Hi Terryb,
Without question, Similan Islands diving is the best that Thailand has to offer. No other region offers such a number of excellent dive sites and such wonderful diving as can be found in this protected national park. The Similans are a chain of 9 tiny and verdant islands fringed with white sand beaches and surrounded by some of the area's richest waters.
The famous stretch of Andaman Sea lying between the Similan and Surin Islands is well renowned as whale shark liveaboard safari territory. It lies immediately to the north of the Similan Islands and covers Koh Bon in the south, up to Koh Tachai, and finally northwards on to Richelieu Rock.
There is a great variety of boats operating in this area between November and the end of Apirl. Most trips are four nights and you should be able to find a boat to suit your needs and your budget.
Most trips will include meals, fruit, coffee, tea and water (some inlcude soft drinks). Tanks and weights are standard inclusions but equipment and nitrox are usually extra.
Dive guides are provided and you should be able to find a trip which offers experienced and entertaining guides leading small groups (1:4).
The majority of trips depart from Tablamu Pier which is just south of Khao Lak and about 1 hour north of Phuket airport but some do depart from Phuket. You can fly into Phuket Airport in the afternoon and be on the boat early evening eating a delicious Thai dinner and making new friends and underwater with the fishes just before bacon and eggs the next morning. Airport and hotel transfers should be included.
Not too much to bring on board, sun cream and light clothes plus the usual. Bring Thai Baht to get a better rate for your beers and chocolate to bribe the staff into making you cups of tea.
Have a look at our website for our recommended boats with trip reports and videos.
Happy planning
