Similan Islands

Similan Islands

ON REQUEST

Diving in Mu Ko Similan National Park

“Similan” is a Yawi (a Malayan dialect) word which means nine. The park had originally nine islands numbered 1 to 9 but expanded to include two more remote islands back in 1998; Ko Tachai and Ko Bon. Although each island has a name they can be referred to with numbers.

The islands are; Ko Hu Yong (#1), Ko Payang (#2), Ko Payan (#3), Ko Miang (#4), Ko Ha (#5), Ko Payu (#6), Ko Hin Pousar (#7), Ko Similan (#8), Ko Bangu (#9), Ko Bon (#10, also known as Ko Talu), Ko Tachai (#11).

The two main islands are Ko Miang and Ko Similan.

Renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty and pristine marine ecosystem, the Mu Ko Similan National Park is frequently listed among the top ten dive destinations in the world. The isolated location, coupled with the maritime influence from the Indian Ocean, allows the Similan archipelago to be blessed with an exceptional diversity and abundance of marine life.

Similan Islands dive site topography

The topography of the Similan Islands dive sites offers divers an array of fun adventures beneath the crystal clear turquoise sea water. Each Similan island is distinct in its own way and is surrounded by spectacular underwater rock formations and extensive coral reefs.

The sensational sight that scuba divers get from diving the different dive sites at the Similan Islands includes but is not limited to a profusion of reef inhabitants, colorful soft and hard corals, and sandy seabed that looks as fine as powder.

The east coast of the Similan Islands features white sandy beaches sloping down to gardens of elegant coral, drop-offs with impressive gardens of sea anemones, flourishing hard and soft corals, and teeming fish populations. With negligible currents and mostly moderate depths, these dive sites are suitable for almost any level of diver. The sheltered conditions are ideal as a starting point for Similan Islands diving.

The western side of Similans is quite the opposite. Here, giant boulders tumble down to the seabed at depths of more than 40m. Currents have kept the gaps between the boulders free from build-ups of sand, leading to the development of tunnels, archways, and caverns that provide exciting swim-throughs. The currents also provide nutrients for masses of gorgonians, crinoids, sea fans, and lush soft corals.

With dramatic cliffs and swim-throughs, Similan’s west coast offers more challenging dive sites for scuba divers.