Surin Islands - Moken Village

As part of the commitment Wicked Diving has made to being ethically operated, we have long had a very tenuous relationship with the Surin Islands - and in particular the way the Moken residents are treated. But that is all changing!  Our new Surin Islands Snorkeling Tour:

The Surin Islands are one of the tradtional homes of the Sea Gypsies (Moken). They have lived nomadically in the Indian Ocean for thousands of years and only with the invention of modern borders has their lifestyle been forced into a more permanent location. As people without land or country, they have ended up at the bottom rung of Thai culture - often without even the most basic of rights. With a vast history in the area and traditional knowledge that helped them survive through the millennia - they are naturally the people visitors would turn to. However, circumstance and prejudice has placed them more in the role of tourist object. In the tourist industry these are called "monkey shows" where the tourists watch and take photos of "culturally significant" persons - like the Masai in Kenya, The Kayan women in Burma (the long necked women) and many others.  Wicked Diving stopped offering or being involved in these tours two years ago for moral reasons. We felt that the Moken were being purely exploited, with no benefit from the the tourism to their village. They were the objectified and exploited. As this was (and still is) part of every daytrip - we stopped working with those companies and stopped offering day tours...
In cooperation with the Moken villagers, KGV travel and Wicked Diving we are very, very proud to announce a new pilot program that empowers and supports the local community on the Surin Islands.
The goal of this project is to allow visitors to interact with and learn from the Moken people without exploiting or disturbing their way of life.
This is done in two parts - one is a walking tour of the surrounding forest where a guide from the village shows us the local botany and wildlife and how it is used in their daily life. This walk ends in the village where we are given the opportunity to experience the ebb and flow of village life. This may take the form of a visit to the community center, helping one of the women weave baskets or even brief lesson in how to paddle the traditional Moken canoes. 
For the second part of this project we board a Moken Longtail and go for a snorkeling tour of the nearby bays. This journey takes us to bays and sites not on typical tours and your Moken guides will share insights about the marine life and cycles of the sea.
Through the fees for the guide and the hire of the long tail we are putting money directly into the community. In addition an additional 10% fee is given it a community fund to be spent by the village. As there is very little opportunity for income in this remote place and many of the young men and women head to the mainland to work as laborers, this program offers an opportunity to supply a livelihood as well as bring attention and support to their traditional lifestyle in a way that preserves their heritage. Due to the location of the village and tidal changes - the walking tour may happen in the morning or afternoon.

It is our sincere goal to participate in this program in a manner that does not exploit or negatively affect the culture of the Moken people. We recognize that all tourism has an impact on the communities and people that we visit. In the past the Moken people have been exploited and shown to visitors as objects and oddities and this runs counter to the philosophy of Wicked Diving. The Moken community recognizes that some of their ways are changing and more worrying, many of the young men and women and leaving to work as poorly paid laborers on the mainland and losing their identity.

Together, we hope that this pilot project will help the residents earn a viable wage in their own community, while helping preserve more of their traditional knowledge. In addition we hope to act as role models to other tour operators in the region about ethical tourism as well as appropriate contact with local communities.

Our guests will participate and interact with the guides and community. For this reason we ask that all guest understand and respect the communities aversion to invasive behavior - as they have been exploited in the past (and still are). Our guests (and staff) are to ask for permission to take photographs, to only enter buildings upon invitation and if giving gifts -t have this directly through the guides. Donations of pencils, school books in English or Thai at basic levels and old eye-glasses are greatly appreciated - candy, plastic items and the like are NOT. During our visit we may see the exploitive tours that visit the village - please take this as an opportunity to see how damaging this is from the residents eyes. 
After this season ends, it is the hope of the Moken villagers expand this program and offer these tours to other tour operators in an ethical fashion. 
We are very proud to offer these tours beginning immediately.

