Scuba Diving in Similan Islands, Thailand
Similan Islands is a popular scuba diving destination in Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea. It is a cluster of nine islands known for its clear waters, diverse marine life, and coral reefs. The islands are protected as a national park, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Experienced Divers in Similan Islands:
- Elephant Head Rock: This dive site is known for its huge boulders that resemble an elephant's head. The site features a diverse range of marine life, including leopard sharks, barracudas, and moray eels.
- Deep Six: As the name suggests, this dive site is deeper than most, reaching up to 40 meters. It is best suited for experienced divers due to its strong currents, but offers a chance to see larger marine life such as manta rays and whale sharks.
- Christmas Point: This dive site is a popular spot for encountering reef sharks, stingrays, and schools of barracudas. The site features an underwater pinnacle, creating a natural habitat for marine life.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Beginners in Similan Islands:
- Beacon Point: This dive site is perfect for beginners with its calm waters and easy currents. Divers can expect to see colorful coral reefs and smaller marine life such as sea horses and clownfish.
- Turtle Rock: As the name suggests, this dive site is known for its abundance of sea turtles. It is also a great spot for beginners to see a variety of coral reefs and smaller fish.
- West of Eden: This dive site is known for its calm waters and easy currents, making it perfect for beginners. It is home to a variety of marine life such as octopuses, eels, and colorful coral reefs.
Marine Life in Similan Islands:
Similan Islands is home to a diverse range of marine life, including leopard sharks, reef sharks, stingrays, manta rays, whale sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of colorful fish and coral reefs. The clear waters and preserved natural habitat of the islands make it an ideal location for observing and studying marine life.
Dive Conditions in Similan Islands:
The best time to scuba dive in Similan Islands is between the months of November and April, when the waters are calm and clear. The water temperature ranges from 26°C to 30°C, making it comfortable for divers. Currents can be strong in certain areas, making some dive sites better suited for experienced divers.
Cost of Scuba Diving in Similan Islands:
The cost of scuba diving in Similan Islands varies depending on the dive center and type of dive package. On average, a single dive can cost between 1,800 to 3,000 Thai Baht (approximately 60 to 100 USD), while a dive package including multiple dives can cost between 9,000 to 12,000 Thai Baht (approximately 300 to 400 USD). Prices may also vary depending on the season and availability of dive equipment.
