One of Thailand's last frontiers for diving and nature excursions with a cruise of 250 Miles. These islands belong to the same North-South series of granitic outcrops of which the Similan and Tachai Islands are part. During the trip we will visit Similan, Tachai, Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock (a submerged rocky reef) where manta rays and whale-sharks are regularly spotted. Similan Islands offer some of the best diving in S.E. Asia with blue water, soft and hard corals, U/W scenery, tropical and pelagic fish. The spectacular U/W sights at Similan Islands offer a blend of the Maldives, Seychelles and Red Sea.


SIMILAN ISLANDS MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Visibility: 20-40m. Depth 3-40m.The Similan can certainly lay claim to being one of Asia's top dive destinations with over 20-30 different dive sites. East-facing dive sites feature gently sloping reefs and drop-offs with impressive gardens of sea anemones, flourishing hard and soft corals, and teeming fish populations. Western dive sites are quite the opposite. Here, giant granite boulders tumble down to the seabed to depths of 40m or more. Strong currents keep the gaps between the boulders free from build-ups of sand, leading to the development of a network of tunnels, archways and caverns that provide exciting swimthroughs. The currents also provide nutrients for masses of gorgonians, crinoids, seafan and lush soft corals. Pelagic fish such as whale shark, reef shark, manta, eagle rays, barracuda, travelly, tuna ands jacks are frequently observed.

KOH BON & KOH TACHAI
Visibility: 20-40m. Depth: 3-40m. Both are tall, rocky islands, and offer varied and beautiful underwater scenery. At Koh Bon, a steep, rocky point, which plunges to over 40 meters' depth, is often a good place to see Leopard Sharks and large rays. Koh Bon is also a good place to see big pelagic creatures; both Mantas and Whale Sharks are seen here with fair regularity. Koh Tachai, a pair of coral-encrusted pinnacles, which are connected by a long, rocky ridge. Currents, which are extremely rich in nutrients, sweep this site and plankton, resulting in outstanding growths of sea fans, whips corals and other filter feeders. This is also a good area for Leopard Sharks and Stingrays, but probably the most over-whelming attraction is the schooling fish action.

RICHELIEU ROCK
Visibility: 10-20m. Depth: 3-30m. This is the world's top listed location for sighting Whale Sharks and Mantas. One of Thailand's best dives, this is a wall-dive around the main outcrop, which is surrounded by smaller submerged pinnacles. Around the corals is a wide diversity of marine life: common residents include Schooling Banner fish, Single-spot and Giant Snappers, Scorpion fish, Moray eel, and colorful nudibranch. As this is the only food source in the immediate area, it is excellent for large pelagic. Rainbow runner, Great barracuda, Trevally, Tuna and jack are frequently observed.

PRICES INCLUDE

Cruises include transfers to and from hotel (Airport transfers are not included), full-board accommodation in A/C cabins on our vessel "MV Andaman Seafarer", drinking water, tea, coffee, chocolate, towel, unlimited dive time, Divemaster supervision, tanks and weights.
Cruises do not include Park Fees, beers, soft-drinks, dive equipment and tip for the crew.

REMARKS
- On request by small group or individuals, all scheduled cruises of 6 day - 5 night - 5 diving day may be replaced by a 7 day - 6 night - 6 diving day cruise with the departure on Sunday (16:30) and disembarking on Saturday (19:00). We will fill up the remaining places in order to complete the cruise.
- Tariffs do not include the National Park fees for the Similan and Surin. Admission for Thai: 40 Baht. Admission for foreigner: 200 Baht. Extra for Diver (Thai & Foreigner alike): 200 Baht per diving day

SIMILAN - SURIN - RICHELIEU ROCK
(6 days / 5 nights / 5 diving days)