Similan Islands Diving
Discover the Hidden Dive Sites of the Pristine Similan Islands Thailand!
There are no words that can adequately describe Similan Islands Diving except to say, "This is World Class Diving at
its very best!" What truly distinguishes the pristine and spectacular Similan Islands National Park from other diving destinations is the tremendous variety
of underwater terrain and the choices in diving it provides.
Dive sites on the eastern side of the islands are characterized by
an almost overwhelming symphony of color. Its like being part of a
Monet landscape. Imagine white sand slopes, brilliantly colored soft corals,
and crystal clear waters combined with an explosion of tropical fish
and you should have the picture. This is a macro photographers dream
world.
West facing dive sites are dramatically different than those on the east side of the islands, and will certainly provide excitement for the more adventurous diver. Massive granite boulders, covered with hard and soft corals litter the white sandy bottom. Many of these monoliths plummet well beyond recreational diving limits. These dives are certainly deep and not for the faint of heart. Currents here are much stronger as well, providing an ample supply of food for the larger pelagic's such as giant mantas and the elusive whale shark. Keep your eyes open for the big stuff! Similan Islands Thailand easily ranks as one of the top dive destinations on the planet. Dive Similan!
The diving season in the Similan Islands National Park is from October to early May. It is during this time that the seas are calm, the visibility is spectacular, and the large pelagic's, Whale Sharks and Manta Rays, are making their annual migrations. Diving this archipelago can either be done by Phuket Liveaboard or Dive Similan Day Trip.
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Reserve Your Space with Only a 30% Deposit and Pay the Balance 30 Days Prior to Departure!
Booking your diving to the Similan Islands in advance is highly recommended as this area is a National Park and space on quality boats is limited to a first come first serve basis. Let us help you with your selection!
Similan Islands National Park Dive Sites
Rocky Point (Island # 1 South Tip)
Lying just off the south tip of island #1, granite boulders lie in piles from the surface to 40 meters and beyond; providing a wealth of archways, caves and ledges. Hard corals and feather stars abound in the shallower areas, while soft corals and massive sea fans inhabit the deeper reaches. At depths of 20-40 meters divers often encounter large blue spotted stingrays and docile leopard sharks resting on the sandy bottom. Tuna, giant barracuda, surgeonfish, snapper and large groupers are always patrolling the blue.
Currents moderate to strong, for intermediate to advanced divers. Depth: to 40+ meters. Go Similan Islands Diving!
Shark Fin Reef (Island #3 Southeast)
Situated just southeast of island #3, Shark Fin reef is a narrow ridge of granite which is partially exposed at low tide. The diving here is excellent as it combines both east side and west side characteristics. While the seascape here is dominated by gigantic granite boulders, there are also large fields of stag horn coral, and a gradual sloping sandy bottom. This site offers outstanding scenery at nearly every depth. At 25-30 meters you can see both Leopard and White Tip Reef Sharks. Huge rock formations create a number of archways and tunnels at this depth. Keep your eyes open for large napoleon wrasse patrolling the area, as well as the occasional Whale Shark and Manta Ray.
Currents moderate to strong, for intermediate to advanced divers. Depth: to 40+ meters. One of the many Hidden Treasures of Similan Thailand!
Stonehenge (Island #4 North Tip)
As the name implies, this Similan Islands site features a number of huge massive boulders scattered over the white sandy bottom. Several of these rocks are so gigantic they resemble small apartment buildings as they rise 10 meters or more from the bottom. Other points of interest include huge barrel sponges and fan corals that grow in the canyons between the large granite boulders. Above 25 meters, the boulders are covered with hard coral as well as variously colored feather stars and sponges. This is also one of the few places in the Similans National Park where colonies of lobster can be seen. Fish life here is also quite varied and can include large unicorn surgeonfish, big schools of jacks, snappers and tuna. A relatively deep dive, the average depth here is about 27-30 meters.
Currents moderate to strong, for intermediate to advanced divers. Depth: to 37+ meters. Book a Dive Similan Day Trip!
East of Eden (Island #7 East Side)
This spectacular site extends along the eastern shore of Koh Paya for a few hundred meters, offering magnificent coral heads in depths of 9-12 meters. These undersea islands are covered in soft tree corals, sea fans and wire corals, as well as, multitudes of colorful tropical fish. Hard corals extend down the steep slope from less than 10 meters at the top, to over 33 meters where the slope flattens out and smaller coral heads stand covered in sea fans, soft corals and sponges. This site features some of the best coral growths to be found anywhere on the planet. Larger creatures are also seen here on occasion, including big stingrays and even the rare bow mouth guitarfish.
Currents moderate, for intermediate divers. Depth: to 34+ meters. Featured on National Geographic, this is Similan Islands National Park at its very best!
Deep Six (Island #7 North Tip)
This underwater extension of the islands northern tip consists mainly of large granite boulders sloping down steeply from the surface to 40 meters or more. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature here is the proliferation of gigantic fan corals, most of which grow at depths below 27 meters. Dwarfing the average diver, these filter feeding corals thrive in the often vigorous currents which converge here. Patrolling the reefs deeper edges are White Tip Reef Sharks and the occasional giant Manta Ray. There are some incredible swim through's at 12-18 meters, that are a must see.
Currents vigorous to strong, for intermediate to advanced divers. Depth: to 37+ meters. Awesome Similan Islands Diving!
