Scuba diving in

Similan and Surin Islands

Named after the Malay word for nine - Sembilan - the Similans are a collection of nine rugged islands that are known by both their names and numbers. First designated as a National Park in 1982, the protected area was expanded in 1998 to include the neighbouring islands of Koh Bon and Koh Tachai - famous for manta ray encounters and other marine life. Further north towards Myanmar lies the world-famous Richelieu Rock and the Mu Ko Surin Island Marine Park, another protected area that has become a magnet for divers who travel to the park in search of the biggest fish in the sea - the whale shark.

Both the Similans and Surins are characterised by huge granite boulder formations that tumble down into the sea, gently sloping coral reefs, and a number of submerged pinnacles that form dramatic underwater seascapes. With their beautiful beaches, lush jungle hillsides and a huge array of marine species, the islands are a playground for those in search of an unforgettable adventure experience, both above and below the surface of the water.

The small coastal town of Khao Lak is the gateway for liveaboard safaris and day trips to the Similans and Surins.

From Bangkok there are daily flights to Phuket or Krabi Town with Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways and Air Asia. You will then need to arrange a taxi or bus to Khao Lak. Depending on your accommodation or dive centre, most can arrange these details as part of your package. There are also direct busses, or a combination of train and bus from Bangkok to Khao Lak. From both Phuket or Krabi you can arrange for a private taxi, mini-van or hourly local bus service to Khao Lak. Khao Lak is located about an hour drive from Phuket airport, and once in town, it’s 15-30 minutes to the pier at Thap Lamu. Divers and snorkelers are usually picked up at their Khao Lak accommodation or meet at the dive centre for a group taxi ride to Thap Lamu.

There are no resorts on the Similan or Surin Islands. The park authorities used to offer small bungalows and tents for overnight stays on several of the Similan Islands, however they recently announced a ban on overnight stays to help protect the environment. That said, the best way to explore the Similans and Surins is by liveaboard safari out of Khao Lak, the closest port on the mainland. This small town has become a well-known tourist spot and gateway to the islands and there are plenty of different options for accommodation and dive centres, ranging from budget backpackers to luxurious boutique hotels.

You’ll most likely need a night in Khao Lak if you are heading out to the Similan and Surin Islands, and ZuBlu can help you book both your liveaboard and a hotel prior to the trip.

The Similans National Park is open from mid-October through mid-May and the most popular time to visit is in December and early January during the holiday season. However, in late-February to mid-March there is very little rain and the water is typically very calm, so the diving can be fantastic. Temperatures start to rise, but the seas are very calm and the evenings are nearly perfect!

Weather is a major factor in the life of these islands. Afternoon thunderstorms and showers occur almost year-round but during the dry season - November through April - this is a welcome respite from the warm days. The Islands themselves receive only one third of the rainfall that the mainland gets and storms that can affect the conditions normally only occur at the beginning and end of the season as the weather patterns begin to change. The park is closed during the annual monsoon from May to October.