Similan Islands Diving & Snorkeling
World-class diving and snorkeling at the Similan Islands — one of the top dive sites in Asia.
The Similan Islands are consistently ranked among the top ten dive destinations in Asia. Located 84km northwest of Phuket in the Andaman Sea, the archipelago of nine islands sits inside a national marine park with some of the most pristine underwater scenery in Thailand. Above water, the granite-boulder beaches look like concept art. Below, the visibility regularly reaches 30 metres.
The islands are only accessible from late October through mid-May — they close for the monsoon season.
What To Expect
Speedboat day trips depart from Tab Lamu Pier (approximately 90 minutes north of Phuket Town) or directly from Patong Pier. A full-day itinerary typically includes:
- 2–3 dive sites (for certified divers) or 2–3 snorkel stops at different islands
- Turtle Beach on Ko Miang (Island 4) — reliable sea turtle sightings
- Elephant Head Rock — dramatic granite boulder formations popular with divers
- Christmas Point — walls and fans with strong currents and big pelagic fish
- Lunch on the boat or at the island’s canteen
- Return by 6–7pm
Dive Conditions
| Level | Details |
|---|---|
| Beginner snorkelers | Sheltered bays on Islands 4 and 8 |
| Open water divers | Shallow sites 5–18m, calm conditions |
| Advanced divers | Deep sites, strong currents at Elephant Head and Beacon Reef |
| Visibility | 15–30m in good conditions (Nov–Feb best) |
Snorkeling vs Diving
Both are excellent. Snorkelers can see turtles, leopard sharks resting on the bottom, and dense schools of reef fish in the shallow bays. Divers get access to deeper walls, manta cleaning stations, and the famous boulder-field dive sites.
A dedicated dive day trip with 2 dives costs more (~3,500–5,000 THB) and requires an Open Water certification or similar. Snorkel-only tours are cheaper (~2,000–2,800 THB) and can be booked last-minute.
Practical Info
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Season | Late October – mid May only |
| Departure | Tab Lamu Pier or Patong Pier |
| Diving cert required | Yes, for scuba dives |
| Seasickness risk | Moderate — 1.5–2hr open-sea crossing |
| What’s included | Usually: dives/snorkel gear, lunch, park fee |
Tips
- Book direct with a dive operator rather than through a hotel — quality of guide and equipment varies enormously.
- November–February has the best visibility; March–April gets some plankton bloom that reduces it.
- Take seasickness medication the night before — the crossing can be rough in afternoon swells.
- A liveaboard (2–3 nights) lets you dive 3–4 times per day and reach less-visited sites. If diving is your main reason to visit Phuket, a liveaboard is worth it.
Where To Book
Search Similan Islands dive and snorkel tours on Klook — read the recent reviews carefully and check what’s actually included (number of dives, lunch, equipment rental).
Where To Stay
Tab Lamu Pier is 90 minutes north of Phuket — most people stay in Phuket Town or north Phuket and get an early transfer. Browse hotels near north Phuket on Agoda for properties that include pier transfers.
FAQ
Can beginners dive at the Similans? Yes — most operators offer an intro/discovery dive (no certification needed) at shallow sheltered sites. Depth is limited to 12m.
Is a liveaboard worth it? Absolutely, if diving is your priority. You’ll do 3–4 dives per day across the full archipelago plus Richelieu Rock (possibly the best dive site in Thailand). 2-night liveaboards start around 12,000–16,000 THB.
What’s the difference between Island 4 and the other islands? Island 4 (Ko Miang) has the national park visitor centre, a beach canteen, and is where snorkel tours spend most time. Island 8 has the famous boulder beach. Divers spread across multiple islands.
Find & Book This Activity
Compare operators, check recent reviews, and secure your spot.