
Similan Islands diving day trip
Embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure with a Similan Islands diving day trip in the pristine waters of the Andaman Sea. The Similan Islands, a chain of nine islands and several rocks spanning 24 km, are nestled 70 km off the coast of Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province. Established as a Marine National Park in 1982, this underwater paradise covers an expansive 70 km2. The park was later expanded in 1989 to include the solitary islands of Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, resulting in a total area of 140 km2 and a land mass of approximately 26 km2.
Meaning Behind ‘Similan’
The term ‘Similan’ originates from the Malay language, meaning ‘nine.’ Although the islands have distinct Thai names, they are commonly referred to by their numbers, following the sequence from south to north.
Marine Diversity
Similan Island National Park is renowned for its extraordinary dive sites, offering two distinct types of diving experiences. The east side features gently sloping coral reefs, sandy patches, and occasional boulders. The corals exhibit a stunning array of shapes and forms, including staghorn, leafy, brain, mushroom, whip, table, maze, and pore coral. Additionally, the underwater landscape boasts giant sea fans, gorgonians, colorful soft corals, and anemones.
On the west side, massive underwater granite boulders with numerous swim-throughs create a captivating environment that attracts a diverse array of marine life. From tiny creatures such as shrimps, crabs, clownfish, pipefish, and seahorses to larger schools of tropical reef fish, butterfly fish, angelfish, bannerfish, snappers, scorpion fish, trevallies, groupers, barracudas, moray eels, octopuses, and various sharks, triggerfish, stingrays, turtles, giant manta rays, and majestic whale sharks – the Similan Islands offer a mesmerizing underwater spectacle.
The water clarity is excellent, and the scenery varies with each Similan Island, providing a unique experience at every dive site.|
Notable Dive Sites
Elephant Head Rock: Arguably the most famous west side dive site, known for its maze of swim-throughs and spin-cycle-like currents.
North Point, Deep Six, Boulder City, Sharkfin Reef, West of Eden, East of Eden, Anita’s Reef, Breakfast Bend, and Christmas Point: Other popular dive sites that offer diverse underwater landscapes and marine life encounters.
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Conservation Efforts
While some of the Similan Islands (No. 1, 2, and 3) are closed to the public year-round due to a turtle hatching protection program and reef conservation efforts, the conservation initiatives are vital for preserving the unique marine ecosystem. Notably, Island number 3 belongs to a Thai princess, adding an element of royal heritage to the conservation efforts.
The Similan Islands Diving Day trip Experience
Dive with Orca 2
Embark on the Similan diving day trip aboard the brand new, custom-built high-speed speedboat, Orca 2. This state-of-the-art vessel ensures a swift journey to your dive sites, reaching them in just 1 1/2 hours. The Orca 2 also extends its exploration to Koh Bon on Saturdays and includes visits to Koh Bon and Koh Tachai on Tuesdays.
Intimate Dive Groups
Experience the underwater wonders with small dive groups, ensuring a personalized and immersive encounter with the marine environment. Each Similan diving day trip includes two dives, lasting between 45 to 60 minutes, with a maximum of four divers per experienced dive guide. Dive Masters provide detailed dive briefings and assistance with setting up your diving gear, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Join the Similan Islands day trip
Embarking on a Similan Islands diving day trip promises an unparalleled exploration of the underwater wonders that the Andaman Sea has to offer. With diverse marine life, captivating underwater landscapes, and conservation initiatives ensuring the preservation of this unique ecosystem, the Similan Islands stand as a must-visit destination for avid divers seeking an extraordinary and eco-conscious diving experience. Join us on the Orca 2 for a journey into the heart of this underwater paradise, where every dive is a revelation and a celebration of the beauty beneath the waves.
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- Diving day trip from Khao Lak
- 2 Dives
- Similan islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai
- Max 4 divers with 1 professional guide
- Nitrox available
- Best price guarantee
- Book with local diving experts
ITINERARY
Itinerary
Pick up from your accommodation in Khao Lak.
At 9.00 AM the fast speedboat Orca 2 leaves to the Similan Islands from Khao Lak jetty. The travel time is around 2 hours.
The friendly and experienced crew welcome you onboard on the comfortable dive boat. The boat master gives a short boat briefing before you enjoy a nice coffee and a European breakfast.
Dive groups
Dive groups are based on certification level and dive experience. In this way everybody will feel themselves comfortable: from novice open water diver to the more experienced diver. The ratio is 4 divers to 1 Dive Master. Each Dive Master gives a detailed dive briefing to his group and helps you with setting up your diving gear.
Plunge into the crystal clear water and enjoy the incredible marine wildlife. Dive time 45-60 minutes.
Surface interval
Back onboard a fresh made delicious Thai and Western style lunch is served. In the meantime, the boat heads to the next dive site. During the surface interval there is plenty of time to relax or to sunbathe on the spacious sundeck.
Arriving at the second dive side, your Dive Master gives a detailed dive briefing and will help you with gearing up.
Plunge back into the water and get the experience of world-class diving.
Relaxing after the dives
After the last dive snacks and fresh fruit are served. Orca 2 starts returning back to Khao Lak. This will give you enough time to fill in your logbook, exchange experiences, enjoy the scenery and have a drink The arrival time is around 17.00 PM . A taxi is waiting to bring you back to your accommodation in Khao Lak.
Schedule can be changed due weather, sea conditions, instructions by the national park authorities.
SCHEDULE OCTOBER 2023 - MAY 2024
Monday | Similan islands 4,5&6 | ||
Tuesday | Koh Bon & Koh Tachai | ||
Wednesday | Similan islands 5&7 | ||
Thursday | Similan islands 6&7 | ||
Friday | Similan island 8 | ||
Saturday | Koh Bon | ||
Sunday | Similan island 9 |
PRICES
Similan islands daytrip 2 dives : 5.000.- Baht
Koh Bon daytrip 2 dives : 5.000.- Baht
Included in the price are :
- Experienced dive guides and instructors (no freelance)
- Small dive groups of 4 divers to 1 dive guide
- Breakfast, lunch, fruits and snacks
- Drinking water, tea and coffee
- Towels
- Transfers for Khao Lak area
Excluded in the price are :
- National park entrance and diving fees : 700.- Baht
- Full set of diving equipment : 500.- Baht per day
- 15 Liter tank : 150.- Baht per dive
- Nitrox 32 % : 250.- Baht per dive
- Dive computer : 400.- Baht per day