Conditions referenceSeason, water and visibilityBest Jan–Apr · Moderate current · 28–30.5°C (coldest Jan, warmest Apr)
- Current
- Moderate
- Water temperature
- 28–30.5°C (coldest Jan, warmest Apr)
- Visibility
- 10–30m: Commonly 20-30m in the dry season (December-April) when seas are calm.
- Experience
- Sheltered east-side reefs (Anita's Reef, East of Eden) suit Open Water divers.
01 · Marine life
What you may see
Sightings are never guaranteed. The bars show typical likelihood by month.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | destination closed |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Napoleon (humphead) wrasse are regular visitors to the larger reef and boulder sites.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | destination closed |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Koh Bon and Koh Tachai are the main manta sites, with cleaning stations that reef mantas visit most often in the dry season; also seen at Richelieu Rock.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | rare |
| June | destination closed |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Most reliably encountered at Richelieu Rock, and occasionally Koh Tachai/Koh Bon.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | destination closed |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Reported at boulder sites such as Boulder City/Shark Fin Reef, often in loose groups.
02 · Dive sites
Dive sites worth knowing
A starting point, not a ranking. Conditions decide what works on the day.
Christmas Point
At the northwest tip of Similan Island 9.
5–35m · Moderate current
East of Eden
An easier, sheltered reef on the east of Island 7, suited to Open Water divers and gentle drifts.
5–30m · Mild current
Elephant Head Rock (Hin Pusar)
Near Similan Island 8.
5–40m · Strong current
See all 6 dive sites
03 · LogisticsGetting there and costsModerate. Fly to HKT. Typical trip $$–$$$.
Route overview
Moderate
Reachable but with some friction: a 1.5h boat crossing.
Airport options
HKT
Phuket International Airport
Main international airport; about 1-1.5 hours by road north to Khao Lak, where most liveaboards and day trips depart
TST
Trang / regional alternative
Minor domestic option; most divers route via Phuket (HKT) to Khao Lak. Boats board at Thap Lamu pier, near Khao Lak
Typical trip cost
$$–$$$
$2,000–4,000 to over $4,000
Per person, excluding international flights.
- Liveaboards typically run 3-6 days; a 4-day/4-night boat commonly costs about $825-965+ per person depending on cabin.
Permit or park fee
What you pay
500 THB park entrance plus a 200 THB per-day diving surcharge, per park. Day trip about 700 THB
a 4-day liveaboard entering both Similan and Surin parks about 1,800-2,300 THB. Paid in cash, separate from the trip price. (Base fee/surcharge structure per operator
confirm current amounts at booking.)
How it works
Entry is inside Mu Ko Similan and Mu Ko Surin national parks; visiting and diving requires paying the park fees, collected in cash by operators at check-in.