Similan and Surin Islands
The two main island groups north of Phuket and south of the Burmese
border are The Similan Islands, approximately 50 miles northwest
of Patong, and The Surin Islands, a further 50 miles north.
These groups of islands offer a beautiful contrast to the towering
limestone monoliths of the Phang Nga Krabi region.
The Similans
The huge granite boulders that form the Similans are clear
evidence of an entirely different geological process to that which
left us with Phang Nga Bay.
Smooth, weather-worn rocks the size of cars and houses tumble down
the islands' shorelines looking like some ancient giant's
left-behind marbles.
Continuing their interesting formations to the seafloor, these
rocks create a wondrous underwater world that helps support a sizeable
liveaboard diving industry. Water clarity here is legendary, and
the coral reefs are considered the most colourful and diverse in
Thailand.
These offshore islands are therefore the first destination on the
way to the Burmese dive sites and are constantly busy with liveaboard
vessels during the high season.
The waters surrounding the Similans are teeming with tropical fish,
colourful coral, and offer exceptional underwater visibility at
most times of the year. The diving is certainly the best
in Thailand, and compares favourably with some of the best in the
world. The Similans, along with the islands and rocks to the north,
are now a recognised feature on the world diving map, and are particularly
noted for the regularity with which divers meet Whale Sharks
and Mantas.
The continental drop-off is only a few kilometres west of the Similans,
and this attracts the occasional game fishing boat to venture
out from Phuket, invariably seeking the legendary huge, Black
Marlin that are reputed to pass there.
The entire group is patrolled by the National Park launches
who collect 200 Baht per visiting vessel and another 200 Baht for
each passenger.
All commercial operators are required to purchase vouchers in advance
for vessels and passengers and report to the National Park HQ at
Koh Miang upon arrival to have their tickets verified. This
is currently not applied to independent yachts but may change in
the future as Thailand becomes more eco-conscious of this tremendous
tourist asset in the Andaman Sea. The rangers also check to ensure
that no one is trolling, bottom fishing or spear fishing within
a 5-mile limit of the islands. Hefty fines are levied for offenders.
Basic accommodations are available at the HQ, reservations
can be made by phoning the Phang Nga Office (+66 0 76 959045 or
+66 0 76 421365).
Cruising to and among the Similans is not recommended during the
southwest monsoon season, due to heavy swells and squalls together
with a scarcity of protected overnight anchorages.
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