The Similan Islands, Diving Information in Thailand

World-class dive sites galore
The Similan Islands, located about one hundred kilometers northwest of Phuket, are composed of nine granite islands washed by a clear blue tropical ocean and blessed with some of the world's finest beaches. Similan comes from Malay fishermen who named it "The Nine Islands" (Sembilan is "nine" in Malay). We designate the islands by name-in Thai-and a number.

The islands have achieved national park status and thus are fully protected under Thai law. The National Park Authority maintains their residence on two of the islands: Ko Similan (Island #8) the largest, and Ko Miang (Island #4). which lies mid-way through the chain. Recently, the islands have come to the special attention of the Thai Royal Family which further assures protection of this national treasure.

The Similan Islands host the most beautiful group of dive sites we have in Thailand and are one of the better areas for diving in the entire world. One of the most fantastic characteristics of the islands is that we have two entirely different types of environments in one destination.

The east coast, with its powdery coral beaches, features hard coral gardens which slope dramatically from the surface down to approximately 30-40 meters. Here, the most popular activity is drift diving along hard coral gardens while watching the reef inhabitants go about their business. At several sites, large coral mommies covered with soft corals and sea fans rise dramatically from the bottom. Here, the diving is easy and navigation simple, allowing each buddy pair to explore at their own pace.

The west coast can offer faster paced, more exhilarating diving as currents swirl around the huge granite boulders-some larger than the grandest of houses. These smooth, rounded boulders form dramatic formations, holes, and overhangs (swim-thorough). The drama of just looking up through the clear water at these huge rocks is gratification enough for some divers, as there are few places like this on earth.

However, growing on these boulders are some of the most colorful soft corals imaginable, in many places so thick that the rock is no longer visible. In the larger passages or channels between the boulders, the often tightly bunched fans grow to a size sometimes three meters across.

If you enjoy watching and photographing small fish, the Similans are unrivaled for the sheer numbers and varieties of tropical. We see whale sharks, while large cow tail rays and leopard sharks are reasonably common. We will also see white tip and black tip sharks, and over the years we have seen schools of pseudo orcas or false killer whales. Don't expect big fish action every dive, enjoy the Similans for what they are famous for: Wild, unspoiled beaches, magnificent coral growth, prolific marine life, crystalline blue water and sensational underwater rock formations.

The only land accommodation available i3 on Island #4 (Ko Miang) which has both tent camping and Thai-style bungalows. For divers, however, the best way to visit the Similans are. and will continue to be. onboard a boat.

Typically, the high season in the Similans is from October until May. but diving is possible all year-round. The water tends to be clearest in the summer and in the fall, but then again, the visibility is usually good in the Similans. averaging approximately 18-25 meters and at times exceeding 40 meters. There are well over 20 charted dive sites in the Similan chain.

Boats in Thailand vary in style and comfort. For those less worried about comfort, sleeping in semi-private cabins will cost less. At the other end of the scale, many boats are available with large, private air-conditioned cabins, professional photography services, and modern communications. All boats furnish internationally certified dive masters or instructors. How to get there : Boats can be chartered or individually booked from several dive companies in Phuket, or from Thap Lamu and Khao Lak just north of Phuket in Phangnga province.

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