The Similan Islands are 128 square kilometers in area and are located about 100km north-west of Phuket in the clear waters of the Andaman Sea. Since 1982 they have been declared a Marine National Park and are now a top destination for divers worldwide. Without doubt they are one of the best diving areas in South East Asia.
The Similan islands are characterized by a dramatic landscape of enormous boulders which continue down beneath the water on the west side. On the east side one can see pristine reefs of hard and soft coral which has thrived since fishing was banned. Fantastic white beaches join the tropical jungle to the crystal-clear turquoise water. Beneath the waves the Similan Islands offer an outstanding range of marine life including some 500 species of hard and soft corals. The visibility is 20 to 40 meters and your eyes are greeted by a kaleidoscope of color on every dive.
Santana has been diving the Similans since 1979. In fact owner Horst actually named some of the sites, including Elephant Head. So we have the experience to select the best dive spots.
MV Discovery's comprehensive cruises which are scheduled for 3 days/4 nights and 4 days/5 nights take in not only the Similans themselves, but venture further north to the manta ray hotspots of Koh Bon and Koh Ta Chai, and beyond to the world famous Richelieu Rock where whale sharks are commonly seen.
Dive, eat, sleep... That just about sums it up, and in-between fill in your logbook with the aid of our library of reef guides, read your book, or just lie back in our unique "chill-out zone" and gaze at another beautiful Andaman sunset.
On the day of MV Discovery's liveaboard departure we congregate at Santana's Head Office in Patong around 17:00. You will be taken to the MV Discovery, off Patong Beach, where you will, be shown to your air-conditioned cabin, and then receive an introduction to the boat and crew, and a boat briefing. Thereafter the first of many cooked meals is served as we head out towards the dive sites.
Waking up in the Similans the next morning, you will receive a briefing about dive safety and your first dive site. From our initial base in Donald Duck Bay at island number 8, MV Discovery's tour leader and captain plan the day's diving, taking into account weather conditions and the variable currents often experienced in this area. There is a maximum of 16 divers (including students) per trip, who are subdivided into smaller groups (max. 4 divers), cared for by their own highly-qualified Santana Divemaster (or instructor if appropriate).
Regular stops in the Similans include Boulder City, Shark Fin Reef, Honeymoon Bay, Barracuda Point, East of Eden, Princess Bay, Deep Six, Gorilla Bay, Atlantis Wreck, Elephant Head, Christmas Point & Corner, Snapper Alley etc. and of course some great night dives. Santana dive times are limited to at least 60 minutes. And heavy breathers will be pleased to learn that we keep 15 liter tanks on the boat, as well as 12 liter tanks.
In the middle of your trip MV Discovery heads off to the north-east, stopping at Koh Bon, Koh Ta Chai and Richelieu Rock, the most northern point. From here we work our way back over Koh Bon, Koh Ta Chai, Koh Bon and do a couple more dives at the Similans before heading back to Phuket.
After breakfast on board we come ashore at Patong at about 10am and take you back to your hotel. You are normally back in your hotel around 11am and an après-dive gathering with your Santana Team is held in the evening for those interested.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Discounts for non-divers. Discounts for consecutive charters.
Charters do not include: airfare, equipment rentals, certification or specialty courses, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, crew gratuity, gov't taxes or park fees.
Charges subject to change without notice.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Thailand
Scuba/Snorkeling
National Parks
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