Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What is the best season for diving in Thailand?
It is possible to dive all year round in Thailand as the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea have different monsoon seasons. Thailand liveaboards operate in the Andaman Sea from November until April every year. The Similan Islands are a national park and are only open during this period. This is the high season on the Andaman coast and the time for the best sea conditions.
All year long we can offer daily diving from Phuket. Similan Divers sister company Coral Grand Divers also has dive centers in Koh Samui and Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand, which provides diving all year round.
What diver certification level is required to dive in Similan Islands?
We accept all levels of divers onboard, we try to offer dive sites that are suitable for the guests diving experience and abilities.
If you are an Open Water Level diver, we recommend you complete the Advanced Open Water Diver Certification during the liveaboard trip.
What is the temperature of the Andaman Sea and what type of wetsuit do you recommend?
The Andaman Sea is usually around 26 degrees Celsius, so very warm. Some people dive without a wetsuit; the majority of people are comfortable with a 3-5mm Shorty wetsuit. For those divers that feel the cold easily after repeated diving a long suit can be a good idea.
What time do I need to arrive in Phuket on the day the liveaboard departs?
If you plan to arrive at Phuket International airport on the day the boat departs please get a flight that arrives by 3:00pm. This will allow you time to clear Customs and Immigration and collect your bags. The meeting point at Phuket airport depends on which liveaboard you are joining.
Do you include a free transfer to/from the boat in Phuket/Khao Lak?
The majority of Thailand liveaboards include a free transfer to the boat on the day it departs from all areas of Phuket Island and Khao Lak area. If the transfer for your chosen boat is not free we will advise at time of booking.
What currency do you accept to pay for extra items onboard?
If paying for additional items onboard using cash we prefer Thai Baht. However, other major currencies can be accepted using the boats exchange rate for that cruise.
Can you help book a hotel for me in Phuket/Khao Lak?
We are more than happy to help with hotel arrangements if required, just let us know what level of hotel your require (2 Star- 5 Star), what area you would like to stay in and what dates you require for accommodation, we will do the rest.
What time does the liveaboard return to port on the last day?
Most liveaboards include 2 dives on the final day before returning to port. The majority of boats return to Thap Lamu port near Khao Lak at approx 2:00-3:00pm. Which means you are back in your Khao Lak hotel by 3:30pm or in Phuket hotel by approx 5:00pm.
South Siam boats offer 3 dives on final day before speedboat transfer back to Thap Lamu pier. Expect to reach Khao Lak hotels by 4:30pm-5:00pm and Phuket hotels 6:00-7:00pm.>br />
A few liveaboards depart and return to Phuket, either Patong or Chalong pier. These boats will return to port later than the boats going to Thap Lamu port, however you wont require a 2 hour minibus transfer back to Phuket so you can enjoy the cruise back to Phuket onboard.
Is the national park fee included in the trip price in Thailand?
The National Park fees are not included in the cruise price. The park fees must be paid onboard in cash, Thai Baht only. Both the Similan and Surin Parks charge 400 Baht entrance fee for divers and non-divers. There is an additional 200 baht fee per day of diving. A typical 4 day/4 night Similan –Richelieu Rock liveaboard will cost 1600 Baht per diver and 800 baht per non diver.
How do I make a booking with Similan Divers?
Fill out an online reservation form or send us an email. We need to know the following information to handle your liveaboard booking
We will then send you a detailed email with the boats that have availability. Once you inform us which liveaboard you would like to book we will send you a link for credit card payment. A 30% deposit is required to confirm your booking. The balance is due 60 days before liveaboard departure.
If you are booking a dive course, day trip or some other diving activity send us an email with as much detail regarding your request and we will be in touch within 24 hours. If you have not received a reply after 24 hours please resend your request.