This famous stretch of andaman sea lying between the similan and surin islands is well renowned as whale shark liveaboard safari territory. When is the best time of the year to dive with whale sharks at the similan islands. Although diving and snorkeling is great whole yearround, the best time to see whale shark on koh tao is between march and june. The similan islands diving season start around october and ends in may depending on the weather. Thailand diving seasons similan islands and phuket diving. You can also combine a trip to the surin islands with the similan islands. There are normally most whale shark sightings in april and during februarymarch if youre lucky. Even now as we come out of monsoon season the conditions in the water are. Dive the similan islands national park located in the andaman sea. Scuba dive the similan islands and find whale sharks, mantas. Cenderawasih bay in west papua, indonesia has superb encounters all year round.
Thailand diving seasons similan islands and phuket. Koh tachai is also known for its epic swimthroughs and channels which you can drift around in. Richelieu rock is a pinnacle between the similan islands and the surin islands off thailands west coast. Some of the larger animals that frequent these waters are turtles, white and black tipped reef sharks, manta rays, bottlenose dolphins and the occasional whale shark. Mexicos pacific coast is another great place for encounters with these mighty fish. Top 6 best similan islands liveaboard trips the adventure. Diving with whale sharks dive the world creature features. Early november to early may is the period during which liveaboards operate at the similan islands. The best time to see a whaleshark scuba diving around koh tao in thailand. The map of the similan islands gives you an idea of the location and position of the islands. Whale sharks are most often seen at richelieu towards the end of the season, from february through to the may, with april one of the best months for encounters. Today the similan islands national park reopened its gates for visitors until 15th may 2016. Whale sharks season similan islands ask any diver what is on their bucket list of things to see underwater, and in all likelihood the majestic whale shark will be top choice for almost every diver.
Koh bon also known as talu island or island 10 is famous for its rocky pinnacles diving spot and whale sharks. Altogether, they boast of large pelagics like barracudas, trevally, and tuna. The best time to see a whaleshark diving koh tao crystal dive. Whale shark encounters are not guaranteed in thailand. Sheer numbers have resulted in degradation and thus increased regulation. Our 201415 season was the best similan diving season in more than a decade with frequent whale shark and manta ray encounters. Apart from whale sharks, the last few seasons have been very good. Daily departing snorkeling tours to the similan islands, surin islands. Liveaboard diving in february is the perfect opportunity to see an iconic creature at an iconic dive site. Our guides told us whale sharks typically appear for 10 days, then leave for the next 20. The best way to experience these islands is on a liveaboard.
Five to six thousand persons per day visit the islands during its open season from midoctober to midmay. Richelieu rock whale shark diving from november to april. Day trips and overnight trips run from october through to may. Mar 30, 2019 located between the islands of koh samui and koh tao, koh phangan is a mustvisit island. Similan islands diving is famous and high on the list of top dive destinations. The diving season in the similan islands is from october 15 to may 15. But they have also been spotted at koh haa, racha yai, similan islands etc. These islands are home to a rich array of marine species and unforgettable dive sites, making them a perfect destination for those who love to explore the underwater world and see something new. It looked very usual to see them around at the north of similan no.
All dive sites of the similan islands are offered by sea bees either as a scuba diving daytrip from khao lak or one of our thailand liveaboard tours. This period is referred as whale shark season with the highest chance of sightings. Similan islands information learn more about the similans. The island, surrounded by dive sites that range from beginner all the way up to. The most constant weather patterns, and therefore the most stable. Together, these islands in the north of similan are known as the best scuba diving in thailand. The similan islands are no year round dive destination. The similan islands are located off the west coast of thailand around 50km31 miles from west khao lak. You will have the opportunity to see a variety of other marine species, including manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, sharks, rays, and of course little critters like seahorses, nudibranchs and harlequin shrimp. The similan islands, located about 50 kilometers west of khao lak, thailand and are composed of nine granite islands washed by a clear blue tropical ocean and blessed with some of the worlds finest beaches. Diving with whale sharks at richelieu rock richelieu rock diving scuba daytrips and richelieu rock liveaboards. The worlds best places to dive with whale sharks lonardi. They can be seen at koh tachai and some of the northern similan dive sites.
The worldwide reputation of diving similan islands is due to the area having the richest variety of marine life in thai waters, there are around 500 species of hard and soft corals, and an even higher amount of pelagic and coral fish with sizes that many other sites struggle to match. Not likely to happen, but make sure your hands are not near the whale sharks mouth when they are feeding. Oct 02, 2015 the most popular places to see whale sharks and mantas continue to be richelieu rock, koh tachai and koh bon, just north of the similan islands and hin deang and hin mueang to the south of koh phi phi. Richelieu rock, which is north of the similan islands and accessible only as part of a similan islands liveaboard it should be stressed that while these are whale shark hotspots, its still rare to see them they are spotted perhaps 10 times maximum in a six month season. The scenery above the water makes these islands just as deserving of a visit with some of the most amazing sunsets and sunrises you will ever experience. Ask emilynzady about similan islands national park. Its huge granite boulders with caverns and arches offer shark diving, schools of fish, huge sea fans, and general worldclass quality of habitats and species. Diving thailands similan and surin islands without a.