As additional cost are incurred in this program, we will be charging a slightly higher rate. We feel that our guests appreciate and respect our choice in this and will join us in celebrating the opportunity to visit a unique culture. All guests currently booked will be offered the opportunity to upgrade their tours to include this new tour. We feel that this tour is too good an opportunity to be passed up and gives a great deal back to the local community, so we will only offer tours that include this in the future. 
When you join wicked Diving - you make a difference.

Ethical Dive Center

To lear more about the Surin Islands

Surin Islands Snorkeling - Responsible Snorkeling

The Surin Islands have great snorkeling and marine life. To preserve this marine life and enjoy your time on the water even more - here are some tips for responsible snorkeling practices:
• Practice at first over sand patches and away from the coral:
• Get comfortable with buoyancy control and finning techniques.
• Be mindful of where your fins are to avoid accidentally hitting the reef or stirring up sand.
• Snorkel carefully near the Reef:
• Move slowly and deliberately in the water, relax and take your time – to remain horizontal in the water, and refrain from standing up.
Surin Islands Snorkeling
• Do not snorkel into areas where the water is less than one meter deep.
• Do not touch the walls of semi-confined areas (for example, small swim-throughs and overhangs), never squeeze through a small area.
• Use rest stations or other flotation aids (for example, float lines, swimming noodles, and flotation vests) if you need to rest while snorkeling.
• Do not lean on, hold onto, or touch any part of the reef or moving animals when taking underwater photographs.
• Be mindful of all marine life:
• Avoid making sudden or loud noises underwater.
• Avoid chasing or attempting to ride or grab free-swimming animals (such as turtles, whales, and sea snakes). Avoid blocking their path or making them change direction.
• Do not touching or relocating any animals or plants.
• Stay more than one meter away from giant clams.
• Do not feed the fish.
• Do not collect any shells or ‘souvenirs’.


-Similan Diving

Surin Islands Snorkeling - pictures...

Wicked Diving offers specially guided overnight tours to the Surin Islands. Many of our guests request the Similan Islands for snorkeling, but we always recommend the Surin Islands...why?













The Surin Islands are less crowded, there are more beaches and the islands are more remote.








The shallow reefs are in better condition and offer more life than the Similan Islands. This is partly due to the remote location, the fewer visitors but also due in large part to the geology. The reefs tend to slope more gently and are more shallow. Located on a shallow plain that is also in the runoff from a large river - the waters here are more plankton rich. This feeds the Coral, but also makes the water a bit murkier than on the Similans.






They have a great recycling program!






Much of the information below is from the Surin Islands Website

As the only places you area allowed to eat and stay on the Surin Islands is Koh Surin Nua , much of the snorkeling takes place near these areas. You may go on self-guided snorkeling if you are staying overnight at either of the camp sites. Then you are free to go along the beaches and shoreline as you wish.

If you go on a guided tour, you will be taken to 2 or three snorkeling sites with lunch taking place on Koh Surin Nua. These areas are also great for the beginner, or timid snorkeler. We also find this to be the best place for small children.

If you go by diving daytrip, most likely you will have a guide with you to help point out interesting fish or corals. You will also be at places that might not have a beach, so consider that when with children or inexperienced snorkelers!

The Surin Islands are also home to the Moken people. Also referred to as Sea Gypsies - They have lead a nomadic life for thousands of years. these days strict international borders make things more difficult. Here is a traditional Moken Boat cruising by one of the beaches




-Similan Islands Diving

Surin Islands Snorkeling - trip report

Surin islands, 20th - 22nd December.

16 guests - 2 families from Sweden; 1 family from scotland, 2 Italians and a Canadian. (Sounds like the start of a bad joke!)

Staff - Karina and Laura. With the ever helpful staff from Greenview, Abdung and Faris.

Our Surin Islands Overnight Snorkeling tours are not only a great chance to explore a remote part of Thailand - but also a great time away for you, your friends or family.

