Similan Islands Liveaboard Diving Thailand - a World Class Similans Diving Experience

Similan Islands Liveaboard Diving Thailand - a World Class Similans Diving Experience

by Todd Lakes

Consisting of nine spectacular and un-inhabited islands that run from north to the south off of the coast of the kingdom of Thailand, the Similan Islands has quickly become one of the top ten diving destinations on the planet. Most easily accessed by Similan Islands Liveaboard, the diving around the Similans and further north to the dive sites of Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and the ever infamous Richelieu Rock are widely regarded as the crown jewels of diving in Thailand. Liveaboard Diving Thailand is an experience that should not be missed by those divers seeking the very best diving in all of Southeast Asia.

What truly distinguishes the spectacular Similan Islands from other top ten diving destinations is the plethora of underwater terrain and the choices in diving it provides to divers of all levels. Dive sites on the eastern side of the islands are characterized by an almost overwhelming symphony of color, it is like being part of a beautiful Monet landscape. Imagine white sand slopes, brilliantly colored anemones, crystal clear bays, monolithic rock formations, combined with an explosion of fish life and you will have the picture. This is a macro photographer's dream world come true and the photo opportunities are endless.

West facing dive sites are decidedly different than those on the east side of the islands, and will certainly provide a challenge for the more discerning diver looking for an adrenaline filled dive. Huge granite boulder's covered with hard and soft corals litter the white sandy bottom. Many of these monoliths plummet well beyond recreational diving limits. These dives are certainly deep and not for the faint of heart. Currents here are much stronger as well, providing an ample and rich supply of food for the larger pelagic's such as Giant Mantas and the elusive Whale Shark. There is also an abundance of macro life to be found. Inspect the over hangs of coral bombies for shrimp, nudibranchs and a variety of frog fish. Frog fish, although masters of disguise can be found by those with keen eyes and lots of patience.

The diving season in the Similans is from mid October to early May, every year. It is during this time that the seas are calm, the visibility is at its very best, and the large pelagic's, Whale Sharks and Manta Rays, are making their annual migrations to feed on yearly plankton blooms. The water temperature around the Similans varies between 27 and 29 degrees Celsius, so most divers wear a 3 mm wetsuit. Depending on environmental factors the water clarity ranges from 10 to 40 meters. Diving the nine islands of this archipelago is often combined with a few days diving the mystical waters of the Mergui archipelago, which is further north in Burma. The Similan Islands National Park closes from May to October when western Thailand is experiencing the southeastern monsoons.

Thailand is one of the top dive travel destinations in the world and has something to offer to divers of every experience level. Planning your dive trip in advance is a must when visiting this area. The Similan Islands are in a protected national park and space on a quality Phuket Liveaboard is limited. Reserve your cabin well in advance. We recommend diving on Similan Liveaboards rather than by a day trip because there is so much to see. One day is not enough to truly experience the totality of this magical diving destination, but it is an option for those limited on time. Macro to massive the Similans justifiably rank as one of the absolute best diving destinations to be found anywhere in the world.

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Similan Liveaboards - A World Class Similans Scuba Expedition

Similan Liveaboards - A World Class Similans Scuba Expedition

by Todd Lakes

Consisting of nine magnificent and pristine islands that run from north to the south off of the western coast of amazing Thailand, the Similan Islands National Park has quickly become one of the most popular diving destinations on the planet. Most easily accessed by Similans Liveaboard, the diving around the Similans and further north to the destinations of Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and world famous Richelieu Rock are considered by many as the crown jewels of diving in Thailand. Liveaboard Diving Thailand is an experience that should not be missed by those seeking the best diving in all of Southeast Asia.

What characterizes the Similan Islands as a world class dive destination is the choice of dive sites and diving options it provides to divers of every level. Dive sites on the eastern side of the islands are characterized by an almost overwhelming collage of color, it is like being part of a magnificent Monet landscape. Imagine white sand slopes, brilliantly colored anemones, crystal clear bays, monolithic rock formations, combined with an explosion of fish life and you should have the picture. This is a macro photographer’s dream world come true and the photo opportunities are boundless.

West facing dive sites are decidedly different than those on the east side of the islands, and will certainly provide excitement for the more discerning diver looking for an adrenaline rush. Huge granite boulder’s covered with hard and soft corals litter the white sandy bottom. Many of these monoliths plummet well beyond recreational diving limits. These dives are certainly deep and not for inexperienced divers. Currents here are much stronger as well, providing an ample and rich supply of food for the larger pelagic’s such as Giant Mantas and the elusive Whale Shark. There is also an abundance of macro life to be found. Inspect the over hangs of coral bombies for ghost pipe fish, nudibranchs, and a variety of frog fish. Frog fish, although masters of disguise can be found by those with keen eyes and lots of patience.

The best time to dive the Similan Islands National Park is from mid October to early May, every year. It is during this time that the seas are glass like, the visibility is at its very best, and the large pelagic's, Whale Sharks and Manta Rays, are making their annual migrations to feed on yearly plankton blooms. The water temperature around the Similan Islands varies between 27 and 29 degrees Celsius, so most divers prefer a 3 mm wetsuit. Depending on environmental factors the water clarity ranges from 10 to 40 meters. Diving the nine islands of this amazing archipelago can either be done by Similans Liveaboard or day trip diving from Phuket Island. The Similan Islands National Park closes from May to October when western Thailand is experiencing the southeastern monsoons.

Thailand is one of the top dive travel destinations in the world and has something to offer to divers of every level. Booking your dive trip in advance is a must when visiting this destination. The Similan Islands are in a protected national park and space on a quality Similan Islands Liveaboard is limited. Reserve your space months in advance. We recommend diving on Similan Liveaboards rather than by a Phuket day trip as there is so much to see. One day is not enough to truly experience the totality of this world class diving destination, but it is an option for those limited on time. Macro to massive the Similans justifiably rank as one of the premier diving holidays to be found anywhere on the planet.

http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1438020

Scuba Diving in Thailand - the Secrets of One of the World's Most Popular Diving Destinations

Scuba Diving in Thailand - the Secrets of One of the World's Most Popular Diving Destinations

By Mark J Burns

Thailand has one of the world's most diverse marine habitats, with more than 300 major reef groups covering an area of over 4,500 square miles. From pinnacles and submerged rocks, through to stunning coral gardens and sheer walls, the scuba diving in Thailand has something to offer scuba divers of all levels of experience. It is this diversity in marine habitats and diving environments which attracts so many divers to the waters around Thailand every year, and today the region is one of the world's most popular scuba diving destinations.

There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centres, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.

It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Phuket and the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving in Phuket is of the highest standard, and the waters surrounding the 'island' host a number of excellent dive sites. However, the real underwater treasures of Phuket lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Similan Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia's finest dive sites.

The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world's most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centres and excellent dive sites.

Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Chumpon Pinnacle are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Pattaya, Krabi, Ko Chang and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centres.

Today, Thailand is one of the world's most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches, the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.

Mark Burns is Director of Scubaworld.tv, a large scuba diving site specializing in scuba diving in Thailand and a leading provider of information on Scuba diving in Phuket

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