Similan Islands⚠ data unverified
Thailand · Asia · Andaman Sea
3.7
/ 5
★★★★☆
Reef diving with visibility up to 25 m, 4 standout species, liveaboard access — a great fit for most divers.
Level Intermediate
Marine life
4.5
Visibility
4.0
Accessibility
2.5
Facilities
2.0
Pros
- Excellent visibility up to 25 m
- 4 standout marine species
- Best conditions in Nov–Apr
Cons
- Moderate currents can pick up
- Deep dives to 40 m
- Liveaboard-only access
Best for
Not for
Plan your trip
$$$$🛏️
Suggested stay
5–7 days
💸
Cost level
Relative cost $$$$ · ≈ $96/day
Liveaboard safari diving is premium (accommodation + charter).
🏨
Where to stay
Liveaboard cruises are the signature here — many divers sleep on board. A quiet, remote site — book lodging well in advance.
🧭
Real daily cost in Thailand
Around $96/day per person · food $29 · hotel $74
Good to know
- Moderate current that makes for an easy, relaxed drift.
- Conditions can be demanding; dive with an operator who knows the site.
- An Advanced Open Water certification is recommended.
- Prime season is Nov–Apr.
📷 Phuketian.S · CC BY 2.0
Depth
5–40 m (16–131 ft)
Visibility
25 m (82 ft)
Water temp
26–30°C (79–86°F)
Current
Moderate
Best season
Nov–Apr
Certification
Advanced
Dive shops
0
Why go
Similan Islands is a reef site in the Andaman Sea off Thailand, offering coral reefs and pinnacles across its waters. Dives run to 40 m with around 25 m visibility, moderate currents and sea temperatures of 26–30°C. Marine highlights include manta rays, whale sharks, turtles and granite boulders. Best season is Nov–Apr, typically reached by liveaboard. A good choice for divers with some experience. An Advanced Open Water certification is recommended. With dives to 40 m, comfort at depth is recommended.
Site type
ReefPinnacle
Access
Liveaboard
The moderate currents kept things interesting from start to finish.
I bring my AOW students here. The moderate current makes a proper dive plan essential, and the briefing matters.
Great diving, great vibe. A place worth coming back to.