Diving in Similan Islands

Explore 252 dive sites in Similan Islands, Thailand. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Similan Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Similan Islands occur in May, averaging 30.8°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.6°C
  • February: 29.0°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 30.6°C
  • May: 30.8°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.6°C
  • August: 29.3°C
  • September: 29.0°C
  • October: 29.0°C
  • November: 29.2°C
  • December: 28.7°C

Marine Life in Similan Islands

Home to 183 recorded species including 127 reef fish, 38 hard corals, 9 seagrass & algae, 4 sharks & rays, 2 other, 1 octopus & squid.

Dive Site Difficulty in Similan Islands

Similan Islands has 82 beginner, 8 intermediate, 1 advanced, 2 expert dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Similan Islands

Based on average water temperature of 29.4°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Similan Islands

  • Ao Phang-nga - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Sirinat - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Muko Surin - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Mu Ko Similan - National Park and ASEAN Heritage Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Mu Ko Libong - Non Hunting Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Laem Son - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Hat Chao Mai - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Mu ko Phetra - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Khao Lampi- Hat Thai Mueang - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu ko Phi Phi - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Mu ko Lanta - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Khao Lak - Lam Ru - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Biosphere Reserves Ranong Thailand - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Than Bok Khorani - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Krabi Estuary - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category VI)
  • Hat Chao Mai Marine National Park - Ta Libong Island Non-Hunting Area - Trang River Estuaries - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category VI)
  • Pang Nga Bay Marine National Park - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category VI)
  • Krabi Environmental Protected Area - Environmental Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Phang-nga Environmental Protected Area - Environmental Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Phuket Environmental Protected Area - Environmental Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Mu ko Ranong - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Mu Ko Similan - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Thung Thale - Non Hunting Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • กำหนดพื้นที่เกาะราชาใหญ่ เกาะราชาน้อย ตำบลราไวย์ อำเภอเมืองภูเก็ต จังหวัดภูเก็ต - Island Marine and Coastal Resources Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Marine and Coastal of Trang Province - Marine and Coastal Resources Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ko Phayam Marine and Coastal Resources Protected Area - Marine and Coastal Resources Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ko Racha Marine and Coastal Resources Protected Area - Marine and Coastal Resources Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)

Getting to Similan Islands - Nearest Airports

  • Phuket International Airport (HKT), Phuket - 7 km away, approx 22 min travel time
  • Krabi International Airport (KBV), Krabi - 80 km away, approx 102 min travel time
  • Samui International Airport (USM), Na Thon (Ko Samui Island) - 251 km away, approx 289 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions, including temperature and visibility, for diving in the Similan Islands?
The Similan Islands offer excellent water conditions with crystal-clear visibility. Divers can expect warm waters, with temperatures peaking around 30.76°C in May, 30.63°C in April, and 29.87°C in June. These consistent warm temperatures make for comfortable diving throughout the season, ideal for exploring the vibrant underwater world.
What kind of marine life, especially large pelagics like manta rays and whale sharks, can divers expect to see in the Similan Islands?
Divers in the Similan Islands can look forward to incredible marine life encounters, including majestic manta rays. Richelieu Rock, a renowned feature of the region, is particularly famous for attracting whale sharks seasonally. This makes the area a prime destination for spotting these magnificent large pelagics, alongside diverse reef inhabitants.
Which are considered the best dive sites in the Similan Islands, and what unique features do they offer?
The Similan Islands offer a diverse range of 220 dive sites, characterized by massive boulders and vibrant reefs. Popular options include Turtle Ridge, an intermediate reef dive, and HMS Strongbow, an intermediate wreck dive. The region is also renowned for Richelieu Rock, which seasonally attracts whale sharks, offering truly unique encounters.
What level of diving experience or certification is recommended for diving in the Similan Islands?
The Similan Islands cater to a range of diving experiences, with sites suitable for both beginners and intermediate divers. While many sites like HUG OCEAN pool are beginner-friendly, numerous intermediate sites such as Turtle Ridge and HMS Strongbow are also available. This diversity allows divers of varying skill levels to enjoy the region's underwater beauty.
What is the best time of year to go diving in the Similan Islands for optimal weather and marine life encounters?
For optimal diving conditions in the Similan Islands, the months of April, May, and June offer the warmest waters, with temperatures reaching up to 30.76°C. This period generally aligns with excellent visibility and increased chances for marine life encounters, including seasonal whale shark sightings at Richelieu Rock. It's advisable to check specific seasonal forecasts for the best experience.
How do travelers typically get to the Similan Islands for a diving trip, and from which mainland departure points?
I cannot answer this question with the provided data. The context does not include information on how travelers typically get to the Similan Islands or specific mainland departure points.
Are there strong currents in the Similan Islands, and how do they impact the diving experience at different sites?
I cannot answer this question with the provided data. The context does not include information regarding the presence of strong currents in the Similan Islands or their impact on the diving experience.
What are the seasonal variations for diving in the Similan Islands, including national park closures and their reasons?
I cannot answer this question with the provided data. The context does not include information on seasonal variations for diving in the Similan Islands, national park closures, or their reasons.