Similan Snorkeling Tours

We at Wicked Diving, Khao Lak are proud to launch the new pages on our Overnight Snorkeling tours. These are really great snorkeling tours of the Similan Islands. The Snorkel tour will join the Similan Liveaboard in getting to and returning from the Similans. From there our guests will stay ON the Similan Islands!

Wicked can arrange accommodation in bungalows on the Southern Tour only. The rest of the time we supply our own luxury tents fitted out with mattresses, mosquito nets and fresh linens. These are comfortable and add that special touch to the tours.

We provide a guide for the snorkelers who is dedicated to them - not a diver who will ignore you. Our guides are all extensively trained in diving safety and ecologically friendly behavior.

Below is more information from our site!

....

Our Snorkeling tours are incredible 3 Day and 2 night visits to the Similan Islands Marine Park. Your snorkel guides will show you the best sites, introduce you to the marine life and share the safest ways to enjoy the Similans. Our trips are Family friendly, so bring everyone! These trips are run jointly with our Diving Liveaboard, so if one member of the family is a diver, or would like to learn, this is the perfect holiday for you. Want to see the best beaches? What about those rare species that inhabit the Similan Archipelago? Your guides will take you to some amazing viewpoints and on jungle walks.

We also offer a very special "castaway" trip to the rarely visited Koh Tachai Island. This is the northernmost part of the Similan Islands National Park - we are the first and only tour operator to offer this trip - that means empty beaches and Great service!

If you do not find the information you need here - please look up our Snorkeling FAQ's page or the Safe Snorkeling Guidelines

Simlan Diving (and snorkeling too!)

Netnawee Similan overnight trip 15/02/08

Not often we have returning customers returning on the boat only a day later but theres a first time for everything! So Alessandro had clearly decided that 3 days wasn't long enough for him in the Similans and so he decided to book himself on the next trip immediately. This time I joined the trip for fun instead of working so that me and Alex could go and dive together, after working together for a while in Koh Tao was a nice change to actually go and just fun dive together, was a brilliant holiday for myself as well!

Myself (Becky) and Klaus (pictures left) were joined on this trip by Sarah (pictures right) an instructor who was teaching on this trip. On this trip we were also lucky enough to see not one but two turtles swimming together at Donald Duck bay. They came straight after breakfast and circled the boat for quite a while and think almost everyone jumped into the water to have a swim with them. Shown in the picture is Stacy all geared up and ready to go and Julia and Marcel at the end of the boat.









There was also time as always to go relaxing on the beach where Stacy treated everyone to some of her poi skills!

But it wasn't all fun on this trip some people were working hard as well, Diana and Mark decided to do their Open Water and their Advanced on this trip and were really keen to learn. They spent a couple of days on land and finished all their confined skills and all their theory before even stepping on the boat, keen or what. They then completed all their Open Water dives and moved straight onto the Advanced course so congratulations guys!

They were taught by Sarah who joined us for this trip and had a lot of fun with the guys. All in all everyone had a fantastic time diving, so thank you all and hope to see you again soon!







Khao Lak Diving

Similans

Liveaboards

Netnawee Similan overnight trip 11/02/08

So the Netnewee set out again for another trip to the Similan Islands and this time the trip was joined by.......

It's Marcel!

(not sure what he is doing in this picture though..)






Another special guest appearance was made by Poy who was joining Netnawee for a trip as his birthday present from everyone here at Wicked Diving.



So Marcel joined us on the trip with his friend Vincent (pictures above) from Holland, so was having a little bit of a holiday although this didn't stop him from certifying Erica,William and Poy as new Advanced Open Water students. They can been seen in the picture with Marcel teaching them about the navigation part of the course. Poy enjoyed the trip a lot and now already has 17 dives under his belt.


Also joining us was Alessandro a divemaster who I used to work with at Scuba Junction in Koh Tao. Alex had never dived the Similan Islands before and absolutely loved it! Although he seemed to find it a little tiring as well, he better shape up as he gets ready to go back and work in Koh Tao for the coming season.



There was another short bout of wind on the trip again, luckily in didn't spoil the trip or change our itinary but meant that our chef Pi Paa was unable to cook whilst we were on the dive site as the waves were so high. So she had so much to do after the dive was over and we got into calm water, so, Klaus and Tuk came down into the kitchen to offer their culinary skills and help her out, although this time Tuk wasn't wearing the filly apron...

Everybody enjoyed the trip a lot and we had a mix of Italians, German and Swedish joining us. Marzia and Christian 2 of our Italian customers were taking a break form their busy schedule of jetting around the world as flight attendants. They were both recently Certified Open Water students who hadn't dived for about 6 months and they turned out to be like fish underwater and were really good fun to dive with.

