Similan islands national park
Similan Islands National Park is made up of 9 different islands located in the Andaman Sea, about 90 km north-west from Phuket. The islands were declared a national park in 1982.
The Similan Islands are classified as one of the best dive sites in the world. For diving pioneer Jaques Costeau, the area was one of his favorites. To keep the underwater life thriving on these magnificent coral reefs, fishing is not allowed in the area. All dive- and other boats use the buoys instead of anchoring, to keep from damaging the coral. We hope Thai people will be able to protect these extraordinary underwater riches for the future generations.
The islands are granite rock with gorgeous white sandy beaches. The sand is the same white as on Raya Island, compared to the golden sand of Phuket beaches. The islands are covered by tropical vegetation and on some islands fantastic walking tracks go right through the lush tropical jungle. The water temperature is about 29 degrees Celsius year round, it can go down a few degrees during December-February. Normally a 3 mm shorty wet suit is enough for diving, although some divers prefer 5 mm whole wetsuits if doing multiple dives. The visibility is usually about 30 m, except April-May, when there is a lot of plankton in the sea. At the same time plankton attracts big fish species as manta rays and whale sharks to the area.
Over 200 species of hard coral are found on the eastern side of the islands and colorful soft coral and gigantic gorgonian fans on the western side of the islands make this area unique. Gigantic boulders with interesting caves add to the attractiveness of the dive sites. Speedy current-dives are possible during the full and new moon. It is unbelievable how many and how different fish species that you can see while diving in the Similans: Sea-Bass, Napoleon fish, Barracudas, Batfish, Rays, Turtles and Whale sharks, all of them will give you unforgettable memories.
Raya Divers organizes diving and snorkeling daytrips to the Similan Islands and Koh Bon, which is north of the Similans from Phuket and Krabi. The other possibility to see Similan Islands is to go on 4 days safari on the Queen Scuba dive boat. It visits in addition to the Similan Islands also the further islands Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock dive sites.