One of the top 10 dive destinations in the
world, the Similan Islands can be found just about 100 km northwest of Phuket.
The region was declared a National Park in 1982 and has since been well
protected to preserve its natural beauty. The Similan Island group is comprised
of 9 granite islands, running north to south, along with numerous smaller rock
outcroppings, white sand virgin beaches, and a tropical garden above water.
These collectively create spectacular dive sites with crystal clear warm waters
below the surface of the sea.
Liveaboards to the Similans run seven
months per year, between mid-October and early May. From May to end of
September, Similan islands are closed for diving, snorkeling or any tourist activities
in order to
allow to marine life to recover and preserve the extraordinary beauty of
Similan Islands. Diving varies from magnificently dizzying landscapes to gently
sloping coral reefs and deep rocky gorges. East coast dive sites are hard coral
reef dives although soft corals also exist. The area also boasts an abundance
of marine life. Diving here is relaxed, with weak to moderate currents.
West coast sites, on the other hand, are a
little more challenging because of their depths and the complex currents. The
area is known for its submarine rock formations and huge granite boulders.
Advanced divers will also enjoy giant sea-fan corals and exciting swim-through.
This unique mixture of dive sites is exactly what makes diving cruises to
Similan Islands the
best experience for diving aficionados who find the undersea endlessly
fascinating.
Other famous dive sites that you should
consider visiting include the East of Eden, the Elephant Head, Christmas Point
and the world famous Richelieu Rock. These dive sites open to a world of
underwater caves, huge boulders, eerie narrow passages, and over 500 species of
soft and hard corals inhabited by an incredible variety of marine life, ranging
from guitar rays to leopard sharks, manta rays, turtles, and whale sharks, all
waiting to be explored. For underwater photographers, the Similan Islands are
also a paradise for muck and macro photography.
No comments:
Post a Comment