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LAST UPDATE: Thursday October 23, 2003

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Divers Paradise
 

Definitely discovered, and on the world map
An underwater world of great diversity and beauty, and exceptionally clear waters in which to view it
 

The nine islands of the Similan archipelago, lying about 52 miles north-west of Patong Beach, is one of the best-known island groups in the Andaman Sea. Generally counted among the 10 most interesting dive areas in the world, this little archipelago has also become a favourite desti-nation for yachts and tour boats.
 

Today the visitor might be surprised to learn that, until the mid-1980s, the Similans were a frontier known mainly to a small number of divers and sailors. Ten years ago you could spend a whole week out among these islands and encounter no one beyond the occasional longtail boat full of Sea Gypsies. In the winter season these days, by contrast, the best anchorages are a forest of masts, and there’s a busy traffic in diveboats and day-tours from Phuket.

The most striking feature of these lands is the huge boulders that litter the western and southern shores on several of the islands. Another highlight as the visitor soon discovers, are the white coral sand beaches, splendidly picturesque and often deserted. The most interesting sights however are to be found beneath the waves.

More than 200 species of hard coral alone have so far been identified in this area, while these islands have the greatest profusion of reef fish in Thai waters.

There is in general more variety than you’ll find in most other dive destinations around the world. The Similans has almost everything - coral walls, big rocks, huge sea fans and barrel sponges, caves, swim-throughs, and plenty of shallows for snorkelling. Though the waters around the islands average from 30-45m, you’ll find coral gardens in as little as six to seven metres.

Best known as a diving and snor-kelling destination, the Similans’ scenic moorings are also becoming increas-ingly popular with the sailing fraternity. Every year more yachts come to cruise the Similans during the northeast mon-soon (November-April, with December-February the peak of the high sea-son), drawn by the lovely anchorages, the beaches and forests, the clear wa-ters and teeming marine life. Bareboat sailing charters and sailing-diving cruises may be booked from Phuket. If you are on a yacht that doesn’t have scuba gear or a compressor, you can always hire what you need from the diveboats that come out from Phuket on a regular basis. First-rate scuba instruc-tion may be also available right there in the Similans.