roll in very fast. Several dive companies have lost their boats (not to mention untold fishing boats) when they have foolishly decided to go out.

Here in Khao Lak, on the mainland, it is wet. We get great waves for surfing and it is also a great time to enjoy to solitude of 40 kilometers of empty beaches. Great hotel bargains too!

-Similan Diving

Khao Lak Weather - November 2008

Another lovely day. We had clouds over the last week, but it is just perfect today. Waters are smooth and the wind is nothing. Filip, Tuk and Robyn are out on the Similans right now and it sounds like they are having a blast!

Ricky is teaching the Rescue course right now for the Divemaster Trainees and they are scared! Good - these guys are training to be professional divers, so we don't want anyone to be cocky! More pics later on.

Word to the wise - Erik, one of the DMT's slid his scooter in some sand the other day, got a road rash and now is out of the water for at least a week. Slow and careful...

Our next trip deaprts on November 4th! Tuk will be the boat master, Ricky will probably be on there and possibly Robyn as well. Look for the trip report tomorrow night!

khao lak weather - may 2008

Nothing too mazing, but it is still sunny most of the time now.

Downpours almost every evening - making for great sleeping!

Koh Bon Diving Day Trips
Khao Lak Diving

khao lak weather - may 2008

uggh

somedays you win...


some days you don't

Similan Diving

khao lak weather - may 2008

Today has been nice, but when I popped outside to take a picture it looked a bit gloomy. Not too bad.

It's still quite warm today.

The forecast is for cloud cover and occasional rains, but gentle winds and small waves. Still won't go out to the Similans...they are closed :(

Again, keep looking for all our updates and changes as we continue preparations for next season. Currently we are doing a whole series of FAQ's about our various services (Diving, liveaboards, snorkeling, Khao Lak). We are very firm in our belief that we should share our knowledge with you - our potential guests. Anything you need to know, and we already know, should be easy to find. Look for plenty more resources in information in the weeks ahead.

Please bear in mind we also have some great new options for you next year
Overnight snorkeling tours
3 Day Similan diving Liveaboard
Similan Divemaster course

and as always...

Similan Diving

khao lak weather - may 2008

A lovely morning so far! Nice Warm day.

Both yesterday and today it looks to be simple afternoon thunderstorms. The next week looks to be (relatively) calm seas, brief cloud bursts and mostly sunny!

So no plans to build an ark.

As we start closing down shop for the season (we have stopped diving, but we are still doing websites, book keeping and plenty of preparation)

Check here as you one stop resource for the Similan Islands

Similan Diving

khao lak weather - may 2008

now there is some blue skies. It's actually getting pretty hot today too. But we have had 2 major downpours as well. So there is sun, and there is rain. But hey...

it's green, the air is crystal clear and it smells lovely. Can see the Similans from the viewpoint, which is not that common (that's 50+km).

We will be sending everyone emails very shortly. We will, of course be giving you the chance to join our monthly newsletters. this will be a great chance to keep up to date on our specials, staff and doings. Especially if you are too busy to visit here each day. Also, newsletter only discounts and specials.

Did you know you can subscribe to this blog? At the very bottom (yup, all the way down) you can get the daily feeds.

khao lak weather - may 2008

Here comes the rain again.

Ahh, but, like I've said before - it's green! Like the wall of my house is starting to green.

Part of the Wicked Diving Team went to Bangkok this weekend for TDEX (Thai Diving Expo). It was not that impressive, but it was nice to see the big city. As was pointed out - were from some tiny fishing village in the South. That's okay with us!

If you haven't been following - really cool nudibranch pictures here
Damn, wish I had his job!

If you are curious to see the weather in person...why not join us for a Similan Diving Liveboard next season.Its much better weather when we reopen in October....

Please look here for more details on the boat

and here for the schedule and prices (what a bargain!)

and here for specifications of the boat.

If you, your family or your dive club would like to charter the boat, please look here.


