Thailand (Phuket & the Similan Islands) · March 2022
Thailand: Liveaboard Diving the Similan Islands
Thailand is a feast for every sense, and underwater it is no different. After the long, day-line-bending journey across the world, we landed in Phuket and set out on a liveaboard into the Andaman Sea, where the Similan Islands rise as dramatic granite boulders above the water and bloom with soft coral below.
Day by day
Days 1-3
Across the world to Phuket
We made the marathon journey to Thailand, losing a day to the date line, and touched down in Phuket. A little time on the island to find our feet and soak up the warmth, and then it was time to board our liveaboard and point for the open Andaman.
Days 4-8
The Similan Islands
This is the heart of Thai diving. We wove through the Similans' signature granite swim-throughs and boulder gardens, drifted soft-coral reefs in warm, clear water, and watched the Andaman's abundant fish life swirl past. Day after day of easy, beautiful diving with the islands' iconic boulders standing guard above.
Days 9-10
Richelieu Rock
No trip up here is complete without Richelieu Rock, the legendary horseshoe-shaped pinnacle out in the open sea, blanketed in purple soft coral and famous for big visitors: this is whale-shark and manta country, and every drop into the blue carries that electric sense of possibility.
Days 11-14
Back to Phuket and home
We returned to Phuket to dry our gear and savor a last taste of Thailand, all street food, smiles and warmth, before the long flight home.
From the trip
Granite-pillared islands, purple soft coral, the promise of whale sharks at Richelieu Rock, and the irresistible warmth of Thailand above the water. The Andaman Sea delivers a dive trip that engages every sense.
Want to do this one yourself?
We run trips like this every year. See where we're headed next and grab a spot before the group fills up.