A quick and fun speed boat over to the surin islands from kuri buri pier gets us into the beautiful, clear waters of the surin islands in time for some snorkeling, relaxing with refreshments on the boat and on the beach for lunch. The thai food was loved by all and the only complaint they had was that it was TOO much food!

Highlights of the trip.... Octopus, school of squid, lion fish and honeycomb moray eel. All enjoyed the beautiful. clear waters ( a far cry from Sweden, as told by Jonas!) and the pristine coral.

The Mokken people (Sea Gypsies) were kind enough to show us where they lived and we enjoyed seeing a different culture and traditional way of life.

The staff from the Surin National park treated us to a fire show on the first night on the beach. As we had our own longtail, we were lucky enough to enjoy some of the remote beaches on the islands. Relaxing time on Grating Beach, with the oldest and biggest Grating Tree in Thailand; Harry (12, from Scotland) enjoyed playing with crabs and chasing his sisters and the Swedish girls! The ever adventurous Harry was building rafts and exploring the island Robinson Crusoe style! ;) Games were played on the second night with the children getting a chance to kill off their parents in a great game of werewolf. Which Anna will be bringing back to Sweden and teaching her friends and family!

Snorkel sites visited. Ao Tao, Pakard Bay, Mangon Island, Sai Poh, Choncad Bay and many more...

Surin Island Snorkeling Tours

Camping and snorkeling tours of the Surin Island


The Surin Islands are famous for their crystalline beauty and infrequent visitors. The corals and snorkeling is among the very best in Thailand, and yet few people visit. If you are staying in Khao Lak, take this opportunity to celebrate the luscious reefs of the Surin Islands


We travel by both minibus and speedboat to get you the Surin Islands quick so you have more time to enjoy and snorkel. No slow boats here. The spectacular underwater show is not to be missed. With amazing diversity of corals, fish and more – you’ll be ready for more and more and more. Bring the whole family! With our attention to safety and concern for eveyone’s well-being you can rest assured that when you’re with Wicked – you’re in good hands.




Surin Snorkelling trip
3 Days 2 Nights
Day 1
7am Pick up from Hotel transfer by minibus to Kuri Buri
9am Arrive in Kuri Buri time for tea or coffee
9am (ish) Transfer to Surin islands by speedboat
12noon Arrive in Surin islands get dropped off at main campsite. Lunch?
1pm Transfer to 2nd beach by long tail settle guests into their tents.
2pm Relaxing on the island walk nature trail.
6pm Dinner at restaurant

Day 2
7am Breakfast at restaurant
8am Charter long tail to NE side of island
1pm Lunch at restaurant
2pm Charter long tail to explore other parts of Surin
6pm Dinner at restaurant

Day 3

7am Breakfast at restaurant
8am Charter long tail OR relax on the island walk the nature trail
1pm Lunch at restaurant
2pm transfer back to main campsite by longtail
3pm Pick up by speedboat transfer back to mainland
5pm Arrive in Kuri Buri transfer back to Khao Lak by minibus
6.30 Arrive in Khao Lak transfer to hotel

The cost for these guided tours is only 9,900 Baht per person based on double occupancy.

Remember that we also offer overnight camping and snorkeling tours of the Similan Islands!

Surin Island Snorkeling Tours

Camping and snorkeling tours of the Surin Island

The Surin Islands are famous for their crystalline beauty and infrequent visitors. The corals and snorkeling is among the very best in Thailand, and yet few people visit. If you are staying in Khao Lak, take this opportunity to celebrate the luscious reefs of the Surin Islands

We travel by both minibus and speedboat to get you the Surin Islands quick so you have more time to enjoy and snorkel. No slow boats here. The spectacular underwater show is not to be missed. With amazing diversity of corals, fish and more – you’ll be ready for more and more and more. Bring the whole family! With our attention to safety and concern for eveyone’s well-being you can rest assured that when you’re with Wicked – you’re in good hands.

