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Koh Similan Islands Information - Thailand

Located approximately 100 km north-west of Phuket the world-famous Similan National Marine Park consists of a group of nine islands. In fact the name Similan comes from the Malay word for nine, "sembilan". Renowned throughout the world this place has it all: pure white sandy beaches, lush tropical vegetation and most importantly absolutely fantastic diving. The superb underwater visibility combined with the great number and variety of dive sites is a wonder to behold.

For five months of the year (mid-May to mid-October) the Similan Islands become inaccessible to scuba divers due to heavy monsoons. What this has created are two completely different sets of topography for each island. On the east sides, protected from the monsoons, are gentle sloping hard coral reefs whilst on the west sides which are exposed to the high winds and waves, are fantastic boulders covered in soft corals and sea fans. When you add the rich diversity of aquatic life and the fact that it is a protected marine park...well you just have to experience it to believe it. Whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, sea horses, pipefish, frogfish, whitetip reef sharks, leopard sharks....the list is endless.

Dive Sites

Click on the links below for brief descriptions of some of the more well known dive sites of the Similans, plus descriptions of three other dive sites to the north of Koh Similan islands, namely Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and the infamous Richelieu Rock. The former two are known for the manta rays often seen around the bays of the islands, the latter for mantas and whale sharks. In fact if you pick up any reef guide, anywhere, you will probably see a picture of a whale shark taken at Richelieu Rock.

Similan Islands

Koh Bon/Tachai

Richelieu Rock

Similan Liveaboard Trips

If you are interested in paying a visit to the wonderful islands of the Similans then there are many options available. Any length trip is possible from a day trip upwards. The most recommended way to dive there is from one of the liveaboard boats visiting the islands.

Visit our Similan Islands Liveaboards page for details of our top recommended liveaboard boats. For each recommendation you can also find latest schedules and prices plus full information on the boats themselves. Alternatively for information on diving day trips and liveaboards to Koh Similan islands please fill in our Information Request Form.

Photo Galleries

Check out our Similan Island Photo Galleries to discover what can be seen in this beautiful area of the world.

Dive Courses Discount Up to 15% discount off all courses for online bookings. More >>

Phi Phi Overnight Only 9,900 baht until further notice. More >>

Liveaboards Special Up to 15% discount for Thailand liveaboard bookings a month or more in advance! More >>

Liveaboards 2010/11 Schedules and prices for the coming season:- • Similan Islands >> • Hin Daeng/Muang >> • Phi Phi >>