Here is where we post articles which may be of interest to anyone who is interested in Similan Islands diving. From time to time we are able to offer substantial discounts for last-minute bookings or well in advance which can be found on our Similan Islands Special offers page. In addition, there’s season-long Similan Islands information that can enable divers and potential divers to better understand their different options when choosing a Similan liveaboard. This isn’t just about being in the water, either. Some people like to travel on a budget, and others like to pay for minimum inconvenience. We try our best to give as many details as possible in order for those wanting to dive in the Similan Islands or Richelieu Rock to make the best decision that suits their needs. Finally, there is a section for relevant news topics which may affect (or not) the diving situation in and around the Similan Islands. It’s not uncommon for those in other countries and continents to hear something on the news and worry (or not) unnecessarily. Our news section is impartial and honest at all times.
When diving from MV Camic, guests can choose when they join and how long they stay on each trip. The liveaboard boat stays out at sea, circulating around The Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock, and guests arrive and leave on a new, fast, safe and stable speedboat. There is therefore no need to follow schedules set by liveaboard diving trip’s.
Spending four or more days and nights aboard a boat is not easy for most people. Rocking in the waves, nowhere to go for a walk and usually small sleeping quarters. When spending $1,000 or more on a diving safari in Thailand, guests can choose from at least five large liveaboard boats which offer a range of facilities aimed to increase passengers’ comfort and convenience.
While most Similan liveaboard diving safari trips set sail from Khao Lak (100km) north of Phuket, there are a few which cut out the journey by road and sail directly to the Similan Islands & Richelieu Rock from Phuket. And why not? An extra couple of hours spent at sea, sailing into the night, takes nothing out of a Similan diving cruise from the passengers’ point of view.
Choosing the best Similan Islands day trip is not the easiest thing to do. Firstly, nearly everyone books in advance and the boats are either out at sea or moored at the pier far from Khao Lak’s centre. Therefore potential guests don’t get the opportunity to take a look and choose. While all of the diving day trips to the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock are professionally run and safe, there are some differences which could help guests choose one over the others.
Similan Islands liveaboard diving trips are becoming ever more popular, and we feel privileged to be able to offer the largest selection of cruises to the best diving sites in Thailand. After every trip, guests return to land happy and full of stories after up to a week at sea, enjoying Thailand’s diverse marine life. While the most popular trips are 4D/4N, some people find that 3 diving days and two or three nights at sea is adequate. Also, there are those who want to concentrate on, or avoid, the ‘Northern Sites’ of Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock.
When compared to more expensive diving cruises, budget liveaboard trips usually have more guests on board and some cabins which accommodate 4 or 6 guests. The food may be more run-of-the-mill, but is still delicious, fresh and enjoyed by all on board. The marine life, however, has no idea which divers paid extra for luxuries, so the underwater experience is pretty-much the same for all Similan diving safaris. However, what normally separates ‘budget’ from ‘more expensive’ is the complimentary transfers from Phuket to Khao Lak. However, there are at least seven Similan Islands liveaboard trips which offer free Phuket pick ups, and drop offs.
Choosing the best Similan Islands liveaboard boat of diving safari cruise is not getting any easier. Nowadays, there are more boats on offer and just about all of them are excellent value, visiting the best diving sites in Thailand. Some are based on the most competitive prices, while others want to offer luxury to Thailand's best diving. In addition, the various boats on offer all have something different from the others. We have a unique system to help readers filter the boats which they may be interested in, but here we also explain the many other factors.
The 2013-2014 Similan Islands diving season has come to an end. WOW! What a season it was. Lots and lots of Manta Rays, quite a few Whale Sharks and many happy customers. The weather was great, too. We don’t know who we should thank more, or first, but Similan Diving Tours wants to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone.
No, not the next Disney movie, but a serious situation in Thailand’s Andaman Sea on Wednesday lunchtime (January 29th 2014). A scuba diving liveaboard boat has dramatically sunk between Koh Bon and Koh Tachai. Thankfully, nobody was hurt, and the vessel involved was NOT one offered by Similan Diving Tours. However, one of our most popular liveaboard boats came to the rescue, saving all passengers and crew.
Once again, Thailand is suffering from political turmoil. The divide between pro and anti government groups is as wide as ever, and Bangkok is in the news once more for the sometimes violent demonstrations which are taking place right now. For anyone diving in Thailand, this is having almost no effect whatsoever. The protests are in Bangkok, which is nowhere near the wonderful diving location of The Similan Islands, near Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Khao Lak.
infosimilandivingtours.com
