Diving in the Similans, Surin and Richelieu Rock in the Andaman Sea

Similan Islands and beyond

MARINE LIFE:
Whalesharks harlequin shrimp
peacock flounder
leopard sharks

ANDAMAN SEA
TOP DIVE SITE:
Richelieu Rock

DESTINATION OVERVIEW
The Similan Islands are the jewel in Thailand's diving crown. A string of nine tiny islands ringed by white sand beaches sit above a wealth of colourful coral reefs. Granted national park status in the 1980s, these reefs are incredibly diverse, full of small fish, pelagic species and pristine corals.

What makes the Similans unusual though, are the two opposing geographical styles. To the east of each island, the reefs are gentle slopes coated with soft corals and fans, while on the western side, facing the Indian Ocean, the landscape is one of dramatic boulders creating tunnels and swim-throughs. Beyond the top of the Similan chain, are the Surin Islands, and to their east is world-famous Richelieu Rock. The most incredible site in this area, even at the worst of times it is a superlative dive.

This part of the Andaman Sea can be an incredible dive experience. Not only are there some of the biggest beasties in the ocean – whaleshark sightings below, whales breaching above – there are also some of the smallest – harlequin shrimp, seahorses and ornate ghost pipefish, nudibranchs and some of the most amusing, like mantis shrimp, octopus and flounders.

Seasons
November to May
Visibility:
10 – 40 metres
Water temperature:
25º – 29º C.
Deco chambers:
Bangkok and Phuket

Flights to Phuket direct, from Manila or Singapore

Dive operators and accommodation options are plentiful but the last couple of years have seen a lot changes in the liveaboard scene. Research online for the latest recommendations.

PROS AND CONS
Access to Phuket is simple and Thailand is a lovely country with friendly people, good facilities and some of the best food you will ever eat, assuming you like it hot. Getting from Phuket to the Similans means being on a liveaboard. There are a few companies that run day trips but it's a long way and you will spend more time travelling than diving. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of liveaboards for all budgets.

SCUBA DIVING
The Similans season is from November to May, although the beginning and end months can be rough, the weather changeable and the visibility lower. In the middle of the season the water is mostly mill-pond smooth and you can see for ever. There are currents on the west of the islands, not always bad ones but always there.

OPINION
We've done this area several times and have never been disappointed with the dives especially when the trip was like our most recent one – our first ever sighting of a whaleshark and four in one day on Richelieu Rock! This region is best done from a liveaboard though, you would miss the best sites if you tried to do it all via day trips.