Marine atlas

Explore the
Similan Islands

A marine park in Thailand’s Andaman Sea

Granite islands, turquoise water and extraordinary marine life. Find out where the Similans are, how to reach them and which island experience is right for you.

Aerial view of pale sand, granite boulders and turquoise water at the Similan Islands

Where it is

A world of blue,
just offshore

The Similan Islands lie in the Andaman Sea off Thailand’s Phang Nga coast. Protected as a national marine park, the islands are known for pale sand, striking granite boulders, clear water and colourful reefs.

Andaman SeaThailand’s west coast
National marine parkProtected island habitat
Above & belowBeaches, reefs and marine life
Map showing the Similan Islands offshore from Phuket and Khao Lak
The Similan Islands sit offshore from the Phang Nga coast, north of Phuket.

The journey

Getting there is part of the adventure

Most Similan day trips travel by road to Thap Lamu Pier, then continue by boat into the national park. Your exact pickup, pier and boat journey depend on the trip and conditions.

1

Hotel pickup

Start from Phuket or Khao Lak

2

Thap Lamu Pier

Travel north along the coast

3

Boat crossing

Head out across the Andaman Sea

4

The Similans

Explore islands and clear water

Hawksbill turtle swimming above a coral reef with fish

Marine life

A place to meet sea turtles

The Similan Islands’ protected waters are home to green and hawksbill turtles. Spotting one gliding past a reef can be a moment you remember long after your holiday.

Keep a respectful distance and let wildlife move freely. Every encounter is a possibility, never a promise.

Explore your way

See the Similans your way

Dive beneath the surface, snorkel over bright reefs or spend longer at sea. Choose the experience that fits your holiday, then check the dedicated trip page for current details.

Scuba diver exploring coral and reef fish underwater

Scuba day trip

For certified divers who want a full day exploring the Similans underwater.

Explore scuba day trip
Snorkellers in clear water at the Similan Islands

Snorkelling day trip

Float over colourful reef life and enjoy the islands from above the water.

Explore snorkelling
Liveaboard boat near an island in the Andaman Sea

Liveaboard diving

More time on the water, more diving and a deeper Andaman adventure.

Explore liveaboards

Quick answers

Plan with confidence

Start with the essentials, then use each trip page for inclusions, suitability, availability and booking details.

Do I need to be a certified diver?

Yes, for a scuba day trip or diving liveaboard. You do not need scuba certification for a snorkelling trip. Check the specific trip page for its full suitability requirements.

Can beginners go snorkelling?

Snorkelling does not require scuba certification. Check the snorkelling trip page for the activity details and tell our team about any swimming concerns before booking.

How do you reach the Similan Islands from Phuket?

Day trips usually include a road transfer north to Thap Lamu Pier and then a boat crossing. Journey times vary with your pickup point, route, sea conditions and the specific trip.

Will I see a turtle?

Green and hawksbill turtles live in the area, and an encounter is possible while diving or snorkelling. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

National park access and trips depend on the park’s seasonal opening and sea conditions. See the trip page for current operating details or ask Thailand Divers.

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