Raga
Explore Thailand's underwater wonders in comfort and style aboard the Raga.
- Private bathrooms
- Air-conditioned cabins
- Hot water showers
5.0(91 reviews)
28 guestsfrom $255/day
Free dive insuranceincluded with every bookingLiveaboards in the Similan & Surin Islands
from $108 / day6 of 17 · Similan & Surin Islands liveaboard routes, seasons & prices
Seatopia
Explore Thailand's underwater marvels with comfort and personalized service.
- Air-conditioned cabins
- Hot water showers
- Hair dryer in cabin
4.9(91 reviews)
24 guests
Andaman
Explore Thailand's Andaman Sea on a comfortable liveaboard, offering exceptional diving and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Air-conditioned cabins
- Warm water showers
- Sundeck
4.8(387 reviews)
20 guestsfrom $108/day
Bavaria
Explore Thailand's underwater wonders on the MV Bavaria, where comfort meets incredible diving.
- Air-conditioned cabins
- En-suite bathrooms (in most cabins)
- Warm water showers
4.8(40 reviews)
24 guestsfrom $181/day
Deep Andaman Queen
Explore Thailand's underwater wonders in luxury and comfort.
- En-suite bathrooms
- Air-conditioned cabins
- Warm water showers
4.8(90 reviews)
23 guestsfrom $194/day
Diving in Similan & Surin Islands
The Similan and Surin marine parks run north of Phuket along Thailand's Andaman coast. Liveaboards connect the Similans' granite boulders and beaches with manta sites at Koh Bon and Koh Tachai and the isolated pinnacle of Richelieu Rock.
The parks normally open from mid-October to mid-May. Khao Lak gives the shortest transfer to most boats, while Phuket is the main international gateway.
A full northern Andaman itinerary normally progresses from the Similan chain to Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin and Richelieu Rock. Shorter trips may stop before Surin, so the words ‘Similan liveaboard’ do not automatically mean the celebrated northern pinnacle is included.
The southern Similans are defined by huge granite blocks, swim-throughs and sand channels; farther north, ridges and pinnacles are more exposed to current and pelagic traffic. Richelieu Rock is a submerged horseshoe-shaped formation covered in soft coral and packed with schooling fish and small life.
Regions & routes
Choose the route that fits your experience and dream encounters — each region has its own season, character and story.
Top reasons to dive Similan & Surin Islands
Thailand's flagship Andaman route links granite seascapes, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and fish-packed Richelieu Rock.
Richelieu Rock
Thailand's most celebrated pinnacle concentrates schooling fish, soft coral and small marine life in one compact site. The pinnacle rewards both wide-angle and macro divers, from dense schools to pipefish and seahorses in the coral. Late in the season the site can also attract whale sharks, turning an already rich dive into a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Richelieu Rock anchors the northern Andaman route with exceptional fish life.
Granite topography
Swim-throughs, channels and immense rounded boulders make the Similan Islands instantly recognisable underwater. Sites such as Elephant Head Rock create channels and dramatic boulder passages unlike a conventional coral wall. The boulders create natural swim-throughs and channels that feel like an underwater mountain range.
Massive granite formations create the Similans' signature underwater scenery.
Manta opportunities
Koh Bon and Koh Tachai are the route's principal manta locations, with encounters shaped by current and season. Koh Bon's ridge and Koh Tachai are productive pelagic stops, but manta visits vary with plankton and current. Current direction and plankton blooms change daily, so guides may shift the manta focus between Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.
Koh Bon and Koh Tachai offer the route's best-known manta opportunities.
Whale-shark potential
Richelieu Rock can produce unforgettable whale-shark encounters, although sightings are unpredictable and never guaranteed. Whale sharks are an unpredictable bonus, with late-season sightings most discussed around Richelieu Rock. Even without a whale shark, the rock's dense schools and soft coral make it the highlight of most northern Andaman trips.
Seasonal whale-shark sightings are a celebrated but unguaranteed bonus.
Similan & Surin Islands liveaboard routes compared
Choose the Similan & Surin Islands itinerary that matches your experience, season and wildlife priorities. Route names can look similar while covering different ports, sites and sea conditions, so compare the actual daily programme rather than the headline alone.
