The Similan Islands are a group of nine granite islands which make up the stunning this unrivalled archipelago. These islands, offer some of the best scuba diving in South East Asia, the scenery here is spectacular and a must see for scuba divers, snorkelers and non-divers alike.
The islands cover an area of 128 SQ KM and are approximately 65 Km West of Khao Lak and 96 km North West of Phuket Island. The Similan islands are a Marine National Marine Park. Covered in lush green tropical rain forests, these enormous granite rock formations are ideal for exploring both above and under the water. Island No. 4 (Koh Miang) and Island No. 8 (Koh Similan) have National park Ranger stations.
Discover the Similan Islands with Day Tours from Khao Lak
Snorkeling Tours
- Daily Speedboat Tours (Mid October to Mid May)
The Similan Islands stretch from North to South. The east side of the islands offer world class beaches which gently slope off and disappear into the abundant reefs below. The east side is also protected from the South Westerly monsoon, which begins in May and ends in October –the islands are generally inaccessible during these months.
The west side of the islands offer almost incomparable diving. The huge granite boulders have fallen over the years to form the most dramatic swim-throughs you may ever see and depending on the time of month can offer glorious drift diving.
The Similan Islands offer a variety of diving with stunning drop offs to depths of 40 metres and beyond. The gentle sloping reefs of the east side are home to over two hundred known species of hard and soft corals. Magnificent Gorgonia sea fans supporting a lushness of life even the most ardent of divers will be in awe of; a true paradise for the macro photographer.
There is such a diversity of marine life here that one could make a hundred dives and only see a fraction of what that the Similans have to offer. The Similan Islands are a mouth-watering taste of just what the Indian Ocean in this area has to offer.
A day put here will involve Pick up from your accommodation, then you will be driven to your choice of sea faring vessel, the sail time out to the Similans does vary depending on the boat. Once at the Similans you will be given your snorkelling equipment and life jacket and then you are free to enjoy the reefs.
Fear not, the guides are all multilingual and are excellent swimmers themselves and will cater to all your needs, making sure everyone is safe and sound and making sure that everyone is having the time of their lives.
There is an incredible array of predatory action here, Blue Fin, Black and Giant Trevally hunting in packs, schools of large Yellow Tail, Chevron and Pick-handle barracudas, also, Great Barracudas cruise these waters, many of which are up to two metres in length.
White Tip, Black Tip and Leopard sharks are some of the most common sharks sighted in these waters, Grey Reef Sharks; Bamboo Nurse Sharks the mighty Whaleshark also pay frequent visits. The ever sought after and possibly the most popular fishes here are the Manta Ray’s, gliding through their realm with such grace and magnificence; humbling all who seem them.
For the keen eyed divers, there is an astounding variety of Nudibranches and Flat Worms, Seahorses, Ghost Pipe Fish, Harlequin Shrimps, Frog fish, Scorpion fish and of course not forgetting the Fairy Basslets, the list simply goes on and on.
Diving Similan Islands is a must if you are planing a diving trip to Thailand. Come and see what all the fuss is about, and you will love it.
Contact Us – Easy Day Khao Lak Tours
Contact Easy Day Thailand now for your trip to the Similan Islands. And if you have any questions please do ask. Our Easy Day Khao Lak team is always happy to answer.