Of course this also presents one of the best opportunities to do your divemaster course! Under the supervision of Instructor Trainer Marcel, and doing at least two liveaboard trips during your course, you'll get more than just an education - you just might get a career!

khao lak weather - may 2008

Another lovely 8 AM sunrise...oh wait...

news forecast....

PHANGNA, May 14 (TNA) - Mountain torrents hit the southern province of Phangnga on Tuesday night, while authorities in Surat Thani and Phuket warned fishermen to stay ashore due to high waves.

The torrents from two districts of Phangnga and Surat Thani’s Khao Sok National Park hit the Takua Pa municipality in Phangnga after relentless torrential rain. Water depth in some areas reached above one metre as several roads were cut off. The flooding has affected more than 1,200 households.

Local authorities distributed relief supplies and warned villagers of possible floods and mudslides in eight districts including 47 at-risk areas.

In Surat Thani, governor Winai Buapradit issued warnings to fishermen and speed boat owners not to head out to sea, especially small fishing boats, because of high waves above 2 metres.

Ferry boats were still being allowed to leave shore. In Phuket, the authorities also put up red flags to mark dangerous areas and prohibit tourists from swimming in the sea. Life guard teams were monitoring beaches.

The tourism business on Patong beach had been affected, according to one reporter. In addition, the director of the local meteorological centre warned villagers in Chumphon and Surat Thani to brace for possible torrential rain and mountain torrents as the south-west monsoon covered the southern region, Gulf of Thailand and Andaman sea. (TNA)

ughh....

If you do like to get wet... you might want to consider our new Similan Diving Liveboard for next season. With all the features that make these trips intimate and service unparalleled you will find these trips to be memories of a life time.

Please look here for more details on the boat

and here for the schedule and prices (what a bargain!)

and here for specifications of the boat.

If you, your family or your dive club would like to charter the boat, please look here.


Of course this also presents one of the best opportunities to do your divemaster course! Under the supervision of Instructor Trainer Marcel, and doing at least two liveaboard trips during your course, you'll get more than just an education - you just might get a career!

Khao Lak Weather - May 2008

Well it's here. Still

Today from the Bangkok Post...

"The Meteorology Department warned of more torrential rain in provinces nationwide over the next four days _ especially Chiang Mai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Nan, Nakhon Sawan, Prachin Buri, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, Trang and Satun.

The rain in the North and Central Plains was brought by a trough of low pressure cells, while southern provinces are facing the southwestern monsoon over the Andaman Sea, the weather office said.

A small boat warning is in effect until Thursday"

As the Similan National Park is closed on May 15tt - the season is over.

BUT for next season you might want to consider our new Similan Diving Liveboard for next season. With all the features that make these trips intimate and service unparalleled you will find these trips to be memories of a life time.

Please look here for more details on the boat

and here for the schedule and prices (what a bargain!)

and here for specifications of the boat.

If you, your family or your dive club would like to charter the boat, please look here.


Of course this also presents one of the best opportunities to do your divemaster course! Under the supervision of Instructor Trainer Marcel, and doing at least two liveaboard trips during your course, you'll get more than just an education - you just might get a career!

Khao Lak Weather - May 2008

Well, there it is.

At least it's warm today. Well it's always warm...right?

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Similan Liveaboard

Divemaster Program

Khao lak weather - May 2008

Yup - big smiles all around. Or not. Well at least it's green!

But the seas are pretty flat and things look nice out that way. One last trip of the season scheduled - 11th heading out to tour the sites and see how things are.

We will be visiting TDEX - the Thai diving expo on the 15th. Nothing too exciting, but always good to see people, do things and generally be OUT of the office during these "green" months.

After a lot of research we have finally found some cleaning products to use in the office and on our boat next year. Problem now is getting enough to supply us! Funny but we could find a product that was made locally and was 90% organic - ummm.....Nice try. That means 10% what?
Anyhow looks like some progress has been made in breaking down the Burmese visa problems. They've let a few flights in now, but still not approving the visa of MANY aid workers. Still think they are bastards.

