The Similan Islands are located just 50 km off the coast of Khao Lak or around 120 kilometres north west of Phuket and provide the best diving in Thailand. There are nine granite islands covered in thick tropical jungle, frindged by powder white beaches and surrounded with crystal clear waters. Just North of the main islands are located Koh Bon and Koh Tachaia – both part of the National Park, but geologiaclly separate. The area is a protected national park now but camping is allowed on two of the islands. Below the surface lies a diverse landscape of deep canyons, giant boulders, coral gardens, caves and walls.
Diving is almost always done off liveaboards that run out of Phuket or day trips from Khao Lak. There are many world class dive sites around the islands and all offer something different and exciting.
In the central part of the Simlan Islands are located some of the very best sites in Thailand. Even the names provoke dreams of paradise – East of Eden, Elephant Head Rock, Chinese wreck.Here you will find of the most diverse sites in all the Andaman Diving sites. Huge boulder sites with massive swim-throughs and big fish characterize sites like Elephant Head rock and Deep Six. The most famous of all the reef sites for the Similans, East of Eden is found here. But also the most unique of the sites – an intentionally sunk Chinese registered fishing boat. – Anita’s reef – Honeymoon Bay – East of Eden – West of Eden – Deep Six The Outer Islands feature some of the most amazing scenery of the Similan Islands, with the only wall dive in Thailand at Koh Bon, The stunning site at Richelieu Rock and often overlooked sites of Koh Tachai – here you will find THE Best dive sites in Thailand. Richelieu Rock – Koh Bon – Koh Tachai
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Breakfast Bend
Thailand Dive Sites – Breakfast Bend
One of the best reefs in the area, with lots of vibrant colors and fish. Typical of the Eastern side of the Similans, there is a nice shallow flat area from 0-8 meters (0-25 feet) that is rich in small coral bommies interspersed with sandy patches. Plenty of fish, making the shallows great for snorkeling and beginning dives.
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Beacon Reef South
Thailand Dive Sites – Beacon Reef South
One of our favorite dives, this reef features a steep drop-off with striking diversity of hard corals from 35 meters of depth almost all the way to the surface. This dive probably has the largest variety of healthy hard corals in the Similans, probably exceeding 300 species. One of the ugliest residents of this reef are the big eye fish that slowly cruise the reef flats. These fish have an amazing ability to change from a deep red color to a contrasting vivid silver. It almost appears as if they are changing their color to fit their mood.
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Beacon Reef
Thailand Dive Sites – Beacon Reef
A reef that extends the whole eastern side of Island 8 (Koh Similan). Typical of most of the Similans – this a sloping reef running from 8 meters (25 feet) to 30 meters (100 Feet). Fields of staghorn, brain and bushy corals mark this site. You’ll certainly find moray eels, batfish, Snappers and more.
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Christmas Point
Thailand Dive Sites – Christmas Point
Situated on the very northwestern point of the Similan islands, you will find one of the most scenic sites in all the Similans. With massive boulder formation breaching the surface, shelfs dropping to 30, then to 40, and onwards beyond 70 meters with massive gorgonian fans the area can be breathtaking. On these deeper shelves, look for white-tip reef sharks as well as napoleon wrasse. Look closely for ribbon eels in the sandy areas. Heading back towards the shallows brings you over massive fields of multicolored bush corals to the South or several amazing swim-throughs towards the East.
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North Point
Similan Dive Site – North Point
Marked by a red buoy which drops down to around 20 meters at the north of the dive site. Characterised by large rocks interspersed with sand and dead corals. Whip corals reach up from the sea bed, while gorgonian fan corals often with feather stars hanging from them protrude from the side of the rocks. Reef sharks can often be seen around the outer edges of the site, as can larger pelagic fish. The northern tip of the site is often characterised by a strong current which may necessitate staying close to the rocks and zig zaging through the many small swim throughs back to the shallows in the southern side of the dive site.
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