Can a local confirm that the "7 National Park Dive Sites" break down like this:
(Phang Nga province)
1. Mo Koh Surin Island, Ao Sutep, Ao Mai Ngam, Koh Ster, Ao Pakkard;
2. Mo Koh Similan, East of Eden, Ao Faiwab.
(Krabi province)
3. Nopparat Thara Park, Phi Phi, Hin Klang.
(Satun province)
4. Hat Chao Mai National Park, Koh Cher;
5. Mu Ko Phetra National Park, Koh Bulon Mai Pai, Koh Bulon Don;
6. Koh Tarutao National Park, Kohtakiang, Koh Hin Ngam, Koh Rawi, Koh Dong.
(Chumporn province)
7. At Mo Koh Chumporn, Koh Maprao.
To me, it looks like two dozen plus sites, but I am not familiar with the areas, and the punctuation in the article in Phuket Wan suggests a grouping of seven as above.
I am scheduled for four days LOB in the Similans, and was considering the Phi Phi overnight and a couple of daytrips. I see at least one typical Similan site, East of Eden, and Phi Phi on the list.
I hope someone with real area knowledge can shed light as to how this will affect Similan island liveaboard itineraries, Phi Phi overnight trips, and daytrips from Phuket.