Elephant Head (Island #8 Southeast Tip)
Elephant Head is considered by many to offer the most spectacular diving in the Similan Islands National Park few who have dived here would disagree. This site is composed of immense granite boulders which are said to resemble the head and back of an elephant, as if seen while swimming. Below the surface, these rocks are stacked up like giant coral covered building blocks. It is huge!
One only needs to look upward to fully appreciate the beauty of the gigantic elephant head. When visibility is good, the view is truly beyond description. As one gazes up at the colossal rock formations, the fish and corals seem to fade into insignificance, as the truly massive scale of the place becomes apparent.
While spectacular scenery and diverse marine life are certainly big attractions at Elephant Head, many divers consider the most outstanding feature to be the intriguing network of archways, swim-through's and tunnels among the rocks. When the current is running, divers can catch an exciting free ride through these tunnels, using the flow of water to move them along the various passage ways. A must see when diving Similan Thailand!
Currents moderate to strong, for intermediate to advanced divers. Depth: to 70+ meters. A must see when diving Similan Thailand!
Beacon Point (Island #8 South Point)
This east facing reef is a continuation of the magnificent sloping drop off which runs parallel to island #8. A drift dive is often the best way to explore this area. Begin the dive close to the island, dropping down to about 30 meters where you will see some large granite boulders. It is at this point where small reef sharks, Leopard Sharks and Stingrays are patrolling. Beyond the boulders the sandy sea floor meets the fringing reef which is covered in huge gorgonian sea fans and twisted wire corals. Curious moray eels are lurking in the holes and crevices of the isolated patches of hard coral. There is also an abundance of the usual reef fish found throughout the area.
Currents moderate, for divers of all levels. Depth: to 37+ meters. A great introduction to Similan Islands Diving!
Fantasea Reef (Island #8 West Side)
This site is truly incredible and always ranks among the favorites for anyone who has been to Similan Thailand. A jumble of massive granite boulders extends, in places, from 9-12 meters beneath the surface to over 30 meters at its base. The sea floor slopes away to more than 40 meters, the maximum recreational diving limit. Immediately upon entering the water divers often find themselves surrounded by a wide variety of colorful reef fish similar to those found around Elephant Head, Stonehenge and Deep Six. This reef is also a natural attraction for semi-pelagic creatures like schools of jacks, mackerel, dog-toothed tuna, sailfish and huge manta rays. This site is a must see. A number of dives are needed to explore the extensive swim-through's, caves and other features of Fantasea Reef. A true highlight of Similan Island Diving.
Currents moderate to strong, for intermediate to advanced divers. Depth: to 40+ meters. Closed for rejuvenation.
Snapper Alley (Island #9 Southeast)
Actually an underwater extension of the southeast corner of island #9, Snapper alley is composed of a series of huge granite boulders tumbling down a steep, white sand slope. This area receives excellent tidal exchange, so currents can be quite brisk; accordingly, the soft coral growth here is excellent. It is worth going fairly deep here, 24-30 meters, since this is where the best soft coral colonies are found. And, as the name implies, snapper can indeed be seen here as well, particularly a school of the blue-lined variety which hangs out at the western edge. Other fish species are also plentiful. A special bonus when diving Snapper Alley is the interesting cavern which exists among the shallow rock formations. A large enough to accommodate two or three divers at a time, this cavern has three different entrances/exits, making it quite safe as overhead environments go. An especially nice feature of this one, is the depth: at 5-7 meters it is a perfect place to spend your safety stop. Dive Similan Day Trips</strong> are fantastic!
Currents moderate to strong, for divers of all levels. Depth: to 40+ meters. Try a Dive Similan Day Trip!
Christmas Point (Island #9 West Tip)
A Classic west side reef, this site lies just west of Koh Ba Ngru (Island #9), and consists of huge piles of boulders, scattered over a fairly large area. Marine life here is diverse and prolific; the rocks are adorned with a living carpet of yellow-green sea anemones. Countless fish species are found as well, ranging from tiny gobies and blennies to occasional White Tip Reef Sharks. Among the most notable attractions are two different schools of oriental sweet lips. Whale Sharks and Mantas have also been seen here.
The boulders here have created an extensive series of caverns, swim-through's and tunnels. Christmas Point is also a perfect multi-level site. Once of our favorite sites when diving Similan Thailand.
Currents moderate to strong, for intermediate to advanced divers. Depth: to 30+ meters. One of our favorite sites when diving the Similan Islands.
Similan Islands Quick Facts
- Diving Season: October to May (The best diving is November to May)
- Distance from Phuket: 90 Km Northwest of Phuket (5 Hours), 65 Km West of Khao Lak (1 1/2 to 3 Hours)
- Depth: 5 to 70+ meters
- Current: Depending on the site, moderate to strong
- Visibility: Varies from 20 to 40+ meters
- Water Temp: 26-29°C
- Experience Level: All levels of certified divers
- Access: Similan Liveaboards and Day Trip Boats
- Recommended Length of Stay: 4-6 Days
- Highlights: Manta Rays, Wacky Macro, Sharks, Turtles, Pristine Beaches, Uninhabited Islands
Similan Liveaboards and Day Trips Departing Daily| Bookings, Enquiries, or Information- Contact Dive Adventures Asia