Similan Islands Liveaboard Diving – Scuba Diving Made Easy
As you arrive at Phuket International Airport for a Similan Islands Liveaboard trip it is immediately evident that you have descended to a tropical and aquatic paradise. From the window of the plane there is nothing but azure blue seas for as far as the eye can see, monolithic limestone karsts and islands dot the seascape, and of course all of the tropical foliage you would expect on one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful islands.
The airport though small and quaint is equally as impressive. With one baggage claim area and numbers of friendly locals offering help and direction it is easy to navigate through the arrival point, locate your belongings ,and proceed to an area where transport to your resort or bungalow is easily arranged. Transportation can be arranged in a group with a shuttle van or by private metered taxi just outside and to the right as you exit the arrival area. It is a good idea to keep the phone number and name of your resort with your travel documents so you can present it to your driver, this will make it much easier to find those out of the way picturesque getaways.
Once you have checked into your resort, grabbed a bite, and indulged in a tropical cocktail on the beach it is a good idea to check in with your Similan Liveaboard operator to confirm your pick up location and time. This is the opportune time to go over any last minute details or request you may have before the liveaboard departs. After you have touched bases with the liveaboard or dive shop it’s now time to just relax and enjoy all that Thailand has to offer: warm tropical nights, white sand beaches, international cuisine, cooling breezes, or the perfect Thai massage. After a few nights of fun be sure to prepare all the gear that you are taking to the world famous Similan Islands.
Your day to depart for the Similans has finally arrived; everything has been arranged and prepared for you so just sit back and enjoy the ride. Your liveaboard operator will send a driver to pick you up and take you to your departure point for the dive trip. Depending on the liveaboard selected, pick up times will vary from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Most liveaboards will pick up between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and transport you to Thap Lamu pier, just one hour north of Phuket Island. Thap Lamu pier is just a ten minute ride from the beach side resort area of Khao Lak. A few liveaboard operators will depart directly from Phuket at Chalong pier in the southern part of the island. Your booking agent or liveaboard operator can give you the details of departure.
The Similans are approximately 120 Km north of Phuket and 50 Km due west of Khao Lak. Khao Lak is the resort area closest to the Similan Islands.
Once you have reached your departure point you will have a short ride out to nine of the most exquisite islands in the world. Most of the time you will cruise to the Similans on your liveaboard, but you could also take a shorter ride by speed boat to your Similan based liveaboard. Either way the trip will be exciting and get you to what is arguably the best diving in all of Southeast Asia. If your departure is later in the evening you will usually have dinner as you cruise to the Similans, followed by a boat briefing, and then some time to get acquainted with your fellow divers. Before you know it, it will be time for a good night’s rest, only to wake to one of the most pristine diving environments on the planet. Sit back enjoy the scenery, take a big deep breath, and cross your fingers for a Whale Shark or Manta encounter. If you miss the big guys, no need to fear, the Similan Islands is one of the most bio-diverse marine environments to be found anywhere on earth. From Macro to Massive you will not be disappointed with Similan Islands Liveaboard diving.
The Similan Islands are located in a National Park in the southern part of Thailand. As the park is on the western coast of the country the diving season is only from mid October to mid April. It is during this time that diving conditions are best, the big pelagics are in attendance, and the weather and seas are perfect for scuba diving. Book your trip well in advance as space on quality Similan Liveaboards is limited to a first come first serve basis. The Similans and Richelieu Rock are world class diving at its very best; don’t miss this diving adventure of a lifetime.
About the Author
Todd Lakes is a PADI diving instructor and videographer residing in Phuket, Thailand. He is the founder of Dive Adventures Asia which coordinates luxury and budget Similan Islands Liveaboard diving adventures in amazing Thailand.
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