Surin Snorkelling trip
3 Days 2 Nights
Day 1
7am Pick up from Hotel transfer by minibus to Kuri Buri
9am Arrive in Kuri Buri time for tea or coffee
9am (ish) Transfer to Surin islands by speedboat
12noon Arrive in Surin islands get dropped off at main campsite. Lunch?
1pm Transfer to 2nd beach by long tail settle guests into their tents.
2pm Relaxing on the island walk nature trail.
6pm Dinner at restaurant

Day 2
7am Breakfast at restaurant
8am Charter long tail to NE side of island
1pm Lunch at restaurant
2pm Charter long tail to explore other parts of Surin
6pm Dinner at restaurant

Day 3

7am Breakfast at restaurant
8am Charter long tail OR relax on the island walk the nature trail
1pm Lunch at restaurant
2pm transfer back to main campsite by longtail
3pm Pick up by speedboat transfer back to mainland
5pm Arrive in Kuri Buri transfer back to Khao Lak by minibus
6.30 Arrive in Khao Lak transfer to hotel

The cost for these guided tours is only 9,900 Baht per person based on double occupancy.

Remember that we also offer overnight camping and snorkeling tours of the Similan Islands!

Surin Islands Information

Wicked Diving is always happy to inform....More information here about the Surin Islands. We do some diving there (but the conditions are usually not as exciting as the Similans) but the best Snorkeling in Thailand is here! We offer Surin Islands snorkel tours for the more intrepid traveler.

Surin Islands

These consist of Ko Surin Nua and Ko Surin Tai which have more than 10 bays.

Mar Khai (Mae Yai Bay) is renowned for its serenity.

Ao Luk (Deep Bay) is famous for its deep dark green waters with beautiful coral reef in the shallows.

The best time to go sightseeing in the Andaman Sea is from the beginning of November to around the end of April.

Mu Ko Surin is the meeting place of two ecosystems:

1. The Tropical Rain Forest on the islands themselves

2. And the largest and most abundant shallow water coral reef in Thailand.

Ko Surin Nuea (North Surin Island)

This island is surrounded by coral reefs in several bays, some more than 300 m. wide. The reef edge contains numerous corals before sloping to a depth of 20-30 m.; for example, Ao Chong Khat, Ao Mai Ngam, Ao Sai En, and Ao Chak.

The coral reefs here suffer little in the way of strong current or wave action and provide a suitable place to snorkel. The nature trail at Hat Mai Ngam links many diverse ecosystems ranging through Evergreen Forest, Beach Forest, and Mangrove Forest to an underwater forest, the large coral reef.

Ko Surin Tai (South Surin Island)

The coral reefs of the South Surin Island are only 100-200 m. wide, but they have more diversity than those of the North Surin Island. Some famous diving sites are Ao Phakkat, and Ko Torinla. Ao Tao is the best site to easily see sea turtles, and has the first underwater nature trail established in Thailand to learn about the marine ecosystem.

Ko Torinla (Ko Khai)

Famous as the most beautiful shallow coral reef in Thailand, it hosts a vast Staghorn Coral reef, the habitat of several marine animals ranging from match-stick length Goby up to 4-meter-wide Manta Rays.

Ao Chong Khat

This bay is located between the North and South Surin Islands, and its narrowest point is about 200 m wide.

It can be swam across during low tide. The water is shallow (1-3 m.), and it is a suitable place for playing, and learning to snorkel. The shallow water coral reef here has scattered 1-meter-high massive corals and also some massive corals.

Marine animals found include Sea anemones, Anemonefish, Giant Clams, Pipefish and Parrotfish.

However, one should be careful when the tide is rising or falling, and also beware of long-tailed boats since this is the route to other bays around the islands.

Ao Mai Ngam

A safe snorkeling and diving site and the nearest. Can be reached by walking along the 2 km. Nature trail starting at the Substation.

The coral reef ranges from 200-800 m. offshore.

In the shallower areas, there are many corals, particularly Foliose, found scattered in large beautiful groups.

