SIMILAN LIVEABOARDS
Similan Island Liveaboard Trips
Liveabord trips to the Similans depart from either Phuket or Khao Lak. Many liveaboard operators that operate out of Phuket actually bus you up to Khao Lak prior to departure , as it is the shortest distance to the Similans. Trips to the Similan Islands depart once or twice per week throughout high season, typically from late October through to mid April. However, trips can also be customised to suit your timeframe and budget.
Scuba Addicts, Ao Nang, Krabi-Saving You Time, Money and Effort
If you type 'Similan Liveaboards' into any search engine you will get a list as long as your arm of dive operators and boats offering diving trips. While there are many reputable dive boats out there, Scuba Addicts can only recommend two boats, the MV Dolphin Queen and the MV Manta Queen. We have used them, our staff have used them, our students have used them and they consistently receive good reviews. When choosing a partner liveaboard boat we look for high standards of service, professional and friendly staff and a focus on safety. We do the necessary investiagtive work beforehand, so you don't have to waste your time walking from shop to shop or trawling through the internet.
Two Centre Stay- Dive The Best of Ao Nang, Krabi & The Similans
We recommend a Similan Islands Liveaboard trip as part of a two centre stay, which allows you to experience most of the best diving Thailand has to offer. Spend 3-5 days in Ao Nang, Krabi and dive the Phi Phi Islands, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang and Shark Point Marine Marine Sanctuary before taking a 2 hour minivan trip to Khao Lak, and then hopping on a boat for a 4 day/4 night trip to the Similans.
We highly recommend 4day/4 night trips, any shorter and you probably won't get to the better diving spots of Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richlieu Rock which are further North,more towards the Surin Islands. These islands are usually where Manta Rays, Whalesharks and bigger fish are seen.
The boats we recommend are not high-end luxury liveaboards or floating palaces, they are mid-range, reasonably priced, safe and comfortable boats, normally with a good crowd of people onboard and friendly, entertaining staff.
A two centre stay really is the best way to experience all the best the Andaman Sea has to offer. Be sure to book early as trips fill up quickly, as a guide, last high season most of the boats travelling to the Similans were fully booked by January for trips departing in February, March and April.