So big thank you to everyone for such a fantastic trip and hope to see you again at Wicked Diving!




Khao Lak diving

Similans

Liveaboard guide

Recent email regarding our Similan Overnight trips

Below is a great email from Our friends Pia and Claes. They joined us for our Overnight Trip a few days back and they brought great personalities and positive energy to the group. They helped make the whole trip even better for everyone else as well!

Thanks for joining us and maybe we will see you next year!

Hi Paul, Becky, Klaus, Christian and all the others aboard the Netnawee!

Thanks for a wonderful trip to the Similans, starting January 11^th. We had some really wonderful and inspiring days with a lot of exciting underwater encounters.

With Becky as our divemaster we were in the safest of hands. Her enthusiasm and calmness made our diving relaxed and filled with new experiences. (Thanks Becky for coaching me, Pia, through the nightdive!)

After the Similans we went to quite undeveloped Koh Yao Noi in the bay of Phang Nga and after that we spent some days at Phi Phi, where we did some diving. Then we realised that we had gained some diving confidence at the Similan trip and that Wickeds dive masters really are special with their enthusiasm and commitment to the environment.

Thanks again and hope to see you somewhere again!

Pia and Claes

The Swedish Silverback team

Overnight trip schedule

Diving Schedule for Netnawee

Day 1

9am Depart from Taplamu/ Boat briefing

11am Dive safety briefing

12noon Lunch

1.30pm Dive 1 Island #6 Eel Garden (check dive)

3:00pm Snacks

4.30pm Dive 2 Island #7 West of Eden

6pm Dinner/ check into tents/transfers to island

Day 2

6.40am Pick up from island

7.30am Dive 1 Island #7 East of Eden

8.30am Breakfast

10.30am Dive 2 Island #7 Deep Six

12noon Lunch

1.30pm Dive 3 Island #4

3pm Snacks/ transfer to island for time on the beach

5.30pm Night dive briefing

6.30pm Dive 4 Night dive

7.30pm Dinner/ transfers to island

Day 3

6.40am Pick up from island

7.30am Dive 1 Elephant head rock

8.30am Breakfast

10.30am Dive 2 Island # 9 Breakfast bend

12noon Lunch

1.30pm Dive 3 Koh Bon

3pm Snacks

6pm Arrive at Tublamu pier

Snorkeling Schedule for Netnawee

Day 1

9am Depart from pier/ Boat briefing

11am Dive safety briefing

12noon Lunch

1.30pm Transfer to island #4 snorkeling off the beach

Pick up/Snacks on boat

4.30pm Transfer onto island Free Time! Relax,
snorkel walk nature trails

6pm Dinner/ check into tents/transfers to island

Day 2

8.30am Pick up from island

8.30am Breakfast

10.30am Site 1 Island #7 Shallow Six

12noon Lunch

1.30pm Site 2 Island #4 Honeymoon Bay

3pm Snacks/ transfer to island for time on the beach/ time to snorkel, walk nature trails

5.30pm Pickup from island

7.30pm Dinner/ transfers to island

Day 3

6.40am Pick up from island time to relax on boat

8.30am Breakfast

9am Site 1 Island #8 Donald duck bay

10.30am Site 2 Island # 9 Breakfast bend

12noon Lunch

1.30pm Site 3 Koh Bon Bay

3pm Snacks

6pm Arrive at Tublamu pier

Netnawee Similan overnight trip 14/01/08

Another trip!
On this - our 17th similan diving safari of the year, we were joined by Annelie and Peter, two professional freedivers.

Whilst the two of them are competitive freedivers this trip was all about fun for them! All of the scuba divers on board got to get a glimpse of them as they swam around underwater and took quite a few other divers by surprise.


Both Peter and Annelie were able to spend plenty of time under the water and see as much as all the divers did spending a few minutes down there at a time without any scuba gear at all!





Klaus, Becky (me!) and Oscar were on the trip and joined by our new Thai instructor Tuk. Tuk is a very experienced diver and him and his group were lucky enough to see a manta ray just outside honeymoon bay on a night dive! Very unusual, and needless to say the whole group was over the moon about this rare sighting.




Whilst everyone on the boat didn't get to see the Manta Ray there were plenty of other underwater treats in store for the divers. A couple of leopard sharks were seen swimming around, this is quite unusal as usually these sharks are just lying on the sandy bottom, usually they swim around at night when they are going hunting. Wally one of our fun divers and Mel our dive master in training were both very excited about this sighting as you can see from the picture.







At the end of the day before the divers are transfer to the islands there is plenty of time to relax and catch up on the days events and the different things that have been seen by everyone under the water.