Deeper, there are massive corals mixed with Staghorn Corals to a depth of 12 – 15 m. Massive corals are habitats of many strange colored fish like Parrotfish, Wrasse, Butterflyfish, and Anemone fish. You should snorkel during the high tide period to prevent damage to the shallow corals.

Ao Mae Yai

In the past, it was home to one of the largest Staghorn Coral reefs of Thailand. Today, the area is a rehabilitation site with no permission to dive other than in the cape area at the southern tip of the bay site 20 m. below the surface

Ao Chak

A rather remote site due to its distance from the Ranger station (45 min. by longtail boat), and one of the best snorkeling and diving sites of the islands. The coral reef lies at 200-400 m. from the shore, where Staghorn Corals and several other species can be found. The reef gradually drops to a depth of 12-15 m. where a few soft corals and sea fans are found.

Ao Tao

A highlight of the area - Hawksbill Turtles are often found here, as well as Green Turtles and several species of fish such as Butterflyfish and Puffer. The reef here is 100-200 m. wide before sloping to a depth of 20 m. In shallow areas are again found various corals including Staghorn Corals. There is also an "underwater nature trail" set out here, a pilot project set out by the Marine Sciences Department at one of Thailand's universities. The idea was to follow the trail and see the various marine life and be able to follow along on either an underwater map or a descriptive video before and after.

It's just that most of the markers are gone. It's a bad idea to just let people wander around by themselves, a guide is there to assist in both pointing out marine species, but to also prtoect them from bad buoyancy.

Ao Phakkat

The area has a rich diversity of corals. Angelfish are often found here and there are no less than 7 species at this site. In deeper areas are found many small soft corals and sea fans. The coral reef is about 300 m. long and 100 m. wide, before sloping to a depth of about 18 m. A popular snorkeling and diving site.

Ko Torinla (Ko Khai)

In summer, this area is not only the best snorkeling and diving site of Mu Ko Surin but also the best in Thailand. It is located about 1 km. From South Surin Island.

The coral reef is found on the northern side of the island and is about 500 m. long and 100 m. wide before sloping to a depth of 15-20 m. In the shallower areas, one of the largest and densest areas of branching corals are found.

The submerged rocks between Ko Torinla and Ko Surin is an interesting scuba diving site. There are several species of soft corals and sea fans, no less than 242 species of coral reef fish, as well as larger species like Manta Rays (occasionally)

Similan Diving

Surin Islands Snorkeling

More on our various snorkeling offerings....check back for more!

Surin Islands Snorkeling

One Day Surin Islands Snorkel Tours

Adults - 3500 Baht (all inclusive)

Children -

Pricing upon Request

Book Now

The Surin Islands are famous for their crystalline beauty and infrequent visitors. The corals and snorkeling is the very best in Thailand, and yet few people visit. If you are staying in Khao Lak, take this opportunity to celebrate the luscious reefs of the Surin Islands

We travel by both minibus and speedboat to get you the Surin Islands quick so you have more time to enjoy and snorkel. No slow boats here. The spectacular underwater show of is not to be missed. With amazing diversity of corals, fish and more – you’ll be ready for more and more and more. Bring the whole family! With our attention to safety and concern for eveyones well-being you rest assured that when you’re with Wicked – you’re in good hands.

Adults - 3500 Baht (all inclusive)

Book Now

All Wicked Snorkel guides are passionate about the aquatic realm and it shows! We do far more than just swim around – rather we point out special species, unique coral systems and even some of the rare animals that live on the islands – like the Hairy-legged crabs. Wicked snorkel trips are very family friendly and can be conducted in English, Swedish, German and Thai. We are famous for our thorough

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Surin Snorkeling Itinerary

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Your guides will be at your resort in the morning, let you know about the specific destinations to be expected and some information about safety and guidelines for safe snorkeling. Soon you’ll be on the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Similan Islands. After a Buffet lunch of Thai delicacies we head off to one of the viewpoints for a scenic overview, then more snorkeling (or sunbathing if you prefer). Back to your resort with plenty of time for a sunset drink overlooking the Andaman Sea.

