Similan Island Best Diving

The Similan Islands are the best diving that can be done in Thailand. The number of excellent sites and scuba diving can be found in this protected national park. The Similans are a chain of 9 tiny and verdant islands fringed with white sand beaches and surrounded by some of the area's richest waters.

A liveaboard is the only way to enjoy a Similan scuba diving trip. This way you can visit all 25 or so cattered sites, at your leisure. The range of liveabopards in the area is so great that it can suit every taste and each budget.

`So whether you are seeking a rough-and-ready backpacker trip or a deluxe 5 star cruise then you will find what you want in our Similan Island liveaboards section. Trips range from a standard 4 night cruise to 9 or 10 night safaris that visit Burma too.

Enjoy a taste of the Similans by going on one or more day trips from Khao Lak or Phuket. The journey times are greater (45 or 90 km away, respectively),  but ths is perfect if you are short on time or don't fancy staying on a boat for a few nights. You can check out our day trip packages, which can be both with or without accommodation, in our Khao Lak day trip and Phuket day trip pages.

Diving Season

Get your diving in during the season. Early November to early May is the period during which liveaboards operate at the Similan Islands. Day trips and overnight trips run from October through to May. The most constant weather patterns, and therefore the most stable conditions, tend to be between February and April. The diving at this time of year is great as the visibility is always between 25-40m, and calm seas are the norm as the monsoon winds cease to blow. Clouds are rarely seen in the sky – so that’s nice, blue skies to enjoy your diving experience.

The Similans are only 8 degrees north of the Equator and therefore exhibit a tropical climate, including a water temperature that usually ranges between 26-29°C, being warmest towards the end of the season (February-May). Even at depth, the water is usually only 1 degree less than at the surface. Similarly, the light conditions are good as divers descend to depth.

If you are looking for interesting drift dives, then you could dive towards the end of February. This time of the year yields more  pelagics in the area, such as manta rays and whale sharks. Green and hawksbill turtles are often seen at the dive sites. Their breeding season is from November to February.

The dives sites are closed for 6 months of the year, the dive sites. Mother nature needs a rest so during this period we allow recuperation from the effects of constant diving and boats operating in the area during the main season. This closed rainy season fortunately coincides with a period of spawning for many of the fishes, however, our science has proven that to give a much needed rest will reap longer rewards for years to come for your diving experiences.

Similan Island

If you are looking to stay on Similan Islands there are three ways to enjoy your stay. Tents and bungalows are provided by the Similan National Marine Park. If you have chosen a diving liveaboard or an overnight tour boat, this does not require overnight equipment, however, we try to make the day trip as comfortable as possible.  As the only place to stay ON the Similans are run by the National Park system, bookings can be a challenge to obtain. Booking now and early is the best approach. If you decide to stay in Khao Lak, then a day trip is best.

Similan Islands Accommodation

Please take a moment to look at the map to find island #4 and Island #8. The only bungalows available for rent are on Island #4. If you are diving it is best to visit on either an overnight boat or a liveaboard. For Snorkelers you can choose between overnight trips, camping or simply enjoying daytrips from Khao Lak.


Booking Similan Island Accommodation:
You may contact the National Parks directly here: 
(+66) 25620760
National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department. “
The official name of the Similan Island park – Mu Ko Similan”
Booking Similan Islands Bungalows:
If you have trouble booking or cannot complete the reservation – we recommend our friends at Khao Lak Life – they are happy to do it for you (They just go in person the the headquarters and arrange everything that way). They do, however, charge a small fee for this service.

If you wish to have the easiest transportation to and from the Similans – we recommend staying in Khao Lak before and after your visit!

Similan Islands Tents

Similan Island Tents are large and simple. Included are sheets, pillows and a floor pad. The tents have a mosquito net. You will happily sleep the night away listening to the waves of the beach. The tents are placed about 1-1.5 meters apart in one central area quite near the beaches. The tents are currently 570 Baht per night and reservations are recommended, especially during Holidays.
At this time the park is NOT allowing private tents, you may only use the tents provided by parks. Please note that this policy was different in the past and may change again in the future.
Currently you can only reserve tents through agents, as the Similan National Park online system only works for bungalow reservations.

Similan Island Bungalows

As noted earlier, Island #4 is where you may rent the bungalows. Currently there are 20 bungalows available for rent. Each bungalow features air-conditioning and attached bathrooms. Most have a view of Princess bay. The view and the surroundings are simple and clean. If you want a nice place to stay on the Islands, this is it! the cost is 2000 Baht per night and reservations are recommended at all times.


Diving Liveaboards


There are many liveaboards to choose from and you stay on the boat. These are meant for the diver and rarely cater to snorkelers or non-divers. With over 40 different boats traveling along the Similan and Surin islands you have a wide variety of selections. Some may say that the selections are too many. We will recommend to you to try Wicked Diving’s ecologically friendly Similan Diving Liveaboard