Diving Thailand's Similan and Surin Islands

Most every coastal or island destination around the Gulf of Thailand deliver thriving coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. But to experience the best diving Thailand has to offer, you'll want to head west into the waters of the Andaman Sea. The Similan Marine National Park is a 55-square mile protected area that encompasses 11 small, uninhabited islands. The park is located 40 miles off the Thai coast, and the southernmost island is a 70-mile cruise from the Phuket resort district.

The Similan islands sit on the edge of a continental shelf, with the deep waters of the Andaman Sea just to the west. Granite boulders and underwater pinnacles hint at the islands' ancient volcanic origins, while much of the underwater substrate is now covered in reef-building hard corals and gorgonians. Shallow to mid-depth coral growth provides habitat for reef fish, invertebrates and other macro life. Slopes and walls on the edge of blue water hold large schools of fish and are visited by sharks, sea turtles, rays, dolphin and gamefish on the hunt.

The cascading boulder fields that are a common feature of many sites offer an underwater treasure hunt where divers can navigate swim throughs, investigate crevices and follow canyons downward to the edge of deep water. Popular examples include the extensive maze-like boulder field of Elephant Head Rock, known for reef shark sightings, and Shark Fin Reef, where leopard sharks, bumphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse gather in a boulder-lined canyon. Another favorite is Christmas Point, which combines explorations of rock arches and passageways with hunts for bottom dwellers in patches of sand and rubble seabed.

Rocks remain a prominent feature of many sites, but there are also stand-alone bommies, soft coral slopes, walls, current-washed points, pinnacles and a smattering of shipwrecks.  The pinnacle at Kho Bon island holds leopard sharks and large grouper, and is the site of a manta ray cleaning station, with peak sightings between January and April.

The region's most famous site is Richelieu Rock, which actually lies to the north of the Similans in the adjacent Surin Marine Park. Rising to the surface from a depth of 130 feet, this pinnace delivers a “greatest hits” sampling of Andaman Sea diving. The formation's southern side offers a gentle slope covered in hard and soft corals, while the north face is a precipitous wall covered in sea fans and riddled with small caves. Slope side coral formations hide frogfish, seahorses, ghost pipefish and nudibranchs. Numerous species of anemones host attendant clownfish. Moray eels emerge from crevices, cuttlefish go on patrol, rainbow runners dart about, while schooling and solitary pelagic fish hand on the fringes of open water. The true stars of the show at Richelieu Rock are the manta rays and whale sharks that pay regular visits to this site. Their appearance earns this site top honors as Thailand's most famous dive site.

Thailand takes extensive measures to ensure the health of the Similan's marine resources. There is a per-day limit to the number of visitors allowed, and the entire area is closed to human activity from mid-May to mid-October to facilitate ecological recovery. There is a no-touch policy for marine life, and active marine patrols to ensure protection from illegal fishing and harvesting activities. These measures help ensure that the Similans remain one of Southeast Asia's top diving destinations.

Divers can reach the Similan Islands with day trips from mainland ports. However, this will involve a two-hour-plus boat ride each way in uncertain sea conditions, making for a long and often tiring day on the water. A better option for international divers is a liveaboard trip. Local operators offer a range of overnight and three-to-four day trips aboard vintage local boats. The premier choice for maximum access to the Similan and Surin islands is a one-week trip from one of Caradonna's liveaboard partners.

The Thailand Aggressor is a modern 115-foot dive yacht built for comfort underway and stability at rest. Private staterooms ensuite bathrooms and in-cabin entertainment. Climate-controlled dining and social areas are supplemented by a shaded sun deck, hot tub and bar. Nitrox is available. In addition to Similan Island trip from November to May, the Thailand Aggressor offers seasonal trips to southern dive sites in the Phuket area.

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Divers enjoy a combination of luxury and maritime history aboard the Junk. This classic sailing cargo ship was restored and converted into an upscale liveaboard catering to a maximum of 12 guests. Air conditioned cabins are finished in exotic hardwoods and traditional décor that evoke a sense of adventure. Small group diving is conducted from tenders with full support from crew members. Seasonal itineraries cover a range of venues in Thailand and southern Myanmar waters, with October to May sailings visiting the Similan and Surin Islands.

Learn More: https://www.caradonna.com/supplier/junk-liveaboard

The Thailand Master is a custom-built Phinisi-style sailing yacht outfitted for liveaboard diving. Accommodations include twin, double and quad cabins for maximum group flexibility. Modern amenities blend with traditional style to create a unique sailing and diving adventure in the waters of Thailand and Myanmar. Nitrox is available and the crew can provide dedicated support for photographers and rebreather divers. Seasonal four- and six-night charters take in favorite sites in the Similan and Surin Islands.

Learn More: https://www.caradonna.com/supplier/thailand-master