Similan Islands – a group of islands in the Andaman Sea, 70 km west of the province of Phang Nga, to which they administratively belong. In the Yavi language, the name of the archipelago means “nine”, according to the number of islands. In 1982, the Similan National Park was formed, and in 1998, the islands of Bon and Tachai were attached to the park.
Diving places:
The Similan Archipelago is located off the northwest coast of Thailand, about 115 km north of Phuket. The nine granite islands of the archipelago are Marine National Park and the world’s best diving site. The magnificent topographical features and rich variety of flora and fauna of the Similan Islands will leave an impression not only for diving enthusiasts, but also for lovers of snorkeling and just relaxing on the sandy beaches.
Smooth granite blocks, coral plateaus, sheer walls, arches, grottoes and caves in which leopard sharks and nurse sharks hide for the night, as well as: manta rays, rays, white tip and gray reef sharks and an endless variety of fish and corals – all this is diving on the Similans.
Diving in the Similan Islands takes place in the diving safari mode. Ships most often call in the area of the island of Powsar, known as “Elephant Mountain”.
The bottom relief is varied and amazing. Smooth granite blocks, coral plateaus, steep ledges of coral walls, tunnels, arches and many grottoes.
During the warm season in the south of Thailand (February-April), the water temperature rises and causes the accumulation of plankton, which in turn attracts whale sharks, manta rays, etc. to these places.
The eastern part of the Similan Islands features lush coral gardens with sea anemones and colorful fish. Here the sea is quite calm and shallow, which is suitable for beginners and snorkelers.
The western part of the Similan Islands is distinguished by bottom topography. Huge granite boulders, caves, tunnels, grottoes. The flow through the crevices of the granite boulders provides a supply of nutrients for a huge variety of soft corals and sea fans. Strong currents and depths prevail here, the greatest probability of meeting with large fish: sharks, rays, manta rays, flocks of barracudas and tuna and many others.
The Similan Islands themselves are huge lush green caps towering above the sea, in the tropical forests of which many species of birds live.
Boulder City (islands three – Koh Payan) – is located approximately 200 meters south of Koh Payan. Wastok. Diving takes place at a depth of 20 – 30 meters. An amazing landscape of the underwater world opens up to you. Huge granite boulders the size of an apartment building and divers swim through their crevices. Manta rays and eagle yards swarm around, and stingrays hide in the sandy bottoms, as well as Napoleon fish, parrots, leopard sharks, and the occasional whale shark.
Koh Miang (4 honeymoon bay)
Honeymoon Bay – On the back side of the island is a beautiful bay, this is a great place for relaxing on the beach, snorkeling and relaxing diving. Working depth is about 24 meters. There are many crabs, lobsters, large shrimp coral fish.
Koh Payu (7 deep six) – lies in the upper northern part of the island. The depth of this place is more than 60 meters. You swim through the formed grottoes, caves and canyons, then descending a little deeper, you find yourself in a magnificent coral garden.
Elephant head (Hin Pousar) is one of the most popular parts of Semilan. It is located between Koh Pay and Koh Similan. Three large rocks towering above the sea and a depth of more than 50 meters. There are huge thickets of corals and an intricate system of tunnels. While swimming through the tunnels, you can observe a large number of anemones and clown fish, as well as whitetip reef sharks. Strong currents prevail here.
Koh Similan (8 beacon point) – located in the southern part of the island. The depth of this place exceeds 40 meters. Many stingrays live here. Huge granite boulders around which whitetip sharks ply.
Koh Surin (National Park) is located 85 km north of the Similan Islands and 80 km west of Ranong. The islands of Surin itself are not too impressive for diving, but two islands between Similan and Surin, named Koh Bon and Koh Tachea, are particularly beautiful. Here you can see almost everything you want. They can be called “Underwater kingdom”.
Koh Bon (the pinnacle) – located 12 nautical miles south of Koh Tachai. Diving from the ship at the command of the captain, who moves towards the dive site itself. Divers jump out on the move and go under water, up to approximately 18 meters deep. Just here is the top of the cliff, going to a depth of more than 50 meters. Reef sharks live here, which ply along the “tower” in search of food.
These amazing “towers” are covered with colorful soft coral trees, large gorgonian sea sponges. There are 5 varieties of clown fish in magnificent anemones, a lot of shrimps, crabs. In the surface of the water it is possible to meet manta rays, eagle ray and even whale sharks.
Koh Tachai island (the plateau) – located 22 nautical miles south of Surin island. The dive site is approximately 200m south of the island. The dive is carried out to a depth of 16 meters – this is the top of the plateau. Here you can choose the northern or southern route. The north side will lead you to a beautiful coral garden, 22-26 meters deep. The south side is granite boulders, the depth is 36-40 meters. The sandy bottom in this place can be interesting for shark lovers. At a depth of 15-30 meters, you can watch flocks of tuna and barracuda. Also, peering into the blue, it is possible to see manta rays.
Richelieu rock – located 7.5 nautical miles east of Surin island. Around Richelieu Island is a national marine park. The rock rises above the sea from a depth of 33 meters. The north side has an excellent wall with many cracks and holes through which you can swim, looking at the many living creatures hiding in the crevices of the rock. The wall itself is covered with corals and oysters. Further, the rock makes a bend and you find yourself in the realm of tropical living creatures. Several types of eels live here, zebra fish of various colors, many king prawns, moray eels, many purple anemones and clown fish, thickets of soft corals, seahorses, flocks of barracudas, sharks and, if you’re lucky, a whale shark.