The Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are commonly rated as one of the top 10 dive destinations in the world. The islands lie about 100 km Northwest of Phuket and were declared a National Park in 1982. The Similans are comprised of 9 granite islands which run roughly North to South and numerous small rock outcroppings, with white beaches and tropical jungle above the water and spectacular dive sites in warm, clear waters below the surface.

Similan Islands Liveaboards | Dive Sites | Photos | Day Trips | Map

The scuba diving in the Similan Islands varies from gently sloping coral reefs to deep rocky gorges and dizzying landscapes. In general, the East coast dive sites are hard coral reef dives, with some soft corals and a huge variety and abundance of marine life. The diving is fairly relaxed, with weak currents and 30m visibility the norm.

The West coast sites of the Similan Islands are slightly more challenging due to their depths and variable currents. Here you find the most incredible submarine rock formations, with huge boulders, swimthroughs and giant fan corals. This unique mixture of diving makes a Similan diving cruise a beautiful and fascinating voyage of discovery that always ends too soon.

All this has made Similan islands dive sites like "Elephant Head", "East of Eden" and "Christmas Point" justly famous. A world of giant underwater boulders, caves, narrow passages, some 500 species of hard and soft corals and an amazing variety of marine life including leopard sharks, guitar rays, whale sharks, manta rays and turtles is waiting to be explored.

Photographers take note that the Similan Islands are also a paradise for muck diving - look out for such photogenic critters as ghost pipefish, sea moths, frogfish, ribbon eels and nudibranchs. Whatever your pleasure, the Similans will satisfy your desires and give you the diving trip of a lifetime.