HMS SQUIRREL - Similan Islands

There’s a real gravitas to the HMS Squirrel. She was a minesweeper, built in 1944, and met her end in July 1945 after hitting a mine near Phuket. The wreck itself sits upright at 20 meters, a proper historical piece rather than just a pile of metal. Swimming along her deck, you can still get a sense of her shape, the bow and stern largely intact, though time and current have done their work. What we love about the Squirrel is the way she’s been completely taken over by the reef. Large schools of snappers and fusiliers hang like shimmering curtains over the superstructure. Look closer, and you'll spot resident lionfish tucked into crevices and moray eels peeking from beneath plates of steel. Our favourite spot is usually around the bridge area, where the schools are thickest, making for some fantastic photo opportunities when the light hits just right. It’s a comfortable dive, not much current, and perfect for anyone who enjoys exploring a wreck with a story, especially those with an interest in WWII history.

Location
Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
7.752167, 98.480500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Marine Protected Area: กำหนดพื้นที่เกาะราชาใหญ่ เกาะราชาน้อย ตำบลราไวย์ อำเภอเมืองภูเก็ต จังหวัดภูเก็ต

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Similan Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to HMS SQUIRREL

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 Species

Recommended Packing List for HMS SQUIRREL

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