Granite South
Similan Islands classic
Highlights
West of Eden, Elephant Head Rock, boulder swim-throughs and sheltered sand-channel reefs
Difficulty
Open Water to Advanced
accessible reefs plus current and depth at exposed pinnacles
Best season
Mid-October–mid-May; park dates remain subject to official closure decisions
Granite sceneryvaried divingshorter liveaboards
Full Andaman
Similan, Koh Bon & Richelieu
Highlights
The Similans, Koh Bon manta ridge, Koh Tachai pinnacle and Richelieu Rock
Difficulty
Advanced
current experience for exposed northern ridges and negative entries
Best season
November–April; February–April is often targeted for pelagic potential
Mantas and pelagicsvaried topographylonger trips
Northern Icons
Surin & Richelieu focus
Highlights
Surin's quieter reefs, Richelieu Rock and fish-rich northern pinnacles near the Myanmar border
Difficulty
Advanced
exposed current, negative entries and open-water pickups around pinnacles
Best season
November–April; access depends on marine-park and weather conditions
Schooling fishmacro lifewhale-shark chance
Complete Route
Northern Andaman extended
Highlights
Similan boulders, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin and Richelieu in one northbound circuit
Difficulty
Advanced recommended
multiple current-exposed sites and longer open-sea passages
Best season
November–April for the broadest full-route operating window
Complete site coveragemantas and macrorepeat Thailand divers
Experience needed for Similan & Surin Islands
Operator rules vary, but the practical guidance below helps you choose a route you can enjoy safely.
| Route | Certification | Logged dives | Conditions | Gear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Similan Islands classic | Advanced Open Water recommended | 30+ recommended | Granite boulders and sand channels at 10–30 m, 20–30 m visibility, mild current with stronger flow at pinnacles | DSMB; nitrox recommended where available |
| Similan, Koh Bon & Richelieu | Advanced Open Water recommended | 30+ recommended | Exposed northern ridges at 12–30 m, 15–30 m visibility, current and surge around Koh Bon and Richelieu | DSMB; nitrox recommended where available |
| Surin & Richelieu focus | Advanced Open Water recommended | 30+ recommended | Offshore pinnacles in open water, 15–30 m visibility, strong tidal current and negative entries at Richelieu | DSMB; nitrox recommended where available |
| Northern Andaman extended | Advanced Open Water recommended | 30+ recommended | Full northbound route, 15–30 m visibility, several current-exposed pinnacles and longer open-sea passages | DSMB; nitrox recommended where available |
Similan Islands classic
- Certification:
- Advanced Open Water recommended
- Logged dives:
- 30+ recommended
- Conditions:
- Granite boulders and sand channels at 10–30 m, 20–30 m visibility, mild current with stronger flow at pinnacles
- Gear:
- DSMB; nitrox recommended where available
Similan, Koh Bon & Richelieu
- Certification:
- Advanced Open Water recommended
- Logged dives:
- 30+ recommended
- Conditions:
- Exposed northern ridges at 12–30 m, 15–30 m visibility, current and surge around Koh Bon and Richelieu
- Gear:
- DSMB; nitrox recommended where available
Surin & Richelieu focus
- Certification:
- Advanced Open Water recommended
- Logged dives:
- 30+ recommended
- Conditions:
- Offshore pinnacles in open water, 15–30 m visibility, strong tidal current and negative entries at Richelieu
- Gear:
- DSMB; nitrox recommended where available
Northern Andaman extended
- Certification:
- Advanced Open Water recommended
- Logged dives:
- 30+ recommended
- Conditions:
- Full northbound route, 15–30 m visibility, several current-exposed pinnacles and longer open-sea passages
- Gear:
- DSMB; nitrox recommended where available
Official opening and closing dates can change with weather or park decisions. No operator can guarantee Richelieu, mantas or whale sharks if conditions make a northern crossing unsafe. The operator's published minimum, check-dive assessment and safety rules always take precedence.
Signature dive sites in Similan & Surin Islands
These are the sites that define a Similan & Surin Islands liveaboard itinerary. Compare their topography, conditions and location against the daily programme rather than assuming every regional cruise visits the same places.
Richelieu RockFish-covered pinnacle and Thailand icon.Elephant Head RockMassive granite boulders, channels and swim-throughs.Koh Bon West RidgeCurrent-swept manta cleaning station.Koh Tachai PinnacleAdvanced site with current and schooling fish.Koh BonA limestone ridge north of the Similans where current and cleaning activity can attract mantas.East of EdenA classic Similan slope and coral-garden dive with boulders, reef fish and macro subjects.Anita's ReefA gentler Similan site with coral bommies and sand, often suitable for check dives and photography.Christmas PointGranite arches, channels and deeper boulders create one of the Similans' more dramatic profiles.
Similan & Surin Islands season & water conditions
Thailand's Andaman liveaboard season follows the marine-park opening from roughly mid-October to mid-May. Water remains tropical, but dry-season wind, thermoclines and plankton create meaningful differences between early, peak and late-season departures.
Mid-Oct–Dec
27–29 °C18 °C32 °C
15–30 m
The parks reopen after the southwest monsoon and conditions progressively settle. Similan granite sites are often clear, while Koh Bon and Richelieu may carry richer plankton.
Jan–Feb
27–29 °C18 °C32 °C
20–35 m
Dry-season weather, broad route choice and generally good visibility make this the most dependable all-round window. Cooler thermoclines can pass exposed ridges and pinnacles.
Mar–mid-May
28–30 °C18 °C32 °C
15–30 m
The warmest period brings stronger plankton and the most discussed manta and whale-shark window, especially around Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock.
Late-May–Sep
28–30 °C18 °C32 °C
5–20 m
Similan and Surin marine parks close during the southwest monsoon. Rough seas and official closures mean these months are not a normal liveaboard alternative.
Richelieu Rock and Koh Tachai are more exposed than many Similan sites, so current and surface chop can change the plan even in peak season. A 3 mm suit suits most divers, but a hooded vest helps with repeated dives and cool thermoclines; official park dates always override advertised schedules.
Similan & Surin Islands marine-life calendar
Plan a Similan & Surin Islands liveaboard around the encounters that matter most to you. The bars show stronger historical windows, not promises, and the location line explains where each animal is normally sought.
Reef Manta RayJFMAMJJASONDKoh Bon and Koh TachaiReef Manta Ray encounters are associated with Koh Bon and Koh Tachai in the indicated window; guides still rely on current conditions and recent sightings.
Whale SharkJFMAMJJASONDRichelieu RockWhale Shark encounters are associated with Richelieu Rock in the indicated window; guides still rely on current conditions and recent sightings.
Whitetip Reef SharkJFMAMJJASONDSimilan reef slopesWhitetip Reef Shark encounters are associated with Similan reef slopes in the indicated window; guides still rely on current conditions and recent sightings.
Eagle RayJFMAMJJASONDExposed ridgesEagle Ray encounters are associated with Exposed ridges in the indicated window; guides still rely on current conditions and recent sightings.
BarracudaJFMAMJJASONDRichelieu and exposed pinnaclesBarracuda encounters are associated with Richelieu and exposed pinnacles in the indicated window; guides still rely on current conditions and recent sightings.
Giant TrevallyJFMAMJJASONDKoh Tachai and RichelieuGiant Trevally encounters are associated with Koh Tachai and Richelieu in the indicated window; guides still rely on current conditions and recent sightings.
Peak bars show historically stronger encounter windows; shoulder months can still produce excellent dives, while wild-animal encounters are never guaranteed.
Getting to Similan & Surin Islands & departure ports
Most Similan and Surin liveaboards use Phuket as the flight gateway and Thap Lamu near Khao Lak as the principal marina. Northern programmes may instead start or finish in Ranong.
Thap Lamu Pier / Khao Lak
The standard embarkation point for Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu routes. It lies south of Khao Lak and roughly 75–90 minutes by road from Phuket airport.
Phuket International Airport (HKT)
The main international gateway, with frequent regional and long-haul connections. Operators commonly offer scheduled shared transfers north to Khao Lak or Thap Lamu.
Phuket / Chalong
Selected southern or extended Andaman itineraries board around Phuket rather than Thap Lamu. Cross-island traffic can make the marina transfer longer than the map suggests.
Ranong
Used by some Surin, Richelieu and northern Andaman departures. Ranong has limited domestic flights and is several hours by road from Phuket, so do not assume the same transfer.
Check-in may take place at a Khao Lak hotel or dive centre before guests are transferred together to the pier. Marine-park opening dates are set seasonally and can shift with monsoon weather; arrive before the operator's cutoff and confirm whether the final port is Thap Lamu, Phuket or Ranong.
