Day Trip to the Similan Islands
The Similan Islands National Park includes more than just the Similan Islands.
It includes both Koh Bon, which is well known for Manta sightings, and Koh Tachai too.
Koh Tachai is known for it’s underwater pinnacle that is teeming with life, and is a good place to spot large schools and occasional sightings of the big stuff like Mantas and Whalesharks.
Just north of the Similan National Park is the Surin Islands national park, which includes my favourite dive site, Richelieu Rock.
High Speed Catamaran
Fast and Comfortable
Speedboat
Fast, Efficient, Exciting
Daytrip Options
High-Speed Catamaran
There are a couple of these running from Khao Lak. They leave harbour at between 8am and 9am, take approximately 1.5 hours to get to the dive site, give you 2 dives, lunch on board, and 1.5 hours steaming back.
One of them leaves from Ban Nam Kem Pier and gets to both Richelieu Rock and the Surin Islands on scheduled days. The other leaves from Tap Lamu pier and goes to the Similan Islands
They are not as bouncy as the speedboats, which means they are better suited to people who are less mobile.
You generally get back to your hotel around 5.30 pm, in time for dinner and to check out the local night life.
It’s a great option for:
- people with back problems or less than optimum mobility
- those wanting a more comfortable journey
Fast Speed Boat
There are a few companies running speed boats to the dive sites. These generally leave the pier (either from Tap Lamu or further north at Ban Nam Kem) at around 8 am.
They take between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 25 minutes to reach the dive-site, depending on where they are going. Just as with the catamarans, they give you 2 dives with lunch in between, and then return home. They are usually home before 4 pm, meaning it’s a short day.
That’s good news if you’ve left family or friends on the beach while you go out for the day, and it’s a great move if you’re at an ‘all-inclusive’ resort!
They can be a bit a bumpy so they’re not suitable for people with back problems. However, they’re also quite exciting, and very efficient in terms of travel time.
They go to the same sites as the catamarans, and they also get to Richelieu Rock.
*If you have either back or mobility problems, choose the catamarans.
Diving Insurance
Diving Insurance is mandatory when diving in the Similan or Surin National Parks.
For many people their travel insurance covers diving, but if not, and you don’t have specialist diving insurance, we can help. We can arrange daily, weekly or annual insurance with a UK insurance company to cover the diving that you want to do.
Prices for insurance:
- Daily 300 thb per day
- Weekly 1000 thb per week
- Annual 5000 thb per year
A title
Image Box text
Trip Prices
- Richelieu Rock – 5,900 THB
- Tachai and Bon – 5,100 THB
- Similan Islands – 5,100 THB
- Surin Islands – 5,900 THB
- 3 Dive Day – 6,500 THB
Equipment
As part of our service:We offer an all-in price of 1000 THB per day, which includes
- National Park Fees
- any equipment that you need
Recent Blogs
Becoming a Divemaster – leading my first dive
As part of my Divemaster Course I had to lead dives. My first lead was...
23
Aug
Aug
Phang Nga Elephant Camp
Elephant parks and sanctuaries are a good place to find out more about elephants, and...
07
Jun
Jun
Marine pollution
Oceans are making up around 72 % of the Earth's surface; they provide home for...
25
May
May
The damaging effects of sunscreen
Sunscreen is an absolute necessity for every individual and should be a part of your...
15
May
May
10 Health Benefits of Scuba Diving
Covid has been tough on all of us, but diving gives health benefits that can...
1 Comment
24
Oct
Oct
Plastic Pollution
92% of all marine life is exposed to plastic and 10% consume this plastic. What...
31
Jul
Jul