Diving Similan / Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock

Live aboard diving on the Similan / Surin Islands, Ko Born, Ko Tachai and Richelieu Rock with the MV Sai Mai

The Similan / Surin Islands are nine  small granite islands sits some 90 km northwest of Phuket. The islands and their surrounding waters cover an area of  128 sq km. They feature lush rainforest inhabited by squirrels and bats. Bird-life is also well represented. There are two fully staffed park offices,  but otherwise the islands are uninhabited. The Similans can certainly lay claim to being one of Asia’s top dive destinations. The dramatic underwater terrain is highlighted by triving reefs and abundant soft corals, and the tremendous diversity of marine life includes many of the more exciting, larger pelagic. In general, the east dive sites feature gently sloping reefs and drop-offs with impressive gardens of anemones, hard and soft corals, and teeming fish populations. These sites are suitable for any level of diver. Diving around the archipelagos western sites is quite the opposite. Here giant boulders tumble down to the seabed to depths of  40 m ore more. Currents keep the gaps between the boulders free from build-ups of sand, leading to the development of a network of tunnels, archways and caverns that provide exciting swimthroughs. The current also provide nutrients for masses of gorgonians, crinoids, sea fans and lush soft corals. The fish-life includes raccoon butterflyfish, lionfish and a multitude of wrasse. Also  Manta Rays, Lepardsharks, White-Blacktip Sharks and Whale Sharks are frequent. The Similans provide about 25 dive sites, with visibility up to 40 meters. The best time to dive, is October to May.