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