Don’t Wait to Book Your Similan Liveaboard Adventure: Here’s Why Now’s the Time!

By Jaruda Techaruvichit Date 17 Jul 2025

Hey there, dive buddies! It’s Jaruda here, your fellow ocean enthusiast and go-to gal for scuba diving in Thailand. If you’ve got your heart set on exploring the jaw-dropping underwater world of the Similan Islands, you’re in for a treat. But let me tell you, planning a Similan liveaboard trip isn’t something you want to leave to the last minute. I’ve seen too many divers miss out because they waited too long! So, grab a coffee, and let me share why a Thailand liveaboard is the best way to experience Similan diving, where these islands are, what makes them so special, and—most importantly—when you should book to snag your spot.

Where Are the Similan Islands, Anyway?

Picture this: a chain of nine stunning islands in the Andaman Sea, about 60 miles off the coast of Phang Nga, Thailand, and a boat ride from Phuket or Khao Lak. That’s the Similan Islands, a protected National Marine Park that’s basically a diver’s paradise. These islands are remote, surrounded by turquoise waters and teeming with marine life. Some of my favorite dive sites here include:

Richelieu Rock (technically in the nearby Surin Islands): This place is legendary! It’s a horseshoe-shaped pinnacle where I’ve spotted whale sharks gliding by and tiny critters like seahorses hiding in the corals.
Koh Bon: A stunning limestone pinnacle with a ridge that’s a hotspot for manta rays visiting cleaning stations, plus colorful soft corals and schools of fish.
Koh Tachai: Perfect for spotting schools of barracuda or even a chill leopard shark lounging on the sandy bottom.
Christmas Point: The swim-throughs here are unreal, with colorful soft corals and fish darting everywhere.
Elephant Head Rock: Massive boulders create a maze-like underwater playground that always feels like an adventure.

With over 25 dive sites in the Similan and Surin Islands, every dive feels like a new chapter in an underwater storybook.

Why Is Similan Diving So Special?

Let me tell you, Similan diving is like nothing else. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Mind-Blowing Marine Life: From massive whale sharks (fingers crossed!) to manta rays, barracudas, and tiny treasures like nudibranchs and ghost pipefish, the Similans are a hotspot for biodiversity. My buddy once saw a school of bumphead parrotfish so big it felt like a parade!
Epic Underwater Scenery: You’ve got everything from towering granite boulders to vibrant coral gardens and swim-throughs. The East Coast has calm, clear waters perfect for beginners, while the West Coast’s deeper dives and stronger currents give advanced divers a thrill.
Crystal Waters: From November to May, visibility can hit 30 meters or more, and the water’s a cozy 26–29°C. You barely need more than a 3mm wetsuit!
World-Class Status: The Similans are on every diver’s bucket list, and Richelieu Rock often ranks among the top dive sites globally. It’s the kind of place you’ll brag about forever.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve logged hundreds of dives, the Similans will steal your heart.

Why a Liveaboard Is the Only Way to Dive the Similans

The Similan Islands are way out there—about 70 km from the mainland. Trust me, a day trip just won’t cut it. Here’s why a Similan liveaboard is the way to go:

Reach the Best Sites: Spots like Richelieu Rock and Koh Tachai are too far for day boats. On a liveaboard, you can dive these gems multiple times, often before the day-trippers show up.
More Dives, More Fun: You get up to four dives a day, plus night dives! Waking up on a boat, sipping coffee, and diving right into the ocean? That’s the life.
All-In-One Convenience: Your meals, cozy cabin, and dive gear are all sorted. It’s like a floating dive camp where you make lifelong friends between dives.
Eco-Conscious Vibes: I only work with liveaboards that care about the environment, using sustainable practices to keep the Similans pristine for future dives.

Day trips from Khao Lak or Phuket are exhausting—three hours each way for just two dives. A Thailand liveaboard lets you live and breathe the Similan experience.

When Should You Book Your Similan Liveaboard?

Here’s the deal: timing is everything. The Similan season runs from mid-October to mid-May, with the sweetest conditions from January to April (think epic visibility and whale shark season!). But if you want to dive during the peak holiday period—November to December—you have to book early. Here’s why:

Holiday Madness: Christmas and New Year trips are crazy popular. I’ve seen boats like VELA Liveaboard and Krishna 2 sell out a full year in advance for these dates. Right now, for October–December 2025, they’re already almost fully booked!
Book 2–3 Months Ahead: To get the boat, cabin, and dates you want, I always tell divers to book at least 2–3 months in advance. It’s July 2025 now, and the Similan season kicks off in just three months. That makes right now the perfect time to lock in your Similan liveaboard before the best trips are gone.
Early Bird Wins: Booking early means you can pick from budget-friendly boats like January Princess or splurge on luxury ones like Aqua Thailand. Plus, you’ll have your choice of trip lengths (4–8 days).

I’ve had divers email me in a panic in November, begging for a spot, only to find everything sold out. Don’t let that be you—plan now and dive stress-free!

Why Book with Giant Stride? (Spoiler: We’re Awesome!)

At Giant Stride, we’re not just booking agents—we’re divers like you, obsessed with making your Similan liveaboard epic. Here’s why you should team up with us:

We Know Thailand Diving: I’ve been diving these waters for years and can answer all your questions. Not sure which boat fits your vibe? Wondering if November or April is better? I’ve got you covered.
24/7 Support: Got a late-night question or need help during your trip? We’re here around the clock to make sure your adventure goes smoothly.
Best Price Guarantee: Spot a cheaper deal elsewhere? Tell me, and I’ll match it. I want you to get the best value for your Thailand liveaboard.
FREE DAN Dive Insurance: Every booking comes with complimentary DAN Dive Insurance. Safety is huge, and I’ve got your back.
Personal Touch: Whether you want a budget boat or a fancy one like Vanora, I’ll help you find the perfect fit.

Jaruda’s Top Tips for Your Similan Adventure

Before I let you go, here are a few insider tips from my own dives:

Get Advanced Certified: If you’re an advanced diver, you’ll unlock the best of Similan diving with deeper dives (up to 30m) at sites like Koh Bon and Richelieu Rock, where you’ll see massive coral formations and rare critters like ghost pipefish. Plus, only advanced divers can join the night dives offered almost every night on Similan liveaboard trips. These dives are a must—octopuses, crabs, and glowing plankton create a magical underwater show you won’t want to miss!
Go for Nitrox: It’s great for multiple dives, and many boats offer Nitrox courses if you’re not certified yet.
Aim for February–April: That’s prime whale shark season. I crossed my fingers and saw one at Koh Bon last March—it was magical!
Check Your Itinerary: Some boats depart from Phuket’s Chalong Pier and return to Khao Lak’s Thap Lamu Pier (or vice versa). Ask us about transfers from Phuket Airport or your hotel.

Let’s Make Your Similan Dream Happen!

The Similan Islands are waiting to blow your mind, and there’s no better time than now to book your Similan liveaboard. With the 2025–2026 season approaching fast, boats like VELA Liveaboard and Krishna 2 are filling up, especially for the November–December holiday rush. Don’t miss out on your chance to dive these world-class waters!

At Giant Stride, we’re here to make your Similan diving adventure seamless, affordable, and unforgettable. Reach out to me, and I’ll help you pick the perfect boat, answer any questions, and throw in that FREE DAN Dive Insurance. Let’s get you underwater! Drop me a message, and let’s plan your epic Thailand liveaboard today.

Happy bubbles,

Jaruda

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