Khao Lak Diving

Similan Information

Similan overnight trip - January 11, 2008

Similan Island Diving Safari with the Netnawee - January 2008

It has been a while, so here is an update on the last few trips aboard the netnawee. This one had 10 guests on it and everybody had a fantastic time. Helene, Paul and Laz all became open water divers while Mischa, Jennie and Sofie got their Advanced open water certificate.

Boat master Klaus was of course on the boat and was joined by Kristian, our Swedish instructor, who was teaching the Open water course. He had at times some difficulty getting Helene and Paul to pay attention!











Also joining was divemaster Becky, who has just joined the Wicked family. She got off to an excellent start and showed the fun divers all there was to see beneath the surface.

The new schedule on the trip allows for more time to go and explore the islands, where you can snorkel, relax on the beach or go on a nature trail to the other side of the island and spot wildlife in the jungle on your way!





Species that you can find whilst on the island includes a number of different hermit crabs and ghost crabs which you will usually find close to the beach running into holes they have made for safety. Flying foxes also inhabit the island along with a variety of different reptiles from small lizards to a few large monitors. luckily none of the islands inhabitants pose any threat to visitors. For the more adventurous there is another trail leading up to the islands view point, where you get a fantastic view of the Similan Islands. Getting there involves climbing up a steep mountain trail. Not for the faint hearted...

The whole team and crew!!!

Thanks to everyone who joined us and made this an incredible trip


-Becky!

Similan Diving

Similan Islands

Khao Lak Diving

Similan overnight trip

After completing the last trip - we decided to post a few pictures of all that's going on out on the Similans right now!

We had 14 lovely people staying on the trip and they really enjoyed it. Rave reviews all the way around. The Alserin family did diving and snorkeling. Team Ukraine also did mostly diving. While Our favorite guests - Stine and Sabrina did some serious diving as well.

Marcel, Klaus, Oscar, Davide and Jop were all onboard. Sadly, Jop got strep throat and went home early. he's felling better now and is out diving as we speak! The cook, Captain and the Engineer all got us there safely and serenely.















Here is the cast and crew of this amazing adventure. Everyone is here except Marcel who is taking the picture! 14 guests. Plenty of friends were made on the boat and smiles for everyone (except the cook - she worked VERY hard to make everyone on the trip happy)
















Sabrina and Stine were watching Turtles have lunch...















They break off hunks of coral to get the yummy tasty algae at the bottom.















At Koh bon there was a nice school of Snappers that really do stay close together!


We run these trips every Monday and Friday. 3 days, 2 nights and 9 dives. We also cater to snorkelers with your guide and different agenda. The food is amazing, plenty of time on the beach and heaps of great service.

If you are interested please drop us a line - pland@wickeddiving.com

Khao Lak Diving

Similan Island Bungalows

Some really nice pictures of the bungalows on Island #4...as we can't get inside them until the 15th, we can't see all the work they've done during the rainy season.


So for now, I guess we'll just have to with these!




And of course - just to get everyone excited, here's a couple of beach shots ....much much more to come....so get your suntan cream and silly flip-flops out of the closet.








Remember to cover up - don't want a burn!

Khao Lak's best Open Water Course

Open Water Course
8000 Baht

Plus the cost of diving...

You can join our Overnight Boat for 12,000 Baht
Or join our Daily Speedboat Trips for 8,000 Baht

The ultimate way to do a Open Water course is on our Similan Overnight Expedition boat. Your instructor stays with you for the whole trip this helps to add to your confidence and have good understanding with your instructor, together in 3 days you will do 8 dives.

We start with 2 days of theory ( book & DVD) and swimming pool skills made in the pool here in khao lak, these teach you the standard rules and principles of diving - also underwater hand signs.
The course is made in our new dive center with A/C class room for your comfort. Our new location was chosen because of the quite surroundings and the short distance to the local beach 300m and the proximity of our Pool (100m)
In the pool you will do some of the basic skill training with your instructor to get you ready for your open water dives, this means you have more time for enjoyment, relaxation and diving in the Similan Islands.
Theory/Pool work takes 2 days in Khaolak before departure for the Similan islands, then 3 days & 2 nights on our Similan Overnight Expedition boat cruising all the amazing Similan Islands.

After this trip with 8 dives (with your instructor) as an Open Water Diver you should feel very confident, and ready to move on to your new diving adventures anywhere in the world, with the feeling of safety and confidence. You can continue after your open water course to do your Advanced course, this course really puts you in control.

If you choose to do an SSI course, the materials are included in the price! If you chose to do a PADI course you will be paying for Books and materials - an additional 1200 baht.

Our Boat!!!!

It is true - it is the best news ever!!!

Our boat will began operations on November 16th. She is perfect for our overnight expeditions! We visit the Similan Islands, spending our nights in tents or bungalows on this remote piece of paradise.

