South Tip - Similan Islands

South Tip. It's one of those sites where we almost always find something new, even if it's just a different perspective on something familiar. The reef structure itself is interesting, a jumble of granite boulders creating channels and swim-throughs, but it's the smaller stuff tucked into every crevice that really gets us. We love drifting along, peering into the shadows for a Blackside Hawkfish perched on a coral head, or spotting the distinctive profile of an Imposter Fangblenny zipping between polyps. It’s not usually a big fish site, though a chambered nautilus has been known to make an appearance – a genuinely special encounter if you’re lucky enough. Our favourite time to dive here is mid-morning, when the light plays through the water just right, illuminating schools of Blue Green Chromis dancing above the reef. Current can be a factor, so listen to the brief; sometimes it’s a gentle drift, other times you’ll be tucking in behind boulders to observe the tiny wonders like Ernie's Sueviota. If you’re a macro lover who enjoys a bit of a treasure hunt, this spot is perfect.

Location
Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
7.457303, 98.303470

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 South Tip

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 South Tip

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