Area

Similan Islands

Thailand > Andaman Sea

1 Dive Sites / 0 Resorts / 0 Shops

Best Time to Visit Similan Islands

Monthly diving conditions and seasonal highlights

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Hover over a month to see detailed conditions, temperatures, and marine life highlights

Water Temperature Range

27°C

30°C

Air: 27°C – 33°C

Seasonal Marine Life Highlights

Whale Sharks

Manta Rays

Leopard Sharks

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The Similan Islands are only open from October to May. Peak conditions occur November through April with crystal-clear waters reaching 30m+ visibility.

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Current Month

Marine Life Peaks

Dive Sites in Similan Islands

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	Richelieu Rock Similan Islands
Level	Advanced
Max depth	35 m
Access	Access not yet documented
Documented months	Nov – Apr
Highlights	PinnacleReefseamountdrop-offstrong_currentdepth

Photos of Diving in Similan Islands

1 photo from dive sites

Dive Sites in Similan Islands

Advanced

Richelieu Rock

Thailand > Andaman Sea > Similan Islands

Richelieu Rock: Thailand's Iconic Underwater Pinnacle Prepare for an unparalleled diving adventure at Richelieu Rock, often hailed as Thailand's premier dive site. This isolated, horseshoe-shaped limestone pinnacle rises dramatically from the Andaman Sea, creating a vibrant, nutrient-rich ecosystem that attracts an astonishing diversity of marine life. Part of the Mu Koh Surin National Park, Richelieu Rock is a must-visit for…

New

pinnaclereefseamount+1

Getting to Similan Islands

Nearest airports and common travel routes

Phuket International Airport (HKT)

~100 km

Travel time: 2-3 hours by road to Khao Lak then speedboat to Similans

Direct flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Seoul, and many European cities

Visa & Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for traveling to Similan Islands

Standard Thai visa policy applies. Similan Islands National Park is only open mid-October to mid-May.

60-day visa-free entry for most Western nationalities
Similan Islands National Park requires an entry fee
Park is closed during monsoon season (mid-May to mid-October)
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months

Thai Immigration Bureau

Visa requirements can change. Always verify current entry requirements with the official embassy or consulate before traveling. Last updated: March 2026.

Typical Diving Costs in Similan Islands

Approximate prices in THB (฿) with approximate USD equivalents

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Fun Dive (2 tanks)	฿3,500~$103 USD	฿5,500~$162 USD	฿9,000~$265 USD
Discover Scuba (intro)	฿4,000~$118 USD	฿6,000~$176 USD	฿10,000~$294 USD
Open Water Course	฿14,000~$412 USD	฿18,000~$529 USD	฿30,000~$882 USD
Equipment Rental (full set/day)	฿600~$18 USD	฿1,200~$35 USD	฿2,500~$74 USD
Accommodation (per night)	฿800~$24 USD	฿3,000~$88 USD	฿12,000~$353 USD

Similan Islands are only accessible via liveaboard or day trips from Khao Lak. Day trip prices include national park fees.

Frequently asked questions.

How many dive sites does Similan Islands have?

Similan Islands has 1 dive site listed on Diveity, spread across a single area within the location.

When is the best time to dive in Similan Islands?

Conditions vary by season and by site, so there's no single answer for the whole location. Check each dive site's page for depth, visibility, and current details, or ask a local dive shop or resort in Similan Islands for current-season advice.

What kind of diving does Similan Islands offer?

Sites in Similan Islands range from shallow reefs and shore entries to walls, wrecks, and drift dives, depending on the specific location. Browse the site list to compare depth, visibility, and marine life before you pick where to dive.

Do I need certification to dive at sites in Similan Islands?

Most dive sites call for at least an Open Water certification, and some deeper or more advanced sites require further training. Dive shops and resorts in Similan Islands can also arrange courses if you are not yet certified.

About Similan Islands

Similan Islands is a diving area with 1 dive site to explore.

You'll find no dive resorts and no dive shops serving the area.

Plan your trip with verified dive sites, resorts, and shops on Diveity.

Dive Sites

Dive Resorts

Dive Shops

Asia/Bangkok

Timezone

Similan Islands

Best Time to Visit Similan Islands

Water Temperature Range

Seasonal Marine Life Highlights

Dive Sites in Similan Islands

Photos of Diving in Similan Islands

Dive Sites in Similan Islands

Richelieu Rock

Getting to Similan Islands

Phuket International Airport (HKT)

Visa & Entry Requirements

Typical Diving Costs in Similan Islands

Frequently asked questions.

How many dive sites does Similan Islands have?

When is the best time to dive in Similan Islands?

What kind of diving does Similan Islands offer?

Do I need certification to dive at sites in Similan Islands?

Ready to Dive in Similan Islands?

About Similan Islands

Fun Dive (2 tanks)

Discover Scuba (intro)

Open Water Course

Equipment Rental (full set/day)

Accommodation (per night)