Explore andaman sea and it’s vibrant marine life with yu dive
Similan & Surin Islands
Similan Islands Diving – Thailand’s Top Dive Destination
The Similan Islands are located about 70 kilometers west of Khao Lak, and are world-famous for offering some of the best diving in Thailand. This group of nine granite islands, protected as a national marine park, is known for its crystal-clear water, colorful coral reefs, and incredible marine biodiversity.
Diving in the Similan Islands means exploring dramatic underwater rock formations, swim-throughs, and thriving coral gardens filled with tropical fish. You might spot manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, and even playful reef sharks. With visibility often reaching 30 meters or more, the Similans are a dream destination for underwater photographers and diving enthusiasts of all levels.
The Similan Islands are open for diving from mid-October to mid-May and can be explored by day trips or liveaboard cruises departing from Khao Lak.
Popular dive sites: Elephant Head Rock, West of Eden, Deep Six, and many more.
West of Eden – A Colorful Coral Garden in the Similan Islands
Located on the western side of Similan Island No.7, West of Eden is one of the most beautiful and diverse Similan Islands dive sites. The site combines dramatic granite boulders, healthy coral gardens, and a fantastic variety of marine life making it a favorite among underwater photographers and experienced divers alike.
The dive begins over large rock formations covered with soft corals, sea fans, and sponges in every color imaginable. As you move deeper, you’ll explore sandy patches and coral bommies that shelter ornate ghost pipefish, ribbon eels, nudibranchs, and juvenile sweetlips.
It’s common to see octopus, moray eels, and turtles here, along with schools of fusiliers and snappers gliding through the blue. The gentle currents make this site ideal for a relaxed but exciting dive.
Depth: 5–30 meters
Level: Suitable for Open Water and Advanced divers
Highlights: Vibrant corals, macro life, reef fish, turtles
Best time to dive: November to April
Whether you’re exploring West of Eden on a day trip from Khao Lak or a Similan liveaboard, this site delivers everything that makes diving in Thailand unforgettable: color, life, and a touch of adventure.
Elephant Head Rock – The Icon of Similan Islands Diving
Elephant Head Rock, known locally as Hin Pusa, is one of the most famous dive sites in the Similan Islands and a must-visit for any experienced diver. Located between Similan Island No.7 and No.8, the site is easily recognized by the large granite boulders that break the surface resembling an elephant’s head rising from the sea.
Below the surface, Elephant Head Rock reveals an exciting underwater maze of swim-throughs, arches, and canyons, covered with soft corals and sea fans. The site is full of marine life. Look out for white-tip reef sharks, giant trevallies, moray eels, tunas, and schools of bannerfish and fusiliers swirling around the rocks.
Macro enthusiasts can also find nudibranchs, shrimp, and pipefish hidden in the cracks and coral. Stronger currents here attract pelagic species, adding an extra thrill to every dive.
Depth: 12–40 meters
Level: Advanced divers
Highlights: Swim-throughs, reef sharks, big fish action, dramatic rock formations
Best time to dive: November to April
Diving Elephant Head Rock is an unforgettable experience that showcases everything the Similan Islands are famous for adventure, beauty, and world-class marine life. Whether you’re joining a day trip or liveaboard from Khao Lak, this site is often the highlight of the journey.
Surin Islands Diving – Remote Beauty and Richelieu Rock
Located north of the Similans near the Myanmar border, the Surin Islands offer a more remote and peaceful diving experience. This marine national park is famous for its untouched nature, healthy coral reefs, and the legendary Richelieu Rock often ranked among the top 10 dive sites in the world.
Diving in the Surin Islands is a chance to encounter whale sharks, barracuda schools, trevallies, and colorful soft corals. The area’s gentle currents and clear water make it ideal for both beginners and experienced divers looking for unforgettable underwater adventures.
In addition to world-class diving, the Surin Islands are home to the Moken “Sea Gypsy” community, adding a unique cultural experience to your visit.
Most Surin Islands dive trips and liveaboards depart from Khao Lak, offering easy access to Thailand’s most iconic dive sites.
Highlights: Richelieu Rock, Aow Pakard, Torinla Pinnacle.
Richelieu Rock – The Crown Jewel of the Andaman Sea
Richelieu Rock is the most iconic dive site in the Surin National Park and one of the top dive destinations in the world. Rising from deep blue water in the middle of the ocean, this horseshoe-shaped limestone pinnacle is famous for its incredible biodiversity, dramatic scenery, and unforgettable marine encounters.
The site is covered with vibrant purple soft corals, sea fans, and anemones that create a stunning underwater landscape. Divers can expect schools of trevallies hunting, swirling barracudas, large groupers, and an incredible mix of macro life hiding among the cracks and overhangs including harlequin shrimp, ghost pipefish, seahorses, and colorful nudibranchs.
Richelieu Rock is also known for big-animal surprises. While sightings are not guaranteed, this is historically one of the best places in Thailand to encounter whale sharks. Even without the big visitors, the site delivers exceptional diving with rich marine life from start to finish.
