The Best Diving in Thailand

Although wonderful diving experiences can be enjoyed at places such as Phi Phi, Koh Tao and Phuket, the very best diving in Thailand involves a trip out to the Similan and Surin Islands. Dive sites such as East of Eden and Richelieu Rock are world-famous for very good reasons. The deep and clean water offers fantastic visibility and the marine life is healthy, colourful and far more interesting than nearer the mainland. Some see it as a drawback and others as a benefit, but the lack of resorts, mobile phone signals, and any other conveniences mean that diving in The Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock involves a short cruise on a liveaboard diving boat. Although speedboat day trips are available, the most realistic option is to spend a few days on a simple cruise ship, diving four times per day at Thailand's best diving locations.

Similan diving tours can be as simple or luxurious as you like. While nobody wants to be living in squalid conditions, there are also those who can't see the sense in spending vast amounts of money on unnecessary luxuries. The cheapest Similan liveaboard cruises are still very comfortable. Most have air conditioned cabins and offer three healthy meals per day. The older and smaller boats are usually in the budget range, but they are still spacious and clean. One must also remember that the boat you sail on will have no bearing on what you can see and experience when underwater.

For those after a luxurious Similan Islands dive cruise, there are several vessels on offer which can pamper the fussiest of guests. Classic yachts such as The Junk and Diva Marine offer creature comforts at relevant prices. Fine dining, top-quality materials and five-star service is the norm on the best boats to sail around the Similan and Surin Islands.

However, most PADI divers wanting to enjoy a Similan dive safari choose something down the middle. They can find the perfect balance of cost and comfort on 35m boats such as MV Pawara and White Manta. Twenty or more hours on board each day should be comfortable, and the prices are very reasonable.

Whichever way you visit the Similan Islands, make sure you book early and for the right time of year. The most popular boats and dates are snapped up quickly, and it's worth remembering that the whole area is closed between May and October. December – February is the best time to dive at The Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock.