Similan Islands (Ranong – Thap Lamu)

Deep Andaman Queen · Thailand · 6 nights

Duration
6 nights
Embarkation
Ranong, Thailand
Disembarkation
Thap Lamu, Thailand
Dives
Approximately 22 dives in total

About this route

This 7-day, 6-night liveaboard journey explores the renowned dive sites of the Andaman Sea, specifically the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Island, and the world-famous Richelieu Rock. Divers can anticipate encountering a diverse array of marine life, from pelagic species to intricate macro subjects. The itinerary promises a comprehensive exploration of Thailand's premier diving destinations.

Regions on this route

Similan IslandsSurin IslandsRichelieu RockKoh TachaiKoh Bon

Highlights

Koh Bon

Koh Bon is famous for its manta ray cleaning station, making it a highly sought-after dive destination. The site primarily consists of a rocky pinnacle and a wall on the north side, descending to a sandy bottom. Beyond mantas, divers can frequently spot leopard sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and large schools of fusiliers, trevally, and barracuda.

  • Manta ray cleaning station
  • Leopard shark sightings
  • Wall diving
  • Schools of pelagics

Koh Tachai

Koh Tachai is celebrated for its 'plateau' dive site, a large submerged pinnacle that acts as a magnet for pelagic species. Strong currents are common here, making it ideal for drift diving and increasing the chances of encountering reef manta rays, leopard sharks, and various schools of fish. The site features beautiful hard corals and impressive granite formations.

  • Pelagic magnet plateau
  • Thrilling drift dives
  • Manta ray sightings
  • Leopard sharks

Richelieu Rock

Richelieu Rock is an isolated pinnacle considered one of Thailand's premier dive sites, known for its horseshoe shape and exceptional biodiversity. It attracts a wide range of marine life, from tiny macro critters like frogfish and ghost pipefish to large pelagics, including whale sharks and manta rays. The site boasts a spectacular array of colorful soft corals.

  • Exceptional biodiversity
  • Whale shark encounters
  • Vibrant soft corals
  • Macro photography haven

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are a renowned archipelago in the Andaman Sea, celebrated for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant underwater landscapes. This region features impressive granite boulder formations, diverse hard and soft coral gardens, and a rich array of reef fish. It offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle photography and exploring intricate reef ecosystems.

  • Granite boulder formations
  • Vibrant coral gardens
  • Rich reef fish diversity

Surin Islands

The Surin Islands, located north of the Similan chain, are characterized by their pristine coral reefs and a more remote, untouched feel. The area is known for its healthy hard coral formations and abundant marine life. Divers can expect good visibility and a chance to encounter a variety of reef dwellers and occasional pelagic visitors.

  • Pristine coral reefs
  • Healthy hard corals
  • Remote diving experience

Requirements

  • CertificationCertified Open Water Divers can participate; however, completion of the Advanced Open Water certification is required.
  • Minimum logged dives5
  • ExperienceGuests with fewer than 20 logged dives or who have not dived for six months or longer are required to complete a refresher dive.

Good to know

  • Certified Open Water divers can participate, though Advanced Open Water certification is required for certain activities and can be arranged onboard.
  • Junior Open Water and Junior Advanced Open Water divers require a private dive guide.
  • A 24-hour waiting period is recommended between the last dive and flying.
  • Deep Adventure Dive is not available as a standalone dive.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Ranong

    Today marks the embarkation day, starting with a pick-up at Ranong Airport and transfer to Ranong Pier. Guests will check into their hotel before transferring to the MV Deep Andaman Queen for welcome drinks, a cabin allocation, and an introductory briefing. Dinner will be served onboard.

  2. Day 2: Similan Islands – Underwater Exploration

    The day begins with a general diving rules and safety briefing, preparing divers for the underwater adventures ahead. Four dives are scheduled around the Similan Islands, an archipelago known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse coral formations. This region offers a mix of reef and rock formations, providing habitat for numerous reef fish and occasional pelagics.

  3. Day 3: Similan Islands – Continued Diving

    Diving continues today at additional sites throughout the Similan Islands, with four more dives scheduled. The area features granite boulder reefs and vibrant hard and soft corals, creating stunning underwater landscapes. Divers can expect to see a rich variety of marine life, including schools of barracuda and jacks, alongside a chance for larger pelagic encounters.

  4. Day 4: Similan Islands – Further Exploration

    This day offers a final opportunity to explore the diverse dive sites of the Similan Islands, with four dives planned. The region is known for its dramatic swim-throughs and vibrant coral gardens. Expect to encounter an abundance of reef fish and various invertebrates, contributing to the rich biodiversity of this protected marine park.

  5. Day 5: Koh Bon and Koh Tachai – Pelagic Hotspots

    Today's diving focuses on the renowned sites of Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, with four dives scheduled. Koh Bon is particularly famous for its cleaning station, attracting reef manta rays, while Koh Tachai offers thrilling drift dives. These sites are known for their strong currents and a higher chance of encountering larger pelagic species and diverse reef sharks.

  6. Day 6: Surin Island and Richelieu Rock – Marine Diversity

    The day is dedicated to diving around Surin Island and the iconic Richelieu Rock, with four dives planned. Richelieu Rock is an isolated pinnacle renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity, often attracting whale sharks and offering spectacular macro life. Surin Island provides vibrant coral reefs and a chance for various reef fish and pelagic sightings.

  7. Day 7: Wreck Dives and Disembarkation – Thap Lamu

    The final day of diving includes two wreck dives, offering a unique historical element to the trip. Following the dives, the vessel will arrive at Thap Lamu Pier. Guests will then transfer back to their hotels in the Phuket/Khao Lak area, concluding a memorable diving adventure in the Andaman Sea.

Upcoming departures

  • 2027-03-07 – 2027-03-13Book

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

Deep Andaman QueenDeep Andaman QueenThailand
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