Please look at our Safe snorkeling guidelines page, or the Similan Snorkeling FAQ if you have further questions

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Surin Islands Marine life

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So what do we see on our trips? We can never guarantee what we will see but we very often see Turtle, Rays, Moray Eels, Octopus. While Manta Rays do visit the Surin Islands they rarely come into the shallows! Turtles – Green and Hawksbill are seen pretty frequently. Enjoy the Snappers, Trevally, Jacks, Sweetlips, Angelfish, Bannerfish, Barracuda, and hundreds of species more. Not to mention the dozens of hard coral species, soft corals, sponges and more.

The trip price includes:

Marine Park Fee
Equipment
Guide - no more than 6 guests per guide!
Lunch – there’s always plenty so bring your appetite!
Water, tea, coffee, electrolytes, juice
Transfers from hotel/guest house (in the Khao Lak Area) to and from the pier

Additional fees:
Soda and Beer (25-80 bht ea)
Private Guide (1250 bht/day)

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You could also learn to dive

If you enjoy snorkeling, why not take this opportunity to learning SCUBA diving? Our instructors are not only thorough and understanding, but also very patient and always wiling to go that extra step. We love our underwater world and we want to share it with you! You can do one day introductory dives, or be certified in only 4 days!

If the Surin are interesting ...

Khao Lak Snorkeling

Similan Snorkeling

Similan Overnight Tours

Khao Lak and Surin Islands Map

Trying to add some substance to all this talking! Here is a nice map showing Khao Lak in relation to the Surin Islands. As the Crow flies, it's about 80 Km, but currently we aren't leaving directly.

With the best snorkeling and jungle around, this is always a staff favorite. Really scenic. The k is good, but not as exciting as the Similans. So we usually only go there for snorkeling and camping

You will also see that Koh Tachai and Koh Bon are very convenient From Khao Lak. Richelieu Rock is little bit far, so we often depart from Kuraburi and that's a straight shot out and back.



Just above the Surin Islands is the border with Myanmar/Burma. It's always strange to realize how close we are.



It always sounded so exotic and far away - Burma. Yet it's just a couple of hours away...


Here are a couple of scenery pictures to tide you over until next season. I know I can't wait.



The first picture is the channel between the two largest islands. You can see the water is clear and it is even better than that, Average temperature of 27c (about 150 Farenheit - like bathwater!)


Here is a longtail parked outside the national park headquarters.

Hmm...not many other National Park offices look like that.



Khao Lak Diving

Similan Liveaboards

Dive Safely

Surin Islands

Ah the lovely Surin Islands


Does it get much more scenic? This is one of our favorite places to relax and enjoy life. This is where we go on our vacations.


You can see why


The diving isn't as good as on the Similan Islands, but the snorkeling makes up for it. Really nice coral in really good conditions throughout the Islands. We also find some really special species that we don't see other places (Barramundi for example).

This is also the best place to spend the night. Not stuffed with luxury or anything like extraordinary, it's just great location. Tents just off the beaches, with such gorgeous scenery surrounding the area.

The tents and bungalows are simple, if not barren and really are jsut places to put stuff. This is all about nature. And boy does it deliver.

There are also miles of trails through primary rain forest with some truly amazing animals - including the local monkeys and the Nicobar Pigeon. This is one of those truly amazing places that makes Thailand so special to us.



This is also a great place to do apnea/free diving as the reef slopes steeply away, not quite walls, but making for great swims. Face to face with Moray Eels, and Turtles.

The beaches are numerous and accessible via the trails or longtails.





Khao Lak Diving
Similan Liveaboards
Dive Safely

Surin Dive Sites

Some 100 km north west of Khao Lak Beach (and 50 km off the west coast of Kuraburi) lie the Surin Islands consisting of five jungle cropped granite islands and their fringing coral reefs. Offering excellent snorkeling and great diving.

