Exploring Thailand’s Similan Islands by Liveaboard
Discover liveaboard diving in Thailand’s Similan Islands—unforgettable reefs, granite boulders, pelagic species, and eco‑friendly cruises for all experience levels.
SCUBA DIVING IN EXCITING DESTINATIONS
Exploring Thailand’s Similan Islands by Liveaboard
Why Similan Liveaboards Are a Diver’s Dream
The Similan Islands, situated about 70 km off Thailand’s west coast, have become iconic for their spectacular underwater scenery. Accessible only between mid‑October and mid‑May—when the seas are calm and park regulations allow visits—this marine national park protects granite boulder reefs, vibrant coral gardens, and thriving marine life. A liveaboard is the best way to explore these remote sites, offering up to four dives a day and access to popular locations like Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock.
Dive Sites You’ll Love
Similan liveaboards typically visit a mix of spectacular sites:
Anita’s Reef (east coast of Island 4): gentle currents, colorful corals, and schooling fish like trevallies and gobies.
West of Eden (Island 6): reef and boulder terrain home to batfish, octopus, and moray eels.
Elephant Head Rock: dramatic pinnacle diving in strong currents, with white-tip sharks, ribbon eels, and macro life like mantis shrimp and crabs.
Boulder City & Shark Fin Reef: shark sightings, schooling batfish, angelfish, and Napoleon wrasse among giant boulders.
These sites showcase over 500 species of coral and abundant marine life such as leopard sharks, guitar rays, giant trevally, turtles, and rare macro species.
When to Dive & What to Expect
Liveaboard season runs from mid‑October to mid‑May, when water temperatures hover between 26–29 °C and visibility often exceeds 30 meters. For peak chances of seeing whale sharks and manta rays—especially at sites like Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, plan your trip for February through April.
Expect onboard meals, daily dives (up to 15 per trip), and transfers from Phuket or Khao Lak. Many vessels also offer free Nitrox for certified divers.
Liveaboard Options & Booking Suggestions
Whether you’re budget-savvy or seeking luxury, liveaboards range from basic to high-end:
Manta Queen 6: mid-range option with single/double cabins, A/C, and buffet meals.
Pawara, Sawasdee Fasai, Deep Andaman Queen: top-rated, spacious boats offering Nitrox, full meals, and regular itineraries.
You’ll find eco-conscious operators and transparent pricing on platforms like Divebooker.com and All Star Liveaboards.
Pro Tips for Similan Liveaboards
Book early—permit limits mean trips sell out fast.
Attend every briefing—currents vary by site and require proper handling.
Pack a 2–3 mm wetsuit or shorty—you’ll dive often and night dinghy rides can cool you off.
Bring Thai Baht—marine park fees and extras onboard often require local currency.
Happy and safe diving,
The ScubaBlast Team
World Adventure Divers. (n.d.). Diving in the Similan Islands: Things to Know Before You Go. Retrieved from https://worldadventuredivers.com/diving-similan/
Liveaboard.com. (n.d.). 31 Liveaboards in Similan Islands, Thailand. Retrieved from https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/thailand/similan-islands
Thailand Dive and Sail. (n.d.). Similan Liveaboards: Planning Your Perfect Trip. Retrieved from https://thailanddiveandsail.com/similan-liveaboard/
ZuBlu Diving. (n.d.). The Similans – Thailand's Best Liveaboard Diving. Retrieved from https://www.zubludiving.com/articles/zublu-insights/best-liveaboard-diving-in-thailand
Infinity Divers Phuket. (n.d.). Liveaboard Diving Trips Around the Similan Islands. Retrieved from https://www.infinitydiversphuket.com/liveaboard
