Liveaboard Thailand
Islands & Dive SitesÂ
We explore a diverse range of islands within the Similan and Surin National Marine Parks, each offering unique diving and snorkeling experiences.
General information about the islands and dive sites we visit
SIMILAN ISLANDS
Description of islands and dive sites
The Similan Islands are a group of 9 uninhabited islands, located approximately 70km west of Khao Lak. Designated as a National Marine Park in 1982, these islands are covered with lush tropical rainforest, dense jungle, and large granite boulders. The Similans are also renowned for their stunning white-sand beaches, with sand so fine it feels like powder between your toes.
Each island is surrounded by extensive hard and soft coral reefs, as well as underwater granite boulders, offering diverse opportunities for both divers and snorkellers. With over 20 dive sites and numerous snorkelling spots, the Similan Islands are a must-visit for marine enthusiasts.
What can we see?
The Similan Islands are a paradise for nature lovers and diving enthusiasts. The National Park headquarters is located on Island #4, Koh Miang, where you can take a short walk through the lush rainforest. Keep an eye out for unique wildlife like the Nicobar pigeon, fruit bats resting in the treetops, or monitor lizards. On Island #8, you can hike up to the famous Sail Rock viewpoint at Ao Guerk (also called Donald Duck Bay). From here, enjoy breathtaking views of the bay and stunning tropical sunsets.
Similan Islands diving is an incredible experience, offering an up-close view of vibrant marine life. The reefs are full of colorful tropical fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, lionfish, snappers, clownfish, and larger species like trevallies and tuna. While diving in the Similan Islands, you might also see turtles, rays, and reef sharks. With visibility ranging from 20-30 meters and warm sea temperatures of 27-29°C, it’s a must-visit destination for underwater exploration.
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KOH BON
Description of islands and dive sites
Head north from the Similan Islands, and you’ll find the stunning limestone island of Koh Bon. Added to the Similan Islands National Marine Park in 1998, this island is a must-visit for scuba diving enthusiasts. While Koh Bon doesn’t have a beach, it offers excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling.
One of the island’s unique features is a distinctive hole that cuts straight through the limestone above the water. Diving and snorkeling are possible at various spots, mainly on the island’s west side. Underwater, you’ll discover a vertical wall and sloping hard coral reefs, home to vibrant soft corals in shades of yellow, blue, orange, and pink. There’s also a deeper submerged pinnacle near the island, offering even more to explore.
What can we see?
Koh Bon is famous for its incredible marine life, making it a highlight of scuba diving Similan. Giant manta rays are frequently spotted feeding and playing in the waters here, and there’s even the chance of encountering a whale shark. You’ll also find octopuses, giant moray eels, lionfish, scorpionfish, napoleon wrasse, barracuda, and a wide variety of colorful tropical reef fish. Occasionally, packs of emperors and trevallies sweep over the reef, chasing schools of glassfish. Don’t miss the highly unusual Maldives sponge snail, a rare treat for divers.
Koh Bon is one of the top dive sites in the Similan Islands region and is a must-visit for anyone exploring these waters.
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KOH TACHAI
Description of islands and dive sites
Located further north, Koh Tachai is a gem within the Similan Islands National Park, added in 1998. This isolated island features a pristine beach, lush jungle, and incredible underwater landscapes. Koh Tachai’s most famous dive site is a submerged flat-topped pinnacle just off the island. Other diving spots include rocky bays, a wall dive on the west side, and a gently sloping coral reef to the south.
What can we see?
Koh Tachai is a dream destination for liveaboard Similan adventures, offering incredible marine life and vibrant coral gardens. Divers often encounter batfish, giant trevallies, clown triggerfish, boxfish, and colorful reef fish like angelfish and butterflyfish. Look out for banded sea snakes, nudibranchs, octopus, or even a mesmerizing tornado of barracuda. The site also boasts spectacular sea fans and some of the most vibrant coral gardens in the region. Keep an eye on the open water for a chance to spot larger marine creatures.
Koh Tachai is a favorite among our dive staff and a must-visit destination on all our liveaboard Similan trips.
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SURIN ISLANDS
Description of islands and dive sites
The Surin Islands, located near the border with Myanmar (Burma), became a National Marine Park in 1981. These secluded islands are home to the Chao Leh, also known as the Moken people or traditional sea gypsies of the Andaman Sea. The Surin Islands consist of five islands in total, each offering unique attractions.
The two main islands feature picturesque jungle trails and stunning white-sand beaches. For water enthusiasts, the area boasts a wide variety of diving and snorkeling sites. Shallow coral gardens provide exceptional snorkeling opportunities, while the deeper sloping coral reefs and submerged rocky pinnacles are perfect for those seeking a memorable Similan Islands diving experience. Although visibility here might be slightly less than in the Similan Islands, the vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life more than compensate for it.
What can we see?
The Surin Islands are rich in marine life, making them a favorite destination for divers and snorkelers. Common sightings include batfish, angelfish, boxfish, Jenkins whip rays, nudibranchs, lobsters, crabs, and shrimp. Lucky visitors might even spot humphead parrotfish, a rare and special sight. Keep an eye out for turtles and reef sharks, especially when exploring the shallow reefs.
For those looking to explore beyond the Similan Islands diving spots, the Surin Islands are an excellent addition to your journey.
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RICHELIEU ROCK
Description of islands and dive sites
South-east of the Surins, is the world-famous Richelieu Rock. As the only rock formation in this area, Richelieu is a natural magnet for all marine life. From smaller fish seeking protection amongst the coral. To larger pelagic fish from the deeper sea coming in to hunt for food around the rock. As a result, the diving is spectacular!
There is no island here! Richelieu Rock is a horseshoe-shaped limestone pinnacle that is almost completely under the water. The maximum depth is about 35m whilst at low tide just 1m of the rock sticks above the surface.
What can we see?
The rock itself is beautiful and is covered in purple soft corals and hundreds of anemones. Several different types of clownfish inhabit the anemones, including the Tomato Anemonefish. Crabs, shrimp, and moray eels hide in the cracks and crevices. Huge clouds of glassfish cover parts of the rock and behind them, we find boxfish, blennies, hawkfish, and tobies. Large schools of barracuda, jackfish, batfish, emperors, snapper, and many others can be seen regularly. We always look out for seahorses or ghost pipefish. And if that wasn’t enough, just occasionally we may see a manta ray or a whale shark!
Richelieu Rock is a truly outstanding dive site. It is probably the best dive site in Thailand. Do not miss it! All of our liveaboard trips include Richelieu. In addition, there are day trip options available.
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