Swimming with whale sharks at derawan island indonesia. Stunning islands, wonderful sunsets, whale sharks and manta rays thailands finest dive destinations. Liveaboard diving in the similan islands is the peak of thailand dive experiences. There is 2 seasons in the west cost of thailand, dry season and rainy season. When doing a similan islands liveaboard over the season many people have been lucky enough to see a variety of whales from the minke whale, orcas, brydes whale, pilot whales, curviers beaked whale, omuras whale and now the blue whale too. Whale sharks are back in the similan islands the scuba news. Koh tachai island 11, famous for pinnacles diving spot and whale shark spotting. During the whale shark season beginning january till end of march youve a big change to dive wit. Similan islands are located just 84 km northwest of the phuket. As another high season approaches in the andaman sea divers and snorkelers will. Aug 11, 2015 whale sharks are seen during the whole diving season which runs from 15 october till 15th of may, but best change to whale sharks is during the months january, february and march. Similan islands diving season similan dive guide updated dive maps and information. Due to rough and potentially dangerous weather conditions the similan national park is closed from mid may to the end of october. Similan islands day trip for snorkeling is one of the easiest, safest and most pleasant ways to explore the underwater world and the similan islands national marine park, well known for coral reefs and white sandy beaches, the crystal blue warm waters make this one of the best places to snorkel in the andaman sea.
Considered the jewel in the crown of thailand diving, the similan and surin islands wont disappoint you. The similan islands is a group of islands in the andaman sea and part of, phang nga province. Richelieu rock, which is north of the similan islands and accessible only as part of a similan islands liveaboard. A similan liveaboard is a great way to complete similan island diving as you can see a variety of dive locations around the similan islands. The andaman sea has perfect water conditions that make underwater visibility extremely high and suitable for diving and snorkeling. Whale sharks are seen during the whole diving season which runs from 15 october till 15th of may, but best change to whale sharks is during the months january, february and march. The similan islands national park is officially open from october 15th to may 15th. How to snorkel with a whale shark snorkeling thailand. It should be stressed that while these are whale shark hotspots, its still rare to see them they are spotted perhaps 10 times maximum in a six month season. Known for its regular whale shark sightings year round and incredible dive sites, you wont want to miss visiting this beautiful island. They are located a few hours north by boat from the similan islands but are truly amazing. Besides the occasional whale shark, manta rays visit hin daeng very frequently. The islands are also part of phang nga province of southern thailand.
Ask any diver what is on their bucket list of things to see underwater, and in all likelihood the majestic whale shark will be top choice for almost every diver. Learn more about similan island diving and the possibility of swimming with whale sharks. The similan islands national park is open from 15th october to 15th of may, the rest of the year it s closed due to weather and its illegal to go. The outmost island of the famous archipelago, darwin island is located quite far northwest and lies on a jagged. Whale sharks are seen during the whole diving season which runs from 15 october till 15th of may, but best change to whale sharks is during the months january. Your complete guide to diving and snorkeling with whale sharks. The most constant weather patterns, and therefore the most stable conditions, tend to be between february and april. This beautiful and utterly enormous creature attracts divers like the proverbial moth to a flame for several reasons. The whale sharks of thailand comes to the similan islands and. With a bit of luck there might even be a manta ray or whale shark passing by.
They arent as large as the other best islands in thailand but offer great diving facilities and more to get the vacation vibe running. The first daytours have departed this morning to the similans and later this evening the first scuba diving liveaboards will depart to the similan archipelago. Marine megafauna sightings in october arent unusual, but in the past years the big fish left the similans for november and returned back in the middle of january. Similan islands diving diving with whale sharks oceans. July to december is known as whale shark season in the galapagos islands and is obviously the best time to visit there to see the sharks, sometimes several on a single dive. The season start around january depending on the year and ends end of mai, around this time of the year the plankton is increasing with some plankton loaded. This makes it possible to dive without a wetsuit in most of the similan reefs. Rainy season from june to september, with scattered rainfall, but still some sunny days. The national park of the similan islands is open again to the public, much to the delight of divers and snorkelers. Phi phi islands bida nok and bida nai get the occasional whale shark passing by and hanging. In combination with a spectacular wildlife such as whale sharks, manta rays, sharks and millions of colorful tropical fish the similan islands dive sites are chosen numerous times as top diving destination in the world by national geographic, bbc and more leading travel media.
