The Similan Islands is considered by most to be the absolute best place in Thailand to snorkel, even deserving a position within the top worldwide. Whether you are experienced in snorkelling or are a beginner, the conditions this location offers are breathtaking and perfect for such an activity.

The Similan Islands are created of a group of eleven tropical islands located southwest of Thailand, approximately sixty-five kilometres off the coast of Phang Nga. Some islands are no more than rocks formed of granitoid, visible above the water but still make for good reference spots and host magnificent visions in their depths. The appearance of some is rather intriguing and unusual, offering a unique visionary landscape above and below the surface. You will also find white beaches, dense jungles, and crystal clear waters, so it is not surprising that The Similan Islands are at the top of most people’s wishlists. Now part of the Similan National Park, they are strictly controlled, including the number of daily tourists allowed and remain uninhabited, allowing all to witness its undisturbed beauty.

The Islands cover approximately 140 square kilometres, with warm, clear waters and visibility consistently at thirty meters, if not more, making it ideal for superb snorkelling experiences. The variety of marine life is outstanding, with picture-perfect hard and soft corals and vibrant coloured fish. The marine life here is said to be larger than average, which indicates how nutrient-rich the waters are. Snorkelers may witness vast schools of fish, including Snapper, Surgeon Fish, Fusilier, Parrot Fish, and Rabbit Fish. Encounters with turtles and Blue Spotted Stingrays will make any experience unique and unforgettable. Looking closely at the seabed, you may find Garden Eels, Pipe Fish, Mantis Shrimps, Scorpion Fish, and Stone Fish all trying to camouflage into their environment. You may be fortunate to spot a Leopard Shark or even Manta Rays and Whale Sharks, who are not regular visitors but have been known to grace the deep blue here.

Snorkelling at The Similan Islands will fulfil all your expectations. You will be astounded to see various colourful tropical fish here, such as the well-known and sought Clownfish, and other tropical species, such as Seahorses, Moonfish, and squid.

The great thing about snorkelling is that it is accessible to most and requires little equipment. Like any water sport, it is recommended that you have a level of water confidence and ability, but if you are determined to try snorkelling, there are a few things to ensure that you do.

You must ensure that you tell your dive instructor. They are experienced and can keep an eye on you. You will also be given a life jacket to aid floatation. Before entering the water, ensure that your mask fits correctly, an essential procedure for any snorkeler, particularly for a non-swimmer; this will dispose of any fear of the face mask filling with water. Also, practice taking your snorkel mask on and off so you can do it confidently in the water.

In conclusion, a non-swimmer can go snorkelling but consider building your water confidence and ability beforehand. Letting your dive instructor know your abilities is essential to help ensure your and everyone else’s safety.

Thousands of diving enthusiasts undertake scuba diving and snorkelling throughout the year, a passion that takes many around the world visiting some of the most incredible locations and witness the most breathtaking scenes.

Many enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving, but some may wonder what the difference is. Both take place in water and require water confidence and swimming ability, one more so than the other.

Snorkelling takes place on the water’s surface, and the snorkeler looks down from above, taking a more panoramic view of the underwater world. In comparison to this, scuba divers will immerse themselves in the water and go much deeper, able to swim amongst the marine life and down to the seabed.

Another significant difference is the equipment needed for both activities. There is much less equipment for snorkelling; you wear a mask, a snorkel (the breathing tube), and swim fins to snorkel adequately. In comparison, much more equipment is needed for scuba diving, some of which are more technical and advanced. Such a kit includes the same as a snorkeler plus a scuba tank, depth gauge, regulator and buoyancy compensator, amongst other things, all of which you need to know and understand.

For many reasons, the level of training needed for snorkelling and scuba diving is immensely different. To go snorkelling, you are not required to undergo any training or need to show any evidence of certification before you start. However, some dive instructors insist on a briefing to maintain everyone’s safety and that of the environment you are entering. Everyone must know and be aware of current changes and how to interact with marine life so as not to disturb and maintain their own safety.

Scuba diving is very different as you have to participate in and pass specific training before you can go on your first dive. The training agency will issue you a Certification Card (a diver’s C-Card) if you complete your diving training programme. You will then be asked to provide your card whenever you purchase or rent out dive equipment. You can also continue to train for other certifications you wish to obtain, but this is optional.

Age is also a differentiating factor between the two. Whilst there is no age limit when you can start snorkelling, some companies may implement one depending on the water and weather conditions. However, any age can snorkel when entering from the beach; hence often, children can be seen doing so as a pastime. However, for scuba diving, agencies such as PADI have set a minim age for open water dives which is ten years old and eight years old in a pool or under confined conditions. Only when you are fifteen years old can you earn your Open Water Certification after successfully passing your training.

Fitness is essential but different levels of strain are put upon the body depending on your activity. Snorkelling is relatively easy on the body, but both require good cardiovascular health, enabling you to deal with a change in water conditions and return to safety. Unlike snorkelling, the pressure from being underwater in scuba diving puts a strain on your body; therefore, you fill out a medical questionnaire before each diving course you do.

Time is another differing factor between the two. When snorkelling, you can generally stay in the water for as long as you wish, ensuring you come up for air you are safe to do so for a reasonable amount of time. Of course, exhaustion has to be taken into consideration. Scuba divers, however, have limited time to stay underwater, and they have to return to the surface with a sufficient reserve of breathing air. This means that the average time spent underwater is forty-five to sixty minutes.

The do’s and don’t’s after each activity differs also. Whilst care has to be taken when exiting your environment when snorkelling, especially if you are near any reef, there are a few more rules after scuba diving to ensure you remain healthy. You should avoid certain things for twenty-four hours, such as flying or anything that results in a change of altitude. It is also advised to avoid alcohol and extreme physical activity as you may risk decompression sickness.

There are many differences between snorkelling and scuba diving and various factors to consider. Still, it is undeniable that both can give you thrilling experiences and an insight into the world that lies beneath the water’s surface. There is no right or wrong; ensure that you enjoy the one you choose.

While we cannot offer a guaranteed sighting of a whale shark during your trip to the Similan Islands, we can assure you that the experience of exploring these pristine waters is truly unforgettable. The Similan Islands are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and rich marine life, offering an exceptional opportunity for sightseeing and adventure. Our expert guides and crew will do their utmost to ensure that you have the best chance possible to spot a whale shark, but even if you don’t, you will still have an amazing time discovering the many other wonders of this stunning region. So come and join us for an unforgettable Similan Islands sightseeing trip, and let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.