Burma Diving Safaris - Similan Islands

The team at Burma Diving Safaris really nails the liveaboard experience. They’ve been running trips out of Khao Lak to the Similans for years, but what we really love is their expansion into Myanmar. It’s a proper expedition, not just another dive trip, and they’ve got the logistics dialled. When you push further north into the Mergui Archipelago with them, you’re looking at something different entirely from the usual Thai sites. Think untouched reef systems, chances for big pelagics like manta rays and whale sharks without the crowds you sometimes get at Richelieu Rock. We’ve had some incredible dives there, drifts over walls carpeted with vibrant soft corals, seeing giant trevally hunt in schools, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing you’re in a place few divers ever reach. Visibility can be a bit more variable than the Similans, sometimes dropping to 15m, but it often brings in the bigger stuff. Our favourite tip: pay attention to your dive briefing for the day. Current can be a factor, and knowing where to drop in relation to the main reef structure makes all the difference for seeing the best action. This outfit is perfect for divers looking for adventure and a genuine feeling of discovery, not just a tick-box dive holiday.

Location
Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
8.660000, 98.252000
Website
https://www.burma-diving-safaris.com/
Certification Agencies
["PADI"]
Address
Khao Lak, Phang-Nga province, 70km north of Phuket International airport

Dive Sites Near Burma Diving Safaris

Burma Diving Safaris provides access to 15 dive sites in Similan Islands.

Other Dive Centres in Similan Islands

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.

Notable Marine Life

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