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Jump to: Setting off on a Similan Liveaboard • Similan Liveaboard Route at a Glance • Similan Liveaboard Route In Detail
Most Similan Liveaboards follow a logical route, starting from the southern section of the Similans and then slowly progressing north over the cruise duration. Starting this way means you experience the easier dive sites first, recommended if you haven’t dived for a while. Also the Similan liveaboard trip builds up to the highlight, Richelieu Rock which features later in the trip.
On the last day or 2 the route will head back down south to Tab Lamu pier near Khao Lak.
Each day consists of a similar schedule: 4 dives interspersed throughout the day amongst eating delicious fresh Thai food, sleeping and the occasional beach visit. For a more detailed account of a typical day on a Similan Liveaboard you can visit our sample itinerary.
The majority of Similan Liveaboards start from Tab Lamu Pier. Transfers in the Khao Lak area are usually included in a Similan liveaboard package and pick ups start between 15.00 and 18.00 on the day of departure.
Once transferred to your boat of choice you will be taken on board and shown around your home for the next 3 – 5 days. Before setting off the team will give a safety and procedures briefing and the equipment will be set up.
As you head out towards the south point of the Similan Marine National Park you will be served dinner. On the first night of your Similan liveaboard cruise you will arrive at the Similan Islands around midnight.
As with all days on board your Similan Liveaboard, on the first day you will wake up at the dive site before all speedboats and day trippers get there. It will be quiet and peaceful as you wake up in the beautiful surroundings of the Similan Islands. The dive sites on day one may include Boulder City, Shark Fin Reef, Hideaway Bay and West of Eden, Elephant Head Rock and Three Tress. Here there is the chance of seeing turtles, octopus, moray eels or even a stingray.
The second day’s diving is around the northern section of the Similans and at some point during this day you will head to Koh Bon amd Koh Tachai. There may even be the chance of a beach visit so that you can explore some of the on land vegetation and wildlife between dives. The Similan dive sites that you will visit here may include Christmas Point, North Point and Koh Bon Ridge and Koh Tachai Pinnacle.
The third day visits the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock, one of the best dive sites that the area has to offer. The Surin Islands are a beautiful location with a stunning beaches and pristine hard coral reefs. Richelieu Rock has the most diverse and abundant underwater life of anywhere in the Similan or Surin National Parks. Dive sites may include Aow Pakkad, Turtle Ledge and Richelieu Rock
The final destinations on day four are Koh Bon and possibly the Boonsung Wreck. The Wreck is a site that can be accessed via longtail boat from the beach as part of a day trip. This dive site also boasts a wealth of marine fauna and is often described as a soup bowl full of fish and small creatures. This is usually the last dive destination on the way back to Khao Lak.
Similan Liveaboard itineraries and routes can be dictated by the weather, and consequently the choices that the captain makes. The tour leader also plays a big role in deciding where are the best Similan dive sites to visit and at what times. It is for these reasons that not all Similan Liveaboards will be the same. Similan Liveaboards range from 2 day 1 night trips to longer 5 day 5 night cruises throughout the Similan National Park. Ask our experts if you would like more information about which itinerary is best for you.
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