Because of its position in open water, currents can range from mild to strong. For this reason, Richelieu Rock is best enjoyed by advanced divers or confident Open Water divers with experience.
At YU Dive Khao Lak, we take small groups and time our dives to ensure the best possible visibility, conditions, and overall experience.
Aow Pakard – The Hidden Gem of the Surin Islands
Aow Pakard is one of the most peaceful and scenic dive sites in the Surin Islands, known for its gentle conditions, bright coral gardens, and excellent visibility. This sheltered bay offers a relaxed diving experience with a stunning mix of hard corals, sandy patches, and scattered boulders that create a beautiful, easy-to-navigate underwater landscape.
The site is perfect for divers who enjoy slow, detailed exploration. Schools of fusiliers and snappers drift above the reef, while parrotfish and angelfish graze along the coral formations. Macro lovers will find plenty to enjoy here too, from nudibranchs and cleaner shrimps to small pipefish and juvenile reef species hiding among the corals.
Green and hawksbill turtles are frequently spotted cruising through the bay, and the calm conditions make Aow Pakard ideal for photographers. With minimal current and excellent light, this dive site offers long, comfortable dives suitable for all experience levels.
For divers looking for a relaxed and colourful Surin Islands experience, Aow Pakard is a true hidden gem.
What Our Customers Say
We particularly want to highlight the amazing snorkeling experience. It was a joy to see so many different types of colorful fish while observing the vibrant corals. We were even lucky enough to spot some large sea turtles!
The beaches and the sea are truly beautiful – like a paradise. We enjoyed the phenomenal natural scenery, and the overall nature within this national park is stunning. It was a memorable day and we highly recommend their services to anyone visiting the area.
During her first dive she experienced some panic attacks, but Aleks calmly reassured her, gave her time to relax, and returned to the water with her an hour later — and she succeeded. His teaching style is supportive, confidence-building, and truly top-notch.
After the course, we also completed two-tank dives with him in the Similan Islands, and the experience was fantastic from start to finish.
Thank you for teaching Rymma, Aleks — you did a fantastic job! We hope to dive with you again soon.
This is not the first we were diving with Aleks. Every time we get under the water with Aleks the feeling is the same that you will know you are in good hands. He is caring, considerate, patient, familiar with diving area. He took care of everyone not only in the water, but start from the pier, on the boat and after dive. You will feel safe, comfortable and built-up confident to dive with him.
And, this time we were doing the AOW course with him. We enjoy the time spend with him and bring us such a great memories. Thanks for showing us a glimpse of the best of under sea in the area.
It just can’t enough for saying. Simply go & dive with him. A great caring and encouraging Serbian Dive Instructor & Dive Guide.
Hvala puno.
We felt all of that while diving with Yu Dive Khao Lak and Aleksandar, our instructor.
Thank you, Sale, for your patience, experience and knowledge, which made it possible for me to relax completely and enjoy my own “underwater feature film.” I’m grateful to you for helping me push the boundaries of what I thought was possible once again!
See you next year!
We stayed on a liveaboard and were extremely satisfied: the equipment is new, the crew is always ready to help, and the accommodation and food are exceptional.
We also ventured into the jungle, slept in complete wilderness, and enjoyed all the beauty of untouched nature.
I wholeheartedly recommend YU Dive, especially to people from the former Yugoslavia, because sharing the language — and the mentality — makes the whole experience even better.
The preparation for each dive was concise and relevant. During diving he was very attentive, and he monitored us very closely, therefore I felt very safe at each moment. I would definitely recommend Saša as an experienced dive master. I plan to come to Saša’s diving school again and continue this amazing underwater journey.
He pays incredible attention to detail and always makes safety the top priority, which helped me feel completely comfortable throughout the entire course.
If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely supportive diving instructor, I can’t recommend Saša enough. Truly outstanding!
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Explore
Discover the best diving spots.
Begin your adventure by exploring the stunning dive sites around Khao Lak, where vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters await. Our daily trips cater to divers of all levels, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.
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Review
Enjoy a day filled with diving and adventure.
Experience the thrill of diving in some of the most beautiful locations, including the Similan Islands and Surin Islands. Our experienced guides will ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the day, making it a perfect outing for both beginners and seasoned divers.
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Schedule
A detailed itinerary for the day trip.
Get ready for an exciting day!
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Book
Secure your spot for an unforgettable diving experience with YU Dive, where adventure and safety come first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best diving spots?
The best diving spots include the Similan Islands, Surin Islands, and Richelieu Rock, known for their vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes.
What should I bring for a day trip?
For a day trip, bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and a refillable water bottle. We provide diving gear, but feel free to bring your own if preferred. Don’t forget your camera to capture the beautiful moments!
How long do the daily trips last?
Daily trips typically last around 8 to 10 hours, including travel time and diving.
Is food provided on the trips?
Yes, lunch is included in our daily trips, featuring a selection of local Thai dishes to keep you energized throughout the day.
What is the maximum group size for diving trips?
Our daily diving trips maintain a maximum group size of 4 divers per guide, ensuring personalized attention and safety for all participants.