This boat is perfect for both divers and snorkelers. We have room for both, yet we have a separate guide for each, and the snorkelers will spend more time on the beaches.

A maximum of 16 people with groups of no more than 4 people. This is about service and the unique opportunity to enjoy the Similan Islands above and below!

We have 40 tanks and 2 compressors - so there is plenty of room for divers.

Our Boat Master, Klaus is experienced and very knowledgeable about life and dive sites on the Similans.

The whole top of the 22 meter boat is sun deck, so plenty of space to chill, relax, read a book and enjoy the scenery as we motor through the Similan Marine Park.













Snorkeling:

8000 Baht

Includes meals, guide, overnight accommodation (upgrade to bungalow available), transfers in an around Khao Lak.

We will visit several different snorkel sites, but also offer time on the beaches. We will also take you on nature walks to see some of the exciting things on the Similans (like the very rare Nicobar pigeon)

Our guides are all certified PADI Divemaster (or higher), all are trained in safety through Diver Safety to the highest standards in Thailand as well as extensive training in conservation and respect for our environment. Your safety, comfort and the well-being of our islands are our main objectives.

Diving!

13,000 Baht 9 dives, including one night dive

This trip is perfect for the casual diver. Wanting to see some of the sites? Not wanting to pay outrageous prices for a few nights? Would like to stay on land and walk around the Islands?

That's us! With less divers, more time to stretch your legs and see the islands, this trip is perfect. We will still offer 9 dives and see some of the most famous sites in Thailand!

This is also a great trip for the non-divers. You will still have lots of diving, while they will get the opportunity to enjoy the Similans in a whole different way - and you will still be together!

Our guides are all certified PADI Divemaster (or higher), all are trained in safety through Diver Safety to the highest standards in Thailand as well as extensive training in conservation and respect for our environment. Currently none of our divemasters have less than 1000 dives. Your safety, comfort and the well-being of our islands are our main objectives. In addition our staff are all passionate about the diving, the marine life and are happy to share our vast experience.

Courses

Open Water - 8000 Baht
Begin your course on land, complete your course on the Similan Islands. And do an extra 5 dives!

Advanced Course - 5000 Baht
Become a better diver - do the whole course for this incredible price! And still get 4 more dives!

Rescue Diver - 7000 Baht

Safety is number one! Our rescue course, conducted under the supervision of Diver Safety are tough. You will become a stronger and safer diver!

Divemaster!!!

30,000 Baht
(PADI Materials are extra)

4-5 weeks!

The best, most thorough course in Khao Lak.
This is not a course, this is an Internship. With at least 3 overnight trips, and joining us for our daytrips aboard our speedboat and wreck dives - you will get a very broad education.
We will also do extensive education with lectures, practical applications of knowledge and experience.
In addition to your diving education, we bring the experience of Khao Lak's only Dive Medics, Our technical diving staff and international crew!
This course will give you professional certification. You will be able to guide divers at locations around the world. Our experience will give you the confidence to handle most situations.
This course is available only in limited numbers, and we are very particular. So send us an email directly

Khao Lak Diving

Staying overnight on the Similan Islands

There are several choices for those wanting to stay on the Similan Islands. There is camping in tents provided by the National Parks. There are also two classes of bungalows on Similan Island #4, the one with shared toilets and the "seaview" bungalows. These are restaurants on the islands and the overnight stay is often the highlight of people trips. With very little light pollution - the stars under the Andaman sky are enchanting.


The Similan National Marine Park was also building some bungalows on Similan #8, and they claimed to be building some on Koh Tachai as well. It would be really exciting if there were other options like these (Koh Tachai is gorgeous). But we are not able to make reservations with the National Park Headquarters, so it remains to be seen.


The tents are 3 person tents with plenty of space. You are able to lock the tents (rarely an issue) and they come with a small mat to sleep on. These cost 500 baht per night, which is in addition to your park entry fee.


There are also Bungalows with shared bathroom facilities. These have fans and offer beds (the mattresses are quite hard - the ways Thais like them). These are 1000 baht per night (maximum two person occupancy). This is in addition to your park entry fee.


Finally there are Seaview bungalows. some of these have aircon, a few have fan. Most of them have some form of view. These all face sunset, and in a few of them it can be quite spectacular.

Again, the beds are quite stiff (it takes getting used to) and the bathrooms are okay. But if you want that extra bit of luxury - this is the way.

These cost 2000 per night, and we recommend reservations as they can be sold out during holidays.

There is also a restaurant on each of the islands (Similan #4, Similan #8 and Koh Tachai). There is usually a small souvenir shop, but they are not well stocked. We recommend getting sunscreen, batteries and film being purchased before visiting the islands.