🐠 Similan vs Surin Islands – Which Should You Choose?
If you’re planning a dive or snorkel trip from Khao Lak, you’ve probably heard of both the Similan and Surin Islands.
They’re two of Thailand’s most spectacular marine parks, and both promise turquoise water, coral gardens, and incredible marine life.
But which one should you visit? Let’s break it down, nice and easy.
🌴 The Basics
Both the Similan and Surin Islands are part of protected national parks that are open only from mid-October to mid-May each year.
They’re both reached by boat from Khao Lak, and each has its own unique vibe:
- Similan Islands: Big granite boulders, white-sand beaches, and a lot of deep dive sites perfect for those who love adventure and variety.
- Surin Islands: Calm, colorful coral gardens and shallow reefs. Ideal for snorkelers and all level divers.
🤿 Diving: Go Deep at the Similans, Go Colorful and Big at the Surins
If diving is your thing, the Similans are hard to beat.
The underwater landscape is dramatic! Giant boulders and swim-throughs buzzing with marine life. You’ll dive alongside turtles, reef sharks, and schools of fish, and if you’re lucky, even a manta ray gliding past.
The Surin Islands, on the other hand, are gentler. The reefs are shallower, colorful, and absolutely packed with life. Perfect for photographers, macro lovers, or anyone who prefers a more relaxed dive. You’ll find turtles, anemone gardens, and endless small critters hiding among soft corals. And of course the world-famous Richelieu Rock, Thailand’s most legendary dive site, belongs to the Surin National Park and is famous for whale shark sightings in March and April.
🐢 Snorkeling: How can anyone ever decide?
If you’re more about floating than diving, head for the Surin Islands.
The shallow coral reefs are right off the beach, and visibility is usually crystal clear. You’ll spot parrotfish, clownfish, angelfish, and even sea turtles cruising by.
The Similans also offer excellent snorkeling, especially around Island 4 (Koh Miang) and Island 8 (Koh Similan), but the reefs tend to be a bit deeper and the currents stronger.
In short: Both are amazing for snorkeling. Sorry, I cannot help you decide!
🐋 The Big Stuff: Mantas & Whale Sharks
If spotting something massive is on your bucket list, timing matters.
- Manta Rays are most often seen at Koh Bon and Koh Tachai (Similan area) between February and April.
- Whale Sharks love Richelieu Rock (Surin area) and are most common around March and April.
Both parks have the potential for that once-in-a-lifetime encounter, so fingers crossed!
⚓ Getting There
Most tours to both the Similan and Surin Islands leave from piers south of Khao Lak, which means a bit of extra travel time, especially if you’re heading to the Surins, which are further north.
But here’s where we’re a little different:
We have our own private pier north of Khao Lak, which puts us closer to the Surin Islands. That means shorter travel times and more time in the water for your day trips, so you can spend your day snorkeling vibrant coral gardens instead of sitting on a speedboat.
🌊 Final Thoughts
Can’t choose? You don’t have to!
Join a liveaboard or a few day trips from Khao Lak, and you can explore both. Together, they show you the very best of Thailand’s underwater world.