The similan and surin islands are some of the most popular dive destinations on earth. Thriving reefs with over 200 species of soft and hard corals and impressive sea fans abound, asread more. The similan islands is the main liveaboard destination, though there are also liveaboards to myanmar and also day trips and overnight trips around dive sites near phuket and phi phi. It lies immediately to the north of the similan islands and covers koh bon in the south, up to koh tachai, and finally northwards on to richelieu rock. Whale shark diving scuba diving diving world andaman islands khao lak koh chang diving equipment krabi koh tao. Similan islands day trip for snorkeling is one of the easiest, safest and most pleasant ways to explore the underwater world and the similan islands national marine park, well known for coral reefs and white sandy beaches, the crystal blue warm waters make this one of. Similan islands whale shark season similan islands diving. Similan islands diving diving with whale sharks oceans to. Scuba diving phuket similan islands phuket thailand. Day trip where divers and snorkelers go to different sites to get the most out of the. Whale shark on koh tao thailand snorkel around the world. Similan islands phang nga 2020 all you need to know.
Aug 03, 2018 20182019 is the big fishes season ever. The season for diving the similan islands is november to april. Similan is a yawi or malay word, which means nine or a group of nine islands. The whale shark in thailand whaleshark diving in thailand. Nutrientrich from the deep water that surround richelieu rock create perfect conditions for plankton blooms that in turn attract plenty of fish, including the biggest of all. The similan islands and thailand is general have 3 season.
In thailand you can find a huge variety of marine life and underwater scenery. Most of these are at richelieu rock, on the schedule of most similan islands liveaboards. Apart from whale sharks, the last few seasons have been very good for manta rays. Essential information for your whale shark dive when are the best times to swim with whale sharks. Similan islands diving similans, diving and more information. The similans are a chain of 9 tiny islands and the surrounding waters are part of a protected marine park. Scuba diving at the similan islands all you need to know.
Elephant head rock, west of six, and christmas point are only a few of the 20 plus dive sites. Whale shark sightings are common at koh phangans main dive site, sail rock. Whale shark season similan islands by khao lak explorer. The most popular places to see whale sharks and mantas continue to be richelieu rock, koh tachai and koh bon, just north of the similan islands and hin deang and hin mueang to the south of koh phi phi. As another high season approaches in the andaman sea divers and snorkelers will again have the chance to interact up close and personal with whale sharks in their natural environment. The similan islands are popular among divers from around the world because of the large variety of fish and corals that reside there. Divers from around the world come in droves each year to explore the dozen or so granite and limestone islands, hoping to catch a glimpse of a whale shark or manta rays while marveling at the massive schools of fish that call the reefs surrounding these islands home. The reefs of the similan islands are well known worldwide, while the islands of phuket, phi phi and koh tao attract divers and sun seekers alike. Similan scuba adventures, 456 moo 7, tambon khuk kak, amphur takua pa, phang nga. The similan islands are a group of islands off the. Ningaloo whalesharks operate whale shark tours from the 15th march to the end of september each year, which covers the entire ningaloo whale shark season in exmouth, and we consistently have swum with whale sharks most years at these times. But, with so many boats and itineraries out there, how do you know whats the best similan islands liveaboard for you. The dnp reports that since october 2017 the park has been visited by 883,438 persons. This is looking to be an amazing location to see a large selection of whales too.
If you want to experience the best diving that thailand has to offer, come to the similan islands. When is the best time to dive with whale sharks in galapagos. Whale shark season similan islands by khao lak explorer youtube. Scuba dive the similan islands and find whale sharks. The whale sharks of thailand comes to the similan islands and surrounding dive sites during the thailand whale. This beautiful and utterly enormous creature attracts divers like the proverbial moth to a flame for. Similan islands whale shark season similan islands. Similan islands offer some of the best scuba diving from phuket.
The whale sharks of thailand comes to the similan islands and surrounding dive sites during the thailand whale shark season to feed on. During whale shark season in galapagos, whale sharks pass through the outer islands wolf and darwin from may to december, but some stay yearround to feast on the abundance of plankton and krill brought by the three converging ocean currents. The similan islands and richelieu rock are reputed to be the most beautiful dives in thailand well above koh tao or koh phi phi for example, so i had to do it. Please be warned and be aware of dive operators who offer you to take you to the similans outside the season. Besides this, these gentle giants are also present around the island between october. The similan islands park is the most overcrowded thai national park. It is a national park, mu ko similan, which was established in 1982. May, 2019 koh tachai is also known for its epic swimthroughs and channels which you can drift around in. Aug 30, 2015 when is the best time of the year to dive with whale sharks at the similan islands. The renowned dive sites of the similan islands, koh bon, koh tachai and richelieu rock have drawn divers from around the world for decades and are widely considered to be the best in thailand.
Whale shark season similan islands by khao lak explorer duration. The seawater has an average temperature of 27 c during the open season. In this article well create an overview of the to diving spots in. Dry season is from october to may with the best weather, hot and sunny. Similan islands liveaboards whale shark diving youtube.
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