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The Similan Islands, a group of tiny islands in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of Thailand, are a hub for scuba diving enthusiasts from all over the world. From the professional and experienced scuba diver to the novice, Similan Islands scuba diving provides an unforgettable underwater adventure. The crystal clear waters are teeming with marine life and colourful corals and offer one of the most breathtaking scuba diving experiences in the world. The water temperature in the Similan Islands is between 26 and 29 °C, which is proper for diving year-round.
Factors That Affect Similan Islands Scuba Diving
Photo: NEOM / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Several factors can influence your scuba diving experience in the Similan Islands:
- Weather and Season
- Water Temperature
- Environmental Concerns
5 Popular Spots For The Similan Islands Scuba Diving
1. Elephant Head Rock
Photo: Neom / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
One of the most recognisable dive sites in the Similans, Elephant Head Rock is named after the huge granite boulders that form impressive underwater tunnels and swim-throughs peppered with myriad overhangs. The diversity of marine life is also remarkable, with regular sightings of reef sharks, moray eels, barracudas, and turtles. Indeed, with its dramatic underwater profile and teeming with sea life, it is no surprise that Elephant Head Rock is the most sought-after dive site in the Similan Islands for scuba diving. It is a favourite amongst divers of all experience levels.
Minimum Depth Level: 12 meters
Maximum Depth Level: 40 meters
2. Richelieu Rock
Photo: Tim Sheerman-Chase / Wikimedia Commons
As fabulous as the Similan Islands’ scuba diving is, it’s worth taking a day trip out to Richelieu Rock—although technically outside the Similan Islands, it is usually included in the Similan Islands scuba diving itineraries. Richelieu Rock is another world-class diving site and is world-famous for its whale-shark and manta encounters, and the spectacular array of smaller marine life, such as seahorses, can be breathtaking. The coral gardens and potential sightings of large pelagic species make it a highlight of any scuba diving trip here. For many, it is the best diving in the Similan Islands.
Minimum Depth Level: 5 meters
Maximum Depth Level: 35 meters
3. East Of Eden
Photo: Kris-Mikael Krister / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
East of Eden is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful sites in the Similan Islands and one of the best places for Similan Islands scuba diving. It is known for its large coral bommie, which is frequented by a huge diversity of fishes such as ribbon eels and angelfish, to name a few, as well as barracudas. The scene is full of a riot of colours, and the sea perimeter is swarming with life.
Minimum Depth Level: 5 meters
Maximum Depth Level: 30 meters
4. Christmas Point
Photo: Vlad Tchompalov / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Christmas Point is characterised by a dramatic underwater landscape of large boulders that offer exciting swim-throughs and canyons. Divers who visit Christmas Point can find leopard sharks, turtles, and blue-spotted stingrays. It’s one of the most popular dive sites in the Similan Islands. The underwater landscape and abundant marine life make this a thrilling dive that combines visual and bodily engagement and is therefore suitable for divers of different levels.
Minimum Depth Level: 15 meters
Maximum Depth Level: 40 meters
5. Anita’s Reef
Photo: NEOM / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Anita’s Reef is an excellent dive site for the beginner as well as for more advanced divers and dive enthusiasts. As the corals are growing right beside each other, the fish just need to leave their shelter in the corals. Not only the easy access and lower current than at other sites, but the good visibility and the high biodiversity of marine life make this dive site a top recommendation for scuba diving.
Minimum Depth Level: 5 meters
Maximum Depth Level: 25 meters
Average Cost For Similan Islands Scuba Diving
Photo: ian dooley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The prices for scuba diving in the Similan Islands are as follows:
Day Trips: 3000 – 5000 THB (₹7,398 – 12,330) per person
Liveaboard Trips: 25,000- 45,000 THB (₹61648 – 110,965) per person for a multi-day trip
These prices are usually inclusive of the rental of the equipment, the dive master, food, and accommodation, but, of course, it pays to double-check it with your chosen dive operator. These budgets are for four divers.
With more than 20 dive sites for Similan Islands scuba diving, you will never run out of places to explore. Similan Island scuba diving experiences are designed such that you can first spend time learning and then move on to the real adventure. If you plan to visit Thailand any time soon, plan a trip with TripXL today and do not miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime thrill.
Cover Photo: NEOM / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
