Ko Lipe Diving (SSI) - Similan Islands
The team at Ko Lipe Diving (SSI) runs a tight ship, which we appreciate when you're heading out to the Similans. They operate out of Koh Lipe, which is a great jump-off point, and their boats are well-maintained – we’ve always found them comfortable for the longer crossings. What really sets them apart is their dedication to smaller groups. We’ve been on their boats when there are just two students to an instructor for open water, and that personal attention makes a real difference, especially for newer divers getting comfortable with their buoyancy in a bit of current. They're particularly good if you’re looking to progress your certifications; they’ve got a full range, right up to instructor level. We love that they offer PADI Sidemount Diver, which is a bit niche for a smaller shop but a fantastic course if you're interested in alternative configurations. Their local knowledge of the Similans is excellent; we often get tips on the best time of day for specific sites to avoid the crowds, or where to look for the passing manta rays at Koh Bon. Expect decent rental gear and a genuinely friendly vibe.
- Location
- Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia
- Coordinates
- 6.487329, 99.305820
- Website
- https://www.kolipediving.com/
- Certification Agencies
- PADI
- Courses
- Discover Scuba Diving, Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Divemaster, Instructor, PADI Sidemount Diver
- Languages
- Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Russian, Spanish, Thai
Dive Sites Near Ko Lipe Diving (SSI)
Ko Lipe Diving (SSI) provides access to 15 dive sites in Similan Islands.
- 8 mile rock
- Andaman Scuba
- Anemone Reef (reef)
- Anita s reef - 5-20m (reef)
- Anita's Reef - 10-25m (reef)
- Anti gravity Divers
- Ao Kon Ka Re
- Ao Nui - 17m
- Ao Sane - 5-18m (reef)
- Ayara Bay - 17m (reef)
- Banana Bay - 5-20m (reef)
- Barracuda Rock - 20m (pinnacle)
- Batfish Bend - 10-28m (drift)
- Bay 1 / Ao Ter (reef)
- Beacon Beach
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
- Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) - Sharks & Rays
- Staghorn coral (Acropora kosurini) - Hard Corals
- sorrah shark (Carcharhinus sorrah) - Sharks & Rays
- Staghorn coral (Acropora indonesia) - Hard Corals
- seagrass (Halophila ovalis) - Seagrass & Algae
- Dusky Parrotfish (Scarus niger) - Reef Fish
- Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor) - Reef Fish
- Moluccan cardinalfish (Ostorhinchus moluccensis) - Reef Fish
- Staghorn coral (Acropora secale) - Hard Corals
- Staghorn coral (Acropora valida) - Hard Corals
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