Overview
The Similan Islands are a group of nine granite islands in the Andaman Sea, about 84 km northwest of Phuket. Renowned for crystal-clear water, pristine coral reefs, and giant underwater boulders, they are consistently rated among the world's top 10 dive sites.
Highlights
- Diving: World-class sites including Elephant Head Rock (massive granite boulders), East of Eden (hard coral garden), and Christmas Point (soft corals and sea fans).
- Sail Rock: An iconic boulder formation on Ko Similan (Island 8) that can be climbed for panoramic views.
- Marine Life: Manta rays, whale sharks (rare), reef sharks, sea turtles, and thousands of tropical fish species.
History
The islands were declared a national park in 1982. Overnight camping was banned in 2018 and the park closes annually from mid-May to mid-October for marine recovery during monsoon.
Visitor Tips
- Season: Open mid-October to mid-May only. Book ahead in December–February peak season.
- Day trip: Speedboat day trips from Phuket take about 1.5 hours each way.
- Duration: Full day (10+ hours including transfers).