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Khao lak weather - May 2008

More weather ... It's here.

We are quite excited about the new projects for the year ahead. Please keep stopping back in here to see the progress.

We are happy to be following the relaunch of Similan Island Guide. This resource will be great for dive sites, information and pictures. Please feel free to post your own pictures as well! You will see us using a lot of information from this site as a resource in all our future endeavors. Great resource

You will also notice the ads over there on the right hand side. We'll be playing with those so they aren't too obnoxious, but they help us generate a little bit of income to cover the expenses of the website.

Similan Diving

Divemaster Training

Khao Lak Weather - May 7, 2008

Well there is no rain today (yet) but no sun either. That's okay - it's still 33 and that's just perfect. The streets are empty and service in the restaurants is great - ready to serve!

There is still one liveaboard planning on going out next week, and that should be pretty interesting, if the weather clears up?!

Speaking of weather, one of our friends who worked on the Summer Camp project has been asked to head relief efforts in a part of Burma (myanmar). That could be very exciting!

Keep an eye out for all our exciting developments here.

Currently of interest:
Our new Divemaster Internship program
Charter Our new boat for the holidays!
...more to come


Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Keep

Khao Lak Weather - May 6, 2008

well it looks to be a bit of a bummer as the weather has turned and looks to stay that way. Well It certainly is "green" season as the cynical marketers in Phuekt like to call it. Most of us prefer the term "rainy" so there is no confusion.

Weather warning from government....

"The Meteorological Department Tuesday warned residents of Surat Thani, Ranong and Phang Nga to brace themselves from possible flash floods.

The department said several days of rainfalls in the provinces could lead to flash floods.

It said the strong southwest monsoon over the Andaman and Gulf of Thailand has weakened but mountainous forests in the three provinces might have accumulated much rainwater ready to unleash flash floods soon."

This is just a warning ant not really anything to be worried about. It is a jungle and it gets lots of rain. Only where the hills have been stripped of vegetation is it a problem (not here in Khao Lak)

AS for us, we are busy preparing for a busy summer and season ahead. Look for our new projects

Divemaster Training

Similan Boat Charter

and more




Similan Islands

Similan Diving

Khao lak - april 2008

Ah ... the gentle clouds roll in....

It's a sad day as we are finished for the season!

Tuk, our favorite new staff member (they are all great, but he's especially great!) is heading off to Koh Tao to work and do his SSI Instructor crossover.

Which is funny because he's doing it with Marcel! How about that! Next year we will be offering Instructor training as part of our extensive list of courses!

So we will be offering a Great Divemaster program, a well run "green" liveaboard, and of course the incredible service you have come to expect.

More to come as well!

Khao Lak Diving

Khao Lak Weather - april 2008

Nice days to day, but predictions are for a storm in the next 48 hours.

that's okay, we are deep inside - preparing. Polishing all the dive gear, servicing the equipment and painting.

Next season look forward to our new classroom. Chill room. This is the more casual classroom meant for studying, relaxing and "chilling" with a TV and movies.

We will also be redoing the office and rinsing up area.

Much much more on our Divemaster programs, liveaboard charters and exciting dive paclages in the next weeks as well. Stay tuned.

Khao Lak Diving

Khao Lak Weather - april 2008

Ah...the weather....

Well it's here! We had a few lovely days of blue skies and flat seas, but twice in one week we have had big storms roll through.

This officially marks the end of the season. It is no longer safe (or fun) run our speedboat and longtail trips. While a few liveaboards are running - The Similan National Park closes on May 15th - we expect more weather like this over the next month.

Of course we will be back open and ready to offer the very best in Similan diving in October.

Please send you queries for charters, liveaboards, day trips and diving education for the upcoming season.

Khao Lak Diving