They are world-famous for their gorgeous, diverse and prolific shallow-water corals, and usually one of the highlights of anyone's visit to Thailand. This is an island paradise with numerous beautiful coves and bays, and dense jungle. The coral colonies surrounding the islands are the most well developed in Thailand, and are also considered some of the most beautiful.

As the Surins form a protective shape from the annual monsoon storms from the West, the entire Eastern side of the islands are covered in verdant hard corals. The corals start at the lowtide mark (be careful!) and descend on gentle slopes until meeting the sandy bottom anywhere between 10 and 20 Meters down. Because of this extensive coral density, the Snorkeling is incredible.

The Surin Islands have a couple of great dive sites, but because of the location they are often overlooked by liveaboards and dive operators in the region. A real shame. These are some of the best night dives in the world, and knowledgeable Divemasters have some secret sites that really just blow people away. Nearby Richelieu Rock will often have multiple boats at the same time, while Torinla and Koh Chi will not see a dive boat for days!

The Islands are quite different geologically from the surrounding sites of the Similans. with much more gently sloping reefs and the islands themselves are more spread out and lush.

By far the two largest islands are Ko Surin Nua (north island) and Ko Surin Tai (south island) and at one point these two islands lie just across a small bay from each other. Ko Chi, Ko Pachumba and Ko Torinla are the other islands. There is also the small rock outpost of Hin Rap ( 2km north of Surin Nua) and a series of granite boulders projecting above the surface at Hin Kong ( 2km east of the southern half of Surin Tai).

The park showcases some 200 coral species, with a basic ecosystem framework of fire corals, brain corals, mushroom corals, staghorn corals, and multi-coloured soft corals and ruby-red gorgonian sea fans. The coral and environs provide habitat to over 800 species of fish such as puffer fish, lion fish, butterfly fish, angel fish, barracuda, sailfish, rock lobsters and other crustaceans, and Moray eels. Four species of turtle (the Leatherback, the Green, the Olive Ridley and the Hawksbill) are to be found (try Ao Tau on the south island). Stranger species such as the frog fish and ghost pipe fish have also been sighted around the waters of Ko Surin.

This is also a common place to site Manta Rays and Our local version of Barramundi. For the macro enthusiast we often find some unusual Nudibranchs as well as other exotic species in the corals. Juvenile Shady Batfish!

Off the Surin western shores are submerged pinnacles which are reminiscent of some of the boulder formations of the Similans, but the best developed reefs are off the eastern coasts.

The park office and visitor's centre are at Ao Mae Yai on the north island (south west side). Basic accomodation is available in the form of park longhouses, bungalows, and camping grounds. The Park operates long-tailed boats to the main snorkelling sites and rents out equipment.

The best months to visit the Surin Islands are from December to April, when the weather is dry and pleasant, and the seas are calm, and water visibility is good. In fact it is not usually adviseable to visit the Surin Archipelago during the SW monsoons (June - September) due to adverse sea and weather conditions. (The National Park Office is closed office is closed, so it is not possible to visit)

The most economical way to reach the Surin Islands is from Ban Hin Lat, a small village pier which is 6 km north of Khura Buri, heading north from Khao Lak past Takua Pa on Route 4. The Road Time takes about 75 minutes. Speedboat only takes 45 minutes or so.

We do both Snorkeling and diving daytrips to the Surin Islands twice a week.

However access for the serious diver is almost exclusively via live-aboards. Only a few operators go there. Don't forget that the Similans, Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon and Koh Tachai are located here too!

If you are doing day trips - then this is should be one of the trips to make. If you are doing a liveaboard, ask if this is one of the destinations before booking.

Snorkelers -This is it! Better than the Similans and only matched by Koh Lipe in the South for quality and scenery. Stay overnight for a real treat!


Similan Diving
Thailand Liveaboards
Diving Safely