What does a Similan & Surin Islands liveaboard cost?
Cruise into Thailand's clearest Andaman waters, from sculpted granite reefs to the swirling marine life of Richelieu Rock. Compare current departures and choose the voyage that makes these celebrated islands yours.
Similan & Surin Islands liveaboards
Trip length and whether Richelieu Rock is included drive much of the price difference.
Included in the trip price
A cabin, meals, tanks, weights, guides and the scheduled dives are normally included; exact inclusions vary by boat.
Costs that come on top
Budget separately for flights, transfers, marine-park or port fees, nitrox, rental gear, gratuities and any required hotel nights.
Prices move with season, cabin type, trip length and remaining availability. Open a departure for the final operator breakdown.
Cost level
The calendar below shows how liveaboard prices shift month by month, so you can see exactly when your money goes furthest. We want every diver to get the best possible value, which is why we highlight the seasons that balance great conditions with the fairest rates.
$108–$255
per day liveaboard
Prices reflect typical costs for mid-range to premium options. Budget alternatives may be available.
Similan & Surin Islands liveaboard FAQ
When is the best time to dive in the Similan & Surin Islands?
Diving conditions in the Similan & Surin Islands change throughout the year. Check our month-by-month best-time-to-dive guides to plan around peak visibility, weather and marine life encounters.
Do I need a liveaboard to dive in the Similan & Surin Islands?
A liveaboard gives you access to remote dive sites in the Similan & Surin Islands that day boats cannot reach, plus 3–5 dives per day in maximum comfort. For the best dives in the Similan & Surin Islands, a liveaboard is the recommended choice.
What certification do I need to dive in the Similan & Surin Islands?
Most Similan & Surin Islands liveaboards require Open Water as a minimum, with Advanced Open Water and 30+ logged dives recommended for currents and deeper sites. Some expert routes require Tech or 100+ dives.
How much does a Similan & Surin Islands liveaboard cost?
Liveaboard prices in the Similan & Surin Islands typically range from €1,500 to €6,000+ per week depending on vessel category, route length and season. Browse the boats below for live pricing.
Do I need a visa for Similan & Surin Islands?
Visa requirements vary by your nationality. Always check the latest entry rules with the destination's official government source before booking flights.
Is diving in the Similan & Surin Islands safe for beginners?
Many Similan & Surin Islands sites are beginner-friendly, but some routes feature strong currents or deep walls suited only to experienced divers. Check each vessel's recommended experience level.
When are the Similan Islands open?
Usually from mid-October to mid-May; official park dates and weather can change. Official opening and closing dates can shift with marine-park announcements or weather, so the operator's confirmed departure calendar is more reliable than a generic month guide.
Should I stay in Phuket or Khao Lak?
Khao Lak is closer to the main marina; Phuket offers more international flights. Richelieu Rock lies north of the main Similan chain, and the extra sailing time is why the shortest itineraries may omit it even when their title mentions the wider region.
Is Richelieu Rock on every trip?
No. Check that the itinerary reaches Surin and Richelieu rather than only the Similans. Most departures use Tap Lamu or Khao Lak logistics, while some international guests route through Phuket; transfer timing should be checked against the boat's boarding hour.
What experience is needed?
Advanced certification is best for Koh Tachai and other current-exposed sites. Currents at Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock can be demanding, so recent experience and an Advanced certification provide more flexibility across the full programme.
Are national-park fees included?
Not always. Entrance and diving fees are mandatory and may be collected separately by the operator, so compare the final checkout total rather than the cabin fare alone.
What changes between a short and long trip?
Short cruises often concentrate on the Similans. Longer routes have enough time for Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin and Richelieu Rock, which materially changes the wildlife and topography mix.
What is the practical park season?
The marine parks normally operate from about mid-October to mid-May and close through the southwest monsoon. Exact dates remain subject to official park and weather decisions each year.
Why compare the number of nights rather than only price?
A short Similan trip may never reach Surin or Richelieu Rock. Extra nights provide the sailing time needed for the northern sites and create room to repeat a productive pinnacle when conditions permit.
Where to go next
Compare Similan & Surin Islands with its country overview and other strong liveaboard regions.
Plan your trip
Ready to dive?
Explore our expedition vessels and find your perfect trip to Similan & Surin Islands