Similan Islands
Similan Islands, or "The Nine Islands", is located about 100km northwest of Phuket and is by far the most beautiful group of dive sites in Thailand. Being a national park, fishing is not allowed within the area and therefore fishes and other marine life thrive under the circumstances, making it one of the world's best dive sites. Without any land based resorts, divers and tourists visiting the islands can choose to stay in liveaboards. Marine life to expect would be the tropical fishes like lionfishes or anemone fishes. Occasionally you may chance upon a leopard shark or two, or if you're lucky enough, maybe a whale shark!
The best period for Similan would be during October to May, although diving is still available all year round. Visibility is best during those eight months but overall it remains at least 15m most of the time, which is still pretty good!
Getting There
- 2 hours from Singapore to Phuket, Thailand, by plane
- 2 hours 30 min from Phuket to Similan, by speedboat
Liveaboards
With a range of liveaboards to choose from, Gill Divers chooses to dive with:
South Siam Divers
With beautiful liveaboard boats, South Siam Divers are a great bunch to be with while diving. Great service along with superb facilities on board, you can be sure to have a great holiday whilst onboard. Facilities include air conditioned cabins, hot showers, open top deck for sunbathing, lounge with plenty of dvds to watch and great food!
Diving
| Great for: | Advanced, Photography |
| Not so great for: | Wall diving, Drift diving |
| Highlights: | Cow tail rays, leopard sharks, whale sharks, tropical fish |
| Depth: | 5 - >40m |
| Visibility: | 20 - 30m |
| Currents: | Can be strong |
| Surface Conditions: | Calm |
| Water Temperature: | 26 - 29°C |
| Experience Level: | Beginner - Advanced |
| Number of dive sites: | >30 |
| Recommended Length of stay: | 3-5days |