Similan Islands Travel Guide 2025: Diving, Snorkeling & Island Hopping Tips

Welcome, fellow adventurer! Let me take you on a journey to one of Thailand’s most breathtaking and unspoiled destinations—the Similan Islands. Located about 70 kilometers off the coast of Phang Nga Province in the Andaman Sea, this archipelago of 11 islands is a dream for nature lovers, divers, and beachgoers alike.
 

Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity, the Similan Islands are part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park, a protected marine sanctuary that limits access to preserve its natural beauty. Whether you're an experienced scuba diver or a traveler in search of paradise, the Similan Islands promise an unforgettable escape.

What Makes the Similan Islands Special?

The Similan Islands stand out for their exceptional underwater visibility, diverse marine life, and granite rock formations that dot both the land and seafloor. From enormous boulders on white-sand beaches to labyrinthine reefs teeming with sea life, the landscape above and below water is nothing short of magical.

Each island offers something unique—some are famous for diving, others for their untouched beaches, and a few are off-limits to the public to protect nesting sea turtles and birdlife. This delicate balance between tourism and conservation is what keeps the Similan Islands so pristine.

Best Islands to Visit in the Similan Archipelago

1. Island No. 8 (Koh Similan)

The largest and most popular island, Koh Similan is known for its iconic Sail Rock viewpoint, offering panoramic views over the turquoise sea and curved bays below. The beach here is one of the most beautiful in the region, with fine white sand and clear shallow waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Highlights:

Hike to the Sail Rock viewpoint

Snorkel near the beach or in deeper reef zones

Relax under the shade of towering granite boulders

2. Island No. 9 (Koh Ba Ngu)

This island is a top diving site, especially for the famous Christmas Point, a deep dive site with swim-throughs and large sea fans. The marine life here includes manta rays, reef sharks, and barracudas.

Best for: Scuba diving and underwater photography

3. Island No. 7 (Koh Payu)

Another diver’s favorite, Koh Payu is surrounded by vibrant coral gardens and large schools of tropical fish. The site Deep Six features dramatic underwater rock formations.

Best for: Advanced divers and reef enthusiasts

4. Island No. 4 (Koh Miang)

This is the administrative center of the Similan Islands National Park and one of the few islands where overnight accommodation is available. It offers short jungle trails, quiet beaches, and snorkeling right off the shore.

Highlights:

Camping and bungalow stays

Birdwatching and nature trails

Great base for multi-day visits

Top Activities in the Similan Islands

1. Scuba Diving: World-Class Dive Sites

The Similan Islands are ranked among the top 10 diving destinations in the world. The combination of granite boulders, coral-covered slopes, and clear visibility makes every dive an adventure.

Famous Dive Sites:

Richelieu Rock (technically part of Surin Islands but often included in Similan liveaboards)

Elephant Head Rock

East of Eden

Christmas Point

Snapper Alley

Marine Life to Spot:

Whale sharks (seasonal)

Manta rays

Leopard sharks

Giant moray eels

Sea turtles

Nudibranchs and pipefish

Tip: Dive conditions are best from November to April, with the highest visibility from January to March.

2. Snorkeling: Explore Vibrant Reefs Without a Tank

Even if you’re not a diver, the Similan Islands offer some of Thailand’s best snorkeling. Many reefs are close to the surface and accessible directly from the beach or by boat.

Great snorkeling spots:

Donald Duck Bay (Island 8)

Honeymoon Bay (Island 4)

Ao Lek and Ao Kuak (Island 8)

Tip: Join a snorkeling tour early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy calmer waters.

3. Beach Hopping and Swimming

The beaches here are simply stunning—think powdery white sand, shallow turquoise water, and barely any development. Popular beaches include:

Donald Duck Bay on Island 8

Haad Lek on Island 4

Ao Ling (Monkey Bay)

Tip: Some beaches are closed to visitors during nesting season for sea turtles—always follow park rules.

4. Nature Trails and Wildlife Watching

Several islands have short jungle trails where you can spot:

Flying foxes

Nicobar pigeons

Monitor lizards

Rare birds like the white-bellied sea eagle

Tip: Wear insect repellent and proper footwear. Trails are short but can be slippery after rain.

Conservation and Responsible Tourism

The Similan Islands are part of a marine national park, and visitor numbers are strictly regulated. From mid-May to mid-October, the islands are closed to allow nature to recover. During the open season, limits on daily visitors and tour boats help protect the environment.

Rules to Follow:

No plastic bags or foam containers

No feeding wildlife

No touching coral or marine animals

No drones without a permit

Always follow designated paths

Tip: Book with eco-certified tour operators and avoid large tour groups to reduce environmental impact.

How to Get to the Similan Islands

Departure Points:

Khao Lak (main base for speedboat and liveaboard tours)

Phuket (longer boat trips or dive liveaboards)

Ranong or Krabi (less common, longer routes)

Transport Options:

Speedboats: 1.5–2 hours from Khao Lak pier

Liveaboard cruises: 3 to 5-day dive trips from Khao Lak or Phuket

Day tours: Available from Khao Lak, includes transfers, meals, and guided snorkeling

Tip: Book in advance, especially between December and February. The daily visitor cap fills quickly.

Where to Stay: Accommodations Near the Similan Islands

You Cannot Stay Overnight on Most Islands

Due to conservation rules, overnight stays are only allowed on Koh Miang (Island 4) in national park-run bungalows or tents. Most visitors stay in Khao Lak and take day trips or liveaboard cruises.

Recommended Hotels in Khao Lak:

La Flora Khao Lak – Stylish beachfront resort with easy tour access

JW Marriott Khao Lak – Luxury option for divers and families

Rakkawan Residence – Affordable boutique hotel near Bang Niang Beach

Tip: Choose accommodation that offers early transfers to the pier for Similan day tours.

Suggested Itinerary for Visiting the Similan Islands

Day 1 – Arrival in Khao Lak

Relax on the beach

Visit the Tsunami Memorial Park

Book your Similan tour for the next day

Day 2 – Full-Day Snorkeling Trip to Similan

Depart early by speedboat

Visit 2–3 islands: Island 8 (Sail Rock), Island 4 (beach + snorkeling), and Island 7 or 9 (reef snorkeling)

Enjoy lunch on the boat or Island 4

Day 3 – Optional Diving or Second Day Trip

Join a beginner dive session

Or take a second snorkeling tour to less-visited islands

Optional Extension:

Join a 3-day liveaboard diving cruise for the full underwater experience

Best Time to Visit the Similan Islands

Open Season: October 15 – May 15 (subject to change)

Peak Season: December to March

Weather: Dry, sunny, and calm seas during the open months

Tip: Avoid travel during the monsoon season (May to October) as the islands are closed for ecological recovery.

Conclusion: Why You Must Visit the Similan Islands

If you're seeking a destination where nature flourishes both above and below the waves, the Similan Islands are your paradise. Whether you're diving with manta rays, snorkeling among coral gardens, or sunbathing on untouched beaches, the experience here is raw, real, and restorative.

Come for the color of the water, stay for the silence of the sea, and leave with memories that last a lifetime.